The very first Birkin bag ever made is going on sale
Struggling to score a Birkin even with all the right connections (and credit cards)? You're not alone and now, the ultimate holy grail of handbags is up for grabs. The very first Hermès Birkin bag ever made, the one that started it all, originally designed for style icon Jane Birkin herself, is hitting the auction block this July.
That's right, the Birkin is coming out of its rarefied vault for Sotheby's Paris Fashion Icons sale on July 10, and fashion history is about to have a new owner.
Crafted in jet-black leather and finished with signature gold hardware, this saddle-style Birkin isn't just a collector's dream, it's a slice of sartorial legend. The story behind it? A chance encounter in 1984 between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas aboard a flight, where her overflowing straw bag sparked a moment of genius and gave birth to fashion's most desired arm candy.
An undated photo provided by Sotheby's shows the original Hermès prototype for Jane Birkin's iconic bag. The prototype for the Birkin bag will be sold at auction this summer. There is no estimate for how high the bidding may go. (Sotheby's via The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SLUGGED BIRKIN PROTOTYPE AUCTION BY MARISA MELTZER FOR JUNE 5, 2025. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. --
Now, that exact bag-once sold by Jane herself in 1994 to raise funds for AIDS research, is returning to the spotlight. Previously owned by the elusive collector 'Catherine B' (yes, the one with the 'proud owner of the first Hermès Birkin' bio on Instagram), this icon is expected to ignite bidding wars and break records.
'This is a one-of-a-kind moment. The first Birkin is more than a handbag, it's a pop culture artefact,' said Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby's.
And here's the kicker: it will be sold exactly as Jane Birkin used it, worn-in charm and all.
But this isn't just a luxury fantasy. It's a reminder of Jane Birkin's bold ethical stance. She famously asked Hermès to remove her name from the crocodile-skin Birkin after learning of the disturbing animal cruelty practices involved. 'I have asked Hermès to debaptise the Birkin Croco,' she said in a statement that shook the luxury world.
With this sale, the original Birkin reclaims centre stage - not just as a style status symbol, but as a cultural relic that tells a bigger story about fashion, ethics, and timeless allure. If there's ever been a handbag worth fighting over, this is it. Let the bidding begin.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Jimmy Kimmel slams CBS' reason for cancelling Stephen Colbert's The Late Show: ‘This is beyond nonsensical'
Ever since CBS cancelled The Late Show hosted by Stephen Colbert, it has sparked major controversy, with talk show hosts including Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon openly criticizing both the decision and President Donald Trump. While CBS maintained that the move was 'purely a financial decision' and not politically motivated, the explanation hasn't convinced many. In a recent interview, Kimmel weighed in on the matter. While talking to Variety, Jimmy Kimmel called the decision completely baseless, and the prerogative offered by CBS false. He said, 'I just want to say that the idea that Stephen Colbert's show was losing $40 million a year is beyond nonsensical. These alleged insiders who supposedly analyse the budgets of the shows – I don't know who they are, but I do know they don't know what they're talking about. They seem to only be focused on advertising revenue and have completely forgotten about affiliate fees, which number in the hundreds of millions, probably in total billions, and you must allocate a certain percentage of those fees to late-night shows.' ALSO READ: 'Donald Trump's presidency is so bad, its unbelievable,' says Jimmy Kimmel before sharing plans of moving to Italy He stated that the figures provided to the media are actually proof that this entire episode and its narrative are made up and how studios have an affinity for making up stories. 'It really is surprising how little the media seems to know about how the media works. There's just not a snowball's chance in hell that that's anywhere near accurate. That's all you need to know. Suddenly he's losing $40 million a year? I will tell you, the first 10 years I did the show, they claimed we weren't making any money, and we had five times as many viewers on ABC as we do now. Who knows what's true? All I know is they keep paying us, and that's kind of all you need to know,' said Kimmel. Jimmy Kimmel admitted that network television certainly doesn't possess the same kind of muscle it once did, but he clarified that late-night talk shows aren't a part of that problem. He said, 'Network television is declining. There's no question about that. But more people are watching late-night television than ever before. People are still watching late-night, just in different places. Our monologues get between 2 and 5 million views, sometimes more, every night. Seth Meyers gets 2 million on YouTube alone. We're not even talking about Instagram or the other platforms. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on a Monday night will get 5 million views.' After CBS cancelled The Late Show, Donald Trump announced that Jimmy Kimmy and Jimmy Fallon were next on the chopping block, and he could replace hosts like Stephen Colbert with random people off the streets. The Late Show began its journey back in 1993 and was hosted by David Letterman. After a short hiatus from television, the show returned in 2015 with Stephen Colbert as the new host, and this season of the show will be its last.
