Original by Jane Birkin. Credit: Instagram @sothebys
Jane Birkin’s worn-out Hermes handbag – Original – will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s Paris from June 26th to July 10th, 2025, marking the unusual opportunity to own one of the world’s most iconic bags.
The original Jane Birkin Hermes bag that launched the fashion empire
The original Birkin, created in 1985 for actress and singer Jane Birkin, will be auctioned as the center of Satheby’s upcoming fashion icon sale. According to Sotheby’s, the event will be held from June 26th to July 10th, 2025, and a preview will be on display at Sotheby’s New York from June 6th to 12th.
Sotheby’s describes the bag as “a unique piece that embodies the intersection of craftsmanship, celebrity and fashion history.” This was my first Birkin bag and became a synonym for Jane herself.
Birkin bag was born on airplane – sketched in sick bag
The story of the origins of the Birkin Bag is legendary. As Jane Birkin explained CNN’s Christian Amanpoor in 2020 interview:
“He said, ‘Well, draw it for me,’ so I drew it on a vomiting bag, one of the sick bags on the plane. ”
The flight in 1981 saw Birkin sit next to Gene Lewis Dumas and was CEO of Hermes. After Jane’s wicker basket spilled on her lap, she lamented the lack of a large, stylish bag, urging Dumas to sketch designs that will soon become fashion history.
Hermes unveiled the prototype, which was completed in 1985, and later named it “Birkin” with permission from Jane. As Sotheby’s explains, “This very prototype – the original Birkin – was the first of its kind.”
7 features of the original Jane Birkin bag
According to Sotheby’s, this is the only Birkin bag ever produced with the following unique design elements, and will not be repeated on future models.
- Fixed shoulder strap – Commercial Birkins not included.
- Hybrid Size – The width and height of a Birkin 35, but the depth of a Birkin 40.
- Gold Brass Hardware – Later versions used gold-plated hardware.
- Closed Metal Ring (Ponte) – Similar to Hermes’ original riding bag.
- A smaller bottom stud than the later model.
- Eclair Zipper – Replaced with Lily zipper in a modern bag.
- The initial “JB” is engraved on the front flap.
Also, the strap has Jane’s nail clippers, which are still intact. Sotheby’s pointed out, “She left the shoulder clipper attached to the chain hanging from the bottom of her shoulder. For easy and frequent use.”
The condition of the bag reflects the large amount of use. Jane’s favorite accessories donated to charity auctions until 1994. It changed hands again in 2000 and has not been seen publicly since.
How much is the original Jane Birkin bag at auction?
Sotheby’s refused to give a price estimate, but fashion insiders expect to get a chin drop amount. According to USA TODAY“The new Birkin could cost somewhere between $10,000 and $100,000 (or more).”
But this isn’t just a Birkin Birkin. As Morgan Halimi, global head of Sotheby’s global handbags and fashion, said CNN:
“There are rare moments in the fashion world when objects go beyond trends and become legendary. Jane Birkin’s original Birkin bag is such a moment.”
She added:
“Like Princess Diana’s black sheep sweater and Freddie Mercury’s crown, the original Birkin has the potential to redefine the record.”
Jane Birkin herself once joked CNN Interview:
“Bless me, when I die… (people) will probably just talk about the bag.”
Jane Birkin passed away on July 16, 2023 at the age of 76. Sadly, a few days after her death, an attempted robbery at her Paris home was made.
Even Jane realized how her name relates more to fashion than music or film. She is famously asked Hermes to cancel her crocodile version of the bag in 2015 due to concerns about animal cruelty. USA TODAY.
Meanwhile, companies like Walmart launched a $78 Dupe version, bringing a look to the masses and blurring the line between luxury and accessibility.
Do you want to pay a lot of money on a bag with a used nail clipper attached?
See all world news.
