An original Birkin bag, once owned by its namesake Jane Birkin, has just shattered records, selling for over $10 million at a Sotheby’s auction.
The Bag That Broke Records
This isn’t just any luxury accessory; it’s the very first Hermès Birkin bag ever designed, created specifically for British icon Jane Birkin in 1984. It fetched an incredible €8.6 million (approximately $10 million USD) including fees, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold.
The intense ten-minute bidding war involved nine collectors, with a private buyer from Japan ultimately securing the historic piece. Even before the final gavel, bids had already soared past €1 million, causing gasps among viewers during the livestream.
Jane Birkin’s Personal Touch
What makes this bag truly unique is its history with Jane Birkin herself. She used it almost daily from 1985 to 1994, making it a tangible piece of fashion history that birthed one of the world’s most sought-after accessories. Its imperfections—scratches, stains, and scuffs—are not flaws but rather markers of its authenticity and personal journey.
Notably, a pair of silver nail clippers still hangs from the strap, a detail reflecting Birkin’s habit of keeping her nails trimmed. The leather also shows faded outlines of stickers from Médecins du Monde and UNICEF, charities she supported. Her initials “J.B.” are stamped on the front flap, making this specific bag truly one-of-a-kind.
A Storied Past
This isn’t the first time the bag has changed hands. Jane Birkin originally auctioned it off in 1994 to raise funds for AIDS research. It has since been displayed in prestigious exhibitions, including at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Its most recent seller, identified as Catherine B, purchased it at auction 25 years ago. She described the experience of reliving her own winning bid as “raw and indescribable.”
Value Beyond Opulence
This record-breaking sale far surpasses previous high marks for luxury handbags. For comparison, a “Diamond Himalaya Birkin” sold for over $450,000 in 2022, and a diamond and crocodile Kelly bag held a prior record at $513,040.
However, the value of this Birkin lies not in its precious materials but in its origin and unparalleled historical significance. It’s a testament to “the power of a legend,” as described by Sotheby’s global head of handbags and accessories, Morgane Halimi.
The Famous Airplane Sketch
The Birkin bag’s inception is a charming story of serendipity. In 1984, Jane Birkin was on a flight when the contents of her wicker basket spilled, catching the attention of Jean-Louis Dumas, then-chairman of Hermès, who was seated next to her. Birkin complained about not being able to find a suitable large bag.
Dumas encouraged her to sketch her ideal bag, which she famously did on an airplane “sick bag.” Hermès delivered the finished product to her the following year, and she received four more over her lifetime. All royalties from the Birkin name, she donated to charity annually.
- The original Jane Birkin bag sold for over $10 million, making it the most expensive handbag ever auctioned.
- It was used by Jane Birkin for nearly a decade and features unique personal details.
- Its value comes from its historical significance and origin, rather than opulent materials.
- The Birkin bag was famously designed by Jane Birkin on an airplane sick bag after a chance encounter with the Hermès chairman.
This sale solidifies the Birkin’s status not just as a fashion icon, but as a treasured piece of cultural history.
