Conceptualised and sketched by two seatmates on a flight, there was no way to know that the Birkin bag by Hermès would not only go on to gain cult status, but that the prototype would become a record-breaking auction item decades on.
On Thursday morning in Paris, Jane Birkin’s original Birkin was sold at auction for US$10.1 million USD (SG$12.8 million). Auctioned by Sotheby’s, the sale lasted merely 10 minutes, with nine bidders participating. Bidding began at US$1.7 million before rapidly ascending to the final hammer price, and ultimately being bought by a private collector.
The iconic piece now holds the records for the most valuable handbag sold at auction, the most valuable fashion item sold in Europe, and the most valuable luxury item ever sold at Sotheby’s Paris. It remains only second to the Red Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz for most valuable fashion item ever sold, with the shoes selling for US$32.5 million in 2024.
The Hermès Birkin dates back to a flight in 1981, with a chance encounter so perfect it may be deemed kismet. In a story known to brand loyalists and fashion aficionados, actress and musician Jane Birkin spilled the contents of her wicker basket (used in lieu of a handbag) in front of Hermès’ art director Jean-Louis Dumas on their Air France flight. In the conversation which followed, the style icon shared her frustrations with the impracticality of handbags at the time.
The resulting sketch conceptualised by the pair would eventually become the Birkin prototype, presented to its namesake in 1985. The final product sold would end up with more variations, making hers one of a kind.
Unlike any other Birkin, Jane’s bag took on a cult status of its own, idolised for the practical way in which it was used by the icon. She was seldom seen without the overflowing accessory, and pioneered personalising one’s bag long before the advent of the curated bag charm trend. “More than just a bag, the Birkin has evolved from a practical accessory to become a timeless cultural icon,” said Sotheby’s.
This article first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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