The iconic Birkin bag, a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, is set to make history once again as the first ever prototype created for actress Jane Birkin in 1984 goes up for auction at Sotheby’s in Paris on 10 July 2025. This historic handcrafted bag, engraved with the initials J.B., features unique elements such as closed metal rings, a non-detachable shoulder strap, and even a built-in nail clipper.
The story behind the creation of the Birkin bag is a modern fashion legend. During a chance encounter on a Paris-London flight, Jane Birkin expressed her frustration to fellow passenger Jean-Louis Dumas, the head of Hermès, about not being able to find a suitable bag as a young mother. This conversation led to the birth of the spacious tote designed specifically to meet Birkin’s needs, and thus, the Birkin bag was born.
Fast forward 40 years, and the Birkin bag has become the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Produced in limited quantities, the bag exudes exclusivity with prices ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros. Despite its popularity among celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Victoria Beckham, the Birkin bag is not displayed in stores and cannot be purchased online, adding to its allure.
The prototype Birkin bag was recently on display at Sotheby’s in New York before making its way to Paris for the auction. Alongside the Birkin bag, the “Fashion Icons” sale at Sotheby’s will feature iconic runway pieces from renowned designers such as Christian Dior, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler, and Alexander McQueen. Bidding for these coveted items will open online on 26 June and conclude on 10 July.
The legacy of the Birkin bag continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike, cementing its status as a timeless and iconic piece in the world of luxury fashion.
