The very first Birkin handbag, handmade by Hermès in 1984 for the iconic actress and singer Jane Birkin, was showcased to journalists in Tokyo today.
The unveiling comes courtesy of a Japanese luxury resale firm that secured the piece for a staggering 8.6 million euros ($10 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris this past spring.
The bag’s legendary origin traces back to a chance airplane encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas.
As the story goes, Birkin complained about the lack of practical yet elegant bags for busy mothers, prompting Dumas to draft a design on the spot—complete with a special compartment for baby bottles.
The custom creation sparked a global phenomenon, leading Hermès to produce adapted versions that became a cornerstone of the brand’s success.
Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO and co-founder of Valuence Japan, the buyer behind the record-breaking purchase, emphasized the item’s cultural depth over its monetary value.
“Luxury items gain true meaning through the narratives of their creators—their heritage, ethos, and impact—rather than just a price tag,” Sakimoto told reporters.
The company intends to loan the bag for exhibitions at museums and cultural institutions worldwide, with no plans for resale.
Jane Birkin, who passed away in 2023, had originally parted with the prototype in 1994 at auction to benefit Sidaction, a leading French organization combating HIV/AIDS.
The event highlights the enduring allure of Hermès’ signature design, which continues to command premium prices in the secondary market amid growing interest in vintage luxury goods.
(Exchange rate: $1 = 0.8575 euros)
