In a recent episode of Harper’s Bazaar’s podcast, The Good Buy, model Alex Consani recounted her journey to acquiring the celebrated Hermès Birkin bag, an item renowned for its exclusivity and high demand. Consani, who first became enchanted by the bag after modelling it in Hermès’ autumn/winter 2025 show, revealed how the experience was not only memorable but also quite amusing.
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During the podcast, which aired on 29 May 2025, the 22-year-old model shared her initial encounter with the coveted accessory. “They gave me the Birkin for the show and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I want to keep it,'” Consani reminisced. However, as she attempted to hold onto it, she quickly realised that this was not an option. “Security was like, ‘We’re armed, bitch. Back the f— up,'” she recalled playfully. Undeterred, Consani proceeded to engage with the Hermès team, expressing her desire to schedule an appointment to purchase her own.
The process of securing the bag involved a formal vetting interview with a Hermès associate, which included a range of probing questions. One such question took her by surprise. “They asked me, ‘It’s your perfect day in Paris. Where do you go and what do you do?’ In that moment, I knew I had to say something more sophisticated than my actual plans,” she stated. In her mind, she instinctively thought of a casual outing with friends but opted to revise her response, claiming, “Yes, shopping. Yes, I go shopping in Chanel. In Hermès.”
Ultimately, the interview ended on a positive note, with the associate offering Consani the very bag she had set her sights on. “It was a really fun experience, and I covet that purse a lot,” she expressed with enthusiasm. The model noted that the Birkin has become a significant part of her wardrobe, especially in public appearances. “I think people always associate me with a Birkin, which is fab. Love that,” she added, affirming her attachment to the bag.
Photographed frequently with her medium-sized black Birkin, Consani showcased the accessory during a September 2025 installment of Vogue’s “In the Bag” series. Her affinity for the bag is reflective of its status as a timeless piece, one that she intends to cherish indefinitely.
The legacy of the Hermès Birkin bag can be traced back to 1981, a creation born from an encounter between Hermès’ then artistic director, Jean-Louis Dumas, and actress Jane Birkin on an Air France flight. Noticing Birkin’s struggle with her overflowing wicker basket, Dumas designed a stylish and practical handbag that would later bear her name—a decision formalised in 1985.
The allure of the Birkin is further amplified by its rarity; securing one often involves a combination of prestige and privilege. Just months before Consani’s podcast revelations, a remarkable event unfolded in July 2025, when an original model of Birkin’s handbag was auctioned at Sotheby’s in Paris. The bidding began at $1.7 million but soared to an astonishing $10.1 million, purchased by Japanese businessman Shinsuke Sakimoto.
As luxury fashion continues to evolve, the Birkin remains an iconic symbol of excellence and exclusivity, capturing the imagination of both the public and celebrities alike. For Consani, her recent experience reflects not only her passion for fashion but also the importance of the stories that accompany coveted pieces.
Indeed, the Hermès Birkin bag is not merely an accessory; it signifies status, history, and personal journeys—elements that Consani’s experiences with the bag undeniably encapsulate. As she looks to the future, this model’s connection with her Birkin is sure to enhance her fashion narrative and serve as a testament to the captivating world of high fashion.