ORIGINAL BIRKIN BAG SELLS FOR $8.2 MILLION
Birkin bags are known to be exclusive and expensive. They’re often seen as an investment and therefore handled with care. But, at an auction on Thursday, a scuffed, scratched and stained Birkin sold for a whopping $8.2 million.
Why? Because it was the original Birkin, designed by the fashion house Hermès, for the inspiration behind the bag, Jane Birkin.
Birkin was a British actor and singer who used her Birkin bag almost every single day from 1985 to 1994.
The bidding took a mere 10 minutes to reach the auction price, with nine collectors each bidding for the bag. Ultimately, it was a private collector from Japan who was awarded the final bid.
According to Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and accessories, the historic sale was “an important milestone” for fashion.
“It’s a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors seeking exceptional items with unique provenance.”
“The sale of the Original Birkin is also, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring spirit and appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin,” she added.
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