An Ultra-Rare Vintage Hermès Birkin 35 Long Handle in Amazonia and Vache Naturelle
We recently received a very special vintage Hermès Birkin 35 Long Handle, dating back to the early 2000s. What makes this bag so unusual is its rarity. Despite our search, we have not been able to find another example quite like it online.
During this period, Hermès produced a range of Long Handle Birkins, retaining the classic Birkin design but with longer handles that allowed the bags to be carried over the shoulder.
In our 20 years in the luxury business, we have encountered only one Long Handle Birkin 45, made entirely from leather. This is the first time we have received one in size 35, particularly in such an unusual combination of materials and design.
Not to Be Confused with the JPG Shoulder Birkin
The Long Handle Birkin should not be confused with the JPG Shoulder Birkin, introduced by Jean Paul Gaultier around 2004.
The JPG Shoulder Birkin has a very different shape, with a much shorter, wider body and longer handles designed for shoulder carrying.
The Long Handle Birkin, on the other hand, retains the original shape, height and proportions of a classic Birkin. The only difference is its longer handles.
This is where its rarity lies, particularly in the smaller size 35.
Size Comparison: Long Handle Birkin vs JPG Shoulder Birkin
All measurements are in centimetres.
| Measurements | Long Handle Birkin 35 | Long Handle Birkin 45 | JPG Shoulder Birkin 42 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base width | 35 | 45 | 42 |
| Height | 24 | 30 | 15 |
| Depth | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Handle drop | 20 | 26 | 16 |
| Shape | Classic Birkin proportions | Classic Birkin proportions | Shorter, wider body |
| Carrying style | Shoulder carry | Shoulder carry | Shoulder carry |
A Rare Combination of Amazonia and Vache Naturelle
This particular Birkin 35 is made from natural Vache Naturelle leather and Amazonia, a rubber-coated material that Hermès produced for a limited period.
Hermès created several variations using Amazonia, including bags made entirely from the material and others featuring partial Amazonia panels on the front, back or both sides.
The Birkin 35 we have features Amazonia panels on both the front and back, but interestingly, the textures are quite different.
The front panel has a pronounced, rough grain, giving it plenty of character and an almost rubber-tree-like texture. The Amazonia on the back, however, is exceptionally smooth, almost resembling Box Calf leather.
We believe this may have been a thoughtful design choice by Hermès. As the Long Handle Birkin was designed to be carried over the shoulder, the back of the bag would naturally rest against the body. A smoother Amazonia surface may have been chosen to reduce friction against clothing, while the more textured front gives the bag its distinctive character.
The Amazonia is a rich, dark brown, beautifully matched with natural Vache Naturelle leather.
Hermès Vache Naturelle is quite different from the natural Vachetta leather commonly used by Louis Vuitton. While Louis Vuitton’s Vachetta tends to develop a much darker patina over time, Hermès Vache Naturelle ages differently and does not necessarily darken in the same way. It is a unique and relatively resistant leather.
An Unusual Back Pocket
Another feature that makes this Birkin 35 particularly special is the exterior pocket at the back of the bag.
This is something we have not encountered on the larger Long Handle Birkin we handled previously.
The Long Handle Birkin 45 we came across was made entirely from leather and was relatively heavy. The longer handles were practical for women who needed larger bags that could be carried over the shoulder.
However, that particular version did not feature an exterior back pocket.
The back pocket on this Birkin 35 makes it especially practical, allowing the owner to slip in documents, files or other items for easy access. It suggests that this particular design may have been intended for working women or those who travelled frequently.
An Ultra-Rare Vintage Piece at BJ Luxury
What makes this Birkin 35 even more special is that Hermès has since discontinued Amazonia.
The combination of the Long Handle design, size 35, contrasting Amazonia panels, Vache Naturelle leather and the unusual exterior back pocket makes this an ultra-rare vintage piece.
We have not come across another example with this exact combination of features in our 20 years in the luxury business.
This vintage Birkin 35 is currently available for sale at BJ Luxury.
Considering its rarity, vintage appeal and unusual design, we believe it is very reasonably priced.
It is certainly a piece we are delighted to have in our boutique, particularly for collectors who appreciate the more unusual creations from Hermès’ earlier years.
