The Most Expensive Birkin: How Jane Birkin's first-ever handbag sold for Dhs39.5million
This was no ordinary Birkin—it was the very first one ever created by Hermès, made exclusively for British actress and singer Jane Birkin in 1984. She carried it almost daily from 1985 until 1994, long before the style became a global symbol of luxury. Decades later, its visible signs of wear—including discolored patches from charity stickers and personal marks—only added to its allure, captivating collectors worldwide.
The bag's journey to this record-breaking sale began with a chance encounter. In 1984, Jane Birkin found herself seated next to Hermès' then-chairman, Jean-Louis Dumas, on a flight from Paris to London. As a mother of three, she lamented the lack of practical yet stylish bags for women with busy lives. In a moment of spontaneity, she sketched her ideal bag—spacious, functional, and elegant—on an airplane sick bag. Hermès brought her vision to life, delivering the first prototype in 1985.
What set this Birkin apart from later versions were its unique, personal touches. Jane's initials, 'J.B.,' were discreetly embossed on the front flap, and a small silver nail clipper dangled from the strap—a practical accessory she kept close for frequent use. Over time, the bag accumulated marks of her life, including faded stickers from humanitarian organizations she supported. These imperfections, far from diminishing its value, made it irreplaceable.
The auction, held by Sotheby's, saw fierce competition among nine collectors, with bids climbing rapidly in a tense 10-minute showdown. In the end, a private collector from Japan secured the piece, paying nearly double what some of the most extravagant Birkins—like the diamond-encrusted Himalaya or rare crocodile-skin versions—have previously fetched.
18 luxury bags that offer the Hermès Birkin look without the waitlist
Jane Birkin, who passed away in 2023, once humorously remarked that she might be best remembered for inspiring this iconic bag. Little did she know that her everyday accessory would one day become the most sought-after luxury item in history. For the winning bidder, this was more than just a handbag—it was a tangible piece of fashion legend, a connection to an icon, and now, the most expensive bag ever sold. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pinterest
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