Kim Kardashian West, Victoria Beckham, and Pharrell Williams Are Bringing Back the Birkin

There are certain bags that reach icon status instantly—the Hermès Birkin, named, of course, after actress and singer Jane Birkin who celebrates her birthday on Sunday, is at the pinnacle of the list. Like Birkin herself, who in her films and her days with Serge Gainsbourg, imprinted her own distinctive Swinging London–meets–French chic sensibility, the Birkin is known for its perennial elegant cool, thanks to its quality, rarity, and endless customization options. Of course it doesn’t hurt to have a celebrity or two carry the bag (or 100, if you’re Victoria Beckham), putting their own individual touch on the classic. Here, we examine how six notable devotees of the bag take the Birkin to new heights.

Kim Kardashian West

The budding tech entrepreneur received her George Condo–painted Birkin from then-fiancé Kanye West. While the general public had mixed reactions to the bag, that was only further proof that Mr. West had given his fiancée a truly wearable piece of art.

Pharrell Williams

His flair for fashion is legendary and we know Pharrell likes a good bag but as the crooner told us, “a bag is a bag.” Except of course, when it’s a customized Haut à Courroies in purple crocodile.

Lady Gaga

No one can argue that Gaga has had her share of epic sartorial smashes, but the singer explained that the drawings on her snow-white Birkin were meant to let her fans know that she’s removing the preciousness from such a coveted good. We like to think that it’s the accessory manifestation of one of her Little Monsters.

Victoria Beckham

The posh designer reportedly owns about 100 Birkins, estimated to be valued at some $2 million. Although since she introduced her own line of handbags we’ve only seen Mrs. Beckham tote her oversize version for traveling, we’re still fond of her coordinated Birkin-featured ensembles, especially when she carried the rare Himalayan style (another of which recently sold for $185,000 at auction).

NeNe Leakes

The reality television star brought humor and whimsy to her Birkin including some of her famous catchphrases. We suspect she might have a backup Birkin sans symbols as well.

Rita Ora

The singer has embraced all facets of fashion, but we love the casualness of her ensemble paired with a graffiti Birkin that is just as colorful as her personal style.