English-born cultural icon and “It” girl of the 60s and 70s, Jane Birkin, tragically passed away at the age of 76 on July 16, at her home in Paris.
The singer, actor and Francophile was renowned for her effortless, understated fashion style and artistic collaborations.
Birkin suffered a stroke in 2021 and her death follows her cancellation of several concerts due to health concerns.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for the passing of the woman who inspired the most iconic bag ever made. French President Emmanuel Macron honoured the iconic artist in a tweet, describing her as a “French icon” who embodied freedom and sang the most beautiful words of the French language.
Meanwhile, Hermès shared an official statement on losing its muse: “With a shared sensitivity, we grew to know each other, we discovered and appreciated the extent to which Jane Birkin’s soft elegance revealed an artist in her own right: committed, open-minded, with a natural curiosity of the world and others. We salute Jane Birkin’s talent, and above all her great humanity as we join her family in mourning.”
Birkin, who pioneered the “Parisian chic” style, has had a lasting impact, inspiring generations of fashion lovers and designers alike, including Diane von Furstenberg who said, “Jane Birkin is the epitome of bohemian chic and effortless beauty.”
The namesake of the most desired bag in the world could effortlessly rock a combination of casual and elegant pieces, all while embracing a carefree Parisian and bohemian spirit.
The origin of the Hermès Birkin bag
History was changed forever in 1983 on a late-night flight from Paris to London, which saw Birkin bumped up to first class in the seat next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the artistic director and CEO of Hermès at the time.
She was carrying her signature Parisian chic wicker basket, the story goes. But as she placed her straw bag in the overhead locker, all its contents spilled to the floor in front of Dumas, including her Hermès diary.
As Dumas helped her collect her things, he joked that she needed a handbag with pockets. The actress replied that the day Hermès made a large bag for everyday use that could hold all the items a busy mother like herself carried, she would happily trade her signature basket in its favour. The actress then explained how hard it was to find a large yet secure bag that was stylish enough to carry every day.
There and then, inspiration struck and, noting Birkin’s points, Dumas drew the first sketches of the Birkin bag on an aeroplane sickness bag.
One year later, in 1984, the first Birkin bag was released. The design was supple and spacious, with a burnished flap featuring the now iconic lock and saddle stitching, perfectly capturing Jane Birkin’s style. The bag’s namesake was gifted a 40cm Birkin at the time of the launch, which in her truly unique and bohemian style, she personalised with stickers.
She eventually went on to sell the gifted, well-worn bag at an auction. It went under the hammer for over US$162,000 (when she first received it, it retailed for US$2,000), which she donated to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan.
Remembering Jane Birkin
Birkin was a remarkable artist and philanthropist who made a significant impact on the world of music, film, fashion and philanthropy in her later years of life. Her unique trailblazing style and contributions will forever be remembered as she leaves a lasting legacy that will continue inspiring future generations.
She’s survived by her daughters Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon.
Want more stories like this? Follow Style on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.