As the very first Birkin ever crafted by Hermès, this iconic piece was specifically designed for the legendary British actor and singer Jane Birkin herself. From 1985 to 1994, she carried it almost daily, cementing its reputation as the ultimate symbol of luxury. The bag was sold during an exclusive online auction hosted by Sotheby’s, which also showcased other remarkable luxury fashion items from renowned designers like Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior. Jane Birkin and Her Multifaceted Relationship With the Luxury Brand Hermès. 

The auction saw a thrilling 10-minute bidding battle for the legendary black leather handbag, which opened at €1 million. Out of nine eager bidders, it was ultimately claimed by a private collector in Japan, who placed their winning bid via telephone through Sotheby’s Japan director, Maiko Ichikawa.

Despite its scuffed, scratched, and stained appearance, this black leather Birkin bag achieved the extraordinary price of €8.6 million ($10 million) with fees included, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. The final winning bid was an impressive €7 million ($8.2 million).

“The sale is a striking testament to the power of a legend and its ability to ignite the passion and desire of collectors in search of exceptional items with unique provenance,” stated Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion. “The auction of the Original Birkin is also a celebration of the enduring spirit and timeless appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin.”

Sotheby’s refrained from providing an estimate for the original Birkin ahead of the sale, yet advanced bidding had already shattered expectations at €1 million. Viewers of the live stream could be heard gasping as the bidding soared, culminating in a gripping 10-minute showdown among nine collectors, ultimately leading to the victory of a private collector from Japan, as detailed in a Sotheby’s press release.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2025 04:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).