From Basket to Birkin, the unlikely story...
From Basket to Birkin, the unlikely story of how Jane Birkin inspired one of the most iconic handbags in history.
It's not a bag, it's a Birkin. This year marks 40 years of the Hermes Birkin bag.
The Hermes Birkin bag wasn’t designed in the traditional manner one might expect. Its creation occurred unexpectedly, in a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, stemming from Birkin's iconic straw basket.
The story goes like this: Jane Birkin, an actress and singer, boarded a flight from Paris to London carrying her signature wicker basket, which she was known for using to carry all her essentials. However, during the flight, Jane's basket spilled over into the overhead locker, prompting her to collect her belongings, including a Hermes notebook. Jean-Louis, who was the Chief Executive of Hermes at the time, assisted Jane Birkin in gathering her scattered items and suggested that she find a bag with pockets to better organise her essentials.
Birkin had struggled to find a bag she liked that could fit all her essentials as a young mother. During the flight, the pair worked together to sketch out the design of the Hermes Birkin on the back of a sick bag, creating the perfect “roomy” bag.
The Hermes Birkin officially launched in 1984, Damas gifted Jane Birkin one in return for using her surname as the name of the bag, it is reported that Jane Birkin donated her royalties to various charities each year.
Birkin was often spotted wearing her Hermes Birkin, adding her own unique touch to the bag over the years. Often decorated with beads, stickers, and occasionally even a watch attached to the strap. Another trend that we believe Jane Birkin may have influenced, 'The Decorated Birkin Club'.
Jane Birkin wore her Birkin bag effortlessly, using it until it showed signs of being well-loved. Today, more customers are seeking out pre-loved Birkins, valuing the history and stories behind them.
From bag to It-bag: How the Hermes Birkin became incredibly sought after
The Birkin bag, introduced in 1984, initially had a slow start. However, by the 1990s and particularly the 2000s, it had become the ultimate symbol of luxury and wealth, with people willing to wait years to acquire one.
What made the Birkin the top of everyone's wish lists?
The exclusivity and aura surrounding the designer handbag helped the Birkin become the most sought-after bag in history. With A-list celebs proudly wearing their Birkin for all occasions it became a firm favourite.
Victoria Beckham is known to own one of the largest Birkin collections, rumoured to contain over a whopping 200!
Hermes is celebrated for its impeccable quality and craftsmanship, making Birkin bags highly sought after as investment pieces. When you acquire a Birkin, it's not just a purchase, it's a serious investment in your wardrobe.
