Tactical Birkin
"The 'Tactical Birkin,' crafted by Merrill Hewitt, reimagines the modern-day accessory through the lens of urban women's experiences. This piece merges luxury with utility, embodying a sleek, minimalist style that forecasts future aesthetics. Its integrated defensive features are designed for self-protection, enabling women to defend against unwanted advances. With ample space and versatile accessories, the Tactical Birkin makes a style statement and prioritizes the safety of its esteemed clientele, ensuring they feel secure even in the complexities of urban life."
Created with recycled leather, nylon thread, and metal hardware, the Tactical Birkin will last a long and safe lifetime for its owner. The braided leather inside ensures a knife-proof shield for the user, with straps to add different accessories. The bag is slightly over 14 inches long and 10 inches deep. It is adorned with gold hardware and spikes so the user could use the bag as a flail. The bag is big enough to stuff with a couple of bricks to ruin any assaulter's day. You fight like a girl will take a whole new meaning after an attacker is hit over the head with this bag.
The “Tactical Birkin” by Merrill Hewitt is an incredible example of concept, presentation, and persistence wrapped up in a work. Inspired by her discomfort navigating the city as a woman and her scathing critique of the Hermès Birkin Bag, her most recent work invites viewers to examine their privilege (or lack thereof) when navigating the city: do I need this type of defense? Her presentation is sublime. The bag stands at attention atop a cloud, which is atop an asphalt podium. Inspired by Hermès, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen showrooms, the podium evokes a sense of danger and brutality while simultaneously giving the piece an enlightened air—as if sitting atop a heavenly cloud. This presentation mirrors the concept of violence and beauty in the bag that makes the whole piece shine. The attention to detail provides perfect examples of form and function; my favorite is how the braided strips create a beautiful texture and a barrier tough enough to withstand a knife piercing. It also can’t go without saying that this is her first time working with leather. Fortunate enough to watch the transformation, she clearly and tirelessly pounded away. The attention to detail is astounding for a first-timer. In sum, The “Tactical Birkin” is worthy of praise not just for its conception and execution but for its intimate and detailed presentation.
— Caleb Cambron