We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Elevate business days and weekend escapes with this Hermès Birkin 42 JPG in blue Taurillon Clémence with palladium hardware. Spacious yet refined, it pairs effortlessly with tailored suiting for client meetings or with denim for a chic overnight. A vintage icon that brings unmistakable Hermès polish to travel, work, and city life.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is the Hermès Birkin 42 JPG and how does it differ from a classic Birkin? A: The Birkin 42 JPG (often called the Shoulder Birkin) is Jean‑Paul Gaultier’s reinterpretation of the Birkin introduced in the mid‑2000s. It keeps the iconic flap and turn‑lock but is wider and lower in profile with longer top handles so it can be worn on the shoulder as well as by hand. Compared with classic sizes like the Birkin 35/40, it feels more horizontal and streamlined while offering similar capacity.
Q: What are the measurements and how does it carry on the body? A: This piece is approximately 42 × 23 × 19 cm with an about 17 cm handle drop. The proportions make it comfortable in hand, on the forearm, or on the shoulder (especially over lighter layers). Handle drop and comfort can vary slightly by leather and year; we recommend checking the Measurements on this page against your preferred carry style.
Q: What typically fits inside the Birkin 42 JPG? A: It comfortably holds everyday essentials such as a large wallet, phone, compact umbrella, cosmetics pouch, A4 documents, and a small water bottle. Many 13‑inch laptops also fit based on the interior length; compare your device dimensions with the measurements listed. For best balance, distribute weight evenly and consider a light organiser if you prefer structure.
Q: What is Taurillon Clémence leather like? A: Taurillon Clémence is a supple, grained calf/bull leather with a matte finish and larger, more irregular pebbled grain. It is loved for its soft hand, relaxed drape, and scratch resistance; light surface marks often rub out. It is heavier than some leathers (like Togo) and tends to soften and slouch with wear, giving the bag a relaxed look over time.
Q: How should I care for Clémence leather and palladium hardware? A: Wipe the leather with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth and let it air‑dry away from heat. Avoid over‑conditioning Clémence, which can encourage slumping; condition sparingly and only with suitable leather products. Keep away from oils, makeup, and prolonged moisture. Store stuffed to support the shape, in a breathable dust bag, handles upright, and out of direct sunlight. For deeper care, Hermès Spa can perform professional cleaning and refurbishment. Hardware should be wiped gently with a soft, dry cloth to minimise micro‑scratches; avoid abrasives.
Q: Is the Birkin 42 JPG heavy? A: Clémence leather and the bag’s generous size give it a substantial feel, especially when fully packed. If weight is a concern, organise contents in lighter pouches and avoid overfilling to maintain comfort on the shoulder.
Q: Is the Birkin 42 JPG suitable as an airline carry‑on? A: With its approximate 42 × 23 × 19 cm footprint, it falls within the cabin size limits of many airlines and typically stows in an overhead bin. Policies vary by carrier and route, so please confirm dimensions with your airline before travel.
Q: What does the Square Q stamp mean on this bag? A: The Square Q blind stamp indicates production in 2013 during the Hermès “square” date‑stamp era (1997–2014). Location and appearance of stamps can vary slightly by model and year.
Q: What is included with this item? A: As listed in the product information, this bag comes with a clochette, padlock, and keys. If an item (such as a dust bag or raincoat) is not listed in product information, it is not included.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is carefully examined by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of leather, stitching, hardware, heat stamps/date stamps, and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional product information on request.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Hermès
/ Bags
/ Handbags
/ Birkin Bags
12 270 £
• Blue Taurillon Clemence leather
• Palladium hardware
• Dual rolled leather handles
• Tonal leather lining with one zip pocket and one slip pocket
• Flap top with turn-lock closure
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
