Historic Sale: Original Birkin Bag Achieves Record-Breaking £7m Auction Price

Sotheby’s auction in Paris saw the original Birkin bag sell for €8.6 million, setting a new record, thanks to its unique history and the legendary name it carries.

In a remarkable event that sent shockwaves through the fashion world, the original Birkin bag has shattered records by selling for €8.6 million (£7.4 million; $10.1 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, marking it as the highest price ever fetched for a handbag. This black leather masterpiece was crafted in 1985 for the iconic singer and actress, Jane Birkin, whose interaction with the Hermès fashion house began when she spilled her belongings on a flight next to its CEO.

During this flight, her suggestion for a larger handbag prompted the design to be sketched on a sick bag provided by the airline. The prototype officially became part of fashion lore when it was purchased by a private buyer from Japan, following an exhilarating 10-minute bidding war that showcased the fervent desire of collectors vying for this unique piece of fashion history.

According to Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, the staggering sale price exemplifies the allure of legendary items with rich provenance. “The Birkin prototype is…it’s the origin of an extraordinary story,” she remarked, referring to the cultural impact the bag has had over the decades. Beyond its iconic status, this particular bag boasts personal touches, such as Birkin's initials, a non-removable shoulder strap, and even attached nail clippers, showcasing her practical use of the bag.

After being used for a full decade, Birkin donated the original bag in 1994 to support Aids charities, after which it changed hands several times. The previous record for an auctioned handbag was held by a White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Retourne Kelly 28, sold in 2021, once again highlighting the Birkin bag's unmatched status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the fashion world.