Hermès Birkin 20 Sellier Faubourg 'Midnight' (Minuit)
Top Handle Satchel / Limited Edition Structural Tote · Hermès (LVMH), high luxury tier. Designed under the artistic direction of Pierre-Alexis Dumas.
Collection: Birkin Faubourg Collection; Limited Edition (introduced in 2019, this specific colorway released circa 2021).
Style
Top Handle Satchel / Limited Edition Structural Tote
Brand
Hermès (LVMH), high luxury tier. Designed under the artistic direction of Pierre-Alexis Dumas.
Material
Multi-material Sellier construction: Matte Alligator (front flap and handles), Madame calfskin (body), Swift leather (accents), and Epsom leather (windows). Hand-stitched with meticulous edge painting.
Dimensions
20cm (width) x 15cm (height) x 11cm (depth); approximately 7.9 x 6 x 4.3 inches. This is the 'Petit Birkin' size.
Description
The Birkin Faubourg is the ultimate 'Holy Grail' for Hermès collectors. Drawing inspiration from the brand's historic flagship storefront at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, this Birkin 20 features 'windows' with leather awnings and a stone-textured flap. The 'Minuit' colorway captures the store under moonlight, using deep blues and blacks accented by the brand's iconic orange.
Key Features
Architectural facade detailing, miniature 20cm size (exclusive to Faubourg and very few other Birkins), combination of four different leathers, and 'Orange H' leather awnings.
Material & Construction
Multi-material Sellier construction: Matte Alligator (front flap and handles), Madame calfskin (body), Swift leather (accents), and Epsom leather (windows). Hand-stitched with meticulous edge painting.
Color & Pattern
Multicolor 'Minuit' (Midnight) palette featuring Bleu Marine, Black, White (window panes), and Orange H (awnings). The pattern replicates the facade of the 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship store.
Hardware Details
Palladium-finish hardware including the signature swivel clasp (touret), plaque, and four protective base feet. The hardware on this specific unit appears to have protective plastic film intact.
Interior Description
Lined in Chevre (goat) leather in a dark tone. Includes one main compartment and one interior slip pocket. Heat stamp 'Hermès Paris Made in France' is typically found under the front flap.
Closure Type
Cylindrical turn-lock (toggles) with double sangles (straps) and plaque closure.
Strap & Handle Details
Double rolled top handles in black Matte Alligator leather. Fixed length, not intended for shoulder wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits master-level craftsmanship; the alignment of the 'sangles' across the alligator flap requires extreme precision. The stitch count is high and consistent, following the contours of the 'awnings' perfectly.
Authentication Indicators
Saddle-stitching angle (slanted), symmetry of the window applications, depth of the alligator scales on the handles, and the quality of the edge glazing. Note: Due to its extreme value and rarity, high-quality 'superfakes' exist; professional physical authentication is mandatory.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France; hand-crafted at an Hermès leather workshop, likely by a master artisan due to the complexity of the alligator-to-calfskin transition.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2020s). Represents the 'Post-It' bag era where ultra-rare, whimsical, and highly architectural pieces serve as top-tier collectibles.
Age Estimate
Circa 2021-2023. The 'Minuit' (Midnight) version followed the original Day and Night versions released in 2019-2020.
Cultural Significance
A masterpiece of 'wearable architecture.' It represents the pinnacle of Hermès storytelling, moving beyond basic luxury into the realm of art and heritage preservation.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Pristine to Excellent condition. Protective plastics are still visible on the hardware plaques. Structure is rigid and upright; no visible corner wear or scuffing on the delicate alligator handles.
Value Estimate
Current resale market value ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 USD, depending on the auction market and presence of 'full set' (box, CITES for exotic skin, receipt).
Care & Maintenance
Store in a temperature-controlled environment away from humidity or direct sun. Avoid water contact on the matte alligator. Keep in dust bag with silica gel packets to maintain the structure of the box leather elements.
Similar Handbags
Birkin 20 Faubourg 'Day' (Brown/White), Birkin 20 Faubourg 'Night' (Navy/Blue), Birkin 25 Sellier in Epsom (similar structure but lacks the architectural motif).
Interesting Facts
The Faubourg Birkin was the first Birkin ever produced in a 20cm size. It is nicknamed the 'House Birkin' and is considered one of the most expensive non-diamond-encrusted handbags in the secondary market.