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An Iconic Woman, An Iconic Bag: The Unique History Behind The Birkin Bag

By FashioningLife

Birkin

One of the world's current most sought-out and exclusive bags and the woman who inspired it. Jane Birkin has passed away but has left behind not just a legacy in entertainment but fashion as well.


It is fair to say that Jane Birkin was the quintessential 'cool girl'. Prolific actress and singer, based in both London and Paris, Jane became well known for her philanthropy, political activism as well as her effortless, yet iconic sense of fashion. Amongst the many ways Jane Birkin influenced our world, she never knew her name would give rise to one of the most sought after and elusive luxury bags which we know and love today: the Hermès’ Birkin.

Birkin

It all started in 1984, on a two hour Air France flight travelling between Paris and London. As Jane attempted to place her straw bag in the overhead compartment, the entirety of its contents fell onto the deck, leaving her rushing and crawling to gather her things. Luckily enough, sitting right next to her was, Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. In casual conversation with Dumas, Jane complained about not having a bag to fit all the things she required for both motherhood and her career. Dumas advised her to find a bag with pockets, to which she said "The day Hermès makes one with pockets I will have that." And he replied: "But I am Hermès, and I will put pockets in for you." He immediately drew her a sketch of the bag on a sick-bag.

Birkin

Thus the Birkin bag was born. Despite a slow start (in comparison to Chanel’s dominance in the 1980s) it became one of fashion’s most prominent and exclusive bag. As it became an essential element in every celebrities’ closet, Jane Birkin was always known to own one Birkin at the time and to use it until completely run-down, at which point she would sell it, and acquire a new one.

Birkin

Throughout her career Jane Birkin was known for her extreme talent as well as kindness, many artists have opened about her passing such as The Portishead’s singer Beth Gibbons, stating "She was such a beautiful, generous and kind soul. She was one of the nicest people I’ve worked with and always made me feel so at ease".


The singer and actress will be sorely missed, leaving behind two daughters and a significant influence on pop-culture that will keep her memory alive.


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