The original handbag, crafted by Hermès in 1985, became a significant cultural symbol after Birkin inspired its creation during a chance encounter on a flight where she expressed her desire for a more practical bag. It became the prototype for the ultrahigh-status Birkin line, which launched a trend for exclusivity in fashion. Following an intense bid-off among nine collectors, the bag's final price exceeded the former record of $513,000 (£378,000).
Sotheby's described the auction as a "10-minute electrifying bidding war," illustrating the immense interest surrounding the item. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags, noted the sale was a testimony to the enduring influence of Birkin's legacy — a narrative that elevates the bag from mere fashion item to a historical artifact.
The original bag has features that define its personal value — Birkin's initials, a non-removable strap, nail clippers attached, and traces of her activism via stickers. Birkin, who passed away in 2023, owned the bag for ten years before donating it to charity for an Aids initiative in 1994. Its sale marks a significant milestone, not just for luxury fashion but for the cultural impact of personal stories woven into such items.
The new record sets the standard for luxury handbags, previously held by a Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Kelly bag, but the original Birkin, with its rich legacy and uniqueness, remains the quintessential investment for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Sotheby's described the auction as a "10-minute electrifying bidding war," illustrating the immense interest surrounding the item. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags, noted the sale was a testimony to the enduring influence of Birkin's legacy — a narrative that elevates the bag from mere fashion item to a historical artifact.
The original bag has features that define its personal value — Birkin's initials, a non-removable strap, nail clippers attached, and traces of her activism via stickers. Birkin, who passed away in 2023, owned the bag for ten years before donating it to charity for an Aids initiative in 1994. Its sale marks a significant milestone, not just for luxury fashion but for the cultural impact of personal stories woven into such items.
The new record sets the standard for luxury handbags, previously held by a Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Kelly bag, but the original Birkin, with its rich legacy and uniqueness, remains the quintessential investment for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
