Restoration experts at Handbag Clinic have created a super-sized version of the iconic Hermés Birkin bag to celebrate the opening of their new Newcastle store.
To mark the launch, its restoration experts have worked for two weeks to make a 6ft by 5ft Birkin replica in shocking pink.
Handbag Clinic MD Ben Staerck said: “Our staff have such unique skills that we really wanted to show off what they can do.
“Usually, we’re tasked with repairing part of a bag or touching up the colour in a section which has faded or been damaged. But in this case, our craftsmen and women have made an entire handbag, which is definitely big enough to fit all of your Christmas shopping in. You could even sit in it yourself.”
The huge Birkin replica has been created using vinyl rather than leather. Handbag Clinic has followed the shape of the classic Birkin as well as creating a clasp and handles faithful to the original design.
The impressive replica follows the same design as the world’s most expensive handbag. The Birkin was first made in 1984 when Hermés chief executive Jean-Louis Duman was seated next to actress Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London, and she happened to say that she couldn’t find a leather weekend bag she liked.
Handbag Clinic carries out repairs and restoration to leather accessories as well as stocking vintage and pre-loved bags from the likes of Chanel, Celine and Louis Vuitton. One of its current finds is a vintage Hermés Kelly bag, which is a fraction of the size of the newly-created Birkin replica.
Handbag Clinic has opened at 44 Mosely Street www.handbagclinic.co.uk
