A digital book by Diana Kotava
So, You Want a Birkin
Six trips to Paris. Lottery appointments, walk-ins, eight quota bags offered — and everything I learned along the way.
What started as a search for my first Birkin became a two-and-a-half-year journey through the world of Hermès in Paris.
01 The story
Six trips, one journey
I went to Paris for the first time on my honeymoon in 2024, convinced that somehow I might come home with the Birkin my husband had promised me as a wedding gift.
I did not.
So I went back.
Over six trips, I experienced the Paris leather appointment process from almost every angle: unsuccessful lottery applications, unexpected walk-ins, appointments that ended with no bag, offers I declined, offers I still think about, my first Kelly, my first Birkin — and eventually the beginning of the long-term relationship with an Hermès sales associate that I had hoped to build for years.
Along the way, I also realized how much my own perspective had changed.
The bags I thought I wanted weren’t always the bags I loved in person. I became more particular about size, leather, color and hardware. I stopped believing some of my early theories. And eventually, getting offered a bag became much less important than finding my bag.
Now I’m putting the entire story in one place.
02 The book
My Hermès Paris guide
So, You Want a Birkin is a beautifully designed digital book combining the complete story of my six Paris trips with the practical information I wish I had when I started.
Birkin tips, leather appointments and the Paris journey
Inside, I share the appointments that worked out — and the ones that didn’t. The Kelly and Birkin I eventually brought home. The bags I turned down. My experience at Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Sèvres and George V. What I genuinely believe helped me, what I tried but cannot prove made any difference, and what I would do differently if I were starting again today.
The final chapter becomes my unofficial Paris Hermès guide, covering how I personally approach the leather appointment request, walk-ins and cancellations, building a wishlist, choosing when to visit, purchase history, communicating during an appointment, deciding whether to accept an unexpected offer — and, perhaps most importantly, how to enjoy Paris even when Hermès says no.
An honest account
This isn’t a promise that I can get you a Birkin.
There is no secret sentence, perfect outfit or formula I can give you that guarantees a bag — and after six trips, I would be suspicious of anyone who says otherwise.
What I can give you is my complete experience, honestly organized in one place.
The successes, the mistakes, the theories, the disappointments, the surprises — and everything I understand differently now.
03 In numbers
My Hermès Paris journey
- 6 Paris trips
- 2+ years documenting the journey on YouTube
- 4 lottery wins
- 5 walk-ins
- 8 quota bags offered
04 A few basic tips about the lottery
Hermès Paris appointment lottery
Open the official appointment websiteCan you buy a Birkin on Hermès.com?
Hermès says Birkin, Kelly and Constance handbags are sold exclusively in its stores, rather than on Hermès.com. Each boutique chooses its own assortment. See the official Hermès availability FAQ for the current information.
Where are the Hermès boutiques in Paris?
The three Paris boutiques are Faubourg Saint-Honoré at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Sèvres at 17 Rue de Sèvres, and George V at 42 Avenue George V. Use the official Hermès Paris store locator to check current addresses and opening hours before visiting.
Where do I apply for a Hermès Paris leather appointment?
Use Hermès Rendez-vous Paris, the official appointment website. The application belongs to Hermès; you cannot book a leather appointment through this site.
How do I apply, and what details do I need?
Open the official page during the application window and follow the form’s instructions. In my experience, you need your name, email address, phone number and passport details, and you can indicate a store preference. Keep your passport handy and use an email address you can check during the trip. Follow the current form if its requirements change.
Do I need local Wi-Fi in Paris?
Yes. You need to connect to a local Wi-Fi network in Paris to access the application. Connect before opening the official appointment link.
What time does the Hermès appointment lottery open?
The official appointment page currently lists requests between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., usually for the following appointment day. For a Monday appointment, apply on Saturday. These are Paris local times. Check the dates and hours on the live page, especially around holidays.
Do I need to confirm my application by email?
In my experience, Hermès sends an email with a link to confirm the appointment request after you submit the form. Follow that link promptly and check your spam folder if the email is missing. This confirms your application; it does not mean you have been given an appointment.
When do I find out whether I got an appointment?
On my trips, I checked for the result by email around 8–9 p.m., Paris time. That is my experience, not a guaranteed notification time. For a Monday appointment, you apply on Saturday and receive the result on Saturday night. If you receive an appointment, read the email for the boutique and time, and keep checking for any updates.
Can I apply on Sunday? What about a Monday appointment?
The lottery for Monday appointments takes place on Saturday. Apply on Saturday, check your result on Saturday night, and attend on Monday if you are selected. You do not apply on Sunday for Monday. The Paris Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Sèvres and George V boutiques are closed on Sundays. Check the dates offered on the official page around holidays.
Does winning a leather appointment mean I can buy a Birkin?
An appointment is not a guarantee of a Birkin or Kelly. My Paris journey included appointments that ended without a bag, as well as the visits when I brought one home. The book tells the full story of those experiences.
I’ve documented much of this journey on YouTube — from the disappointments to the orange boxes.
06 Coming in October 2026
Join the waitlist
Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the book is released in October 2026.
Waitlist members will receive first access when the digital book launches.
08 Questions
About the digital book
Is this connected to Hermès?
No. So, You Want a Birkin is an independent personal digital book by Diana Kotava. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hermès; the name is used only to describe the subject.
When will it be available?
Coming in October 2026.
Where can I follow along in the meantime?
On YouTube at @dianakotava and on Instagram at @kotava.diana.