Latest news with #Birkins
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
Emirates Woman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
The Most Expensive Birkin: How Jane Birkin's first-ever handbag sold for Dhs39.5million
A well-worn black leather Birkin bag, bearing scuffs, scratches, and stains from years of use, has just made auction history. Selling for an astonishing €8.6 million (Dhs39.5 million), including fees, it became the most expensive handbag ever sold. The winning bid of €7 million (Dhs32.1 million) set a new benchmark, proving that true value lies not in flawless condition but in unmatched heritage. 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
Mint
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag smashes auction record at $10 million
Jane Birkin's original Birkin bag sold for a jaw-dropping $10.1 million at Sotheby's Paris auction on Thursday, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold. The 40-year-old bag sparked a 10-minute bidding war among nine collectors before a private Japanese buyer won it by phone. Gasps filled the room as bids rocketed past 5 million pounds, ending at 7 million pounds before fees. The sale crushed the previous record of $513,000 for a diamond-studded Hermès Kelly bag. This black leather prototype, scratched and stained from Birkin's daily use, is now the second-priciest fashion item ever auctioned, trailing only the $32.5 million "Wizard of Oz" ruby slippers. The bag began with a chance meeting on a 1984 Air France flight. Jane Birkin, struggling as a young mom, complained to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas that she couldn't find a sturdy, spacious purse. She'd been using a wicker basket that spilled mid-flight! Dumas sketched a design on an airsickness bag, adding special pockets for baby bottles. Hermès delivered the handmade bag to her in 1985, birthing a global phenomenon. Birkin used it daily until 1994, personalizing it with UNICEF stickers and silver nail clippers dangling from the strap. She later sold it to raise funds for AIDS research. Initials 'J.B.' stamped below the lock Non-removable shoulder strap (unlike later models) Unique size between Hermès' later 35 and 40cm designs Gilded brass hardware instead of standard gold plating Nail clipper accessory reflecting Birkin's practical style Why collectors paid millions for a "used" bag Beyond its unique features, the bag symbolizes fashion history and celebrity culture. As Sotheby's expert Morgane Halimi noted, it represents 'the power of a legend'. Unlike today's pristine Birkins, which cost $10,000-$220,000 and require years on waitlists, this scuffed prototype was loved hard. It's wear tells Birkin's story as an actress, activist, and style icon. After her death, its value soared as fans remembered her prediction: 'When I'm dead, people will possibly only talk about the bag'. Previous owner Catherine Benier called it the "jewel" of her collection before Thursday's life-changing sale.
The Journal
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
The original Birkin bag has just sold for over €8m at an auction in Paris
THE ORIGINAL BIRKIN bag designed by French luxury brand Hermes for celebrity Jane Birkin has sold for a whopping €8.58m at an auction in Paris. The final price at a Sotheby's auction today smashed previous price records for a handbag. 'After weeks of anticipation, the bidding opened at 1 million euros — prompting a gasp from the room,' Sotheby's said in a statement. The final price grew to more than eight times the opening bid. Sotheby's had advised that the Birkin prototype was expected to set records. The identity of the buyer has not been revealed so far. The Birkin bags made by Hermes aren't available for customers to pick up off the shelf or order online; customers must be offered a bag by a salesperson in order to buy one, and often need to build up a purchasing history with the brand before having the opportunity to buy a Birkin. Even then, customers don't get to choose the colour or material of the Birkin bag they're offered, though they can sometimes make a 'wish' for the specifications they'd like (but with no guarantee of receiving a bag that aligns with their desires). The limitations on buying a bag directly from Hermes has meant that the resale market for the bags – where interested customers can have more control over when and what type of Birkin they purchase – is an extremely lucrative one, making Birkins a popular investment for luxury-item traders. Advertisement Several Birkin bags pictured during an auction in 2020 Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The concept for the bag emerged in 1983 during a Paris–London flight when singer and actress Jane Birkin complained to a fellow traveller about not being able to find a bag suited to her needs as a young mother. That fellow passenger happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermes. The result of their conversation was a spacious tote named the Birkin. The original Birkin bag made for Jane Birkin has changed hands twice since it was put up for sale by the actress herself at an auction in 1994, where the proceeds went to an AIDS charity. Today's seller, Catherine Benier, who has a boutique in the upmarket 6th district in Left Bank Paris, told The New York Times before the sale that the bag was the 'jewel in my collection'. The condition of the original bag 'reflects the many years of use by the actress and singer,' Sotheby's said. The previous record sale price for a handbag at auction was set by a diamond- and white gold-encrusted crocodile skin Hermes Kelly 28 which fetched nearly $513,000 in 2021 at Christie's in Hong Kong. Additional reporting by AFP Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
