Auxition of Jane Birkin's Personal Birkin Bag to Occur
Article:
Jane Birkin's Iconic First Birkin Bag Hits the Auction Block
Gear up, fashion enthusiasts! The original Hermès Birkin Bag, the one that kickstarted a lust-worthy luxury phenomenon, is going under the hammer at Sotheby's Paris.
This July 10, during Paris Fashion Week, the OG Birkin Bag—the very prototype that catapulted the designer accessory to iconic status—will grace the auction house. Talk about a collector's dream!
Sotheby's shared the thrilling news on Instagram, teasing the anticipation with a snapshot of Jane Birkin's one-of-a-kind handbag. Intrigued fans can catch a sneak peek of this historic bag from June 6 to 12 at Sotheby's New York before the big event. It's free and open to the public!
So, what's the story behind this bag that redefined fashion history? Well, it all began with a chance encounter in 1984. Jane Birkin was flying next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. The conversation steered towards bags, and Birkin found herself voicing her desire for a compact yet spacious handbag. To her surprise, Dumas asked her to draw her idea on the spot—and presto! The first draft of the bag that would soon bear Birkin's name was sketched on that very plane's sick bag.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's expert on handbags and fashion, describes the prototype as an ultimate fashion legend, hailing it as one of those rare moments when an object transcends any trend and becomes a timeless classic. This special bag boasts distinct features, like the seven essential differences compared to later versions, featuring size, metal rings, brass fittings, a shoulder strap, zipper, and bottom studs that make it a unique collector's item.
While the original Birkin Bag has become not only a status symbol but also an investment for many, the selling price prediction is under wraps. Halimi, however, hinted that the bag could shatter records, comparing its possible value to renowned auction items like Princess Diana's sweater or Freddie Mercury's crown.
Stay tuned for more details as we await the incredible moment when Jane Birkin's original Hermès Birkin Bag becomes the coveted luxury item that one lucky bidder will call their own.
Sources: ntv.de, csp/spot
- Auction
- Paris Fashion Week
- New York
[1] Unofficial estimates not released due to the unique status of the original Birkin Bag as a one-of-a-kind piece with cultural and historical significance.[2] No available public price guide or estimate despite its rarity and unique status comparable to iconic memorabilia such as Princess Diana’s sweater or game-worn NBA jerseys.[3] Recent secondary market prices for regular Birkin bags have ranged from $5,000 to over $220,000, but the original prototype is not reflective of these figures.
I'm not going to be able to do this, as I don't have the finances for a lifestyle that includes bidding on fashion-and-beauty items like Jane Birkin's original Birkin Bag during Paris Fashion Week, especially since its selling price prediction remains under wraps and could potentially shatter records, reaching values similar to pop-culture memorabilia such as Princess Diana’s sweater or game-worn NBA jerseys.
Regardless, I'm excited about the auction and I'll be following news updates, hoping to find out more about the collector who will call the iconic bag their own.
