A piece of fashion history shattered auction records Thursday when the first-ever Hermes Birkin bag, originally designed for actress Jane Birkin, sold for a staggering 8.58 million euros (approximately $10 million) at Sotheby’s in Paris.
The prototype handbag, which sparked a fierce telephone bidding war, far surpassed the previous handbag auction record of $513,000 set in 2021. A private Japanese collector ultimately claimed the prize after intense competition.
Sotheby’s described the auction’s dramatic opening, noting the room collectively gasped when bidding commenced at 1 million euros. The final sale price, including commission and fees, represents an unprecedented valuation for a single handbag.
The sale underscores a shifting landscape in luxury fashion, where ostentatious displays are increasingly replacing the subdued “quiet luxury” aesthetic that dominated recent years. Modern Birkin bags, now a status symbol, typically start at around $10,000 when offered by Hermes to select clients.
Jane Birkin, the British actress and singer who inspired the iconic design, has long been associated with the bag that bears her name. Hermès is said to have paid approximately $40,000 in royalties to Birkin annually in exchange for the use of her name. She consistently donated this money to various charities. Despite sharing its namesake, the actress only owned a few Birkins in her lifetime.
The prototype’s sale not only represents a significant moment in fashion memorabilia but also highlights the enduring cultural significance of luxury accessories.
Sotheby’s declined to provide additional details about the winning bidder, maintaining the auction’s mystique.
