From Malaysia’s ‘first lady’ to ‘bag lady’: why Rosmah Mansor’s vast collection of Hermes Birkins caused a social media storm
Authorities wheeled out hundreds of boxes from the former prime minister’s home containing the lavish leather goods, sparking comparisons to Imelda Marcos
It is one of the most sought-after branded handbags in the world – favoured by actresses, pop stars and now, the former ‘first lady’ of Malaysia.
The Hermes Birkin tote bag, which retails for anywhere between US$11,900 and US$300,000, was the subject of much Malaysian outrage over the past week when investigations into embattled former prime minister Najib Razak on suspicions of corruption resulted in authorities removing scores of orange Hermes boxes from several of his residences.
The boxes, which apparently belong to his wife Rosmah Mansor – who does not have the title ‘first lady’ contrary to the media frenzy over her – created a storm on social media. Inevitably, many Malaysians drew comparisons to another Southeast Asian shopaholic: Imelda Marcos.
#Birkin began trending on Twitter as Malaysians mused aloud about the contents of the 284 boxes of luxury handbags.
@MogiYgJahat posted: “Wth Birkin, why u make bags so mahal (expensive) … what creature died for you to make these. It costs half a million ringgit? Does it have the purpose I need? Does it have USB cable and powerbank? Can I fit my ikan patin beli kat market in it? Ada black hole tak (does it have a black hole)?”
