The first Birkin bag is up for auction—here are other most coveted editions
Sotheby's is auctioning off the legendary original Birkin, crafted by Hermès in 1984 for actor-singer Jane Birkin. This rare, all-black leather prototype boasts seven unique design elements that set it apart from other Birkins. After being exhibited in Paris, Hong Kong and New York, it will be auctioned on 10 July as part of Sotheby's Fashion Icons sale.
The Birkin's enduring popularity is evident, with thousands flocking to see the bag. Its cultural significance extends beyond fashion, appearing in music, film and art, cementing its timeless icon status.
Here are some other most coveted editions of the bag.
This emerald green Birkin with pink contrasting details and croc leather is made for the maximalist fashionista.
This tropical printed Birkin with white leather is all about boho-chic-ness.
Also read: Father's Day 2025: Gifts for the dad who has everything
This deep purple Birkin has a unique stitching along the body—a collector's dream.
This Birkin in sapphire blue, with tufted fabric and black leather, is perfect for office.
A sunset colourway Birkin, in apricot, bleu agate, magnolia and rouge.
This blue and white Birkin channels the early 2000s vibes.
Also read: From Labubu to Godzilla, get your cues for monster-inspired fashion here
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The first-ever Birkin Bag is up for sale; Here's how you can buy
Fashion enthusiasts or not, owning a Hermès Birkin Bag is a dream for many, even seen as a better investment. However, getting your hands on one is not as easy as it may seem- even those with deep pockets and powerful fashion connections often find themselves on endless waiting lists. But, what if we tell you the rarest of them all is about to become available to the highest bidder. Yes, it is the very first Hermès Birkin bag ever created, the OG, once made and carried by the iconic British singer and actor Jane Birkin, is going up for auction soon. The historic bag will be featured in Sotheby's Paris Fashion Icons sale on July 10, offering collectors and fashion enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of fashion history. The first Birkin bag is more than a fashion statement. It marks the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that today symbolises status, craftsmanship, taste and style, with prices starting at around $10,000. Crafted using sleek jet-black leather and accented with Hermès' iconic gold hardware, the first one is a saddle-style Birkin, engraved with the initials J.B. What makes it even more special is its origin story, which many might not know. In 1984, an encounter aboard a flight between style icon Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas led to the creation of what today we know as the most sought-after bag in the world. Going by the story, Birkin's straw tote spilled its contents mid-flight, prompting her to casually remark on the need for a bag that was both stylish and functional. At that moment, Dumas sketched a design on an airplane sick bag, and the first blueprint of the Birkin bag was born. The very first Birkin ever made was gifted to Jane Birkin herself. It was sold by Jane in 1994 to raise funds for AIDS research. The bag found a home when a private collector known only as 'Catherine B,' took it home. Once again the iconic bag will go under the hammer at Sotheby's Paris Fashion Icons sale. Sotheby's has declined to specify a reserve price for the legendary bag publicly. "The Original Birkin holds the potential to redefine records," Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global handbag and fashion head, said in a statement as per AFP. The current record for the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction was set in 2017 in Hong Kong, when a highly customised Hermès Birkin went under the hammer. The luxurious Birkin 30, crafted from rare crocodile skin and adorned with diamonds and white gold hardware, fetched an astonishing $510,000 at Christie's. The prototype Birkin will be exhibited at Sotheby's in New York from June 6 to 12 before being put on show in Paris. Bidding will open online on June 26 and close on July 10.
