It was scratched. A pair of nail clippers dangled inside. Stickers clung to the leather like quiet protest banners. And yet, this worn Hermès tote just became the most expensive handbag in history.

In a world where luxury is often synonymous with perfection, Jane Birkin’s original bag—weathered, lived-in, unapologetically hers—completely flipped the narrative. On July 10, 2025, this prototype Birkin sold for over $10 million at Sotheby’s Paris. No diamonds. No crocodile leather. Just history, authenticity, and legacy.

A BAG BORN IN MID-AIR

The origin of this icon wasn’t planned. Instead, it happened spontaneously—on a flight.

In 1984, while flying from Paris to London, Jane Birkin’s straw basket bag gave way, spilling its contents onto the plane floor. Sitting beside her, Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas observed the mini-disaster unfold. Rather than complain, Jane casually expressed her desire for a bag that was both elegant and practical—something she could throw her entire life into.

With no hesitation, she sketched a rough design on an airplane sick bag. A few months later, Dumas turned that sketch into a reality—and the very first Birkin was born.

UNLIKE ANY OTHER

While many luxury bags strive for flawlessness, this one was different from the beginning.

For starters, its dimensions didn’t conform to typical Hermès standards. Slightly taller than the classic 35 cm, but slimmer than the 40, the bag had a silhouette that was distinctly its own. Additionally, it featured solid brass hardware, a rare interior zipper from a now-defunct supplier, and a built-in shoulder strap—something Jane herself requested.

More importantly, Jane used the bag the way most of us use our favorite carryall: thoroughly and unapologetically. Over time, she added stickers supporting causes she believed in, etched her initials onto the leather, and clipped a pair of nail clippers inside—because why not?

FROM LOVED TO LEGENDARY

Eventually, in 1994, Jane sold the bag to support AIDS research. It changed hands again in 2000, landing in the collection of Catherine B., a French fashion enthusiast who understood its cultural and personal value.

Then, in July 2025, Sotheby’s Paris listed the bag for auction. Although expectations were high, no one predicted what would happen next. Originally estimated to fetch between €1 to €4 million, the bag became the center of a fierce bidding war.

Within minutes, the final bid soared to €8.6 million—about $10.1 million—breaking every existing record for handbags at auction. Ultimately, a Japanese luxury resale firm, Valuence, secured the piece, intending to preserve it as a historical treasure.

A BAG WITH SCARS AND STORIES

While luxury often gets reduced to sparkle and sheen, this Birkin told a deeper story.

As highlighted by MEGA Asia, what made this prototype so exceptional wasn’t just its rarity—it was its personality. It wasn’t a showroom piece. Instead, it was a deeply personal object, reflecting Jane’s lifestyle, activism, and authenticity.

Rather than hide imperfections, this Birkin wore them proudly. The faded stickers, the scuffs, the patina—all testified to a life well lived. Moreover, it became a symbol of how personal narrative can elevate an object far beyond its original purpose.

A SHIFT IN WHAT LUXURY MEANS

Clearly, this isn’t just a story about a handbag. It’s about where fashion is going next.

Today’s consumers are moving away from sterile perfection and leaning toward meaningful, lived-in luxury. As this sale shows, people are drawn not only to craftsmanship, but also to history, provenance, and emotional depth.

In other words, the most valuable items are no longer the most flawless. They’re the ones that carry real, personal stories.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jane Birkin once said that a bag should be useful—otherwise, what’s the point?

Hers was far more than useful. It was a companion, a statement, and eventually, a record-breaker. It didn’t just hold her belongings; it held her beliefs, her routines, and her essence.

Ultimately, this sale reminds us that value isn’t always about rarity or retail price. Sometimes, it’s about soul. And Jane Birkin’s $10 million handbag had plenty of it.