The Legacy of Jane Birkin

One of the most iconic handbags in history all started with a mishap on a flight. British actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin passed away on July 16th at the age of 76 in Paris, France. The icon is famously known for being the inspiration behind the Birkin bag, thus why Jean-Louise Dumas, Chief executive of Hermes at the time chose to name their new iconic bag after her, which is now one of the most valuable handbags in the world. So valuable, that it’s Sac Bijou Birkin, a bag constructed out of gray and white dyed Niloticus crocodile skin, that it is valued at 2 million dollars. 

Image: via Getty Images Bertrand Laforet

Jane’s interaction with Jean-Louise is one that goes down in history. On a flight in 1981, the two were sat next to one another. It is said Jane spilled the contents of the basket bag she used to carry all her belongings. In their interaction during the flight, Jean-Louise realized there was an absence of an everyday bag for women that was large enough to carry all of their belongings. This prompted the two to work out sketches during the flight of what would become the Birkin bag in 1984.

Image: via Veranda Patrick Lichfield

Jane Birkin did many things during her life, one of which was a style icon. Photographed by Vogue in 1969, Jane’s free spirit was undeniably styled in an Ossie Clark tassel button-down blouse and pants. Throughout the 60s and 70s, she is frequently seen carrying her belongings in a woven basket bag. Jane is said to only have owned a few Birkin bags in her lifetime, those of which she loved dearly. 

Her legacy as a dedicated activist throughout her life can be seen in her use of royalties she earned from Hermes. Much of which she donated. Jane’s influence on the fashion world is undeniable, being the inspiration for one of the most sought-after bags almost 40 years after its creation.

Image: via Wire Image Jun Sato