Full Breakdown
Lucy Liu Reflects on Iconic Birkin Bag Episode in "Sex and the City"
1/10/2026, 6:14:16 AM
The Birkin Bag's Role in "Sex and the City"
Lucy Liu, 57, recently shared her experience filming a cameo in the fourth season of "Sex and the City," specifically in the episode titled "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda," which aired in August 2001. In this episode, Liu plays a fictionalized version of herself, where her name is used by Samantha Jones, portrayed by Kim Cattrall, to bypass a five-year waiting list for the coveted Hermès Birkin bag. Liu recounted her initial confusion regarding the extensive security measures surrounding the bag during filming, stating, “I was like, ‘What is the big deal with this bag?’”
Security Measures on Set
During the shoot, Liu noted that the production team employed significant security protocols for the Birkin bag, including personnel dressed in suits resembling "Men in Black" and a safe specifically for the bag. She recalled rehearsing with a fake version of the bag before realizing the actual item was treated with utmost care, including the use of white gloves. Reflecting on her experience, Liu concluded, “You know what? It’s a big deal,” acknowledging the bag's status in the fashion world.
The Birkin Bag's Cultural Significance
The Hermès Birkin bag is renowned for its exclusivity and high price point, with retail prices starting around $9,000 and some bags fetching up to $10 million at auctions. The bag's value has reportedly outpaced gold over the past decade, making it a sought-after item among collectors. James Firestein, founder of luxury resale platform OpenLuxury, compared owning a Birkin bag to possessing a Picasso, emphasizing its status as both a functional item and a collectible piece of art.
Criticism & Opposition
While Liu's reflections highlight the allure of the Birkin bag, some critics argue that the obsession with such luxury items perpetuates a culture of materialism. The extreme measures taken to protect the bag during filming may also raise questions about societal values surrounding wealth and status.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was playing myself and when they asked me to play me I was like, ‘What does that mean? What do people think of me?'” — Lucy Liu
- “They had a safe where this Hermès bag was. I was like, ‘What is the big deal with this bag?’ They had white gloves on, the whole nine yards.” — Lucy Liu
- “You know what? It’s a big deal.” — Lucy Liu
What's Next
As the fashion world continues to evolve, the Birkin bag remains a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Liu's reflections may prompt renewed discussions about the cultural implications of high-end fashion items and their representation in popular media.
