We have all seen celebrities carry Birkins, and some of us may even own one. But do you know the story of the first ever Birkin? It all began mid-air in 1984. British actress Jane Birkin, known for her effortless Parisian style, found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of luxury house Hermès.
Frustrated with her carry-on tote, Birkin vented about the lack of a chic yet functional handbag for young mothers. Dumas listened, and then did something that no one saw coming. He sketched a prototype on an airsick bag. That in-flight doodle would soon become the legendary Birkin bag, a status symbol that continues to dominate fashion and culture four decades later.
How the Birkin bag became popular
Despite being launched in the 1980s, the Birkin Bag remained relatively niche until the early 2000s. Then came the cultural shift, its screen debut. In ‘Sex and the City’, Samantha Jones famously dropped the line: “It’s not a bag. It’s a Birkin,” when confronted with a five-year waiting list.
Soon the bag became the ‘IT’ thing, and everyone wanted to own a Birkin!
It’s more than fashion
But Birkin isn’t just fashion, it’s finance. A 2016 study showed that over 35 years, Birkin bags delivered an average return on investment of 500%, outpacing gold and the S&P 500. Even as markets fluctuated during the pandemic, Birkin sales soared, rising by 38% in 2020. Resellers like Privé Porter and The Real Real witnessed skyrocketing demand, with rare editions fetching record premiums. In a world where luxury doubles as leverage, Birkin became an asset class.
Celebrities love the Birkin bag
Naturally, the bag became a celebrity's favourite. Cardi B made headlines in 2020 when she showed off 23 Birkins in one of her Instagram posts. Kylie Jenner, not to be outdone, reportedly owned at least 21 Hermès bags as of 2018. These luxury collectables aren’t just accessories; their statements of power, taste, and financial prowess.
Back in India, the Birkin bag enjoys a similarly exalted status. Bollywood royalty, including Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, and Janhvi Kapoor, have been seen carrying their coveted pieces.
OG Birkin Bag will be up for sale
Now, after all these years, the original Birkin bag, the one designed for Jane herself, is set to go under the hammer. Sotheby’s Paris will auction the historic piece on July 10. The auction doesn’t disclose a public starting bid; instead, serious collectors must request estimates after registering with the official site.
