Latest news with #BirkinCroco
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The very first Birkin bag ever made is going on sale
The first Hermès Birkin bag, originally designed for Jane Birkin, is up for auction at Sotheby's Paris. This iconic black leather bag, born from a chance encounter in 1984, was previously sold by Birkin for AIDS research. Expected to ignite a bidding war, the bag represents fashion history, ethical considerations, and timeless allure. 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
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
The Bag That Started It All: Jane Birkin's Original Hermès Bag Up For Auction Soon
Last Updated: The original Hermes Birkin bag made for Jane Birkin will be auctioned at Sotheby's Paris Fashion Icons sale on July 10. Struggling to get your hands on a Birkin bag despite having the means to afford one? The original Hermes Birkin bag, famously crafted for singer and actress Jane Birkin herself, is about to go under the hammer in an upcoming Sotheby's auction. This iconic piece will be featured in Sotheby's Paris Fashion Icons sale, scheduled for July 10. Renowned worldwide for its exclusivity and unmatched desirability, the Birkin bag is a symbol of ultimate luxury. Even those with ample resources often find it difficult to acquire one due to its rarity. Now, the very first Birkin bag ever created is being offered to the public – a true treasure for fashion enthusiasts. Let's take a closer look at this historic handbag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sotheby's (@sothebys) The original design is a saddle-style, all-black leather bag adorned with elegant gold hardware. It represents a timeless emblem of luxury that has shaped the fashion world for over four decades. The creation of this legendary bag came about following a serendipitous meeting on a flight between Jane Birkin and then Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. In 1994, Jane Birkin decided to sell her personal Birkin bag to raise funds for an AIDS charity. As reported by Business of Fashion, 'It was auctioned again in 2000, and has since belonged to the collector who goes by the name 'Catherine B' on Instagram. Her account biography on the platform says she's the 'proud owner of the first Hermes Birkin bag.'" As reported by Times Now, Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, emphasised the significance of this piece, stating, 'There is no doubt that the original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind piece, a singular piece of fashion history that has grown into a pop culture phenomenon that signals luxury in the most refined way possible." Sotheby's assures that the bag will be presented in the exact condition it was in when used by Jane Birkin. In a notable development, Jane Birkin requested that Hermes remove her name from the crocodile-skin versions of the Birkin bag. While the Birkin bag itself stands as a symbol of wealth and is adored by celebrities worldwide, the crocodile leather variants have drawn criticism from animal rights advocates. As The Guardian reported, Jane expressed her concerns: 'Having been alerted to the cruel practices reserved for crocodiles during their slaughter to make Hermes handbags carrying my name … I have asked Hermes to debaptise the Birkin Croco until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place." This rare auction represents not only an opportunity to own a piece of fashion history but also highlights Jane Birkin's ongoing commitment to ethical concerns within the luxury industry. First Published: June 06, 2025, 14:53 IST
