Latest news with #OriginalBirkin
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells at auction for whopping 8.6 million euros - Style - Life & Style
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, 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. 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 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. 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. 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.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘The most famous bag of all time': How the Birkin came to be
The first-ever Birkin handbag sold for a whopping 8.6 million euros ($10.1 million) on Thursday, becoming the second most expensive fashion item ever sold at an auction (after the ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which sold for $32.5 million in 2024). Named after the late actor Jane Birkin, for whom French fashion houses Hermès created it, the auctioneer called accessory the 'the most famous bag of all time'. (The Birkin bag was notably featured in the 2011 Hindi film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The film contained several references to its hefty price tag.) Hermès exclusively commissioned the bag for Birkin in 1984, branding it with her initials J.B. on the front flap, below the lock. The subsequent commercialised version of Birkin's bag went on to become one of the world's most exclusive luxury items, extravagantly priced and with a years-long waiting list. The bag was born out of an encounter between Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then the head of Hermès, on a flight. Birkin splilt some of her things on the cabin floor, and asked Dumas why Hermès didn't make a bigger handbag. Dumas sketched a design on an aeroplane vomit bag and soon, sent Birkin her specially-made bag. 'There is no doubt that the Original Birkin bag is a true one-of-a-kind… It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory… has become the most desirable bag in history,' said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's head of handbags and fashion. Sotheby's said that several design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. For one, this was the only Birkin with a non-removable shoulder strap — fitting for the busy life and practicality of the singer, actor, social activist and mother. The bag that Hermès handmade for Birkin also has gilded brass hardware, bottom studs and other features that differ from commercial models. 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 epitomises the height of French chic for many. Birkin kept the prototype for nearly a decade before auctioning it for an AIDS charity in 1994. It was auctioned again in 2000 and has since been in private hands. Sotheby's said. 'Its presence spans the worlds of music, film, television and the arts' and that 'It is a red-carpet staple, a fashion magazine mainstay, and a coveted piece in the wardrobes of celebrities, artists and stylists.'
Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Jane Birkin's original Hermes bag sells at auction for more than $10 million
Article content Article content Birkin asked Dumas why Hermes 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 Hermes asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. Article content '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 Hermes 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. Article content 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.' Article content Article content 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Article content Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. Article content 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'). Article content Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said. Article content The bag that Hermes 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 'More than just a bag' Article content When Birkin chatted to Hermes' 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, Hermes says. Article content Hermes 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. Article content 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.' Article content 'The price is the price of the Hermes story,' she said. Article content Sotheby's called it 'more than just a bag.' Article content
Ottawa Citizen
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Jane Birkin's original Hermes bag sells at auction for more than $10 million
Article content Article content Birkin asked Dumas why Hermes 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 Hermes asked whether it could commercialize the bag in her name. Article content '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 Hermes 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. Article content 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.' Article content Article content 'Well, it could be worse,' she added. Article content Sotheby's said that seven design elements on the handcrafted all-black leather prototype set it apart from Birkins that followed. Article content 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'). Article content Her bag also had a nail clipper attached, because Birkin 'was never one for long painted nails,' Sotheby's said. Article content The bag that Hermes 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 'More than just a bag' Article content When Birkin chatted to Hermes' 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, Hermes says. Article content Hermes 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. Article content 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.' Article content 'The price is the price of the Hermes story,' she said. Article content
RTÉ News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
The original Birkin bag has sold: The history of Jane's legacy
The first-ever Birkin bag, made for and inspired by actress Jane Birkin herself, has been sold at auction for €8.5 million by Sotheby's in Paris. The lot began at €1 million, with advanced bids having already been placed at €1.3 million before bids went to the room at 15:18 BST. It quickly jumped from €1.5 million to €2.4 million and €2.8 million within a minute before a fair warning was given. Another fair warning was given at €4 million, before climbing to €6.5 million when another was given. The bids escalated for a further eight minutes until the hammer was lowered and sold to a mystery buyer for €7m (€8.5m including commission fees), smashing previous price records for a handbag. The Hermès Birkin is now known to be the most coveted designer bag in the world. The ultimate style symbol of status and social ascension – the Birkin's growing high-profile fan club, which includes models Kate Moss and Miranda Kerr, Victoria Beckham, the Kardashian-Jenners, Jennifer Lopez and more, helps it remain one of the most desired bags in the world. The current owner, Catherine Benier, a private collector and founder of the Paris vintage boutique Les 3 Marches, announced she was selling it on 5 June. Bernier purchased the bag for an undisclosed sum in 2000, and even today, she declines to reveal how much she spent. The tale of the Birkin begins in 1981, when actress Jane Birkin happened to be seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas – then artistic director of Hermès – on an Air France flight. As she attempted to store her belongings in the overhead compartment, the contents of her now-iconic wicker basket came tumbling into Dumas's lap. It was a serendipitous mishap that would go on to change fashion history. Bemoaning the lack of handbags spacious enough to carry the essentials – especially while travelling with her young daughter, Charlotte – Birkin explained her frustration with the dainty designs of the day. Ever inspired by a practical muse, Dumas and Birkin began sketching a concept on the back of a sick-bag. That drawing would become the basis for what is now arguably the world's most coveted handbag. By 1985, Hermès had produced a prototype and presented it to Birkin, requesting her permission to name the new style in her honour. That very first design – known as the Original Birkin – was unlike any the house would later release commercially, with subtle distinctions that set it apart as a true one-off. This is the bag being auctioned. It features a shoulder strap, which was never included on the commercial version, gilded brass hardware instead of the classic gold-plated and zips sourced from Éclair instead of Riri, which has manufactured Birkin zippers since the 1990s. The most exciting differentiating details, however, are undoubtedly the personalisation of the bag. Birkin's Original Birkin was deeply personal to her and proudly bore her initials, "J.B" embossed on the front flap. And known for her effortlessly cool, 'French girl' chic style, Jane Birkin preferred a natural look over long, painted nails. So in order to keep her nails neatly trimmed on the go, she kept a nail clipper attached to a chain hanging from the base of the shoulder strap inside her bag, which is being included in the sale. Birkin, who died at the age of 76 in 2023, was paid an annual royalty, which was then passed on to her nominated charities. Birkins have never gone out of style – and never will – and have historically increased in value over time owing to the heritage at their core. And the Original Birkin represents a piece of fashion folklore – a moment where function, personality and design came together to create something truly iconic. With its sale in Paris yesterday, a new chapter begins for a bag that redefined what luxury means, not just in price, but in cultural impact.
