If the Oxford English Dictionary has yet to identify a collective noun for Birkin bags, might I suggest “a Cardi B”? While the WAP evangelist temporarily shelved her Hermès collection during lockdown in order to model her ombré Louis Vuitton styles, Bardi is one of the most loyal fans of the quintessential It-bag this side of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, joining Victoria Beckham, J Lo, and Lady Gaga in amassing a vast collection of the design first made for Jane Birkin in 1984.

In a photo dump on 20 July, the mother-to-be slipped into a figure-hugging ruby dress by Casey Cadwallader for Mugler, and clear heeled mules that are giving us Hustlers vibes. It’s the sheer volume of Birkins she considered pairing with her look, though, that will make your jaw drop—as the 28-year-old no doubt intended. Not only does she own the bag in a rainbow of colours, but in prints as well, ranging from camo to paisley. (In bright fuchsia, the latter is a custom design made exclusively for the star, who wore it with a matching outfit of paisley scarves.)
Fortunately, Cardi B is a collector rather than a hoarder, meaning she’s also been known to gift Birkins to her collaborators from time to time. Following the release of her earth-shaking “WAP” video with Megan Thee Stallion, the artist sent the Houston native a Birkin in Hermès orange, hand-painted with a snow tiger, a portrait of Megan and plenty of splashy drips. “Thank you, Meg, really appreciate you,” she signed the back. Say it with me: Birkin bag, Bardi back, and all you bitches…
This article was originally published on British Vogue.