The Birkin: An Iconic Creation from the House of Hermès

A Precious Legacy: Sotheby’s to Auction an Exceptional Birkin Bag

Following the 2024 sale of the “Kachalou” villa — the former home of Jane Birkin, sold by Olivier Lintanf, our real estate advisor at Bretagne Nord Sotheby’s Realty — a new chapter in the story of the Franco-British icon is being written. This emotionally significant property, deeply connected to the artist, was acquired by French novelist Aurélie Valognes.

Now, another symbol of timeless French elegance takes center stage: Sotheby’s is presenting an exceptional lot — the very first Birkin bag. This unique, fully monochrome model will be auctioned from June 26 to July 10, 2025. It will be on public display at Sotheby’s Paris, located at 83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, from July 3 to 9.

A Coveted Piece with Timeless Charm

Created in 1984, the Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between Jean-Louis Dumas, then chairman of Hermès, and Jane Birkin during a Paris–London flight. Birkin expressed her wish for a spacious yet elegant handbag. Dumas sketched what would become a global icon: the Birkin 35, admired for its perfect balance of refinement and practicality.

The model offered today is a rare “So Black” edition, whose sleek, monochromatic style appeals to collectors in search of understated yet bold elegance.

Exceptional Features of the Lot

Assessed by Sotheby’s Handbags department specialists, this bag boasts unique features never before combined in a single piece. While it retains the width and height of a classic 35 cm Birkin, it has the depth of a 40 cm version.

Among its distinctive details: a fixed shoulder strap, smaller-than-standard protective studs, and fully closed arched brackets. And of course, the iconic golden initials “J.B.” — subtle yet unmistakable — sign this truly exceptional piece.