Today, we’re talking about one of the most iconic Hermès bags ever made: the one owned by Jane Birkin herself. This bag will be auctioned during Paris Haute Couture Week. Read all you need to know about the original Birkin Bag and the Auction!
The Origin of the Birkin Bag
The legendary Hermès handbag was named after the actress and singer following a chance encounter with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight to London. During the flight, Jane mentioned how she could never find a stylish handbag that was also spacious enough. Inspired by her comment, Dumas sketched a design that would eventually become the now-iconic Birkin bag elegant, functional, and timeless.
Photo: Vogue.com
All About the Auction
Jane Birkin’s personal Birkin bag from 1985 will be auctioned on July 10, coinciding with Paris Haute Couture Week. Given its provenance and cultural significance, the bag is expected to sell for a substantial amount. Experts speculate it could fetch more than €450,000, although the auction house has yet to release an official estimate. If it meets expectations, it could become the most expensive Birkin ever sold. However, competition is fierce. In 2017 the rare Birkin Himalaya bag sold in Hong Kong for $513,000, so it remains to be seen whether this piece will break the record.
Photo: ARTnews.com
What makes this bag exclusive?
This bag is extraordinary, not only because it belonged to Jane Birkin, but also because it is a custom made prototype. A model that can’t be found anywhere else. Its unique dimensions and hardware are exclusive to this one-of-a-kind piece. Even the shoulder strap is permanently attached, unlike most modern Birkins. Adding to its authenticity, the bag comes with a certificate personally signed by Jane Birkin.
Photo: Sothebys.com
The bag has already been displayed at prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Now, after years as a museum piece, this remarkable bag will be auctioned and pass into private ownership.
Whether you're passionate about design, history, or Jane Birkin herself, this auction is a reminder of an iconic fashion accessory’s enduring legacy. We can’t wait to see what this extraordinary piece will fetch on July 10, 2025.
Lots of Love,
Eline
Sources:
VanityFair.com
Sothebys.com
Vogue.com
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