Fashion History Made: Original Birkin Bag Fetches €8.6M

A landmark moment in luxury fashion history was made in Paris when the original Birkin bag, once owned by Jane Birkin, sold at Sotheby’s for a staggering €8.6 million (approx. $10 million).

The auction, held on July 10, 2025, drew intense global interest, with bids soaring far beyond the €1 million starting price. The final buyer, a Japanese collector, claimed the iconic bag via phone bid after a competitive series of offers.

This specific Birkin, the very first of its kind, was crafted in 1984 by Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas after Birkin famously requested a practical, stylish bag during a flight conversation.

The bag bears Birkin’s initials “J.B.” and still carries stickers from humanitarian organizations like UNICEF. It had previously been exhibited at major museums including MoMA and the V&A.

The record-breaking price highlights the Birkin’s enduring legacy and cultural symbolism. For many, it’s more than a handbag, it’s a piece of fashion history and womanhood. As Sotheby’s noted, this is now the most expensive fashion item ever auctioned in Europe.