A New Record for Luxury Fashion

In a remarkable auction held in Paris, the original Birkin bag, famously sketched on an air sickness bag, sold for an astonishing 7 million euros (approximately $8.2 million). This unprecedented sale stunned attendees, surpassing the previous handbag auction record of $513,040 for a White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28, as noted by Sotheby’s.

This iconic bag, named after the late Jane Birkin, the actress and fashion icon, has now reached a new pinnacle in luxury fashion.

The bidding commenced at 1 million euros ($1.17 million) and escalated rapidly.

The Birth of an Iconic Accessory

Hermès crafted this exclusive bag for Birkin in 1984, featuring her initials, J.B., elegantly placed on the front flap. The completed bag was presented to her the following year, according to the auction house.

The commercial version of the Birkin bag has since become one of the most sought-after luxury items globally, known for its extravagant pricing and lengthy waiting lists.

A Chance Encounter Leads to Fashion History

The inception of the Birkin bag stemmed from a serendipitous meeting on a flight to London in the 1980s with Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermès. Birkin shared that their conversation began after she accidentally dropped her belongings on the cabin floor.

During their chat, she expressed her desire for a larger handbag and sketched her vision on a vomit bag. Dumas later created a prototype for her, and she agreed to allow Hermès to produce the bag under her name.

Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s head of handbags and fashion, remarked, “The Original Birkin bag is a unique piece of fashion history that has transformed into a cultural phenomenon representing luxury in its finest form.”

Distinctive Features of the Original Birkin

Sotheby’s highlighted that seven unique design features distinguish this handcrafted all-black leather prototype from subsequent Birkins.

Notably, it is the only Birkin with a non-removable shoulder strap, catering to Birkin's active lifestyle. Additionally, it included a nail clipper, reflecting her preference for practicality over long painted nails.

The bag, developed from Hermès’ existing Haut A Courroies model, also boasts gilded brass hardware and bottom studs, setting it apart from commercial versions.

The Prototype's Journey

Birkin, who often carried her belongings in a wicker basket due to the inadequacy of handbags in the 1980s, discussed her ideal bag with Dumas while traveling with her daughter, Charlotte. She felt the existing options were too small for her needs as a mother.

Hermès later gifted her four additional Birkin bags. She retained the prototype for nearly ten years before auctioning it for an AIDS charity in 1994. It was sold again in 2000 and has remained in private ownership since then.

Sotheby’s emphasized that the Birkin has transcended its original purpose, evolving into a timeless cultural icon that resonates across music, film, television, and the arts. It has become a staple on red carpets and a coveted item among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.