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How Shoppers Get Luxury’s Most Exclusive Products

Shoppers are finding alternative ways to get their hands on the unattainable bags, shoes and watches, from auction houses to specialised fashion sourcers.
Person carries Birkin bag
Top luxury products like Birkin bags are notoriously hard for shoppers to get their hands on. (Getty )
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BoF PROFESSIONAL

When Angela Hwang, a consultant for private equity companies based in Carmel, California, decided she wanted a Hermès Birkin bag, she watched YouTube videos and read the forums on the handbag website PurseBlog for tips. Hwang, who had previously purchased plates, silverware and scarves from the brand, had her heart set on a Birkin 35 in a neutral hue.

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Further Reading

Who Gets to Buy a Birkin Bag?

Hermès’ elusive sales strategy is at the centre of a new legal challenge for the French luxury giant. BoF breaks down the practices under scrutiny and what the suit could mean for the fashion industry at large.

About the author
Joan Kennedy
Joan Kennedy

Joan Kennedy is Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers beauty and marketing.

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