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mrunal Thakur opens a piece of her heart with fans, introduces them to her hobby after the Bipasha Basu controversy: 'Felt brave might delete later'
Mrunal Thakur has found a new way to connect with her fans—through the lens of her camera. Just ahead of World Photography Day on Tuesday, the actress unveiled a series of photographs on Instagram, giving followers a glimpse into her personal gallery of candid and aesthetic moments. Her collection ranged from a striking shadow imprinted on sand to the serene beauty of the sea. Among the frames were also what appeared to be a still of a church, along with a picture-perfect shot of a restaurant or bar. Yet, the most heartwarming of all were the captures featuring her brother, Dhaval Thakur. In a heartfelt note, the actress admitted that photography means far more to her than just a pastime. 'I have always believed that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'… and ever since I started taking my love for photography more seriously, I feel it even more," she wrote. She also shared how her curiosity to explore and learn new things pushed her to pursue this passion beyond mere admiration. The turning point came last year when she brought home her first Leica camera. Describing the moment as 'part joy and part terror,' Mrunal confessed, 'The passion moved to practical last year when I brought home my first Leica camera. I was so excited to start clicking pictures and also terrified that I would be terrible at it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo But I decided to take the leap and at least try.' Meanwhile, on the acting front, Mrunal's calendar is packed. After her recent appearance in Son of Sardaar 2, she is gearing up for Dacoit, co-starring Adivi Sesh and featuring Anurag Kashyap in a key role. Directed by Shaneil Deo, the film is slated to hit theatres on December 25. "Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
New York Influencer Ariela La Langosta's Body Found With Bullet Injury, Cops Say "Not A Random Act"
Ariela La Langosta, a 33-year-old social media influencer and bartender, was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in New York on August 17. Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant and lounge, confirmed to People that she had worked at the venue the night before her body was found on Sunday. The Westchester County Police Department confirmed her death, stating she died as a result of gunshot wounds, likely a "targeted" attack rather than a random act of violence. The vehicle also showed signs of damage, including shattered windows and bullet holes, suggesting an orchestrated attack. "The woman found deceased in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday died as a result of gunshot wounds, the Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed today. Ariela Mejia-Polanco, 33, who has addresses in Westchester and Rockland counties, was found deceased about 8 a.m. behind the wheel of her car on the eastbound Cross County Parkway near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon. Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act," police said in a statement on Facebook. Ms Langosta was a popular social media influencer with over 566,000 followers on Instagram, where she showcased her fashion sense and modelling work. She worked at Ikon New York, a Manhattan lounge, and performed at venues like Starlets of New York and Opus Lounge. The influencer had also previously collaborated with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine on his music videos, including the notable appearance in 'Wapae'. Tekashi 6ix9ine, Cardi B, and others mourned her on social media, with 6ix9ine calling her a "tremendous woman" and "the queen of New York." She leaves behind two children. The investigation is ongoing, with police withholding further details. Ikon New York announced on Instagram that it would remain closed from August 18 to August 21 "out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed." "She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy — the kind of person who could light up any room she entered. She will be deeply missed by all of us," the tribute said.
