Jane Birkin's Original Hermès Birkin Bag Sells for Record-Breaking 10 Million Dollars at Auction

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Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag has just made history, selling for a record-breaking $10 million at auction. More than a fashion accessory, the iconic bag tells the story of Birkin’s life, legacy, and lasting cultural influence.

Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag has officially become the most expensive handbag ever sold, fetching 10 million US dollars at an Artcurial auction in Paris on July 10, 2025. The historic sale set a new world record and brought renewed attention to the legacy of the late actress, singer, and style icon.

This handbag is considered the very first Birkin ever made. It was designed in 1984 after Jane Birkin met Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. During the flight, Birkin expressed frustration with the lack of elegant yet functional handbags for everyday use. Dumas sketched a prototype on an airplane sick bag, and from that moment, the Birkin was born.

What made this particular bag so valuable was not just its origin but its condition. The bag showed clear signs of use and personality. Jane Birkin carried it everywhere. It was covered in protest stickers, scribbled notes, and charms that reflected her values and lifestyle. Rather than being preserved in perfect condition, it was worn with purpose, giving it emotional and historical depth that no showroom piece could match.

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Bidding opened at 1 million euros and quickly escalated as international collectors competed for the piece. The winning bidder was a Japanese private collector who has a known interest in cultural preservation and fashion history. While the identity of the buyer remains private, they have reportedly expressed a desire to loan the bag to museums in the future so the public can experience it firsthand.

Jane Birkin passed away in 2023, but her influence continues to shape fashion and culture. Her effortless style and social activism are part of what made the Birkin bag more than just an accessory. This auction reflects not only her timeless appeal but also a larger shift in how people collect and value fashion.

Today’s luxury buyers are looking for more than brand names and exclusivity. They are drawn to stories, history, and authenticity. Jane Birkin’s original handbag, marked by a life fully lived, has become a symbol of all three. This sale is a reminder that fashion is not only about appearance but also about meaning, identity, and the marks we leave behind.