The Original Birkin Has Officially Sold for $10 Million USD
Becoming the most expensive fashion item sold — ever.
On July 10, the Original Birkin has officially sold for approximately $10 million USD at Sotheby’s “Fashion Icons” auction. Originally owned by the actor Jane Birkin, the classic all-black luxury handbag, the original was crafted and gifted for her by Hermès.
Truly the Birkin that began it all, the auction was a nail-biting experience, as CNN reported. “The auction house declined to provide an estimate of the original Birkin to CNN ahead of the sale, but advanced bidding had already smashed records at €1 million. During a live stream of the sale, gasps could be heard as the bidding pushed higher and higher. The 10-minute bidding war between nine collectors ultimately ended in victory for a private collector from Japan, according to a Sotheby’s press release.”
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, shared, “There are rare moments in the world of fashion when an object transcends trends and becomes a legend. Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin bag is such a moment.” She continued, “The Original Birkin holds the potential to redefine records.”
While you’re here, a major Schiaparelli retrospective is coming to the UK V&A, exploring Elsa Schiaparelli’s artistic approach to fashion. Elsewhere, Love Island: USA is getting a cast revamp.
