Rp 13 Million Per Month to Rent a Birkin Bag: Why Do People Do It?

Paying approximately Rp 13 million per month to rent a handbag might sound irrational to some. However, luxury handbag rental services are increasingly flourishing, including for one of the most exclusive bags in the world, the Hermès Birkin. This phenomenon raises a new question: why would someone be willing to spend tens of millions of rupiah every month on an item that will never belong to them?

According to Fashionista, the luxury accessory rental platform Vivrelle has launched a new service called Privée, which allows selected members to rent Hermès Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags for a fee of 800 US dollars, or approximately Rp 13 million per month. This service arrives amidst a shift in how consumers enjoy luxury goods, particularly among the younger generation.

“The shift from ownership to access is changing how people perceive and relate to the fashion world,” said Geffen to the James Lane Post, as quoted by the New York Post. While luxury was once synonymous with ownership, many consumers are now more interested in the experience of using luxury goods without the need for permanent purchase.

Through a subscription system, members can use specific bags for 30 days before exchanging them for another model or extending their rental period. For some, access to hard-to-obtain products is the primary draw. According to reports from the New York Post, the process of acquiring a Birkin often requires a long-term relationship with sales staff and a significant purchase history of other products. This situation leaves many fashion enthusiasts without direct access to purchase the bag, even if they possess the financial means. Rental services, therefore, offer a faster route for those wishing to experience carrying a Birkin without having to navigate that lengthy process.