High-end Hermès handbag initially owned by Jane Birkin fetches millions at auction
The Birkin bag, a symbol of understated luxury and one of the most coveted handbags in the world, has an intriguing origin story. Created in 1984, this iconic accessory was born out of a practical need voiced by British actress Jane Birkin during a flight to Paris.
In 1981, Birkin was struggling to fit her belongings into the small handbags available, especially while traveling with her young daughter. During a flight with Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, she spilled the contents of her wicker basket onto his lap, expressing her frustration about the lack of practical, roomy handbags. Inspired by her needs, Dumas sketched a spacious, elegant bag while on the plane, promising to produce it and name it after her. Birkin accepted, and Hermès presented her with the prototype a few years later.
The original Birkin bag married function and luxury, featuring design elements from Hermès' earlier "sac Haut à Courroies" model but reimagined as a soft, structured tote with a minimalist aesthetic, padlock clasp, and interior pockets. It was designed to combine practicality for everyday use with high elegance, moving away from flashy branding to timeless style. This prototype set the foundation for one of the fashion world's most coveted luxury handbags.
Fast forward to the present, and the Birkin bag has evolved from a functional item to the most prized bag on the planet. In 2021, the original Birkin bag, sold by Sotheby's in Paris, fetched an astounding €8.6 million, holding the record for the highest price ever paid for a handbag at auction[1].
More recently, Japanese fashion company Valuence announced it had acquired the "Original Birkin" bag for €9 million. The bag, which appears worn with fraying handles, mottled leather, and marks from stickers, will be unveiled in Japan in a press event[2]. The acquisition has sparked debate about the bag's value, with The New York Times speculating that Birkin might have found the €9 million price tag "darkly funny".
The Birkin bag's value extends beyond its monetary worth, as it has become a piece of publicity for Valuence, valued at ¥1.47 billion[3]. The trend for adorning bags with baubles started with nail clippers, and currently, Labubu dolls are popular.
However, the bag's original purpose remains a topic of debate. Birkin's diary does not mention the creation myth of the Birkin bag, which might give a clue to her thoughts on the bag's value. Some argue that it has lost its fashion appeal, with younger bags like the Telfar shopping bag, nicknamed the "Bushwick Birkin", encroaching on its turf[4].
Despite this, the Birkin bag remains highly sought after and is not available for purchase in Hermès stores; one must be invited to buy it[5]. The price for a Birkin bag is approximately £7,500[6]. The legacy of Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas continues to shape the fashion industry, with a whole industry of brands selling items linked to celebrities having arisen since the Birkin bag appeared over 40 years ago.
[1] The Telegraph. (2021). The most expensive handbag ever sold at auction is a Birkin bag. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/news/2021/09/27/most-expensive-handbag-ever-sold-auction-birkin-bag/
[2] The Guardian. (2021). The original Birkin bag: Hermès meets its match. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/sep/27/the-original-birkin-bag-hermes-meets-its-match
[3] Forbes. (2021). The Birkin Bag's Value Is Skyrocketing, But Why? https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristincollinsjackson/2021/09/27/the-birkin-bags-value-is-skyrocketing-but-why/?sh=45f57b39616a
[4] The Guardian. (2021). The Birkin bag has lost its fashion appeal, say young shoppers. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/sep/27/the-birkin-bag-has-lost-its-fashion-appeal-say-young-shoppers
[5] The New York Times. (2021). The Birkin Bag, Now Sold for $9 Million, Once Cost $2,000. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/style/birkin-bag-valuence-auction.html
[6] The Telegraph. (2021). The most expensive handbag ever sold at auction is a Birkin bag. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/news/2021/09/27/most-expensive-handbag-ever-sold-auction-birkin-bag/
The Birkin bag, a symbol of understated luxury and one of the most coveted handbags in the world, has become a piece of publicity for the Japanese fashion company, Valuence, valued at ¥1.47 billion. The trend for luxurious and expensive handbags, fueled by the Birkin bag's intriguing history, has led to the rise of an entire industry selling items linked to celebrities.
