Love isn’t always about acquiring; it’s sometimes only about admiring. Hermès fans will understand this sentiment, as on October 12th, Jane Birkin’s legendary Hermès Birkin bag took center stage at an exhibition at Sotheby’s Paris. At the brand-new Avenue Matignon establishment, the beloved arm candy of the renowned actress and singer, who unwittingly inspired a timeless fashion icon, was celebrated. This irreplaceable piece of fashion history, the very first Birkin given to Jane herself, will be on display until October 31.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire the holy grail of handbags, distinguished from modern counterparts by details such as the understated use of gold metal, closed bridges inspired by Hermès’ existing sac Haut à Courroies (HAC) model, smaller metal feet, and a fixed shoulder strap. Jane Birkin’s initials grace the accessory, keeping functionality at the core of what has become one of the world’s most coveted bags. None of today’s Birkins possess these unique features, making this an even more incredible opportunity for enthusiasts.
For the ultra-wealthy, the challenge with a Birkin isn’t money but availability. In Jane Birkin’s case, however, it was all about size; she found handbags of the time too small, opting instead for the capacity of a large wicker basket. Imagine her delight when, after a 45-minute conversation with Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, she not only found her ideal bag but also granted permission for it to bear her name in 1985. This favorite accessory of hers, which she used for nearly a decade, was donated in October 1994 and has remained in private hands ever since.
One wonders who was more grateful for her wicker basket spilling on Dumas that day, the woman who found her dream bag or the man who found a business phenomenon.
