₹85 Crore for a Handbag? Jane Birkin’s Birkin Sets Auction Record in Just 10 Minutes

A rare Hermes Birkin bag, once owned by the late actress and style icon Jane Birkin, was recently auctioned at Sotheby’s in Paris for a jaw-dropping $10.1 million (approximately ₹86.7 crore). This marks it as the most expensive handbag ever sold in history.

Nine Bidders, Ten Minutes, One Iconic Bag

On July 10, 2025, the auction began with an opening bid of $1 million (₹8.6 crore). Over the next 10 minutes, nine collectors competed intensely. Eventually, a private collector from Japan secured the winning bid, represented by Maiko Ichikawa, the country head of Sotheby’s Japan.

Morgane Halimi, the Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby’s, described the event as a significant turning point in the world of luxury fashion. She noted that the bag’s significance lies in its connection to Jane Birkin and the personal history it carries.

What Makes This Birkin So Special

This particular Birkin is unlike any other. It was custom-made for Jane Birkin and used daily by her between 1985 and 1994. The bag still has her initials “J.B.”, silver nail clippers, stickers, and charms that show her unique personality. Its shape, hardware, and fixed strap were never repeated in later models.

Halimi emphasised that a bag once designed as a simple utility has now become the most sought-after fashion item globally—and that won’t change anytime soon.

A Cultural Icon with Lasting Appeal

The Birkin bag’s story began in 1984 on a flight, when Jane Birkin sketched her ideal handbag on an aeroplane sickness bag, speaking to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Since then, the bag has become a symbol of wealth, taste, and exclusivity. This bag is totally handcrafted.

Each handcrafted Birkin bag takes 18 to 40 hours to complete. It's not available for direct purchase in stores and is typically offered only to select customers.

With an average resale return of 38% (as per 2020 reports), the Birkin is not just a fashion item—it’s a long-term investment, often valued more than gold. Celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Nita Ambani proudly carry their Birkin bags as luxury statements.