Bali, not Birkins: What smart investors need to know about changing status symbols

Our status is increasingly judged on experiences rather than goods; and not just what we experience, but what we are seen to experience - (Getty)

“It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin.”

In 2001, Sex and the City introduced us to the Hermès Birkin, with character Samantha Jones being told there was a five year waiting list for would-be buyers. The fashion set’s favourite accessory went mainstream.