Published 15:16 IST, December 16th 2023
The Birkin Matchmaker: A peek inside the world's largest collection of Hermès bags
Michael Mack is essentially a Birkin matchmaker for enthusiasts of luxury.
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In the realm of luxury fashion, few names hold as much allure and prestige as Hermès and at the heart of the Hermès obsession lies the iconic Birkin bag. Revered for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless design, and elusive nature, the Birkin has become a symbol of status and sophistication. Enter the world of the Birkin matchmaker, where one can find themselves surrounded by one of the largest collections of these coveted bags.
If your heart is set on finding "The One" in the form of a coveted Birkin bag, your go-to matchmaker is none other than Michael Mack. As the esteemed custodian of a prized collection, Michael Mack, based in Las Vegas, oversees a fleet of highly sought-after Hermès Birkin and Kelly handbags an impressive total of 120 to be precise.
With an array of hues that spans nearly every imaginable shade, Michael Mack's opulent collection stands as one of the globe's largest, commanding a valuation exceeding $1 million. Mack modestly estimates his position at third place, acknowledging the considerable collections of Singapore socialite Jamie Chua, rumored to possess 200 and fashion icon Victoria Beckham, said to own over 100.
Michael Mack is essentially a Birkin matchmaker for enthusiasts of luxury.
Socialite and Max Pawn regular Ivana Walborn, who is 68-year-old, a resident of Nevada has purchased at least a dozen Birkins and half a dozen Kellys from Mack. “My husband says, ‘You have a crush on him,’ and I say, ‘I have a crush on anybody who’s got handbags and jewelry" Ivana added as reported.
Originating from a single Louis Vuitton Speedy 14 years ago, Max Pawn's humble beginnings have transformed into an expansive collection of approximately 800 luxury handbags. These treasures are meticulously sourced by Michael Mack's global team of buyers and made available at a fraction of their original price.
“You name it, Michael has it,” loyal Max Pawn customer Ann Pennington, an NYC-based philanthropist, told The New York Post. “It’s almost like a bargain bin, but luxury bargain”, she added.
While Michael Mack's enterprise primarily serves the elite, he adds a touch of generosity for aspiring Hermès owners by providing pre-loved Birkins at remarkably attractive prices. These steals range from a modest $8,000 to a more extravagant $65,500. In comparison, a brand-new Birkin 30 is estimated to start at around $11,200, but the price can soar into the realm of hundreds of thousands for exclusive colors, rare leathers, specific sizes, or unique hardware configurations.
Michael Mack highlights, "What we’ve really created is affordability for those that can afford it." He points out that among his clientele are high-profile athletes and socialites who prefer to treat themselves to designer luxury at a fraction of the original cost.
As aficionados are well aware, acquiring a pristine Birkin is not as straightforward as strolling into your neighborhood Hermès store and plucking one off the shelf, said Mark as per reports.
15:16 IST, December 16th 2023