The original Birkin Jane Birkin was sold on Thursday for $ 10 million to strike $ 10 million, making it the most expensive handbag that has ever sold.
The forty -year bag triggered a 10 -minute bid war among nine collectors before the private Japanese buyers won it by phone. It breathes after the offers climbed around £ 5 million and ended at £ 7 million before fees. The sale crushed the previous record of $ 513,000 for the Hermès Kelly diamond bag.
This black leather prototype, scratched and colored from Birkin’s daily use, is now the second most accurate fashion item that has ever been auctioned and watched only 32.5 million “OZ” guide Ruby.
Since the sketch of the plane to the icon: Bag born in the sky
The bag began with a random meeting on an air flight of 1984. Jane Birkin, who fought as a young mom, complained to the CEO of Hermès Jean-Louis Dumas that she could not find a robust and spacious handbag.
She used a wicker basket that spilled in the middle of the flight! Dumas sketched the design on the Airsickness bag and added special pockets for children’s bottles.
Hermès gave her a hand -made bag in 1985, giving birth to a global phenomenon. Birkin used it daily until 1994, personalized it with UNICEF stickers and silver nails hanging from the strap. Later she sold it to raise funds for AIDS research.
What does this birkin do unique?
- Initials “JB” embossed under the castle
- Unexpected shoulder strap (unlike later models)
- Unique size between Hermès’ later 35 and 40 cm of designs
- Gold brass hardware instead of standard gold plating
- Accessories Clipper nail -reflecting Birkin practical style
- Why Collectors paid millions for a “used” bag
In addition to its unique features, the bag symbolizes the fashion history and culture of celebrities.
As Sotheby Morgane Halimi, expert, noted, represents the “power of legend”. Unlike today’s untouched Birkins, which costs $ 10,000-220,000 and requires years for waiting lists, this clusted prototype has been heavily loved.
It’s Wear tells Birkin’s story as an actress, activist and icon of style. After her death, her value rose as the fans remembered her prediction, “When I’m dead, people may just talk about a bag.”
Previous owner Catherine Benier called her a “jewel” of her collection before the quarter of the sale of life.
(Tagstotranslate) Birkin Bag (T) Sotheby’s Paris Auction (T) The most expensive handbag
