The Serendipitous Birth of the Hermès Birkin Handbag

NEW YORK, NY — The Hermès Birkin handbag, a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, was born from a chance encounter on a flight in the 1980s. Author Marisa Meltzer details this origin story in her new book, “It Girl,” which was released on Oct. 7.

According to Meltzer, the creation of the Birkin began when English actress and singer Jane Birkin was on a flight from London to Paris. Known for using wicker baskets as purses, she faced a mishap when her bag spilled in the aisle. Her fellow passenger, Jean-Louis Dumas of the Hermès family, suggested that she consider a bag with pockets and a zipper.

Birkin humorously replied, “When Hermès makes a bag with pockets and a zipper, I’ll use it.” Dumas responded, “But I am Hermès,” which led to the creation of the iconic handbag.

On a paper napkin, Birkin sketched her ideal bag, a style that catered to her needs as a new mother in the mid-80s, resembling a luxury diaper bag. The original Birkin was made in 1984, marking Birkin’s initials on it.

Over the years, the Birkin has transcended fashion, becoming a coveted status symbol comparable to gold and art. Meltzer noted that the buying process of a Birkin bag is intentionally complex, adding to its mystique.

In a testament to the bag’s value, an original Birkin sold for over $10 million at auction earlier this year, setting a record for the most expensive fashion item ever sold, according to Sotheby’s.

<p"Jane Birkin had a remarkable career and is definitely a figure worth knowing about," Meltzer said of the woman whose name is synonymous with this iconic handbag.