Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Paradis Ghillies Togo/Swift PHW - Preloved

Hermès Style & Size

The Birkin 30 is favoured for its versatile proportions - large enough for daytime functionality but refined enough to carry into the evening. It transitions effortlessly between casual, business, and formal settings, making it a go-to bag for women who want form, function, and status in one piece. It can hold all the necessities, including iPad and an awful lot besides, it doesn’t get heavy, doesn’t look enormous at a restaurant table and is hugely resilient. It can be opened with ease and does not get too heavy. From this size up, Birkins are held on the forearm, your hand passing through the two handles.

Hermès Construction

Created by Hermès jeweller Pierre Hardy in 2011, the Ghillies style is based on a traditional style of shoe from Scotland called the “ghillie brogue,” whose perforations allow the leather to dry out after the shoe has been worn outdoors. Hardy added the curved perforated trims to both Birkins and Kellies, either in the same colour as the body of the bag, or in a contrasting colour. The Ghillies detailing was available on limited edition bags only and went out of production in around 2015.

Hermès Material

One of Hermès’ most recognisable leathers, Togo is a supple, pebbled leather and features a distinctive vertical grain that is slightly raised to the touch. Although lightweight it holds its shape well and has the advantage of being resistant to scratches and can even withstand a little light rain.

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.

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.