Sotheby’s Paris unveils the very first Birkin bag, designed for Jane Birkin in 1984, during the exhibition “Fashion Icons” from July 3 to 9, 2025, before its auction on July 10. A unique piece to discover without delay!
A bag, an icon, a story: discover the cult object that has marked the history of fashion! From July 3 to 9, 2025, the galleries of Sotheby’s Paris host an exceptional exhibition, Fashion Iconshighlighting emblematic pieces of fashion from the 1950s to 2010. Among them, the very first sac Birkin designed by Hermes pour Jane Birkin in 1984. This black leather prototype, engraved of the initials “J.B.“, will be auctioned on July 10, at the end of the Fashion Week Haute Couture.
This auction, initially planned online, will finally be held in the dining room, faced with the enthusiasm aroused by the announcement of the sale of this legendary bag. The auctions are also open online on the site of Sotheby’s Since June 26.
A bag steeped in history and singularities
The sac Birkin was born from a fortuitous meeting between Jane Birkin et Jean-Louis Dumasthen CEOHermesduring a Paris-London flight in 1984. Following this conversation, Dumas designed a bag that meets the actress’s needs: spacious, practical and elegant. The prototype produced has unique characteristics: an undischable shoulder strap, closed metal rings, an integrated nail cutter and a space dedicated to bottles.
This bag, used daily by Jane Birkin For almost ten years, auction was sold in 1994 for the benefit of theSolidarity AIDS Associationthen acquired by a private collector in 2000. He has since been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
An essential exhibition for fashion enthusiasts
The exhibition Fashion Icons chez Sotheby’s Paris is not limited to sac Birkin. It also presents emblematic creations ofAzzedine Alaïadresses from the last years ofAlexander McQueenas well as a tribute to the big names that have helped to redefine the history of fashion in the past 70 years, like Christian Dior, Pierre Balmain, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler et Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Whether you are fashionable, collector or simply curious, this exhibition offers you an immersion in the world of haute couture and French luxury. The opportunity to discover rare and history pieces, in an elegant and inspiring atmosphere.
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