$10 Million Bag Sets New Record

A handbag once owned by actress Jane Birkin and which inspired the creation of Hermès’ famous Birkin model was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $10.1 million. According to Kun.uz, this marks a record in fashion history — the bag has become the most expensive in the world.

The buyer was a Japanese private collector whose identity was not revealed.

The previous record-holder was a Hermès Kelly bag made from crocodile leather and adorned with diamonds, which sold for $513,000 in 2021.

According to Sotheby’s, the bag was sold after an intense 10-minute bidding war involving nine buyers.

The Fashion World’s Most Desired Accessory

The black leather bag was specially created in 1985 for actress and singer Jane Birkin. She was sitting next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight when she dropped her handbag and its contents spilled onto the floor.

She then asked the Hermès executive why more spacious and practical bags for women weren't being made. That question inspired Dumas, who soon after designed a new handbag.

That very prototype opened a new chapter in Hermès history: later, bags based on it became the luxurious Birkin models.

In 1994, Jane Birkin auctioned off this original bag to benefit an AIDS charity.

Sotheby’s representative Morgan Halimi said that the price reflects the legendary story and unique legacy of the bag:

“This bag marks the beginning of a modern legend. It is because of this very bag that the fashion world got its most coveted accessory,” he said.

Today, some Hermès Birkin models can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Among their owners are celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Jennifer Lopez. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!