Jane Birkin’s name has once again dominated headlines across the UK and beyond. This renewed attention comes after her original Hermès Birkin bag sold for a record-breaking $10 million at a Paris auction. The story of this battered black leather bag, marked by stickers and everyday wear, has captivated the world. Yet, the bag is only a small part of Birkin’s enduring legacy. Her influence on music, film, and fashion remains as powerful as ever, especially in Britain, where her story began.
The Auction That Stunned the World
On 10 July 2025, the original Hermès Birkin bag—created for Jane Birkin herself—went under the hammer at Sotheby’s in Paris. The auction sparked a fierce bidding war, with nine determined collectors pushing the price to €8.6 million, or around £7.4 million. The winning bidder, a private collector from Japan, secured the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. Gasps echoed in the auction room as the price soared well above expectations.
What made this bag so valuable was not its material or embellishments. Instead, it was the story behind it. Jane Birkin used the bag almost every day between 1985 and 1994. Its worn appearance, complete with her initials “J.B.” and stickers from UNICEF and Médecins du Monde, only added to its appeal. The bag was not just a symbol of luxury but a piece of living history, reflecting Birkin’s practical approach to style and life.
The Birth of the Birkin Bag
The origin of the Birkin bag is now fashion folklore. In 1981, Jane Birkin was on a flight from Paris to London when her wicker basket spilled its contents in front of Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. Birkin explained her struggle to find a bag that was both practical and stylish. Dumas handed her an airline sick bag and asked her to sketch her ideal handbag. From that sketch, Hermès crafted the first Birkin bag in 1985, gifting it to Jane.
Unlike today’s pristine, investment-grade Birkins, Jane’s original was a working accessory. She used it as a young mother, filling it with everyday essentials. Its scuffs and scratches became part of its charm. In 1994, Birkin sold the bag to raise funds for AIDS research, adding another layer of meaning to its story.
From London to Parisian Muse
Born in Marylebone, London, in 1946, Jane Birkin was the daughter of actress Judy Campbell and Royal Navy officer David Birkin. She began her career in British cinema, appearing in films like “Blowup” and “Kaleidoscope.” Her life changed in 1968 when she met French singer Serge Gainsbourg on the set of “Slogan.” Their creative and romantic partnership produced the iconic album “Jane Birkin/Serge Gainsbourg” and the controversial hit “Je t’aime… moi non plus”.
Birkin moved to France, where she became a star in her own right. She appeared in acclaimed films and released several solo albums. Despite her success in France, Birkin never lost touch with her British roots. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, in 2001, a moment she described as deeply meaningful.
A Lasting Fashion Legacy
Jane Birkin’s influence on fashion extends far beyond the bag that bears her name. She was the epitome of effortless style, blending masculine and feminine elements in a way that felt both natural and daring. Her signature looks—simple white T-shirts, jeans, and basket bags—remain timeless. Birkin’s style was rooted in practicality, yet it always felt chic and individual.
The Birkin bag itself became a global status symbol, cherished by celebrities and collectors alike. Yet, Birkin herself never treated it as a precious object. She famously customised her bags with stickers and keychains, using them as everyday accessories rather than museum pieces. This approach has inspired a new generation of fashion lovers to embrace authenticity over perfection.
The Auction’s Impact on the Fashion World
The sale of Birkin’s original bag has set a new benchmark in the world of luxury fashion. At £7.4 million, it shattered the previous record for a handbag at auction. Sotheby’s described the event as a “milestone in fashion history,” noting that the bag’s value lies in its story as much as its craftsmanship.
Fashion experts in the UK have pointed out that the Birkin bag’s appeal is rooted in its connection to Jane herself. Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags at Sotheby’s, said, “It celebrates the enduring legacy of Jane Birkin and the legend she inspired.” The bag has even been displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, cementing its place in British cultural history.
Remembering Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin passed away in July 2023, but her influence endures. She is remembered not only as a muse and style icon but also as a talented actress, singer, and humanitarian. Birkin’s commitment to charity, her openness about her personal struggles, and her creative spirit have inspired many in the UK and around the world.
Her daughters, including actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, continue her artistic legacy. Birkin’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and authenticity—a narrative that resonates strongly with British audiences.
