Historic Sale: The Original Birkin Bag Fetches Record £7M at Auction

The original Birkin bag has become a landmark in fashion history with its recent sale at auction for £7.4 million, surpassing the previous record significantly. This sale marks a celebration of both luxury and the legacy of its namesake, Jane Birkin.

The original Birkin bag, a legendary piece in fashion history, has fetched a staggering €8.6 million (£7.4 million; $10.1 million) at auction, setting a new record for the world's most valuable handbag. Crafted in 1985 for English-French singer and actress Jane Birkin, the black leather bag's inception story began mid-air when she voiced her need for a larger bag to Hermès’ CEO during a flight. This prompted him to sketch its design on an airplane sick bag, leading to the creation of a highly sought-after accessory.

Sold at Sotheby's in Paris to a private Japanese collector, the prototype bag has eclipsed the previous record of €439,000 (£378,000; $513,000). The auction witnessed an intense bidding process lasting 10 minutes among nine fierce collectors, showcasing the immense desirability of the Birkin brand. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags, described the sale as a demonstration of the enduring allure of a legend that inspires passionate collectors around the world.

The Birkin bag, synonymous with exclusivity and fashion status, has maintained its prestige with prices ranging into the tens of thousands, often accompanied by lengthy waiting lists. Notable owners include celebrities such as Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez. The original prototype uniquely features Birkin's initials, a non-removable shoulder strap, attached nail clippers, and marks where stickers for various charitable causes were placed.

Jane Birkin, who passed away in 2023, held onto this particular bag for a decade before donating it in 1994 to raise funds for AIDS charity, eventually coming into the possession of Catherine Benier, a luxury boutique owner in Paris, who sold it after having it for 25 years. This record-breaking sale has further solidified the Birkin bag’s status as more than just an accessory, but a piece of modern art and history that reflects personal identity and societal values.