Latest news with #Birkin
New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Birkin: The Bag, the Woman, the Myth
The world is in the throes of Birkin mania. This month the original Birkin bag, made by Hermès for the British actress Jane Birkin in 1984, sold for $10.1 million at Sotheby's in Paris. The way Ms. Birkin wore it, festooned with nail clippers and stickers for political causes, has led to its own slang: to 'Birkinify' one's bag. The omnipresent Labubu plush toys that fans like to hang on their bags are said to have been inspired by the way Ms. Birkin affixed eclectic trinkets to her Birkins. Riffs on the Hermés classic, the Boatkin, have become sought-after novelty items that fetch their own hefty prices. On social media, explainers proliferate on how to emulate Ms. Birkin's late 1960s, carefree, bourgeois-bohemian style, with sheer crocheted dresses and ballet flats. All of this is happening two years after her death on July 16, 2023, following a cancer diagnosis and more than a decade of treatment. She was a cult figure, particularly outside France, where she lived most of her life. Ms. Birkin, who was born in London, became a revered actress who appeared in more than 70 films and a musician whose most famous song, 'Je t'aime … moi non plus,' with Serge Gainsbourg, was a worldwide hit. It was banned by the Vatican for its lasciviousness, and Ms. Birkin responded that the pope was their best publicist. In 2023, the black-walled house on the Left Bank where the couple lived opened as a museum, and tickets to tour the residence sell out months in advance. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
What would Jane Birkin have thought of the craze over her namesake bag?
The world is in the throes of Birkin mania. This month the original Birkin bag, made by Hermes for British actress Jane Birkin in 1984, sold for US$10.1mil (approximately RM42.9mil) at Sotheby's in Paris. The way Jane wore it, festooned with nail clippers and stickers for political causes, has led to its own slang: to 'Birkinify' one's bag. The omnipresent Labubu plush toys that fans like to hang on their bags are said to have been inspired by the way Jane affixed eclectic trinkets to her Birkins. Riffs on the Hermes classic, such as the Boatkin, have become sought-after novelty items that fetch their own hefty prices. On social media, explainers proliferate on how to emulate Jane's late 1960s carefree, bourgeois-bohemian style, with sheer crocheted dresses and ballet flats. Read more: Still obsessed with Labubu? Sorry, fashion did the bag charm trend first All of this is happening two years after her death on July 16, 2023, after a cancer diagnosis and more than a decade of treatment. She was a cult figure, particularly outside France, where she lived most of her life. Jane, who was born in London, became a revered actress who appeared in more than 70 films and a musician whose most famous song, Je T'aime… Moi Non Plus (I Love You… Me Neither), with Serge Gainsbourg, was a worldwide hit. It was banned by the Vatican for its lasciviousness, and Jane responded that the pope was their best publicist. In 2023 , the black-walled house on the Left Bank where the couple lived opened as a museum, and tickets to tour the residence sell out months in advance. In Jane B By Agnes V , a 1988 documentary directed by Agnes Varda that was made as Jane was turning 40, she dumps out the contents of her original black Birkin bag – the first 'What's In My Bag' video perhaps? Out of the beaten-up black vessel tumble multiple notebooks, a Swiss Army knife, newspaper clippings, Maybelline Great Lash mascara, pencils, cash, cigarettes, a Fyodor Dostoyevsky novel and Scotch tape. She fixes her gaze on the camera with a wry look and says: 'Find out anything after seeing what's in the bag? Even when you show it all, you reveal very little.' Jane knew that the bag had more name recognition than she did. During her life, people would ask if she was the same Birkin as the bag. She'd say, 'Yes, and the bag is going to sing now!' In person, the original Birkin looks as if it might have been found in a shipwreck, with its fraying handles and mottled leather patina and marks from where she had affixed Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF stickers. The nail clippers she had dangled from the bag were still there. It was designed with Jean-Louis Dumas, then the Hermes CEO. In a kind of rom-com-style meet-cute, the two sat next to each other on a flight from London to Paris and came up with the idea for a holdall that would be more suitable than the baskets Jane had carried as bags since she was a teenager. 'She didn't treat it as an art piece,' said Adam Lena, a couture dealer from Warsaw, Poland, who went to the public viewing at Sotheby's. 