New York City | The opulent, French-crafted Birkin handbag is a status symbol for rich people around the world and can fetch more than $US100,000 ($151,830). But two shoppers in California claim it has become so exclusive that its maker, Hermes International, is breaking US antitrust law.

Hermes will not sell the rare bags to just anyone, and it requires potential buyers to buy thousands of dollars of other products just for the chance they will get access to the coveted leather totes, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday seeking class-action status.

Bloomberg