His book, Bringing Home The Birkin, has had the fashionistas in a giggling fit ever since its release last April. Michael Tonello trails the world’s most elusive handbag, Hermes’ Birkin, across Europe and some parts of Asia and re-sells it on eBay. (The Hermes store at Delhi’s The Oberoi has just one). Not only does he turn the luxury business up on its nose, he also makes millions for himself.Namrata Sharma Zakaria interviewed him in Mumbai.

•What set you on the Birkin trail?

It really was a bit of serendipity, like a little path of stones that lead me there. It all started with my selling a few personal items on eBay and then an Hermes scarf.  

•What is so special about the Hermes Birkin that every woman wants to own one? 

It has been the celebrity It-bag for so many years; that combined with the inaccessibility of it has fueled this incredible demand. It also helps that it truly is hand-made, quite unique and recognisable. 

•When did Hermes catch on that you were a re-seller? 

I think I had placed one too many “special orders” in various Hermes shops. It all sort of caved in in early 2006.   

•How did Hermes take to your book, did they know you were writing one? 

They didn’t know I was writing one and I think they were quite surprised when it was published. For the first couple of months after publication their comment to the press was ‘no comment’.   

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