The Row's Margaux is not a Birkin
This new icon more closely resembles the Celine Luggage Tote of the 2010s.
Navigating through fashion-focused social media and established fashion publications may lead one to the misconception that The Row recently unveiled the Margaux bag style this season. From TikTok to The Business of Fashion, it appears that everyone is buzzing about this luxurious IT-bag, dubbing it the "New Birkin."
In fact, The Row introduced the Margaux bag back in 2018. I remember because “We” spotted it at half-price at Barney’s going-out-of-business sale. While it is exceptionally nice, even at half price is it quite expensive. Today, the popular mid-size Margaux is $4290. A mid-size Hermes Birkin, by contrast costs $11,600 in the pebbled Togo leather. Not at all in the same budget ballpark.
It’s not even an issue of price. It’s an argument of fundamental style. I would actually wager that The Row designers, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen wouldn’t argue that the Margaux is a substitution or the Hermes staple Brikin. Hermes bags are hand-made, using their own leather, stitching techniques, and ethos. The original Birkin traces its roots to a bag designed for carrying horse saddles, while the Margaux, stands as a poised and chic city girl's tote. Both possess their own allure, but they are undeniably distinct.
Although, I will never consider any bag a wise investment strategy, the Hermes Birkin has a long history of holding its value. Currently, there are nearly 20 eBay listings for The Row's Margaux bag, all priced below retail. Predicting the retail value a decade from now is uncertain, but there's predictability to the Birkin's enduring value.
To me, the Margaux more closely resembles Celine’s Luggage Tote. that popped fashion charts back in the 2010s. Both are striking in design because of their simplicity, quality and functionality. I would personally love if someone were to “sprinkle-sprinkle” a Margaux into my forearm but even so, it will never replace the Birkin.