The original Hermès Birkin bag, custom-made for actress and singer Jane Birkin, has set a new record after being sold for an astonishing €8.6 million (approximately Ksh. 1.3 billion) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris. This marks the highest price ever paid for a fashion accessory.

The iconic bag, now considered a cornerstone of luxury fashion, was born out of a chance encounter in 1984 between Jane Birkin and Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas during a flight. Birkin reportedly shared her frustration with the lack of stylish, functional handbags for young mothers. Inspired, Dumas sketched the now-famous rectangular design, which even featured space for baby bottles. What began as a personal solution for Birkin eventually evolved into a global status symbol.

The auctioned piece was the very first Birkin bag ever made. Bearing Jane Birkin’s initials “J.B.” on its flap, the bag also features a unique non-removable strap — a feature not present in later versions. Over the years, it has seen significant history, including a 1994 charity auction to benefit French HIV/AIDS organization Sidaction, and a later purchase in 2000 by a French collector.

Aurelie Vassy, Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby’s Europe and Middle East, highlighted the enduring appeal of the piece, noting, “It was a travel bag… clearly worn for nine years by Jane Birkin daily, yet its form remains beautiful.”

The buyer, a private Japanese collector, placed the winning bid via telephone.

Jane Birkin, who passed away in 2023, left an indelible mark on French culture. British by birth but considered a beloved French icon, she was known not only for her artistic achievements but also for her activism and timeless charm.

The Birkin bag remains a powerful symbol of luxury, heritage, and the enduring influence of one remarkable woman.