8.5 million euros: the world's most expensive handbag auctioned
The accessory designed by Jean Louis Dumas has become the most expensive bag sold at an auction house.
BarcelonaJane Birkin was queuing for an Air France plane to London one day in 1984. Already seated in her seat, ready for takeoff, she asked to change seats for a class seat. business. During the rush of takeoff, the bag fell on the person sitting next to her: none other than Jean Louis Dumas, who at the time was the head of the legendary Hermès fashion house.
From that coincidence and the short flight from Paris to London, the two international icons discussed what the ideal handbag would look like, sketching an airplane emergency instructions bag on paper. Shortly after, that design became a reality under the name Birkin, in honor of one of the singer and actress's inseparable accessories.
"More than just a handbag, the Birkin has evolved from a practical accessory to a timeless cultural icon. Its presence permeates the worlds of music, film, television, and the arts. It's a red carpet classic, a regular feature in fashion magazines, and a coveted item in the wardrobes of the famous Sotheby's auction house, where the original bag was sold this Thursday.
41 years after that anecdote, Jane Birkin's Hermès-designed bag has sold for €8.4 million. The Japanese buyer who took it home wasn't hesitant to pay the astronomical price for an accessory riddled with scratches, wear, and signs of use that was in Birkin's hands from 1985 to 1994. But this black bag hasn't only passed through the actress's hands. Catherine Bernier, a collector and boutique owner, also owned it. vintage from Paris, who has finally decided to part with this garment, which has ended up being the most expensive bag in history sold at auction.
