An incredibly rare opportunity is coming up, and that is one to own the original Hermès Birkin bag.
Getting your hands on a new Hermès Birkin bag is a feat in itself and not something that is available to just anyone. However, getting the chance to buy the original Birkin bag is even more rare.
The Original Birkin Bag
The bag that started it all. In 1984, actress and singer Jane Birkin spilled the contents of her straw bag while seated next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight.
The two got talking and Birkin sketched her ideal bag on a sick bag. The moment inspired Dumas to create a bag tailored to her needs: practical, elegant, and spacious.
The result was the Birkin, and the very first model, Jane’s own well-worn and personalized version, is the one hitting the block.
Why Is This Birkin So Special?
Aside from the fact that the Jane Birkin owned this very bag, here are other reasons why this auction is so significant:
- One-Of-A-Kind Design: This is the prototype, a hybrid of 35cm and 40cm sizing with a one-piece shoulder strap, unique hardware, and ‘J.B.’ initials etched into the leather. The bag is crafted from Hermès Black Box leather. This is the truest example of limited edition and arguably the most iconic handbag in the world.
- Personalized: Birkin carried this bag everywhere for 10 years, covering it with stickers supporting UNICEF and Médecins du Monde, and even attaching a pair of nail clippers (yes, really). It is a true example of personalization.
- Rare Opportunity: After a charity auction in 1994 and a resale in 2000, the bag has been privately held, until now. Sotheby’s is calling it the fashion equivalent of Princess Diana’s black sheep sweater or Freddie Mercury’s crown.
Auction Details
- When: July 10, 2025
- Where: Sotheby’s Paris as part of the ‘Fashion Icons’ auction
- Tour Stops: Viewings will be held in New York (June 6-12) and Paris (July 3-9)
While no estimate has been published, insiders believe this piece could rival (or surpass) the record-breaking $513,000 Himalaya Birkin sold in 2017.
Where Can I Buy A Birkin?
For most people, this auction is completely out of reach. However, there are other ways to get your very own Birkin bag.
Of course, you can attempt to buy one from an Hermès boutique. However, you will need to expect to wait a long time and it may end in disappointment. You will not necessarily be offered a Birkin and if you are it may not be in the colorway you were interested in.
The best way to source one is from the resale market where you can buy directly without having to establish a purchase history. You can choose from a wide range of colors, sizes, fabrics, and more. At myGemma, we have a large collection of designer accessories including the Hermès icons such as the Birkin and Kelly bags.
You can shop myGemma's edit of Hermès bags on our website, on our app, or even make an appointment to come visit us in person.
How To Sell A Birkin Online?
If on the other hand, you already own a Birkin bag and are looking to sell or consign, consider myGemma.
The selling process has been created with you in mind. Do some research on whether you would prefer to sell directly or consign, and then fill out the online form to receive your price quote. The form is quick and easy to fill out.
Make space for the things you really love by selling, consigning, or trading in with myGemma.
