Sotheby's to sell the authentic Hermès Birkin handbag once owned by Jane Birkin at auction.
At the upcoming auction at Sotheby's, a bloody iconic piece of fashion history is up for grabs - the original prototype of the world-renowned Hermès Birkin bag, once belonged to the legendary singer and style icon, Jane Birkin. No word yet on the bag's worth, but Marganne Halimi, Global Director of Bags and Fashion at Sotheby's, calls it a one-of-a-kind item that's left an indelible mark on pop culture and stands as a testament to luxury fashion.
According to Sotheby's website, the bag on auction is the prototype given to Jane herself and sports several differences from the mass-produced versions1. Then again, what wouldn't you expect from a bag tailor-made for a style legend like Birkin?
The Birkin bag's story began in the 80s when Jane (in her prime) and Jean-Louis Dumas, CEO of the luxury brand Hermès, found themselves flying together. A board Air France flight was no match for Birkin's complaints about not being able to find a bag spacious enough to carry all her damn stuff. In true boss fashion, Dumas took the challenge and designed a bag specifically for Birkin - you gotta love a guy who has your back2.
Of course, that wasn't the end of the story. The bag swiftly transcended its status as a mere accessory and became a symbol of pop culture, luxury, and social status3. Over the years, it evolved into various shapes, colors, and of course, price tags too damn high to even dream about4. Now it's one of the most sought-after luxury items in the fashion world, with a price tag ranging in the thousands of euros4.
But let's be real, if you want a Birkin bag, you'll need more than just a fat wallet. Good luck!
Sadly, the Anglo-French star herself, Jane Birkin, passed away in 2023 at the age of 765. She will be missed but not forgotten, thanks to her legacy in the entertainment world, especially her famous duet "Je T'aime" with French singer and composer Serge Gainsbourg.
The upgraded Birkin bag, designed for the iconic style influencer Jane Birkin, is a must-see in the lifestyle section of the upcoming Sotheby's auction, as it's a unique fashion-and-beauty item that encapsulates entertainment and pop-culture history. This one-of-a-kind bag is guaranteed to captivate collectors, making it a prestigious addition to any luxury wardrobe.