'It's just a normal bag for every day. That's the amazing thing about it. She didn't treat it as an heirloom.' Everyone else has a very different relationship to the bag. It's nearly impossible to walk into an Hermes store and just buy one. Someone who wants a Birkin has to establish a relationship as a customer of the house, often buying scarves or wallets or sweaters or smaller bags before they are 'offered' one, in Hermes parlance. The bag cost US$2,000 (RM8,500) when it was released in the mid-1980s. Today the least expensive Birkin at US retail would sell for more than US$10,000 (RM42,500), depending on the size, colour and material – tariffs and state taxes notwithstanding. Faye Landes, a longtime retail analyst, said the value of the Birkin prototype was closely entwined with Jane's status as an icon – a category of person as rare and coveted as the handbag she carried. 'Very few people have either the talent or the resources' to become one, she said. At 4:16 p.m. July 10, bidding on the bag began. Some 270 participants from 38 countries had registered for that day's auction after the bag had been displayed in Asia, Europe and the United States. After an invitation-only cocktail party for clients, during which Sotheby's served Champagne and chocolates shaped like tiny Birkin bags, the bidding began. As in a scene from a film, there were gasps as the figure rose from US$1.7mil (RM7.2mil), rapidly increasing in a nine-way bidding war that played out over 10 tense minutes. The bidding ended at US$10.1mil (RM42.9mil), including a buyer's premium, the bag going to Valuence, a Japanese fashion conglomerate. Strangers cheered and hugged one another. The Birkin broke all kinds of records. It became the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction. It outsold the hat of Emperor Napoleon I and Princess Diana's sheep sweater. The truth is that owning a Birkin has become shorthand for making it. Many Real Housewives and Kardashian-Jenners own them. RickDick, the name of an artificial intelligence meme artist on Instagram, posted a parody video of Kim Kardashian breaking the glass of the Sotheby's display and stealing the bag. Kim reposted it. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, another perpetual object of style obsession, owned a large black one. So what could be more indicative of success than owning the original Birkin? Read more: Like the famous bag named after her, Jane Birkin is a style icon But, what would Jane think of all this? As someone who eschewed plastic surgery on her own face, she would probably find the so-called "Birkin Body" – a US$75,000 (RM318,450) body lift from the neck to the knees offered by Dr Ryan Neinstein – darkly funny. She was a lifelong progressive activist who would have loved that her name was appropriated in the Bushwick Birkin – the nickname for the Telfar Shopping Bag popular with creative types, particularly among people of colour and within the queer community. She might even have taken a shine to the divisive Labubus. She'd had a beloved stuffed toy named Munkey since childhood until she buried it with Gainsbourg, her former lover who died in 1991. Her burial plot is just a few yards away in Montparnasse Cemetery in an overgrown English secret garden where fans leave tokens for her: miniature bulldog figurines, headshots, notes, bouquets of sunflowers. Jane lived a life full of surprises and contradictions as she confronted motherhood, sexuality, fame, consent, abuse, respect. But the Hermes bag that is synonymous with her to this day? Its creation myth didn't warrant even a sentence in Jane's diary. Her life cannot be summed up in one outfit, one relationship, one song, one role or even one bag. – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells at auction for whopping 8.6 million euros
PARIS (AP) — Sketched out on an air sickness bag, the first Birkin handbag — the prototype for fashion's must-have accessory — sold for a staggering 8.6 million euros ($10.1 million), including fees, on Thursday in Paris to become the second most valuable fashion item ever sold at auction. The winning bid of 7 million euros drew gasps and applause from the audience. The price crushed the previous auction record for a handbag — $513,040 paid in 2021 for a Hermès White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28. Now, the original Birkin bag, named after the actor, singer and fashion icon that Hermès created it for — the late Jane Birkin — is in a new league of its own. Only one fashion item has sold at auction for more: a pair of ruby red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz', which sold for $32.5 million in 2024, Sotheby's said. Whistles in the auction room The Paris auction room buzzed with anticipation as the sale got underway, with the auctioneer reminding the crowd that the bag was 'totally unique' and 'the most famous bag of all time.' The bidding started at 1 million euros but quickly increased, with telephone bidders fighting it out at the end. With Sotheby's fees included, the total price for the winning bidder from Japan was a cool 8.6 million euros, the auction house said. From the starting price, bids rocketed past 2 million euros, then 3 million, 4 million and 5 million, to astonished gasps. When the price jumped from 5.5 million to 6 million euros in one swoop, there were whistles and applause. The final bids were 6.2 million euros, then 6.5 million, then 6.8 million before the Japanese buyer's last winning bid: 7 million euros. Sotheby's didn't identify the buyer. Nine collectors bidding by telephone, online, and in the room competed in the 10-minute auction battle, with the private collector from Japan beating a last remaining other bidder at the end. 