A one-of-a-kind Birkin bag, originally made for Jane Birkin, has shattered auction records by selling for €8.6 million (£7.4 million; $10.1 million) at Sotheby's in Paris. This leather accessory, created in 1985, surpassed the previous handbag record of €439,000 (£378,000; $513,000) in a heated bidding contest among collectors.
Historic Birkin Bag Fetches £7M at Auction, Setting New Record
Historic Birkin Bag Fetches £7M at Auction, Setting New Record
The iconic handbag, a symbol of luxury and style, becomes the world's most expensive handbag sold.
The black leather bag, a product of a chance encounter on a flight, represents not only a stunning piece of fashion but also the legacy of its namesake, the late singer and actress Jane Birkin. Following its creation, the bag became synonymous with luxury fashion and sparked a global phenomenon of desirability.
In an extraordinary auction, nine bidders engaged in an "electrifying" 10-minute contest to claim the distinctive accessory. Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, Morgane Halimi, highlighted the significance of the prototype, emphasizing its role as the foundation of a modern fashion icon.
Unique elements of the original bag include Birkin's initials embroidered on the flap, a non-removable shoulder strap, and attached nail clippers, which speak to its personal history. Birkin, a legendary figure who passed away in 2023, used the bag for a decade before donating it to a charity auction, where it was acquired by a Parisian boutique owner.
Since its inception, the Birkin bag has remained a coveted status symbol, often accompanied by long waiting lists and exorbitant prices, attracting a roster of celebrity owners including Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. The auction results underscore the enduring allure and cultural impact of the Birkin bag, now at the pinnacle of luxury handbag sales.
This historic sale not only reflects the immense market value of such coveted items but also the deep personal connections that these luxury goods can foster among collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In an extraordinary auction, nine bidders engaged in an "electrifying" 10-minute contest to claim the distinctive accessory. Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, Morgane Halimi, highlighted the significance of the prototype, emphasizing its role as the foundation of a modern fashion icon.
Unique elements of the original bag include Birkin's initials embroidered on the flap, a non-removable shoulder strap, and attached nail clippers, which speak to its personal history. Birkin, a legendary figure who passed away in 2023, used the bag for a decade before donating it to a charity auction, where it was acquired by a Parisian boutique owner.
Since its inception, the Birkin bag has remained a coveted status symbol, often accompanied by long waiting lists and exorbitant prices, attracting a roster of celebrity owners including Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. The auction results underscore the enduring allure and cultural impact of the Birkin bag, now at the pinnacle of luxury handbag sales.
This historic sale not only reflects the immense market value of such coveted items but also the deep personal connections that these luxury goods can foster among collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
