Birkin bag maker Hermes has cashed in on wealthy American shoppers wanting luxury products despite an economic downturn.

The French firm’s sales soared 27.5 per cent for the three months to the end of June, to £2.84billion, thanks to demand for products such as scarves and Birkin bags, which can cost £70,000.

The results were a surprise given rivals face a US consumer slowdown.

Stylish: British actress Jane Birkin who recently died aged 76, was the inspiration behind the signature leather bag

Stylish: British actress Jane Birkin who recently died aged 76, was the inspiration behind the signature leather bag

Stylish: British actress Jane Birkin who recently died aged 76, was the inspiration behind the signature leather bag

LVMH, which owns Christian Dior and Tiffany, said US customers were not buying expensive goods. But Hermes’ Americas division, which includes the US, rose 21 per cent. 

It comes after its Birkin bags recently appeared in And Just Like That, the Sex And The City reboot starring Sarah Jessica Parker. 

Hermes chairman Axel Dumas said: ‘In difficult times there is what you call a flight to quality and we have benefited.’

British actress Jane Birkin who recently died aged 76, was the inspiration behind its signature leather bag after complaining to Hermes’ then boss in 1981 that she needed a bigger bag for travelling as she sat next to him on a plane.

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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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