Ireland Baldwin has launched a scathing attack on Kim Kardashian after the reality star was seen carrying a rare Hermès Birkin bag reportedly made from elephant skin in her new television series.
Outrage Over Exotic Accessory
The controversy erupted when Kardashian appeared in character as Allura Grant in the Hulu legal drama All's Fair, wearing a grey hooded dress while posing with the luxury accessory. The scene quickly went viral, catching the attention of Baldwin, who didn't hold back in her criticism.
Baldwin, daughter of Hollywood actors Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, took to her Instagram Stories to express her disgust. "This is so disgusting and shameful," the 30-year-old wrote, adding her bewilderment at the continued support for such public figures.
Hermès' Controversial History
While the exact origin of the leather remains unconfirmed, reports indicate that Hermès created the bag as a custom order for a client during the 1980s. The client had apparently brought elephant hide back from a hunting safari, though Hermès never officially sold elephant leather bags to other customers beyond this special commission.
The bag became a focal point of discussion after Kardashian featured it in a TikTok video breaking down her fashion looks from the series, referring to it as a "really rare Birkin." She paired the polarizing accessory with a Donna Karen chiffon-hooded dress from the fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection.
Public Reaction Divided
Social media users echoed Baldwin's outrage, with one commenter stating: "Love Birkins but elephant is another level. They're like spiritual animals - this can't happen." Another suggested the bag "should be in a museum showing how insane humans are, not paraded around as a luxury item."
However, some defenders pointed out that Kardashian likely didn't personally select the bag, noting that stylists and costume departments typically choose outfits for television series. One social media user commented: "Why be upset about it? I don't support hunting at all, but she didn't personally request this bag."
The bag also appears in Vogue Hong Kong's feature with Soki Mak, the stylist who worked with Kardashian on the series, including behind-the-scenes wardrobe fitting photos showing Kardashian sitting beside the controversial accessory.
Kardashian's Birkin History
The Kardashian-Jenner family are renowned for their extensive Birkin collections. In 2024, Kardashian listed her peacock blue Porosus Crocodile Birkin on the family's Kardashian Kloset site for $49,995. Typical Birkin prices range from £15,000 to £25,000 for leather versions, while exotic skins can command over £75,000 for the coveted Himalaya style.
Meanwhile, All's Fair has experienced a mixed reception since its premiere earlier this month. The show initially received a rare zero percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since climbed to three percent. Despite critical panning, the series has proven popular with viewers, becoming Hulu's most-watched scripted series debut in three years with 3.2 million global viewers in its first three days. Hulu confirmed on Monday 24 November that the show has been renewed for another season.
The Independent has contacted representatives for Hermès, Hulu, and Kardashian for comment regarding the ongoing controversy.
