Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag has become the most expensive handbag ever sold, fetching an astonishing $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris. The black leather bag, worn and personalized by Birkin herself, was the very first Birkin ever made, transforming from a practical accessory into a global symbol of luxury and exclusivity. The auction lasted over ten minutes, with nine determined collectors participating in a heated bidding war that ultimately saw a private buyer from Japan secure the historic piece.

The story of the Birkin bag began in 1984 during a chance encounter on an Air France flight between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Birkin, then a young mother, lamented the lack of a bag large enough to carry her daily essentials. Dumas responded by sketching a design on an airplane sick bag, envisioning a roomy, rectangular purse with a polished flap and signature saddle stitching. The resulting prototype, crafted for Birkin in 1985, would later become the archetype for one of fashion’s most coveted accessories.

What sets this original Birkin apart is not its material or embellishments, but its history and personal connection to Jane Birkin. She used the bag daily for nearly a decade, leaving it with visible signs of wear, her initials, and even stickers from UNICEF and Médecins du Monde. Unlike today’s collectors, who often keep Birkins pristine, Birkin valued practicality, and her well-used bag became even more desirable because of its authenticity and story. In 1994, she sold the bag to support AIDS research, further enhancing its legacy.

The Birkin bag’s evolution from a practical solution to a status symbol is a testament to its enduring appeal. Today, Hermès Birkins are produced in a variety of colors and materials, with prices ranging from $5,000 to over $200,000. However, the original Birkin’s sale at $10.1 million has set a new benchmark, underscoring the powerful blend of celebrity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that defines this legendary accessory.