A Birkin for the ‘Wirkin’ Class

In an August 2001 episode of “Sex and the City,” The fictional character “Samantha Jones” sets her sights on an Hermès Birkin Bag. 

Sure, the bag, named after French actress Jane Birkin, is practical and stylish. But Samantha is most interested in what carrying the world’s most difficult-to-get bag symbolizes: indisputable affluence and belonging to the cultural elite. 

But when she goes to the Hermès store, ready and willing to shell out $4,000 for the bag, Samantha is met with a five-year waiting list.  

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Mike Amiri: Hometown Luxury

Los Angeles, California may not be one of the traditional ‘’big four’’ fashion capitals–New York, Paris, London, and Milan–yet the “City of Stars” has long served as a muse for designers and brands across the globe. Perhaps fashion’s obsession with LA iconography results from its relationship with the Hollywood film industry, or a matter of catering to customers elsewhere eager to emulate their favorite movie stars. Or maybe the city has a magnetic, alluring quality designers often strive–and fail–to truly capture.

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Melissa McCarthy: Perfectly Imperfect

During last week’s Saturday Night Live cold open, Melissa McCarthy appeared onstage as a member of the show’s prestigious five-time host club. The evening’s host and five-timer inductee was former cast member Martin Short, who pointed out that the classy vibe of the five-timers club doesn't quite match McCarthy’s comedic style. 

“This is a classy place,” McCarthy responded “We don’t do any of that sophomoric comedy stuff here, do we?”

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Kai Lin Art: Harmony

Diversity is misconstrued as a centrifugal, and highlighting differences–even with positive intentions–can tap fear and skepticism of others and bring it to the surface in ugly manners. How the current political climate reflects this unfortunate truth of human nature barely needs mentioning. But art has the power to offer a different reaction to diversity–to create a harmonious depiction of human life.

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