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Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin Bag Heads to Auction

Own a piece of fashion history: Jane Birkin’s personal Hermès Birkin bag is up for auction, a symbol of accidental design and enduring style.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera
Original Birkin Bag
The Original Birkin Crafted For Jane Birkin, 1985. Photo: Sotheby's

Imagine a piece of fashion history, born from a casual conversation on a flight between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. That very bag, the one that started it all, is now heading to auction, offering a rare glimpse into the origins of a global phenomenon. This isn’t just any Hermès Birkin; it’s the personal bag of the late Jane Birkin herself, a relic that intertwines celebrity, design, and an unexpected legacy.

 

The upcoming Sotheby’s auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and fashion enthusiasts to acquire a tangible link to the genesis of one of the most coveted accessories in the world. This original Birkin bag embodies the serendipitous moment that sparked a legend, confirming its status as a true icon of both fashion and popular culture.

Original Birkin Bag
The Original Birkin Crafted For Jane Birkin, 1985. Photo: Sotheby's

What makes this particular Birkin so special?

This isn’t merely a vintage Hermès bag; it’s the literal origin of the Birkin legend.

 

  • It was owned and used by Jane Birkin, the muse behind the design.
     
  • The bag, a black leather design, was commissioned in 1984 exclusively for and in collaboration with Jane Birkin by Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès International SCA.
     
  • Birkin recalled complaining to Dumas on a flight about the lack of a suitable Hermès bag and even drew a model on a “vomit bag”. Dumas later gifted her the original Birkin, which the brand then commercialized under her name.
     
  • Jane Birkin sold her bag in 1994 to raise funds for an AIDS charity.
     
  • It was re-auctioned in 2000 and has since belonged to collector “Catherine B”.
Original Birkin Bag
The Original Birkin Crafted For Jane Birkin, 1985. Photo: Sotheby's
Original Birkin Bag
The Original Birkin Crafted For Jane Birkin, 1985. Photo: Sotheby's

Where and when can you find this piece of fashion history?

The original Birkin bag belonging to Jane Birkin will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Paris.

 
  • The sale is set for July 10th in Paris.
     
  • Sotheby’s confirmed that the collector “Catherine B” is the seller.

How did the Birkin bag become an icon?

The Birkin bag’s iconic status can be attributed to several factors, starting with its unique origin story.

  • Its inception was a direct result of Jane Birkin’s need for a practical yet stylish bag, voiced during a flight with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas.
     
  • Its exclusivity and the craftsmanship associated with Hermès contribute to its desirability.
     
  • Hermès bags often fetch higher prices on resale markets than in boutiques due to long waiting lists.
     
  • The record for a bag sold at auction is held by an Hermès Kelly, known as Himalaya, made of crocodile skin and featuring a diamond, which sold for 4 million Hong Kong dollars (US$510,000) in 2021 at Christie’s.
Original Birkin Bag
The Original Birkin Crafted For Jane Birkin, 1985. Photo: Sotheby's

This auction of Jane Birkin’s original Birkin bag transcends a typical sale; it’s a testament to how accidental moments can birth enduring legends. This bag, once a simple solution to a need, grew into a worldwide sensation, forever linking Jane Birkin’s name with an unparalleled piece of design history.

 

Its presence at Sotheby’s will undoubtedly draw global attention, reigniting conversations about influence, legacy, and the true meaning of an icon.

The Original Birkin Bag Auction

  • Is this the very first Birkin bag ever made? Yes, this is the original bag owned by Jane Birkin that inspired the design, commissioned in 1984.
  • Who is selling the bag? The current owner, known as collector "Catherine B," is selling the bag through Sotheby's.
  • Why is this bag so significant? It is the personal bag of Jane Birkin, the muse for the iconic design, and its sale marks a significant moment in fashion history.
  • When and where will the auction take place? The auction will take place on July 10th in Paris, handled by Sotheby's. Sources

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