The opportunity to own a piece of fashion history is approaching. On December 15, a Hermès Birkin 35 bag made from premium black box calf leather will be auctioned at Orne Enchères in the esteemed Hôtel Drouot in Paris. This bag has a unique provenance, having once belonged to the late actress and singer Jane Birkin, who passed away on July 16.
Recognized as a symbol of luxury, the Birkin bag has featured prominently in pop culture, including appearances in Sex and the City and shows like The Real Housewives. The auctioned bag was a gift to photographer Gabrielle Crawford, a close friend of Birkin, with proceeds supporting the Jane Birkin Foundation.
The legacy of Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin’s legacy transcends her notable contributions to film and music; it includes a profound friendship that spanned nearly six decades. According to a statement from Orne Enchères, Crawford has decided to sell a treasured item to commemorate their shared experiences and Birkin’s commitment to philanthropy. The statement reads, “In tribute to this friendship and their adventurous lives together, Gabrielle has entrusted these memories to the auction to continue Jane’s philanthropic battles and to establish a foundation in her name.”
The Birkin bag’s unique journey
This specific Birkin 35 was among the first bags gifted by Hermès to Jane Birkin, who carried it daily for years. According to official sources, it transformed into an essential companion, filled with treasures from around the globe. “Gifts from all over the world hung from the handles—bells, Japanese lucky charms,” Crawford noted, emphasizing the emotional weight and significance of the bag in Birkin’s life.
The bag has become a symbol of their enduring friendship. Crawford recalls how inseparable Birkin was from her bag, stating, “It weighed a ton. But she and it were inseparable. She never forgot it.” Eventually, Birkin entrusted the bag to Crawford, solidifying its place in their shared history.
The inspiration behind the Birkin bag
In a compelling narrative featured in Vogue, actress and singer Jane Birkin recounted the origins of the iconic Birkin bag. In 1984, while on a flight to London, Birkin found herself next to a fellow passenger who noticed her struggle with an old wicker bag. The man, later identified as Jean-Louis Dumas, then-president of Hermès, suggested that a bag with pockets would better accommodate her needs.
Birkin famously replied, “When Hermès makes a bag with pockets, I’ll take it.” Dumas responded, “I am Hermès. I’ll do it for you.” The two collaborated on a design that would become one of the most sought-after handbags globally, sketching it on a barf bag, which exemplified Birkin’s spontaneous creativity.
Birkin’s charitable legacy
The facts
Birkin bags have long been a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Throughout her life, Jane Birkin received five Hermès bags, all of which she sold to support charitable causes. Earlier this year, the first Birkin bag ever sold at auction fetched 7 million euros (approximately $8.6 million). The auction attracted 270 bidders from 38 countries, with a private collector from Japan securing the iconic item.
What’s next
The upcoming auction will feature not only the black Birkin 35 but also an English-language script from the 1976 film Je T’Aime Moi Non Plus, annotated by Birkin’s partner, Serge Gainsbourg. This script is estimated to sell for between 15,000 and 18,000 euros, adding to the auction’s significance.
As the auction date approaches, it presents an opportunity to acquire a piece of fashion history while supporting a meaningful cause that honors Jane Birkin’s legacy.
