Uh-oh… The iconic Hermès Birkin bag could be no more

Celebrity

Jul 29, 2015

The Hermès Birkin bag is one of the most widely recognised handbags in the world, and despite the design being over three decades old it is still seen on the arm of countless celebrities.

Now though, the iconic bag could be no more as actress Jane Birkin has asked for her name to be disassociated with the cult accessory.

English actress Jane became something of a muse for Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas back in the Eighties, and since then has had her name attached to the fashion house's most sought-after handbag design.

However after discovering that crocodiles are allegedly harmed during the bag's production, Jane has called for the bag's name to be changed, or for better practices to be implemented.

"Having been alerted to the cruel practices endured by crocodiles during their slaughter for the production of Hermès bags carrying my name… I have asked Hermès Group to rename the Birkin until better practices responding to international norms can be implemented for the production of this bag," the actress said in a statement via animal rights group PETA.

A recent exposé by PETA showed grahpic images of crocodile and alligator slaughtering in factory farms across the world. Responding to Jane's statement and PETA's revelations, a rep for Hermès said the brand "respects and shares her emotions" regarding inhumane treatment of animals.

The legendary totes cost anywhere from €10,000 to €135,000 or more depending on the animal skins used. Jane's demands will no doubt put a dampener on the bag's appeal, but for now the Birkin Croc is still a firm favourite among fashion-conscious celebs.

Kim Kardashian
The reality star stepped out last year with a smaller version of the bag in cream and brown