Jane Birkin’s original Hermès bag goes on sale
CNN
The original Hermès Birkin bag, which acted as the blueprint for what would become one of the most desirable celebrity status symbols in the world, will go under the hammer in Paris next month.
The original Hermès Birkin bag, which acted as the blueprint for what would become one of the most desirable celebrity status symbols in the world, will go under the hammer in Paris next month. The capacious saddle-stitched handbag, inspired by actor and singer Jane Birkin who died in 2023, will lead the “Fashion Icons” sale at Sotheby’s on July 10, the auction house said in a statement Thursday. Known as “The Original Birkin,” the all-black, leather handbag is the first version of the timeless luxury staple, which was envisaged about 40 years ago after a chance encounter on a plane between Birkin and then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, Sotheby’s said. “There are rare moments in the world of fashion when an object transcends trends and becomes a legend. Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin bag is such a moment,” said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, in the statement. Halimi said the bag “stands shoulder to shoulder with other exceptional items with similarly dazzling provenance,” such as Princess Diana’s “black sheep” sweater and British rock star Freddie Mercury’s crown and cloak. “Like them, the Original Birkin holds the potential to redefine records,” Halimi added. CNN asked Sotheby’s how much they expect the handbag to sell for, but the auction house would not provide an estimate.