'One of a kind' Paris fashion house Hermès exclusively commissioned the bag for the London-born Birkin in 1984 — branding it with her initials J.B. on the front flap, below the lock — and delivered the finished one-of-a-kind bag to her the following year, Sotheby's said. The subsequent commercialized version of Birkin's bag went on to become one of the world's most exclusive luxury items , extravagantly priced and with a yearslong waiting list. The bag was born of a fortuitous encounter on a London-bound flight in the 1980s with the then-head of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas. Birkin recounted in subsequent interviews that the pair got talking after she spilled some of her things on the cabin floor. Birkin asked Dumas why Hermès didn't make a bigger handbag and sketched out on an airplane vomit bag the sort of hold-all that she would like. He then had an example made for her and, flattered, she agreed when Hermès asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. 'There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind — a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible. 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,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's head of handbags and fashion. The bag became so famous that Birkin once mused before her death in 2023 at age 76 that her obituaries would likely 'say, 'Like the bag' or something.' 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Height of French chic Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. It's the only Birkin with a nonremovable shoulder strap — fitting for the busy life and practicality of the singer, actor, social activist and mother who was also known for her romantic relationship with French singer Serge Gainsbourg and their duets that included the steamy 1969 song 'Je t'aime moi non plus' ('I Love You, Me Neither'). Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said. The bag that Hermès handmade for her, developed off its existing Haut A Courroies model, also has gilded brass hardware, bottom studs and other features that differ from commercial Birkins. Birkin's casual, breezy style in the 1960s and early 1970s — long hair with bangs, jeans paired with white tops, knit minidresses and basket bags — still epitomizes the height of French chic for many women around the world. 'More than just a bag' When Birkin chatted to Hermès' Dumas on the Paris-to-London flight about what her ideal handbag would be, she'd been in the habit of carrying her things around in a wicker basket, because she felt handbags in the 1980s were too small, Sotheby's said. She was traveling with her young daughter, Charlotte, and complained that she couldn't find a bag suitable for her needs as a mother, Hermès says. Hermès later gifted her four other Birkin bags. She kept the prototype for nearly a decade, before auctioning it for an AIDS charity in 1994. It was auctioned again in 2000 and had since been in private hands. The previous owner, who identified herself only as Catherine B., told journalists at the auction that the bag 'has all the attributes of a star.' 'The price is the price of the Hermès story,' she said. Sotheby's called it 'more than just a bag.' 'The Birkin has evolved from a practical accessory to become a timeless cultural icon,' it said. 'Its presence spans the worlds of music, film, television and the arts,' it added. 'It is a red-carpet staple, a fashion magazine mainstay, and a coveted piece in the wardrobes of celebrities, artists and stylists.' ___ John Leicester reported from Le Pecq.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kris Jenner's fans catch embarrassing photoshop error that shows 69-year-old's ‘true age' in Khloe Kardashian's new pic
KRIS Jenner's fans have caught an embarrassing photoshop error that shows the 69-year-old's 'true age'. Khloe Kardashian shared the snap of matriarch Kris , on her Instagram account. 4 Kris Jenner's fans have caught an embarrassing photoshop error that shows the 69-year-old's 'true age' Credit: Instagram 4 Khloe Kardashian shared the snap of matriarch Kris, on her Instagram account. Credit: Getty 4 Kris was spotted ahead of the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy Credit: Getty Khloe , 40, posted the image of her celebrating Cici Bussey's birthday alongside her mother and captioned it: " The Trio!!! Oh the stories these two have! " Happy happy birthday my angel ! I love you more than words can express! " Thank you for the most majestic memories. Simply..... Thank you. I love all of you and every single story! " However eagle-eyed fans were quick to take to the comments section with their opinions about how Kris Jenner looked. Kardashians While some could not get over how amazing she looked, other's were distracted by her aged hands and thought the image was photoshopped. One wrote: "Hands don't lie." Another added: "I thought this was Kendall." 