Jane Birkin, the legendary British-French actress and singer, continues to captivate the world long after her passing, thanks to her timeless legacy and the iconic Birkin bag that bears her name. In a remarkable turn of events, Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag has sold at Sotheby’s Paris for a record-breaking $10.1 million, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction
A Historic Sale for an Iconic Bag
The original Birkin bag, once carried daily by Jane Birkin herself, was auctioned on July 10, 2025. After over 10 minutes of fierce bidding, Sotheby’s announced that the sale set a new world record for handbags. This event not only highlighted the enduring appeal of the bag but also reminded the world of Jane Birkin’s unique role in fashion history.
How Jane Birkin Inspired a Fashion Revolution
The Birkin bag’s origin story is as iconic as the bag itself. In 1984, during an Air France flight, Jane Birkin met Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. Complaining she couldn’t find a purse big enough to hold her everyday essentials and her baby’s bottles, Jane Birkin unknowingly sparked a design revolution. Dumas sketched a new bag on the spot, blending practicality and luxury — and the Birkin bag was born.
A Symbol of Luxury and Exclusivity
Decades later, the Hermès Birkin bag has become a global symbol of luxury, status, and exquisite craftsmanship. Carrying the name of Jane Birkin, the bag is crafted in limited quantities, with prices for modern Birkins ranging from $5,000 to over $200,000. The original bag’s $10.1 million price tag only cements its mythic status among collectors.
Why This Auction Matters
What makes this auction truly historic is its direct connection to Jane Birkin herself. Sotheby’s described the bag as “a singular piece of fashion history,” pointing out that this is not just any Birkin — it’s the Birkin. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, said the record-breaking bid shows how one woman’s influence can transform the luxury market for generations.
Jane Birkin’s Timeless Influence
While Jane Birkin’s acting and music careers earned her acclaim, her influence on fashion is perhaps her most enduring legacy. Her effortless style — an iconic blend of British cool and Parisian chic — remains an inspiration to designers, celebrities, and collectors around the world. The Birkin bag perfectly reflects her spirit: practical yet sophisticated, understated yet impossibly stylish.
A Legacy That Lives On
The anonymous buyer who now owns Jane Birkin’s original bag also owns a piece of cultural history. This record-setting sale ensures that Jane Birkin’s name will stay relevant for generations to come. From the runways of Paris to private collectors’ vaults, the Birkin bag’s story — and the woman behind it — will continue to shape conversations about fashion, luxury, and timeless style.
Jane Birkin remains, even today, a symbol of authentic elegance and lasting influence. As new generations learn her story, the demand for the Birkin bag — and the legend of Jane Birkin — shows no sign of fading away.
