The Shoulder Birkin Is Back—and These Style Stars Are Leading the Way
The cult-favorite bag from the JPG era returns, embraced by Filipino style fixtures like Pia Jauncey, BJ Pascual, and Mimiyuuuh.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Sep 16, 2025
The Birkin, without a doubt, is the titan of all designer bags. Elusive yet totally unmissable, the Hermes original has been coveted by fashion gals of all generations. While many of us have an automatic image in mind when thinking of a Birkin, the model has gone through some pretty significant transformations in its history. One of which is the Shoulder Birkin, an East-West shaped iteration crafted by Jean Paul Gaultier in the early 2000s.
Two decades later, the Shoulder Birkin has re-entered the sartorial group chat, prompted by its second coming on the Hermes runway. Ahead, we run down everything there is to know about its comeback, and why Filipino style stars are currently obsessed.
Rooted in a culture of exclusivity, the house of Hermes has had several visionaries at the helm of its creative and design arm. In 2004, Jean Paul Gaultier stepped up as creative director, a mere four years after he sold 35% of his namesake label to the brand. His era was known for its liberal takes on classic Hermes designs, which, of course, included the Birkin. In his debut collection, he dared to remix the coveted model into a wearable shoulder bag that took on a retro-fied rectangular shape. It flew off shelves until it was ultimately discontinued in 2013, becoming a hot item in the vintage market.
Under the current leadership of French designer Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, it made a comeback on the Spring/Summer 2025 runway. Models stomped the catwalk in multi-textile utilitarian wear, accented by a refreshed slate of totes that starred the Shoulder Birkin. Suffice it to say, many sartorialists were hyped up with the JPG signature's grand return.
The Shoulder Birkin proves to be a palatable reedition of the original model. While it possesses great wearability and a non-intimidating look, it also carries on the maison's structured boxy base and luxe hardware. Its classic black and brown versions prove to be the most popular iterations, but just like its predecessor, it's also available in a myriad of colors and patterns. Check out a specialized selection available on Sotheby's here.
Preview 30 Icon and lensman BJ Pascual got his hands on a deep violet Shoulder Birkin, which accompanied him on a recent sojourn to Japan. It rests perfectly on his shoulder, and can house all of his essentials (a.k.a. his snacks!).
Global supermodel Kelsey Merritt was among the first to clutch the Shoulder Birkin en route to a Paris fashion week show. True to her no-nonsense style, she opted for one in a caramel hue with gold hardware.
In what she calls the "ultimate mom 'fit," Sofia Andres rocks a brown Shoulder Birkin with a loose t-shirt, cut-off jeans, and slides. The bag definitely does all of the talking here!
Our Preview 2025 Style Icon Pia Jauncey has also been smitten by the Shoulder Birkin, enlisting an all-black iteration to punctuate her casual white top and drop-waist skirt combo.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.