From Coveted to Cracked: Why Worn-Out Birkins Are the Latest Luxury Flex

By Jennifer von Walderdorff

There was a time when a weathered handbag signalled financial hardship, disrepair, or at best, forgetfulness. But now? A beat-up Birkin might just be the ultimate status symbol.

Earlier this year, a record-breaking sale of a rare Hermès Birkin bag at auction, fetching over $10 million, sent shockwaves through the fashion world. But the buzz wasn’t just about the price tag. What raised eyebrows (and Instagram engagement) was the condition of some of the most prized Birkins showing up in the wild: used, worn, even distressed.

This isn’t a fashion faux pas, unfortunately, it’s a new fashion flex.

The Olsen Effect: Patina as Prestige

Case in point: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, long known for their off-duty luxury aesthetic, have been spotted carrying heavily used Birkins on multiple occasions. Not ‘gently loved’, we’re talking fraying handles, scuffed leather, and that unmistakable worn-in sag that would make a reseller wince. Yet their style, as always, is ahead of the curve. The Olsens aren’t careless; our opinion is that they don't subscribe to the “new is best” aesthetic. Their fashion empire thrives on subverting expectations, and their bags say: I’ve had this for years, I wear it daily, and I don’t need a shiny new thing to prove my worth.

It’s a small rebellion in a culture of pristine unboxing and shrink-wrapped status. The Birkin, once the emblem of ‘new money’ shine and scarcity, is now being rebranded by the fashion elite as an heirloom in progress. Patina, it seems, has become the new polish.

From Microtrend to Macro Shift

This "destroyed luxury" moment is more than a microtrend; it’s a glimpse into a bigger shift. We’re seeing a growing appetite for pre-owned fashion that goes beyond economic access. It’s about sustainability, individuality, and authenticity.

When the world’s most recognisable handbag can show signs of wear and gain value, it tells us something fundamental is changing: age is no longer a flaw, it’s a feature.

Cute sleeveless shift dress available in our shop

Pre-Loved Meets Purpose: A New Way to Shop

That’s why platforms like ours, Look at the Labels, is stepping into this moment with purpose. This month, the brand launched its own pre-owned fashion boutique, but with a twist: shoppers can filter not just by category, like 'T-shirt' or 'skirt,' but by body shape, such as apple, pear, or hourglass.

It’s a quietly radical move. Instead of browsing endlessly through sizes and styles that may or may not suit, users can discover clothes that truly work with their shape, not against it. Add in Look at the Labels’ Body Shape Calculator, and the guesswork is removed entirely. You can take a look at the shape style guides for even more guidance.

Shopping this way isn't just smarter, it’s more sustainable. Fewer returns, less overbuying, and clothes that actually get worn instead of languishing at the back of the closet. It’s a mindset shift from what’s new to what fits me, suits me, and supports the planet.

We want your feedback so fill in the survey at the bottom of the shop page, or here!

The Beauty of Broken-In

If a worn Birkin can redefine luxury, then surely worn clothes can redefine style. We’re entering a post-polish fashion era, one that values the story behind what we wear as much as the label itself. Brands like Look at the Labels aren’t just selling secondhand, they’re selling belonging and body confidence.

So next time you reach for the newest, shiniest thing, pause. That perfectly aged handbag or that preloved dress that fits just right might be telling a better story. One that starts not on a factory floor, but in your own wardrobe.