Jane Birkin's Original Hermès Bag Sells for $10 Million at Auction
A Fashion Icon Born Mid-Flight
The bag's story began in 1981 during a chance encounter aboard a flight. Jane Birkin famously sketched the design on an air sickness bag while seated next to Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas. Her practical needs and artistic flair led to the creation of what would become one of fashion's most iconic accessories.
Handcrafted by Hermès and delivered to Birkin in 1985, the bag was used daily until 1994. Unlike commercial Birkin models, this prototype was adorned with stickers from Médecins du Monde and UNICEF, and even included a nail clipper—adding deeply personal touches to an already historic piece.
Auction Sets Historic Records
The bag sparked intense interest, with nine collectors bidding during a 10-minute showdown. Ultimately, a private buyer from Japan secured the prized item. Its final price of $10.1 million (8.6 million euros, including fees) shattered the previous auction record for a handbag, set by a diamond-studded crocodile Kelly bag that fetched $513,040 in 2021. It also eclipsed the $450,000 sale of a white-diamond Himalaya Birkin in 2022.
Auctioneer Aurélie Vandevoorde described the Birkin as 'the most famous bag of all time,' while Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, Morgane Halimi, called the sale 'an important milestone.' Halimi added, 'It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history.'
Cultural Value Beyond Luxury
The record-breaking sale marks not only the financial worth of this unique accessory but also its lasting influence on fashion history. As the muse behind one of the most coveted luxury items ever made, Jane Birkin left an enduring legacy. Her passing in 2023 only deepened the emotional and cultural value tied to this iconic piece.
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Web Release
5 days ago
- Web Release
Jane Birkin's Original Hermès Bag Sells for $10 Million at Auction
In a landmark fashion moment, Jane Birkin's original Hermès handbag sold for a staggering $10.1 million at a Sotheby's auction in Paris. Created as a one-off prototype in 1984, the bag has now become the most expensive handbag ever auctioned, underscoring its unmatched cultural and historical significance. A Fashion Icon Born Mid-Flight The bag's story began in 1981 during a chance encounter aboard a flight. Jane Birkin famously sketched the design on an air sickness bag while seated next to Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas. Her practical needs and artistic flair led to the creation of what would become one of fashion's most iconic accessories. Handcrafted by Hermès and delivered to Birkin in 1985, the bag was used daily until 1994. Unlike commercial Birkin models, this prototype was adorned with stickers from Médecins du Monde and UNICEF, and even included a nail clipper—adding deeply personal touches to an already historic piece. Auction Sets Historic Records The bag sparked intense interest, with nine collectors bidding during a 10-minute showdown. Ultimately, a private buyer from Japan secured the prized item. Its final price of $10.1 million (8.6 million euros, including fees) shattered the previous auction record for a handbag, set by a diamond-studded crocodile Kelly bag that fetched $513,040 in 2021. It also eclipsed the $450,000 sale of a white-diamond Himalaya Birkin in 2022. Auctioneer Aurélie Vandevoorde described the Birkin as 'the most famous bag of all time,' while Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, Morgane Halimi, called the sale 'an important milestone.' Halimi added, 'It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history.' Cultural Value Beyond Luxury The record-breaking sale marks not only the financial worth of this unique accessory but also its lasting influence on fashion history. As the muse behind one of the most coveted luxury items ever made, Jane Birkin left an enduring legacy. Her passing in 2023 only deepened the emotional and cultural value tied to this iconic piece.
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Exclusive: Meet the man who spent $10 million on the original Birkin bag
In an intense 10-minute bidding war at Sotheby's Paris on July 10, Valuence made history by acquiring the first-ever Birkin, once used daily by the late British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, for a record-breaking $10 million (Dh36 million), cementing its place as the most valuable handbag ever sold. We spoke to Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of Valuence Holdings Inc., about the big win and what it means both for him and for the Japan-listed company known for trading exceptional pre-owned items, including accessories, watches, jewellery, and rare collectibles. 'Winning the bid for the original Birkin was a personal milestone — and a defining moment for Valuence," he explained. "This isn't just about a record purchase; it's about honouring the legacy of one of fashion's most iconic pieces. For me, it was about ensuring this masterpiece would be in the hands of a company that truly values its story, and will share that story with the world. We're proud, humbled, and deeply excited about what's ahead,' he said. The bag itself is steeped in history — for one thing, it was created during a moment of serendipity, when Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas and Jane Birkin met on a plane and began to discuss the lack of a leather bag that suited Birkin's needs. Dumas over the course of the flight sketched out the design that would become the iconic carry-on. (When the bag was first released in 1984, it cost about $2,000, according to Sotheby's. As of May 2025, the price of the smallest Birkin Togo leather bag has shot up to $12,700 at Hermès boutiques in the US). Bags like the Birkin are heritage pieces, often passed down from one generation to the next, and thought of as investment pieces. The idea resounds with the fundamental pillars of Valuence. Shinsuke explained: 'At Valuence, we're driven by the belief that luxury should transcend time. Our mission is to give iconic pieces a second life, making legacy, sustainability, and authenticity core to everything we do." The Tokyo-based company, founded in 2011, has since turned into a million-dollar business proud of contributing to the realisation of a sustainable and circular society. Redefining luxury "We've built a company that doesn't just resell luxury — we redefine what it means to own it. Our goal is to become a global innovation leader in the circular economy by 2030, positioning ourselves as a 'Circular Design Company', rooted in values of culture, and conscious consumption. Currently, we operate in 15 countries including the UAE, and our mission is to give valuable items a second life — empowering people to focus on what truly matters in life,' he said. It is because of this commitment to sustainability that the Birkin acquisition made so much sense, he explained. 