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I’m really keen to see how much the original Hermès Birkin bag, owned by its namesake, the late actress and singer Jane Birkin, will fetch when it goes up for auction at Sotheby’s on 10 July. And who the lucky new owner will be. Hopefully it’s not Kim Kardashian, who has already snapped up Princess Diana’s Attallah Cross necklace, which the royal wore at a charity ball in 1987, as well as Jackie Kennedy’s famous gold Cartier Tank watch. The wealthy reality TV star bid for these pieces of fashion history at separate auctions in 2023 and 2017.
The now-famous well-worn black leather Birkin bag was commissioned in 1984 exclusively for and in collaboration with Jane by Hermès’ then CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. The story goes that they met on a flight and she told him she needed a bag that would accommodate her hectic everyday life, so he offered to make one for her.
Shirt, Weekend Max Mara. Trousers, Cos. Sunglasses, Gucci. Basket, Loewe. Scarf, Laura Green. Sandals, Jil Sander
When I interviewed Jane in Paris before her death in 2023, the fashion icon told me she had stopped using her Birkins altogether because, in her later years, she found them too heavy to carry around. Although it was nice to have a bag named after her, she revealed that she had little interest in letting this fashion-history fact define her.
Jane sold her original bag at a charity auction for Aids research in 1994. Then, in 2000, it was bought by Catherine Benier, owner of Les 3 Marches, a vintage designer accessory store on the Left Bank in Paris. Benier said, ‘The bag didn’t have a commercial value, because it was never my intent to sell it. For me, it was extraordinary, like finding Adam’s rib. It’s the most beautiful, coveted piece in the history of fashion.’
Over the years, Benier has turned down offers (including from Rihanna) to buy the bag at any price, keeping it secreted away except for occasional appearances in exhibitions at MoMA and department stores Liberty of London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris. But Benier has clearly changed her mind and fashion’s most famous bag will soon have a new owner.
Meanwhile, if you’re not planning to splash out on a Hermès Birkin, here are a few of this season’s more affordable bag trends:
- The classic canvas tote with leather trim is always a hit.
- A woven, or intrecciato, leather bag. Radley and Dragon Diffusion have a great selection.
- Nothing says summer like an effortless raffia bag thrown over your shoulder. Or add a bohemian twist with a basket: perfect paired with breezy dresses.
SWING TIME
I love this large raffia tote with leather detailing by Radley. It’s called The Library and is currently in the brand’s summer sale.
HOT STUFF
After something special for your next getaway? Hansine has some terrific pieces –such as this bold wrap skirt, – designed especially for sunny destinations. Kate Moss is a fan.
SPOTTED
Julianne Moore has notched up several fashion points recently, on and off screen. She looked elegant in a mustard draped maxidress by Alexander McQueen in the hit Netflix show Sirens (above). And on the Cannes red carpet she debuted the first dress designed by Bottega Veneta’s new creative director, Louise Trotter.
