The pricey status bag known as the Birkin starts at $7,500 and is sold in limited numbers, much to the chagrin of wealthy style mavens and their over-extended sisters around the world. The Hermès bag, which is the theme of a new book by a local author, is often seen adorning the arm of celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Holmes, Sofia Coppola, and Nicole Richie.