Jane Birkin’s Original Bag Sells for a Record-Breaking Price at Sotheby’s
History was made. On Thursday, July 10th, the Birkin bag once owned by the eponymous English actress was sold for a price that shattered all expectations. With a starting price of €1 million, this iconic handbag sparked a bidding war between collectors and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. Within minutes, the auction at Sotheby’s skyrocketed, ultimately reaching an unprecedented €8.6 million. This record-breaking price surpasses by far the previous benchmark, held by a diamond-set Hermès Kelly in crocodile leather, which fetched over $513,000.
Naturally, there’s a story behind the frenzy. Legend has it that in 1984, on a flight from Paris to London, the British singer and actress — who passed away in 2023 — told her seatmate she couldn’t find a handbag practical enough to carry her baby’s things. That seatmate happened to be none other than Jean-Louis Dumas, then president of Hermès. Moved by her remark, Dumas went on to design a bag that was spacious, elegant, and functional, finished with a compartment for baby bottles. The Birkin was born.
During this exceptional auction, we met Catherine B., the last owner of the bag, as well as Alison Toby, Ami Taménaga, Sophie Favier and many others.
Photos: Louis Liébert