Mint
13 hours ago
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The first Birkin bag is up for auction—here are other most coveted editions
Sotheby's is auctioning off the legendary original Birkin, crafted by Hermès in 1984 for actor-singer Jane Birkin. This rare, all-black leather prototype boasts seven unique design elements that set it apart from other Birkins. After being exhibited in Paris, Hong Kong and New York, it will be auctioned on 10 July as part of Sotheby's Fashion Icons sale. The Birkin's enduring popularity is evident, with thousands flocking to see the bag. Its cultural significance extends beyond fashion, appearing in music, film and art, cementing its timeless icon status. Here are some other most coveted editions of the bag. This emerald green Birkin with pink contrasting details and croc leather is made for the maximalist fashionista. This tropical printed Birkin with white leather is all about boho-chic-ness. Also read: Father's Day 2025: Gifts for the dad who has everything This deep purple Birkin has a unique stitching along the body—a collector's dream. This Birkin in sapphire blue, with tufted fabric and black leather, is perfect for office. A sunset colourway Birkin, in apricot, bleu agate, magnolia and rouge. This blue and white Birkin channels the early 2000s vibes. Also read: From Labubu to Godzilla, get your cues for monster-inspired fashion here
India Today
15 hours ago
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Not just a bag, it is the OG Birkin (made for Jane Birkin) going on sale
The first ever Hermes Birkin bag - yes, the one crafted specifically for British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin - is set to be auctioned in Paris on July is the bag from where it all began. The first prototype, made for the late British actress Jane Birkin, will be sold at the Auction House Sotheby's during the Paris Couture Week. There is no starting bid price available publicly, as yet. However, interested bidders have to register on the official website and then might get an estimated price only 'upon request.'advertisementHailed as the world's most coveted 'it' handbag, the Birkin is not just another designer accessory. Made by the French luxury house Herms, it is a symbol of status, craftsmanship and also investment value. Even those with money to afford it wait for years to own it. Of course, it's also known to test your patience (iykyk). The Birkin bag will be put for exhibition before the final bid in Paris (Photo: Instagram/Sotheby's) For a bag that can only be availed with premium exclusivity, for it to go on sale could make records. 'The original Birkin holds the potential to redefine records,' Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global handbag and fashion head, said in a it on view during The Luxury Sales at #SothebysNewYork from 6 - 12 June in a free, public exhibition," reads the caption of the acution house Instagram where it all beganThe origin story of the Hermes Birkin bag stems from a simple, everyday problem—finding a handbag spacious enough to hold 1984, during a flight from Paris to London, actress Jane Birkin was seated next to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. After a few of her belongings spilled from her bag, a conversation sparked between the two. Birkin shared her frustration - as a mother - about not being able to find a bag that was both practical and stylish. Inspired by this exchange, Dumas sketched a design on an airplane sick bag, and the rest, we all know, is history. Jane Birkin with her birkin bag (Photo: Getty Photo ) This bag hasn't always been this hyped. It wasn't until the 1990s that it gained the exclusivity and demand it holds hard to getThe rarity and exclusivity that brand created for this bag is one of the reasons that build onto the hype. It is hard to get and not just because of the money but due to its exclusive availability as well. For once, money might just buy happiness, but not the Hermes trend suddenly took off after it was featured in an episode of Sex and the City, when Samantha Jones tried to get her hands on the luxury bag, only to be placed on a 5-year waitlist. The iconic line, 'It's not a bag. It's a Birkin,' became a pop culture bag is made with precision saddle stitching and may take about 18 - 40 hours to create. Then, each bag has a code that documents the year of making, the workshop where it was made and about the artisan who crafted it too. Victoria Beckham flaunting her Birkin Bag in hot pink. (Photo: Reuters) The cost of bags may vary depending on the size, material and other factors. The price range can be from USD 10,000, approx Rs 8,57,279, to USD 450,000, approx Rs 3,85,77, recently, this exclusivity got Hermes into a lawsuit. As per a Reuters report, a lawsuit was filed last year against the brand. "Hermes only gives customers with 'sufficient purchase history' a chance to buy a Birkin bag, which is handmade and can cost thousands of dollars," Reuters just a bag, it's an investmentGetting your hands on one might be a daunting task. While there are no 'official' wait lists, it is recommended to visit a store to buy needs to make a proper appointment, identify the right piece for themselves, and then wait depending on availability. This is where social skills to establish a rapport with the salesperson might just come into elusive luxury bag is dubbed a better investment than gold. Deloitte and Credit Suisse reported that Hermes Birkin bags had an average return of 38 percent in 2020. The resale value of a Birkin in pristine condition has significantly outpaced in IndiaSeveral fashion enthusiasts in India, like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor abed Shilpa Shetty, often flaunt their Birkin bags. Birkin bag spotted in India! (Photo: Instagram/Kareena Kapoor, Twitter, Instagram screengrab) advertisementAnd when it comes to luxury fashion, trust Nita Ambani to never be far behind. She proudly owns a Neige Snow Faubourg Birkin - just another addition to her unmatched bag collection.
