Hermès’ legendary Birkin bag, named after the mythical Anglo-French star, London-born Jane Birkin, is making headlines once more. It fetched an incredible 7 million euros, or roughly $8.2 million, at an auction in Paris. This sale demonstrates just how unbelievably well you can do on the bag. It underscores the intriguing tale of its development, which started in 1984.
Jane Birkin was the embodied idea of an artist, a singer, actor, social activist, and mother. She changed forever the American landscape of the fashion industry and the arts. Her tumultuous affair with French singer Serge Gainsbourg only increased her notoriety. They wrote magical gravitating couples that have forever impressed us. One of their most scandalous songs is the 1969 hit “Je t’aime moi non plus” (“I love you, me neither”).
That history of the Birkin bag began on an aircraft from Paris to London. During the voyage, Birkin engaged in a discussion with Jean-Louis Dumas, who was the CEO of Hermès at that period. On this trip, she talked about how unsatisfied she was with the nearly unworking handbags that were the perfect size. At the time, she transported her goods in a bamboo basket. This drew Dumas’s attention to her and kept him aware of her concerns.
Taking Birkin’s concepts to heart, Dumas collaborated with her to design the perfect handbag. In an act of creative resourcefulness, Birkin drew her concept for the new bag on an airplane sick bag. The result would be the first Birkin bag. It included a nonremovable shoulder strap and even featured a nail clipper tied on for everyday usefulness.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s head of handbags and fashion, remarked on its significance:
“There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind — a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible. It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history.”
Jane Birkin kept the prototype of her namesake bag for close to 10 years. In 1994, she auctioned it off for an AIDS charity at long last. Her choice to fund such an initiative speaks to the depth of her commitment towards social activism and philanthropy.
Throughout her life, Birkin remained a captivating figure, leaving behind not only a legacy in music and film but transforming the handbag industry forever. Along with that record-breaking auction, her amazing impact is on display. It’s not just furthering the Birkin bag’s image as a classic style and luxury icon.
Birkin died in 2023 at the age of 76. Her extraordinary legacy still echoes today in the world of fashion and culture. The sale of her original Hermès bag serves as a reminder to us all that she made quite the fashion history. It’s a reminder of her long-time appreciation of one of fashion’s most highly sought-after adornments.
