Conceptualised and sketched by two seatmates on a flight, there was no solution to know that the Birkin bag by Hermès wouldn’t solely go on to achieve cult standing, however that the prototype would turn out to be a record-breaking public sale merchandise a long time on.
On Thursday morning in Paris, Jane Birkin’s authentic Birkin was sold at auction for $10.1 million USD ($15.2 million AUD). Auctioned by Sotheby’s, the sale lasted merely 10 minutes, with 9 bidders collaborating. Bidding started at $1.7 million USD earlier than quickly ascending to the ultimate hammer worth, and finally being purchased by a personal collector.
The enduring piece now holds the data for probably the most helpful purse bought at public sale, probably the most helpful style merchandise bought in Europe, and probably the most helpful luxurious merchandise ever bought at Sotheby’s Paris. It stays solely second to the Crimson Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz for most beneficial style merchandise ever bought, with the sneakers promoting for $32.5 million USD in 2024.
The Hermès Birkin dates again to a flight in 1981, with an opportunity encounter so good it could be deemed kismet. In a narrative recognized to model loyalists and style aficionados, actress and musician Jane Birkin spilled the contents of her wicker basket (utilized in lieu of a purse) in entrance of Hermès’ artwork director Jean-Louis Dumas on their Air France flight. Within the dialog which adopted, the fashion icon shared her frustrations with the impracticality of purses on the time.
The ensuing sketch conceptualised by the pair would ultimately turn out to be the Birkin prototype, offered to its namesake in 1985. The ultimate product bought would find yourself with extra variations, making hers one among a sort.
Not like some other Birkin, Jane’s bag took on a cult standing of its personal, idolised for the sensible manner wherein it was used by the icon. She was seldom seen with out the overflowing accent, and pioneered personalising one’s bag lengthy earlier than the arrival of the curated bag appeal pattern.
“Greater than only a bag, the Birkin has advanced from a sensible accent to turn out to be a timeless cultural icon,” mentioned Sotheby’s.
