A Legendary Handbag Sells for €8.6m, Cementing its Status as the World’s Most Coveted Accessory

The original Birkin bag, a design that has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity in the fashion industry, has been sold at auction for a staggering €8.6m (£7.4m; $10.1m). This record-breaking sale far surpasses the previous highest price paid for a handbag, which was set by a White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28 in 2021.

The iconic black leather bag, created for singer Jane Birkin in 1985, was the result of a chance encounter between Birkin and the boss of luxury fashion house Hermès. After Birkin spilled her belongings while sitting next to the executive on a flight, she asked why they didn’t make bigger bags. In response, he sketched out the design for a new, more practical yet highly desirable item on the aeroplane’s sick bag, giving birth to the Birkin bag prototype.

Jane Birkin, a British-French actress and singer, was a muse to many designers, including Hermès’ creative director Jean-Louis Dumas. The Birkin bag was designed to meet Birkin’s specific needs, with a spacious interior and a comfortable, elegant design. The bag was an instant success, and its popularity has endured for decades, making it one of the most sought-after handbags in the world.

The Birkin bag’s exclusivity and high demand have made it a coveted status symbol in the fashion world, with some styles costing tens of thousands of dollars and having waiting lists of years. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez are among the proud owners of these iconic handbags. The bag’s rarity and exclusivity have contributed to its allure, with Hermès producing only a limited number of Birkin bags each year.

The original Birkin bag, which has been owned by several individuals since its creation, including Catherine Benier who sold it on Thursday, has a rich and storied history. Birkin, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 76, owned the bag for a decade and donated it to an auction in 1994 to raise funds for an AIDS charity. The bag’s sale is a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of luxury brands to create timeless icons that capture the imagination of collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Some of the unique features of the original Birkin bag include:

Birkin’s initials: The bag features Birkin’s initials, “JB”, on the front flap, adding to its exclusivity and provenance.

Non-removable shoulder strap: The bag’s shoulder strap is designed to be worn in a specific way, adding to its elegance and sophistication.

Nail clippers: Birkin kept her nail clippers attached to the strap, a personal touch that has become a signature feature of the bag.

Stickers for charity: The bag features marks where Birkin placed stickers for causes she supported, including Médecins du Monde and Unicef.

The sale of the original Birkin bag is a significant milestone in the history of luxury fashion, cementing the bag’s status as a timeless icon and a symbol of exclusivity and sophistication.