Whether you’re a seasoned Hermès shopper who’s been offered the chance to buy a Birkin bag straight from the source or you’re nabbing a vintage or preowned one on the secondary market, the iconic handbag represents a considerable investment. But the price of even a rare limited-edition version pales in comparison with what was paid at Sotheby’s this week, where the first-ever Birkin bag fetched $10 million. Per CNN, the sale broke the Birkin record by quite a bit — the previous record for a Birkin at auction was a diamond Himalaya version sold at Sotheby’s in 2022 for over $450,000.
The black leather bag belonged to Jane Birkin herself. It is discolored where she affixed two stickers and displays other signs of wear. The singer and actress evidently was as carefree with her handbag as many of today’s collectors are protective of theirs. Which makes sense: Birkin and then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas designed the purse to be practical for her as a mother, so there was no room for preciousness in how she handled it.
In fact, the bag’s value is enhanced by its patina of use, which serves as a visual reminder of its connection to its namesake. “[The sale] is a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors seeking exceptional items with unique provenance,” Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and accessories, said in a statement shared by CNN. “The sale of the original Birkin is also, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring spirit and appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin.”
