The original Birkin bag, the revolutionary handbag that defines luxury fashion, has just made history by being sold for £7.4 million (€8.6 million, $10.1 million) at Sotheby's in Paris. This sale sets a new record, surpassing the previous high of £378,000. The famous black leather accessory was created for British-French singer Jane Birkin after an in-flight encounter with the Hermès CEO, who sketched the bag's design on a sick bag.
An exciting 10-minute bidding war drew nine passionate collectors, highlighting the bag's legendary status. Morgane Halimi from Sotheby's emphasized the incredible allure of a storied item like the Birkin, calling it a “modern icon.” The original bag, with unique touches including Birkin’s initials, stored nail clippers, and stickers for charities, was owned by her for ten years before being auctioned off in 1994 to benefit Aids charities.
Its connection to Birkin, who passed away at 76 in 2023, and its narrative of luxury and exclusivity, have made the Birkin bag a timeless symbol in the fashion world, coveted by celebrities and collectors alike.
An exciting 10-minute bidding war drew nine passionate collectors, highlighting the bag's legendary status. Morgane Halimi from Sotheby's emphasized the incredible allure of a storied item like the Birkin, calling it a “modern icon.” The original bag, with unique touches including Birkin’s initials, stored nail clippers, and stickers for charities, was owned by her for ten years before being auctioned off in 1994 to benefit Aids charities.
Its connection to Birkin, who passed away at 76 in 2023, and its narrative of luxury and exclusivity, have made the Birkin bag a timeless symbol in the fashion world, coveted by celebrities and collectors alike.
