The Secret Rules of the Hermès Game: Who Actually Gets a Birkin?

Amy sits down with Noëmie Leclercq of luxury news outlet Glitz Paris to debate the "Hermès game" (aka everything customers allegedly have to do in order for boutiques to offer them the chance to purchase a Birkin or Kelly bag). They discuss pre-spends, background checks, and Hermès’ apparent alliance with Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Noëmie also talks about why superfakes have become a big problem; how the class action lawsuit in the U.S. has affected Hermès sales practices; and the secret “grey market” where billionaires buy the most exclusive bags. In Part 2, Noëmie and Amy discuss whether or not the Birkin bubble has popped, why the market for "superfakes" is booming, and the (grim) outlook for Birkins on the secondhand market. Part 2 is available to paid subscribers of backrow.net (which includes full newsletter access) or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Chapters 00:00 — Introducing Noëmie Leclercq of Glitz Paris 01:10 — Is Hermès really stalking their clients? 03:00 — Breaking down the Hermès game 05:40 — Hermès locations: US vs. France 06:00 — Who is the ideal Hermès customer? 07:40 — This French law requires Hermès to background check clients 12:10 — The pre-spend: does Hermès really need to sell furniture? 19:00 — What is the grey market for Hermès products? 24:40 — The Hermès lawsuit: how did it change the game? 28:40 — Can the Birkin be overexposed? 30:20 — Listen to part 2 for Noëmie’s take on if the Birkin bubble has popped Links & Resources: Back Row newsletter Amy Odell — Instagram Noëmie Leclercq — Glitz Paris This episode was produced by Amy Odell and edited by Amy Odell, Joyce Ciesel, and Jonathan Voytko. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices