Bagged and Tagged: Jane Birkin’s Beat-Up Beauty Breaks ₹86 Crore Barrier

Image Source: Hindustan Times

In a moment of drama for fashionistas and collectors, Jane Birkin's original Hermès handbag has set a new record as the world's most expensive fashion piece to be sold, fetching a record Rs 86 crore (or $10.1 million) at Sotheby's Paris sale. The record is a cultural benchmark, blending heritage, luxury, and nostalgia.

Key Characteristics of the Auction

1. Provenance and Personal Touch
- Created in 1984 for Jane Birkin on the spot after Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas ran into her
- Constructed completely from an airplane sickness bag from scratch, the prototype contained unique dimensions, brass fittings, and Birkin's initials
- Nine years of daily use by Birkin, stickered, charmed, and even sporting a nail clipper

2. Auction Drama
- The auction began at €1 million and climbed into a 20-way battle that took over 13 minutes
- Last bid closed at €7 million, plus fees, taking total to €8.6 million
- Buyer: a Japanese private collector, bidding by phone

3. Cultural Impact
- The Birkin bag, the practical fantasy, became a global symbol of status and exclusivity
- This iconic item now only lags behind the ruby slippers of The Wizard of Oz in fashion auction history
- It also highlights the historical and emotional significance that is attached to legendary accessories

4. Legacy and Reflection
- Former owner Catherine B experienced happiness and nostalgia, talking about the meaning and history of the bag - Sotheby's has described the event as a celebration of the timeless energy and legacy of Jane Birkin.

Sources. MSN News, Hindustan Times, India Today, Forbes, Indian Express, Firstpost