Portero on Luxury

We crafted a teaser poem last week to get you excited, and then left you for a week to stew. Our partners over at FabSugar and PurseBlog also dropped some hints, and many of them guessed correctly: We’re giving away a gorgeous, coveted, pristine pre-owned Hermès Birkin!

Pictured above, this ultimate handbag (30 centimeters, black evergrain leather) is timeless, elegant and totally chic. Besides being guaranteed authentic (this is Portero Luxury, after all) this particular bag is pre-owned and in pristine condition, which means it has never been worn. Valued at $8,350, this is really the giveaway of a lifetime for a lucky handbag lover.

You might know that the Hermès Birkin is referred to as the Rolls Royce of bags–you’ve probably seen it slung over the arm of celebrities ranging from Victoria Beckham to Mary-Kate Olsen, and from Martha Stewart to Marc Jacobs. But do you know why?

Always hand-built by expert craftsmen, a Birkin’s high price tag comes from the materials and labor. Each takes weeks to create, and when they are distributed to Hermès boutiques, it is on an intentionally unpredictable schedule in low quantity. This particular model has palladium hardware (lock, keys, buckle and feet) which, unlike silver, won’t tarnish. Because of the high demand for Birkins, fakes are everywhere. Want to know some factors in determining authenticity? Here are some key markings:

–Even, consistent stitching

–”Hermès Paris, Made in France” should be gilt or blind stamped in the front face under the tap

–Craftsman’s marks and letter year of manufacture stamped in a square underside of right belt

–Interior leather zipper tag parallel with zipper hardware, not perpendicular

We are THRILLED to be bringing you this fantastic holiday giveaway, so be sure to enter now to secure your spot. Enter your email address here and you’ll automatically be signed up for the contest*. Good luck and happy holidays!

*Read the contest rules right here.