Hermès Birkin 35 Arlequin in Ultra Violet Clemence Leather

The Hermès Birkin 35 Arlequin is one of the more distinctive limited-edition interpretations of the iconic Birkin silhouette. Rather than relying on a single color, the Arlequin concept combines six contrasting Hermès colors across panels of Taurillon Clémence leather, creating a deliberately multicolored design. Documented examples from Christie's date to 2011–2012, while auction records also show examples from 2013.

This particular version centers on Ultra Violet, complemented by shades including Bleu Lin, Étain, Bleu Obscur, Étoupe, and Gold/Marron d'Inde, depending on the documented color configuration. The combination is finished with Palladium Hardware, giving the colorful exterior a crisp, cool-toned metallic accent.

A Rare Arlequin Color Concept

The defining feature of the Arlequin Birkin is its unusual six-color construction. Christie's describes the Arlequin Collection as a short-production series that brought together six different colors of fine leather on a single bag—an unusual approach for Hermès at the time.

One documented 2012 Birkin 35 combines:

Ultra Violet
Bleu Lin
Étain
Bleu Obscur
Étoupe
Gold

Another documented example substitutes Marron d'Inde within the six-color palette. This variation is important because not every Arlequin Birkin has precisely the same color arrangement.

The result is an intentionally graphic handbag in which different sections reveal different colors depending on the viewing angle.

Ultra Violet as the Visual Foundation

Ultra Violet provides the strongest visual presence in this particular Arlequin design. Its saturated purple character gives the bag an unmistakable identity while allowing the lighter and earthier panels to create contrast.

The surrounding colors soften and balance the intensity of Ultra Violet. Bleu Lin introduces a pale blue accent, Étain and Étoupe contribute sophisticated gray-beige neutrals, while Gold or Marron d'Inde adds warmth.

This combination makes the Birkin visually complex without abandoning the traditional elegance of the silhouette.

Taurillon Clémence Leather

The Arlequin Birkin 35 is documented in Taurillon Clémence leather, a supple, heavily grained calfskin associated with a relaxed interpretation of the Birkin. Christie's catalogues specifically identify the Arlequin examples as Clémence leather.

The pronounced grain gives the bag a tactile appearance and allows each individual color panel to retain its own visual character. Because the design incorporates several colors, the natural texture of Clémence adds another layer of depth to the overall presentation.

The leather also gives the traditionally structured Birkin a softer, more relaxed visual character than highly rigid leathers such as Epsom.

Birkin 35 Size

The 35 cm Birkin is the largest of the commonly encountered classic Birkin sizes before moving into the larger formats. Christie's documented Arlequin examples at approximately 35 × 25 × 18 cm.

Its generous proportions provide considerable interior capacity while preserving the signature Birkin profile.

The size is particularly appropriate for those who appreciate the visual presence of a substantial handbag. The multicolor Arlequin construction further emphasizes the generous surface area of the 35 cm format, giving the six leather colors room to be appreciated.

Palladium Hardware

The colorful Clémence exterior is paired with Palladium Hardware, creating a polished silver-toned contrast.

The hardware appears across the Birkin's characteristic components, including the:

Turn-lock closure
Front straps
Handle fittings
Protective feet
Lock and keys
Clochette hardware

The cooler metallic finish works particularly well with Ultra Violet and Bleu Lin, while also maintaining a restrained appearance alongside Étoupe, Étain, and the warmer brown-gold tones.

Signature Birkin Construction

Despite its unusual exterior, the Arlequin remains unmistakably a Birkin. Its construction incorporates the classic elements associated with the model:

Double rolled handles
Front flap
Leather straps
Turn-lock closure
Four protective feet
Hanging clochette
Padlock and two keys
Spacious interior
Interior slip and zippered compartments

A Christie's 2012 example was documented with its lock, keys, clochette, felt protector, small dustbag, dustbag, and box.

Multicolor Interior and Organization

The interior treatment can vary between individual Arlequin examples. Documented examples feature leather-lined interiors and internal pockets, while resale records identify Chèvre leather in some configurations.

The Birkin 35's spacious interior provides room for larger everyday essentials, while the internal compartments help separate smaller belongings.

Because this is a multicolor collectible, the interior also contributes to the overall presentation rather than functioning merely as hidden storage.

Limited-Edition Heritage

The Arlequin collection is particularly notable because its production period was relatively short. Christie's describes the collection as having been introduced around the end of 2011 and notes that it was produced only for a limited period and is no longer in production.

Auction documentation provides further evidence of its collectible status. A 2012 Ultra Violet/Blue Lin/Gold/Blue Obscur/Étain Arlequin Birkin 35 was offered by Christie's with an estimate of €7,000–€9,000 and ultimately realized €13,860 in a 2022 sale. That is a historical auction result, not a current market valuation.

Another Christie's catalogue from 2011 describes an Ultra Violet, Bleu Lin, Gold, Étain, Bleu Obscur and Étoupe version with Palladium Hardware and measurements of 35 × 25 × 18 cm.

Collector Appeal

The Arlequin's appeal comes from several elements working together: the recognizable Birkin 35 silhouette, the supple Clémence construction, the unusual six-color configuration, and the relatively short production period.

Unlike a conventional monochromatic Birkin, an Arlequin changes visually depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The front may emphasize Ultra Violet and Bleu Lin, while the sides, rear, base, and straps introduce additional colors.

This makes the bag particularly distinctive in a collection containing more traditional single-color Birkins.

Styling the Ultra Violet Arlequin

Although highly colorful, the Arlequin can be surprisingly versatile when styled around neutral clothing.

It can complement:

Black tailoring
White and cream outfits
Gray wool coats
Denim
Taupe and beige clothing
Deep navy
Monochromatic purple accents

The key is allowing the bag to serve as the principal visual statement. Since six colors are already incorporated into the design, understated clothing can provide a balanced backdrop.

Condition and Preservation

As with any vintage or discontinued Hermès collectible, condition can vary considerably between individual examples. Auction reports on Arlequin Birkins have documented issues such as minor exterior marks, interior press marks, light hardware scratches, and slight wear to protective feet.

For collectors evaluating a particular example, attention should therefore be paid to:

Leather condition and grain
Corners and edges
Handle wear
Hardware scratches
Interior marks
Feet and protective coatings
Clochette, lock, and keys
Dust bag and box
Date stamp and authenticity documentation

Conclusion

The Hermès Birkin 35 Arlequin in Ultra Violet Clémence Leather represents an unusually expressive chapter in the history of the Birkin. Its combination of six contrasting leather colors, supple Taurillon Clémence construction, 35 cm proportions, and Palladium Hardware gives the classic silhouette a distinctly collectible character.

Ultra Violet provides a vivid centerpiece, while Bleu Lin, Étain, Bleu Obscur, Étoupe, and Gold or Marron d'Inde create the characteristic Arlequin patchwork effect. Produced for only a limited period around the early 2010s and no longer in production, the Arlequin remains a distinctive example of Hermès' experimentation with color and craftsmanship.

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