Q: What typically fits inside the Hermès Birkin 35?
A: The Birkin 35 is often considered the ultimate work and travel bag. It comfortably holds a 13-inch laptop (such as a MacBook Pro), A4 documents, a continental wallet, a large cosmetic pouch, sunglasses, a water bottle and daily essentials. Its structured silhouette ensures it accommodates these items without losing its shape, making it a favourite for professionals.

Q: Can I wear the Birkin 35 on my shoulder?
A: The Birkin 35 features double rolled handles with a drop of approximately 10 cm, designed primarily for carrying by hand or in the crook of the arm. While some wearers may manage to slip it over a shoulder when wearing light clothing, it is generally too snug for comfortable shoulder carry, especially with a coat. It does not come with a long shoulder strap.

Q: What are the characteristics of Epsom leather?
A: Epsom is a stamped-grain calfskin known for its rigidity and structure, which helps the bag maintain its shape over time. It is significantly lighter than natural leathers like Togo or Clémence and is highly resistant to scratches and water. This makes it an excellent choice for a daily-use bag that needs to remain pristine with minimal fuss.

Q: How does the weight of this bag compare to other Birkin 35s?
A: The Birkin 35 is a substantial bag, but this piece is crafted in Epsom leather, which is one of the most lightweight leathers Hermès produces. This makes it more manageable to carry when fully loaded compared to versions made from heavier natural-grain leathers.

Q: What does the "Square R" serial number mean?
A: The "Square R" stamp indicates that this bag was manufactured in 2014. Hermès used a letter-in-a-square format to date bags from 1997 to 2014. On a Birkin from this era, the blind stamp is typically found on the reverse side of one of the tightening straps (sangles).

Q: How secure is the closure?
A: The bag features the iconic flap closure secured by two straps (sangles) and a turn-lock (touret). When fully closed and locked with the included padlock, it is very secure. However, for ease of access, many owners prefer to tuck the flap inside and leave the straps open—a style often called the "tote" look.

Q: How should I care for Epsom leather and Palladium hardware?
A: Epsom is durable and low-maintenance; simply wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid contact with oils, perfumes and prolonged sunlight. For the Palladium-plated hardware, use a jewellery cloth to gently buff away fingerprints or light tarnish. When not in use, store the bag upright and stuffed in its dust bag to preserve its structure.

Q: What accessories are included with this bag?
A: This specific listing includes the original box, dust bag, clochette, key and padlock. Everything included is itemised under the "Accessories" section on this page; if an item is not listed there, it is not included.

Q: How do you authenticate this Hermès bag?
A: Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in-house experts using multi-point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, date codes and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional details on this specific piece upon request.

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