Hermès’ original Birkin bag sells for record ₹85 cr in auction
Image credit: Sotheby'sHermès' original Birkin bag, crafted in 1985 for British actor-singer Jane Birkin herself, has shattered records at Sotheby’s, selling for a staggering €8.58 million (₹85 crore).Made of black box leather with brass hardware and Jane’s initials, this legendary piece turned heads after selling for such an extravagant price.This exceptional prototype, distinguished by seven unique design elements, represents the very genesis of the world’s most coveted handbag.The Birkin storyThe origins of the Birkin lie in a famous meeting between Jane Birkin and Hermès director Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight. Traveling with her young daughter Charlotte, Jane complained to Dumas that she couldn’t find a bag big enough for her daily life. It was then that Dumas decided to create a bag for her.In 1985, Hermès offered Jane the first Birkin bag and asked for her permission to name the model after her.More than just a bag, the Birkin has evolved from a practical accessory into a timeless cultural icon. Its presence spans the worlds of music, film, television, and the arts; it is a red-carpet staple, a fashion magazine mainstay, and a coveted piece in the wardrobes of celebrities, artists, and stylists alike.While the Birkin’s colourways, leathers, and sizes may vary across continents and individual tastes, the Original Birkin stands apart–above all trends–as the very embodiment of the Birkin legend.
 |
| Image credit: Sotheby's |
Hermès' original Birkin bag, crafted in 1985 for British actor-singer Jane Birkin herself, has shattered records at Sotheby’s, selling for a staggering €8.58 million (₹85 crore).
Made of black box leather with brass hardware and Jane’s initials, this legendary piece turned heads after selling for such an extravagant price.
This exceptional prototype, distinguished by seven unique design elements, represents the very genesis of the world’s most coveted handbag.
The Birkin story
The origins of the Birkin lie in a famous meeting between Jane Birkin and Hermès director Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight. Traveling with her young daughter Charlotte, Jane complained to Dumas that she couldn’t find a bag big enough for her daily life. It was then that Dumas decided to create a bag for her.
In 1985, Hermès offered Jane the first Birkin bag and asked for her permission to name the model after her.
More than just a bag, the Birkin has evolved from a practical accessory into a timeless cultural icon. Its presence spans the worlds of music, film, television, and the arts; it is a red-carpet staple, a fashion magazine mainstay, and a coveted piece in the wardrobes of celebrities, artists, and stylists alike.
While the Birkin’s colourways, leathers, and sizes may vary across continents and individual tastes, the Original Birkin stands apart–above all trends–as the very embodiment of the Birkin legend.
What's Your Reaction?
