The Origin Story of the Birkin Bag

Jane Birkin with her namesake bag over the years.

Jane Birkin, singer, actress, and namesake of Hermès famous handbag, died in Paris last Sunday.

This made me wonder about the origin story of the bag she inspired. I was surprised to learn that the ultimate luxury handbag was rooted in practicality and with the goal of making a woman’s life easier. The story of the now-famous Hermes Birkin bag began in 1983 during a chance encounter on a flight from Paris to London. Jane Birkin, then a beloved actress and singer, was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the Chief Executive of Hermes. During the flight, Birkin expressed her frustration with not finding a practical and chic bag to accommodate her busy lifestyle as a mother and artist.

She suggested that Hermes make a bag bigger than the Kelly but smaller than a suitcase. She told Dumas that the day Hermes makes a bag with pockets she will have one.

Being a keen merchant and visionary, Dumas was intrigued by Birkin's dilemma. He decided to create a handbag that would suit her needs, including a dedicated space for her baby’s bottles. It was this practicality, combined with the exquisite materials and legendary craftsmanship of skilled artisans, that made the bag exceptional.

Birkin decorated her bag with stickers, pins, and strands of beads.

As a thank you for lending her name and idea, Dumas gave her a bag and an annual royalty of 300,00 euros ( in 2011) which she gave to her various charities.

With Jane Birkin's endorsement and style, the handbag quickly garnered attention from fashion aficionados worldwide. It has become the ultimate status symbol, gracing the arms of celebrities, socialites, and royalty alike. It’s elusive and exclusive nature only added to the allure, as obtaining a Birkin bag often involves long waiting lists and meticulous selection processes. Beyond its fashion accolades, the Birkin bag has become an investment piece that has never gone down in value and proven to be a secure and stylish asset.