'You'd think she would spring for a hand 'lift," said another. Most read in Celebrity While a fourth said: "You can always tell by the neck and hands." "The hands and neck give away your age," added another. Kris Jenner reveals real skin in rare candid photo without filters at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice Every now and again, Kris' real skin is caught on camera. The Hulu personality was spotted out and about with her daughter, Kim Kardashian, and her grandchildren. She supported Saint by attending one of his basketball games in Los Angeles, California. The ex-wife of Robert Kardashian Sr. stunned in a brown fur coat while wearing a burgundy sweatsuit, brown boots, sunglasses, and carrying a matching snakeskin Birkin bag. However, many critics couldn't help but comment on Kris' appearance Just last month, Kris gave fans another rare glimpse of her real skin in candid photos from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's extravagant $20million wedding in Venice. Despite wearing full makeup and her signature oversized shades, the high-resolution snaps captured her skin up close - offering a close-up view of the famously polished momager. Jeff and Lauren - including Leonardo DiCaprio , Oprah Winfrey , Kim Kardashian , Ivanka Trump , Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom - for three days of lavish celebrations. 4 Fans said that the hands never lie and tell your true age Credit: Instagram/KhloeKardashian
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kris Jenner's fans catch embarrassing photoshop error that shows 69-year-old's ‘true age' in Khloe Kardashian's new pic
The businesswoman was cruelly mocked online in December after critics viewed unedited photos of the star OOPS! Kris Jenner's fans catch embarrassing photoshop error that shows 69-year-old's 'true age' in Khloe Kardashian's new pic Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KRIS Jenner's fans have caught an embarrassing photoshop error that shows the 69-year-old's 'true age'. Khloe Kardashian shared the snap of matriarch Kris, on her Instagram account. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Kris Jenner's fans have caught an embarrassing photoshop error that shows the 69-year-old's 'true age' Credit: Instagram 4 Khloe Kardashian shared the snap of matriarch Kris, on her Instagram account. Credit: Getty 4 Kris was spotted ahead of the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy Credit: Getty Khloe, 40, posted the image of her celebrating Cici Bussey's birthday alongside her mother and captioned it: "The Trio!!! Oh the stories these two have! "Happy happy birthday my angel @cicibussey ! I love you more than words can express! "Thank you for the most majestic memories. Simply..... Thank you. I love all of you and every single story!" However eagle-eyed fans were quick to take to the comments section with their opinions about how Kris Jenner looked. While some could not get over how amazing she looked, other's were distracted by her aged hands and thought the image was photoshopped. One wrote: "Hands don't lie." Another added: "I thought this was Kendall." 'You'd think she would spring for a hand 'lift," said another. While a fourth said: "You can always tell by the neck and hands." "The hands and neck give away your age," added another. Kris Jenner reveals real skin in rare candid photo without filters at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice Every now and again, Kris' real skin is caught on camera. The businesswoman was mocked online in December after critics viewed unedited photos of the star. The Hulu personality was spotted out and about with her daughter, Kim Kardashian, and her grandchildren. She supported Saint by attending one of his basketball games in Los Angeles, California. The ex-wife of Robert Kardashian Sr. stunned in a brown fur coat while wearing a burgundy sweatsuit, brown boots, sunglasses, and carrying a matching snakeskin Birkin bag. However, many critics couldn't help but comment on Kris' appearance in the unedited photos. Just last month, Kris gave fans another rare glimpse of her real skin in candid photos from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's extravagant $20million wedding in Venice. Despite wearing full makeup and her signature oversized shades, the high-resolution snaps captured her skin up close - offering a close-up view of the famously polished momager. Jeff and Lauren welcomed their 200 guests - including Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom - for three days of lavish celebrations.
