Jane Birkins original Herms bag is up for auction in Paris

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11:34 am

Original Birkin Bag, Fashion Icon, Heads to Auction

PARIS – The original Hermès Birkin bag, a prototype crafted for the late Jane Birkin, is set to go under the hammer in Paris this Thursday. The auction, conducted by Sotheby's, is expected to draw significant interest, with the iconic handbag anticipated to fetch hundreds of thousands of euros.

The bag's creation stems from a chance encounter in the 1980s on a flight to London. Jane Birkin, the actor, singer, and fashion icon, found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermès. After a mishap involving spilled belongings, Birkin expressed her desire for a larger handbag. She sketched her vision on an airplane vomit sack, a design that Dumas embraced. He then had a prototype made for her, and the commercialized version of the bag was later named in her honor.

The Birkin bag, launched in 1984, quickly ascended to become one of the world's most exclusive luxury items. Its high price point and lengthy waiting lists solidified its status. The original bag, a handcrafted all-black leather prototype, boasts seven unique design elements that distinguish it from subsequent Birkin models.

The Birkin bag's influence extends far beyond its practical function. It has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in music, film, television, and the arts. It is a staple on red carpets, a fixture in fashion magazines, and a coveted item among celebrities, artists, and stylists. The auction of this original piece offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of fashion history.

BNN's Perspective: The Birkin bag's journey from a practical request to a global symbol of luxury is a fascinating story. While the price tag may be out of reach for many, the bag's enduring appeal highlights the power of design, celebrity influence, and the enduring allure of exclusivity. The auction of the original bag is a testament to the lasting impact of a single, well-designed accessory.

Keywords: Birkin bag, Hermès, Jane Birkin, auction, Paris, Sotheby's, luxury, fashion, handbag, prototype, iconic, celebrity, design, fashion history

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