10 minutes. 9 bidders. And the OG Birkin sold for Rs 85 crore

India Today

11-07-2025

Tension brewed in the room. Phones buzzed while all eyes were on one bag. Scuffed and slightly scratched, it was the OG Birkin Bag made for the late Anglo-French actress Jane Birkin.The most coveted bag in fashion just went under the hammer — and became the most valuable handbag ever sold, fetching $10.1 million (Rs 86,72,76,622) at Sotheby's.Did that number widen your eyes? Ours too.advertisement
This bag set a record at the auction yesterday. It is now the second most valuable fashion artifact ever sold, trailing only behind the ruby-red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which went for $32.5 million in 2024.
Jane Birkin's original Hermes Birkin Bag auctioned (Photo: Reuters)
The original Birkin auctionedIn Paris, on July 10, 2025, the auction room gasped when bidding for the Hermes bag opened at $1 million (Rs 8.6 crore).What followed was an intense 10-minute bidding war among nine collectors. In the end, the bag was sold to a private collector from Japan, bidding via telephone through Maiko Ichikawa, Country Head of Sotheby's Japan.Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby's, described the event as 'an important milestone' in the world of luxury fashion. 'The sale of the Original Birkin is also, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring spirit and appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin.'The original bag is distinct from its subsequent versions. Its size, metal detailing, fixed shoulder strap, and a few other subtle features were never replicated in other pieces. Used daily by Birkin from 1985 to 1994, the bag carries unique personal touches, her initials 'J.B.,' a small pair of silver nail clippers, and a collection of stickers and adornments that reflect her individual style and daily life.
Jane Birkin's used Birkin Bag (Photo: AP)
"It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermes as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history and will most likely continue to be so for many years to come," Halimi shared, emphasising the bag's enduring appeal and status as a cultural icon.The lore of the Birkin BagThe origin of this iconic handbag harks back to 1984, during a flight from Paris to London. Actress Jane Birkin, seated next to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, expressed frustration over the absence of a practical yet chic bag.As Birkin herself recounted: 'He said, 'Well, draw it for me,' and so I drew it on one of those sick bags, the vomit bags, in the airplane.'
Actress flaunting her bag (Photo: Reuters)
Over the decades, the Birkin bag has evolved from a functional accessory to the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity. Its legendary status was further solidified when it was featured in the television series Sex and the City, where the memorable line, 'It's not a bag. It's a Birkin,' became etched in pop culture.Each bag, crafted by hand over 18 to 40 hours, is rich with intricate details, complete with unique codes and artisan signatures.Part of its allure also lies in its exclusivity; you can't just walk into a Hermes store and buy one. There's an entire process that involves building a rapport with a salesperson and identifying the right Birkin for you.advertisementBeyond fashion, it has also proven to be a strong investment. According to a Deloitte and Credit Suisse report, Hermes Birkin bags had an average return of 38 per cent in 2020. In fact, the resale value of a pristine Birkin has significantly outpaced gold.Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Nita Ambani, Janhvi Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and many others own and often flaunt their opulent hues of the Birkin bag.- Ends