BIRKIN BAG FACTS History: The Birkin is named for actress Jane Birkin. According to Hermes, Jean-Louis Dumas, chairman and president of Hermes until 2007, saw Birkin struggling with a tapestry bag on a flight. Out of friendship, he created a larger bag in 1984 of black supple leather to suit her needs. Production: Each Birkin handbag is handmade by one craftsman in France, taking 18-25 hours each. Design: The Birkin comes in 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-centimeter sizes. The 50- and 55-centimeter bags are meant for traveling. Colors include black, red, brown, orange, baby blue, navy blue, white, pink and golden tan, and various skins, such as calf leather, ostrich, crocodile and lizard. Cost: Prices start at $7,200 and vary depending on the finish, lining and hardware (such as feet studs, lock, key or buckle). To buy: Develop a relationship with one of Hermes' stores and work with an associate, who will help track one down. New stores open in San Diego in the fall and Denver in 2009.

New York

Out to eat: At celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's new restaurant, Merkato 55, in New York's trendy Meatpacking District, I plopped the bag on the bar while my party waited for its table. No one around blinked an eye. Another day at Via Quadronno, a tiny, chic Italian restaurant on the tony Upper East Side and a favorite spot for ladies who lunch, I halfway expected a hostess to produce a small stool for my pricey purse as I searched for somewhere other than the floor to put it. But nothing.

Shopping: All eyes weren't exactly on my bag when I sauntered down Fifth and Madison avenues, both lined with designer shops. But once inside a store, I figured things might be different. At Barneys New York, I checked out a $3,500 Bottega Veneta handbag and listened to the saleswoman rattle on about how well-made that purse is. When I asked her if it would hold up better than my Birkin, it was as if she'd noticed the bag for the first time.

It was different a few doors down at Hermès. I had popped by a few weeks earlier wearing a pricey Chanel handbag. Only one salesperson spoke to me as I perused two floors. But with a Birkin on my arm, not only was I greeted warmly, but I was also asked if there was anything I would like to see. I was directed to a new $5,650 handbag that hit the shelf an hour ago. My eager salesman even checked for other colors and brought one out in a gigantic orange box, still sealed in plastic.

At a party: At a launch party for Players Club magazine at New York's Mandarin Oriental, a woman checked out the bag and then asked if there's really a waiting list. Before I could answer, she babbled on that if she had just one Birkin, she would never yearn for another purse.

Celeb chat: At a news conference to introduce Kelly Ripa as brand ambassador for Electrolux appliances, she passed by me and said, "Nice handbag." When we later sat down for an interview, she mentioned the purse. She's Birkin-less and said she was waiting for a very special occasion. More than an hour later, she passed me in the lobby and said, "Bye, Kelly." Most celebs don't bother to remember a reporter's name, even if they share it. I chalk it up to the Birkin.

Los Angeles

Shopping: I strolled down Rodeo Drive in worn Levis, a nondescript H&M shirt, Ralph Lauren loafers and Bulgari sunglasses. The Birkin received no special attention. I waltzed into the shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue, and one salesperson said hi before departing to help others. No one ever asked if I needed anything.

A few days later at Neiman Marcus, an overzealous perfume model obviously spotted the Birkin coming down the escalator and rushed over with two bottles of Clive Christian and asked if I would like to try "the world's most expensive perfume."

In the millinery department, a fellow shopper eyed my pocketbook and asked me where I got it. But the purse fell flat in the shoe section, where I tried on a pair of $800 Christian Louboutin sandals and no one fawned.

Out to eat: At Crustacean, an upscale Beverly Hills restaurant, I walked in solo without a reservation and was given a prime table for two, which meant the Birkin could have its own seat. It was in good company, because I could watch as, two tables over, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and presumably their children ate dinner and took pictures.

But at BLT Steak, the newest hot spot on the Sunset Strip, I stood for an hour in the bar section proudly displaying my Birkin while hoping to get seated, even though my group didn't have a reservation. The Birkin worked no magic, and we left.

Win your own Birkin Bag here.

Enlarge By Todd Plitt, USA TODAY A passing glance: Reporter Kelly Carter walks near Times Square in New York with a $9,000 Birkin handbag made by Hermès.