The first Birkin ever made sells for $11 Million and becomes the most expensive bag in auction history
In the world of luxury, rarity is power. And when that power carries a name, a story, and a personality, its value goes far beyond the material. That's exactly what happened with the very first Birkin ever made by Hermès: sold for €8.6 million (around R$55 million), it broke the world record for the most expensive handbag ever auctioned — despite being worn, stained, and scratched.
The bag that started it all
This iconic piece was born in 1984 after a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès president Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. Jane was venting about the lack of bags that were both functional and chic. Dumas sketched a design on an airplane sickness bag — and just like that, fashion history was made.
Worn, scratched, stained — and priceless
Given to Jane in 1985, the bag was used daily until 1994. Unlike the polished versions we see today, this original Birkin bears the real signs of a life lived: scratches, stains, unique hardware, a silver nail clipper dangling from the handle (Jane's personal quirk), and stickers from organizations like UNICEF and Médecins du Monde. The front flap is marked with her initials, "J.B." — every imperfection adding to its unmatched value.
A fierce collector battle and historic value
Nine collectors battled for ten intense minutes until a private Japanese buyer secured the piece. According to Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's Global Head of Handbags, the sale was "a celebration of Jane Birkin's legacy and the enduring power of unique provenance." Before reaching the auction block, the bag had already been displayed in iconic museums such as MoMA in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
The Birkin as an investment
This Birkin now holds the record for the most expensive handbag ever sold, leaving behind:
Birkin "Diamond Himalaya" – $450,000 (2022)
Crocodile Kelly with diamonds – $390,000 (2021)
Previous record – $513,000
Rather than exotic skins or diamonds, what drove its price was soul, history, and identity — values that can't be replicated or mass-produced.
Beyond its fashion icon status, the Birkin is also one of the most valuable assets in the luxury market. A 2016 study revealed that Birkin bags outperformed both stocks and gold in long-term investment returns. Originally designed to be practical for a mother of three, the Birkin has grown into one of the most coveted objects in contemporary fashion.
Jane's legacy
Jane Birkin passed away in 2023 at age 76. Though she was a celebrated actress, singer, and style icon, she once joked about the legacy of her namesake bag. In an interview with Christiane Amanpour, she said:
"When I die… people will probably just talk about the bag."
And so they did.
But the truth is: that bag tells her story — one of irreverence, authenticity, and timeless influence.