The original Birkin bag, an iconic symbol of luxury, has shattered records with its recent sale at Sotheby's in Paris for €8.6 million (£7.4 million; $10.1 million). Crafted for British-French singer Jane Birkin in 1985, the black leather handbag has officially become the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction. This milestone surpasses the previous record of €439,000 (£378,000; $513,000) held by another luxury item from 2021.
The design's inception was serendipitous; during a flight beside Jean-Louis Dumas, the head of Hermès, Birkin remarked on the lack of functional oversized bags after spilling her belongings. Dumas sketched the prototype design on an airplane sick bag, which has since evolved into a coveted fashion staple. The historical bag was sold during an exciting 10-minute bidding war, drawing the attention of nine ardent collectors eager to secure this unique piece of fashion history.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion, emphasized the bag's legendary status and its role in igniting collectors' passions. She stated, "The Birkin prototype is exactly that, the starting point of an extraordinary story that has given us a modern icon." The final sale price included auction fees, and the previous record was held by a rare White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28.
Jane Birkin, who passed away in 2023, owned the original bag for ten years before donating it to charity in 1994. After being owned by Catherine Benier for 25 years, it was auctioned off again last Thursday, marking a significant moment in luxury fashion. The Birkin continues to maintain its status as one of the most exclusive and sought-after accessories, often adorned with unique features, including Birkin's initials, a non-removable shoulder strap, and even her attached nail clippers.
