Hermès Birkin Sellier 20 Faubourg 'Midnight' (Minuit)
Top Handle Satchel / Nano Birkin · Hermès (PPR); Ultra-Luxury Tier. This model represents the pinnacle of Hermès craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Collection: Place du Faubourg Saint-Honoré Limited Edition; first introduced in 2019.
Style
Top Handle Satchel / Nano Birkin
Brand
Hermès (PPR); Ultra-Luxury Tier. This model represents the pinnacle of Hermès craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Material
Multi-material construction: Matte and Shiny Alligator (flap), Madame calfskin (body), Epsom leather (windows), and Sombrero leather (base). Structured Sellier construction with external stitching.
Dimensions
20cm (width) x 15.5cm (height) x 11cm (depth); Handle drop approx 7cm. This is the 20cm 'Nano' size variant.
Description
A masterpiece of leather marquetry, the Faubourg Birkin is a 'House on a Bag.' It serves as an architectural tribute to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The 'Midnight' version uses dark hues to represent the boutique at night, complete with matte alligator 'awnings' and glowing windows.
Key Features
Architectural marquetry technique, 20cm size (exclusive to this model), clochette designed as a miniature Hermès shopping bag, and the combination of five different leathers.
Material & Construction
Multi-material construction: Matte and Shiny Alligator (flap), Madame calfskin (body), Epsom leather (windows), and Sombrero leather (base). Structured Sellier construction with external stitching.
Color & Pattern
Midnight/Minuit Colorway: Blue Nuit, Black (Noir), Orange H, and White. The 'Faubourg' pattern mimics the architectural facade of the Hermès flagship store in Paris.
Hardware Details
Palladium Hardware (PHW). Includes the signature sangles, plaque, and turn-lock set. Often features a specialized stone-washed 'So Black' or standard Palladium finish depending on the specific year.
Interior Description
Lined in Chevre (Goat) leather, typically in Blue Nuit. Contains one small interior slip pocket. Interior heat stamp located on the front panel.
Closure Type
Signature Hermès turn-lock (Touret) with sangles and pontets. High security when fully closed.
Strap & Handle Details
Fixed double rolled top handles. Note: The Faubourg Birkin 20 does not traditionally come with a shoulder strap, maintaining its status as a formal top-handle bag.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision marquetry where leather pieces are fitted together with zero tolerance. Stitching must navigate through multiple thicknesses of varied textures (Alligator to Madame calfskin).
Authentication Indicators
Saddle-stitching alignment on the Epsom window frames, clarity of the 'Hermès Paris' heat stamp (though obscured), and the specific scales of the alligator flap. Note: This is an extremely high-value target for 'super-fake' manufacturers.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France. Produced by a single highly skilled artisan in one of the specialized exotic leather ateliers.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Post-2010s 'New Era' Hermès). This specific 'Midnight' colorway was launched circa 2021.
Age Estimate
Circa 2021-2023. This is a recent iteration of the Faubourg series (following the original Day and Night versions from 2019).
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of handbags from functional luxury to 'Object D'Art.' It solidified the 20cm Birkin size as the most desirable collector's piece of the 2020s.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'Store Fresh' or 'Pristine' condition. Protective plastics are still present on the hardware and sangles; protective felt is visible between the flap and body.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value ranges from $180,000 to $250,000 USD depending on the year and completeness of the set (box, CITES, clochette, rain cover).
Care & Maintenance
Extremely delicate. Must be kept in a climate-controlled environment. Professional 'Leather Spa' services only. Avoid any contact with water, as it contains multiple leather types with different reactions to moisture.
Similar Handbags
Birkin 20 Faubourg 'Day' (Brown/White), 'Night' (Blue/Grey), or 'Snow' (All White). Competes with the Kelly 20 as a high-value collector piece.
Interesting Facts
The clochette for this bag is uniquely shaped like an Hermès shopping bag. It is one of the most expensive non-diamond Birkins ever sold at auction, with prices often exceeding $200,000.