8.6 million for Hermès’ first Birkin: the crazy story behind the most expensive bag in the world

He is ahead of a Kelly Hermès in crocodile – 8.6 million hermès' first birkin:

This large black leather tote was awarded 7 million euros to a Japanese buyer, or 8.58 million euros fee included, according to a press release from the Sotheby’s auction house.

It thus becomes the most expensive handbag ever sold at the world. For example, the second most precious fashion object sold at auction, behind the red shoes of the “Magician of Oz”, sold $ 32.5 million (27.8 million euros) in 2024.

Until now. For example, the most expensive bag ever sold at auction was a Kelly Hermès in crocodile, set with diamonds and enhanced with white gold, sold for more than 513,000 dollars (438,000 euros) in November 2021 by Christie’s.

Luxury and controversy

This event also angered animal defenders. During the sale. an activist of the Peta association 8.6 million hermès’ first birkin: brandished in front of the sales room a false bloody cow’s head, accompanied by a bag in the shape of a bag proclaiming “Here is the rest of your birkin”.

An action to recall “that for each leather accessory. a sensitive animal was exploited and killed in violence and terror”, according to a press release from the association.

This first Birkin was sold for the first time by Jane Birkin during an auction in 1994. the profits of which had been donated to a charitable association for the fight against AIDS.

Until this Thursday. he was the property of Catherine Benier, founder of the Luxury Vintage Boutique “les 3 Marche” in Paris on Thursday, which bought it at auction in 2000.