'Acquiring the original Birkin wasn't just a business decision — it was a symbolic one. It represents timeless craftsmanship and cultural significance. This acquisition was not intended for mere purchase or resale of a rare luxury item. Rather, we view it as a socially significant act — one aimed at preserving and sharing a piece of global cultural heritage with the world. By carefully conserving and, when appropriate, showcasing it — we aim to fulfill our responsibility as a cultural steward. Through this initiative, we hope to share the values we hold dear — circularity, authenticity, and sustainable prosperity — with a broader global audience. This isn't just about a bag. It's about shifting the narrative from ownership to stewardship,' he said. Valuence Japan Inc.'s business is diverse — from purchasing to retail and auction, and from cars to technology and sports. It is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, France, the UK, China, and the UAE. With 189 stores across the globe and growing, Valuence is one of the industry leaders in the preloved luxury space globally. In the Middle East, it operates via its subsidiary, Valuence International MEA Trading L.L.C, in Dubai, and under the brand name 'ALLU', which has stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Qatar (Doha), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), and Turkey. Valuence mainly purchases pre-owned luxury items from customers through its stores across the globe. The categories include branded watches, bags, jewellery, precious metals, art and antique items. It also operates a B2B online auction platform, Star Buyers Auction. It has an impressive line-up of luxury brands including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and now, the OG Birkin (it also has an extensive range of the prized bags). Highlighting history So, how does the brand plan to integrate Birkin's luxury identity within its existing portfolio? Are there plan to re-sell it? Sakimoto said the acquisition was less about re-selling and more about highlighting history. He added: 'The world's first-ever Birkin Bag — a one-of-a-kind piece is now a part of our story. Our goal is to spotlight its story — it is not positioned as a commercial product, but rather as a one-of-a-kind cultural archive that embodies the historical and symbolic value of luxury. Rather than integrating it into our existing reuse business, we consider it a symbolic asset that strongly represents our commitment to a circular society and the preservation of authentic value. Without compromising the brand's integrity, we intend to honour its historical significance by leveraging it for educational and cultural initiatives. Long-term, we see it inspiring curated experiences along with deeper brand storytelling. We see this acquisition as a catalyst for fostering global dialogue around sustainability and responsible ownership- to elevate it's legacy — this is where we believe the true synergy lies.' While the purchase of Birkin at a whopping $10 million has elevated the company's profile and market value ever since the news went viral, Shinsuke is of the opinion that Birkin will play a big role in overall strategy and growth. 'The original Birkin bag we acquired plays a symbolic role in Valuence's mid- to long-term strategy, serving as a catalyst for shifting perspectives on luxury and cultural value... This acquisition is not intended to generate short-term financial gains. Instead, we view it as a strategic investment that will support our long-term branding and global engagement. In particular, we see strong potential in using this cultural icon to communicate our values such as sustainability, authenticity, and responsible ownership. It also allows us to open more conversations in the global markets, where legacy and heritage are deeply valued, especially in markets like the Middle East and Europe, where cultural awareness and conscious consumption are on the rise. It is now a part of our identity, and it will continue to shape our growth.' Why preloved is popular Shifting focus to the broader luxury landscape, we asked Shinsuke about the growing concern of counterfeit goods, and how he sees it affecting legitimate businesses. 'We believe that the expansion of counterfeit markets will further increase the relative value of trusted platforms that guarantee authenticity," he explained. "Demand is expected to grow for businesses that can ensure transparent sourcing, professional authentication, and strong customer trust. The pre-loved luxury market is also gaining broader recognition as a sustainable choice — especially among Gen-Z and millennials — pointing to steady mid- to long-term growth. At Valuence, we are committed to shaping the global standard where authenticity and circular value go hand in hand,' he said. The company is also taking rigorous measures to minimise environmental impact and maintain ethical standards during transport and storage. 'Moving forward, we remain committed to advancing sustainability while connecting this legacy icon to future generations,' Sakimoto concludes.
The National
11-07-2025
- The National
Jane Birkin's original Hermes handbag sells for record-breaking $10 million
In an unparalleled auction, Jane Birkin 's original custom-made Hermes bag sold for €8.6 million ($10.04 million) in Paris on Thursday. Auctioned by Sotheby's, the well-used bag is scratched, scuffed and stained, but it was the very first Birkin created by the French fashion house, designed for and with the Franco-British actress and singer. The hammer came down for a winning bid of €7 million, increasing to €8.6 million with fees. Today, standard Birkin bags sell for more than $10,000. This piece, has Birkin's JB initials embossed on the flap. Unlike its descendants, it has a strap that cannot be removed. Sotheby's said the bag was bought by a private Japanese buyer over the phone, and the price was the highest on record for a fashion item. Birth of the Birkin According to fashion lore, the first Birkin bag was born when the actress was unknowingly sat next to Hermes executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1984. When items spilt out of her bag, she complained that she needed a stylish yet functional carryall as a young mother. To her surprise, her neighbour answered: 'I am Hermes.' Dumas then sketched out a rectangular handbag, with a dedicated space for baby bottles. In later interviews she said sketches were drawn on the plane's "vomit bag". Hermes made that handbag for her, then started selling smaller versions to the public. '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,' Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and accessories, said ahead of the sale. A well-loved bag 'It was a travel bag. Clearly, it was worn for nine years by Jane Birkin on a daily basis and the form is still very beautiful,' Aurelie Vassy, the auction house's Europe and Middle East head of handbags and accessories, told Reuters. Birkin's bag has changed hands more than once. It was first auctioned by the actress and singer in 1994 to support Sidaction, a French charity that fights HIV/Aids. It went on sale again in 2000, and was bought by a private French collector. The piece has also been on show several times, at exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Birkin died in 2023, aged 76. In a 2000 interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, she joked: 'Bless me, when I'm dead … [people] will possibly only talk about the bag.'
