The very first Hermès Birkin bag, designed in 1984 for Jane Birkin herself, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s Paris on July 10. Before the sale, the historic black leather prototype—featuring rare details like a shoulder strap, brass hardware, and Birkin’s initials—will be exhibited in New York from June 6 to 12. Once donated to charity and held privately, the iconic bag is now set to make fashion history.
The very first Hermès Birkin bag ever made, specifically designed for British fashion icon, actress and songwriter Jane Birkin, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s. Before the historic auction takes place in Paris on July 10, the bag will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York Galleries from June 6 to 12.
This iconic creation was made in 1984 when Jean-Louis Dumas, the executive chairman of Hermès at the time, collaborated with Jane Birkin to design a bag that would meet her everyday needs. Today, the Birkin bag has become one of the most coveted and iconic pieces in the history of fashion renowned for its craftsmanship, exclusivity, and soaring resale value.
The original Birkin bag is crafted from black leather and features seven distinctive design elements that were eventually removed from later models. These include a shoulder strap, brass hardware, and Jane Birkin’s initials, “J.B.,” stamped on the front making this piece truly one-of-a-kind.
In 1994, Jane Birkin generously donated this prototype to the French AIDS charity, Association Solidarité Sida. Six years later, it was purchased by vintage collector and shop owner Catherine Bernier, though the sale price was never disclosed. Sotheby’s has also decided to keep the expected auction value for this unique item anonymous.
Morgan Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby’s, compared the Original Birkin to other legendary fashion items previously auctioned by the house, such as Princess Diana’s iconic Black Sheep Sweater and the crown and cape worn by Freddie Mercury.
“Like those extraordinary pieces, the Original Birkin could very well set a new record,” said Halimi. “But above all, our mission is to find a new home that is worthy of its legendary status and historic legacy.”
image credit: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/7-secret-details-about-jane-birkins-original-birkin-revealed
