The sale of the first-ever Birkin bag, a true icon of fashion history, is set to become a landmark event in luxury collecting. This original prototype, gifted to British actress Jane Birkin in 1985, will be auctioned in Paris on June 26, with the estimate available only upon request.
The Birkin bag, now arguably the most famous handbag and luxury accessory worldwide, was born from a chance encounter. Hermes company director Jean-Louis Dumas shared a flight with Jane Birkin, who expressed frustration over the lack of a spacious, practical bag to carry her belongings while traveling with her daughter. Inspired by her needs, Dumas and Hermes designed the bag that would forever bear her name.
Sotheby’s Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, Morgane Halimi, describes the original Birkin as “a singular piece of fashion history” that evolved into a global symbol of refined luxury.
The prototype carries visible signs of use, including wear and tear and unique personal touches like nail clippers Birkin hung from an internal strap and stickers she applied to support various causes. It differs notably from the production models, featuring a distinct size, closed metal rings, gilded brass hardware, and a shoulder strap—elements that mark it as a rare “work in progress.”
The Birkin bag’s legacy has flourished since its introduction in the 1980s, becoming highly collectible with limited editions regularly released. Condition, rarity, and provenance are crucial in determining value; top-condition bags typically fetch upwards of $20,000. The record sale remains a 2022 Himalaya Birkin 30, which commanded $450,000 thanks to its exclusive diamond-studded white-gold fittings.
With no official estimate released, the original Birkin bag’s value is effectively priceless, making the upcoming auction a historic moment for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
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