Hermès Birkin 20cm Faubourg "Day"

Hermès Style & Size

The Hermès Birkin 20 is a rare, ultra-mini version of the iconic Birkin bag, sometimes referred to as the "Mini Birkin", the Birkin 20 is a highly sought-after piece that has the same silhouette and detailing as the original Birkin. While not intended for everyday utility, the Birkin 20 is ideal for evening events, high-fashion occasions, or collectors who value ultra-rare miniatures. It typically fits essentials like a cardholder, lipstick, and small phone.

Hermès Construction

Introduced in 2019, the Faubourg is a Birkin 20 Sellier modelled on Hermès’ flagship store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. The front panels resemble the store’s windows and awning, crafted in five leathers, each combination in different colours depending on the version. There have been five so far: Day; Night; Midnight; Snow & Rainy Days whilst Rouge is on the way.

Hermès Material

Introduced in 2019 Madame is a lightweight, stamped leather like Epsom, but with a softer feel, and a finer grain. It maintains its shape well and is ideal for structured Birkin and Kelly Sellier bags.

First produced in 2022, Sombrero is smooth with a matte appearance. It is a sturdy leather and often used in structured bags like the Constance and Kelly.

The successor to Courchevel leather, Epsom is an embossed calfskin with a fine grain and subtle sheen. It absorbs colour well and the rigid nature of the leather means it is often used for Sellier style bags.

Known as Gulliver until it was discontinued in 1999, this leather was reintroduced in 2005 as Swift. It has a fine grain which is soft to the touch and the ability to absorb dyes and reflect the light make it very popular. The drawback to Swift is that it is easily scratched so needs careful handling.

The Matte finish is achieved by softly sanding and polishing the skin with felt. Imperfections show clearly so each skin has to be as perfect as possible. The central scales are rectangular, gradually tapering to smaller, rounder ones toward the edges, creating a balanced and symmetrical pattern. Alligator is signified by a small square ☐ next to the Hermes name on the bag.

Hardware

Hermès Palladium hardware is made of solid brass, giving weight and durability, and then plated in precious metal. Palladium belongs to the platinum group of metals and has a brighter and whiter look than silver. More precious than gold, palladium is hard wearing and scratch-resistant.