Michael Tonello brings his Birkin (talk) to NYC

I was charmed by Michael Tonello's book, "Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag" (Harper, $14.99 in softcover), not only because he exposed one of fashion's greatest conundrums -- how exactly does one walk into Hermes and walk out with the pinnacle of status handbags? -- but also because his story inspired my wanderlust, leaving me eager to check out Hermes boutiques from Barcelona to Capri to the south of France. New Yorkers or those in town for Fashion Week can kick off Fashion's Night Out by stopping at Borders in the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle this Thursday, Sept. 10th, where Tonello will do a reading and book signing at 7 pm. Prior to getting on yet another plane, Tonello was kind enough to answer a few questions about the book and his adventures:

Have you heard any reaction from Hermes since the book was published? Being a reseller is far from illegal, but I can't imagine they were excited that you were exposing some of their "secrets” …
Hermes seems quite pleased by all the publicity. My book has brought their brand name and Birkins to mainstream middle America. I've only been told good things by some of the Hermes store managers.

The book features great illustrations and a glossary of terms; I'm happy to say I learned some key terms heretofore unknown to me! Tell me about the balance of telling your own story with imparting a little bit of fashion history ...
After I finished the manuscript and read through it, I realized many of the terms would be utterly foreign to the average reader. I went through the book and rewrote numerous portions to make them somewhat informative or educational, without reading that way.

Do you feel any of the history or sense of craftsmanship crept into your soul?
Oh, yes. I really prefer to own one finely made item rather than a pile of “stuff.” Quality stands the test of time and this is especially nice now that times are tough.

Given the current state of the economy, do you feel as though you got out at just the right time? I occasionally search Hermes on eBay, and I'm not seeing items move as fast as they once did.
Most definitely. The entire world of Hermes, starting back in 1999, has been total kismet and serendipity for me. I'm just going with the flow ...

Do you ever feel the tug to return to your Hermes adventures?
No. It served its purpose and brought me to other opportunities. The rights to the book have been optioned for film, and I'm working on my second book. I’m also working on a series of kids' books based on my two cats, Gala and Dali. Everything happens for a reason!

Finally, how much Hermes is presently in your own closet, and what goes through your mind when you walk past (or into?) an Hermes boutique?
I own two pair of Hermes chino trousers that I wear like five days a week. When I first purchased them I had one pair hemmed with a traditional plain hem and the other with a two-inch cuff. I never really liked the way either looked. One day in a bit of a fit I took a pair of scissors and cut the bottom of both pairs of trousers, and now they are all frayed and I adore them. In addition, I have a few pieces of Hermes cashmere since they often do offbeat colors and I really like (and look good in) chartreuse and acid greens.
Listen, Hermes changed my life, so as I walk by one of their stores I smile big and keep walking ...