The original Birkin bag, a staple of luxury fashion, has made history by selling for €8.6 million (£7.4 million; $10.1 million) at auction, establishing itself as the most valuable handbag ever sold. Crafted in 1985 for renowned singer Jane Birkin, the bag came into existence after a chance conversation on a flight with Hermès' CEO, leading to the creation of a more spacious and stylish handbag. The prototype was sold to a private collector from Japan during an electrifying 10-minute bidding war that drew "nine determined collectors" at Sotheby's in Paris.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, highlighted the sale as "a striking demonstration of the enduring allure of a legend." She emphasized that this prototype is not only the cornerstone of a modern icon but also a representation of extraordinary storytelling in fashion. Notably, the final price of €8,582,500 includes additional commissions and fees, but no pre-auction estimates were disclosed.
Initially designed for Birkin, the bag features her initials on the front flap, a non-removable shoulder strap, and distinct stickers highlighting causes she supported, such as Médecins du Monde and Unicef. Birkin passionately used the bag for ten years and gifted it to charity in 1994 to support an AIDS initiative. The bag had remained with previous owner Catherine Benier for 25 years before this historic auction, overtaking the prior record set by a Kelly bag sold in 2021.
The Birkin bag's legacy continues to thrive, remaining one of the most sought-after fashion items globally, desired by numerous high-profile celebrities from Kate Moss to Jennifer Lopez.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, highlighted the sale as "a striking demonstration of the enduring allure of a legend." She emphasized that this prototype is not only the cornerstone of a modern icon but also a representation of extraordinary storytelling in fashion. Notably, the final price of €8,582,500 includes additional commissions and fees, but no pre-auction estimates were disclosed.
Initially designed for Birkin, the bag features her initials on the front flap, a non-removable shoulder strap, and distinct stickers highlighting causes she supported, such as Médecins du Monde and Unicef. Birkin passionately used the bag for ten years and gifted it to charity in 1994 to support an AIDS initiative. The bag had remained with previous owner Catherine Benier for 25 years before this historic auction, overtaking the prior record set by a Kelly bag sold in 2021.
The Birkin bag's legacy continues to thrive, remaining one of the most sought-after fashion items globally, desired by numerous high-profile celebrities from Kate Moss to Jennifer Lopez.
