What would a Tim Burton tribute be without the Olsen twins? Er…don’t answer that. Nonetheless, the dynamic duo hit up a party celebrating the eccentric director’s MoMA exhibit with twin Hermes handbags - a Birkin and a Kelly (cause the girls are so different, you know). If I were a twin I would avoid carrying the same handbag as my sister, but that’s just me. What do you think?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Whoa, mama! Katie Holmes went all out for Elle’s Women in Hollywood event, stealing the show in a sheer black top and a lovely black Hermes Bombay Bag. (Hmmm…a sheer top and an Hermes purse? Who does that sound like…oh yes! Katie’s BFF Posh Spice!) The purse is timeless and tasteful, and Katie totally grown-up and ladylike. Joey Potter, we hardly knew ye.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Well, look who’s back on top of the fashion game. It’s just been announced that Lindsay Lohan will be working with fashion label Emanuel Ungaro. And because every high-powered fashion exec needs a status bag, she’s trotting out the Hermes Birkin. The blue handbag is a stunner, though it would have been nice if Lindsay had worn pants for the occasion. Ah, she’ll get there one day.

Photo from PopSugar.com.

While Mary-Kate made a mad dash for London Fashion Week, twin sis Ashley Olsen laid low in New York City. Well, not that low. Though her denim shorts and black sweater remained casual (yet devastatingly edgy, of course), Ashley’s purple Hermes Market drawstring purse screamed high-end. I love the bag’s rich color and sumptuous suede…whether it’s paired with couture or cutoffs.

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Renee, Renee, Renee. What is the point of carrying not one but two designer handbags (an orange Hermes Birkin and a black monogrammed Louis Vuitton) if you are just going to schlep around in ratty workout wear? I mean, c’mon - a black top and brown bottoms? I’m still trying to wrap my head around this trainwreck, but at least the gal’s got good taste in purses. Although next time, just one should suffice.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

There’s something really depressing about the fact that Lindsay Lohan has an Hermes Birkin (in that signature Hermes orange, natch) and I don’t. The starlet joined back-on gal pal Samantha Ronson for a night out on the town, showcasing new blonde locks that don’t look nearly as good as her natural red. I love the purse, of course, but the orange and blue don’t really work that well. And Lindz - can we please ditch those Alexander Wang booties now?

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Sheesh - Renee Zellweger apparently has a big stash of two things: gray dresses, and Hermes handbags. After showing off a bright orange Birkin bag earlier in the week, the actress decided to up the ante with a crocodile Kelly in a rich wine hue. It’s a beautiful purse, and the color is a nice complement to her dark gray frock.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

In this generation, has there been another handbag that has received as much attention as this Hermes masterpiece?  Countless celebrities carry it, (Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart and Lindsay Lohan are just a few. Victoria Beckham is rumored to have one in every color).  An ultra luxury item, the price tag starts at $5000 and, depending on the skin and finish can go up well past the down payment on most homes.

So what is all the fuss about?  Depending on what source you find, the legend describes actress and singer Jane Birkin in a conversation with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas while seated next to him on an airplane.  She expressed a need for a proper bag that would accommodate all of her weekend essentials.  He took it to heart and developed the now iconic Birkin Bag in response.
While the bag itself has made cameos in countless television shows, books and hip hop hits, it was most notably the guest star on the show “Sex and the City”.   The bag and the infamous wait list to acquire it both became plot points.
Does it deserve all the attention?  What drives the price point that high?  CBC network produced a very interesting video that tells you all you need to know.

Isn’t Renee Zellweger supposed to be packing on the pounds for the new Bridget Jones movie? It doesn’t look like she’s gained an ounce. No matter - the slender star looks sleek and chic in her gray dress (love the bow detail at the shoulder). The orange Hermes handbag is an odd color choice to go with the steely gray, but at least the girl knows her labels.

Photo from UsMagazine.co.uk.

Hermes and Pamela Anderson go together like Oscar de la Renta and Tonya Harding, but, sure enough, the “Baywatch” babe is indeed carrying a white Hermes Birkin purse in this photo. But lest you think she’s gone classy, she opted to ditch her trousers, turning up in a very short white top (dress?) that leaves little to the imagination. Oh, Pam - you always did know how to keep us entertained.

Photo from GlamourMagazine.co.uk.