Original Birkin bag sells at auction for record $10 million

PARIS — The original bag custom-made for actress Jane Birkin, which became one of the era-defining designs of the 20^th century, was sold in Paris on Thursday for a record €8.6 million ($10.04 million), auctioneer Sotheby’s said.

According to fashion lore, the first Birkin bag was born when the Franco-British actress and singer sat next to Hermes executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1984 and told him she needed a stylish yet functional bag as a young mother.

Mr. Dumas immediately sketched out the rectangular handbag, with a dedicated space for baby bottles.

The company made that one for her, then started selling smaller versions to the public. The design became a hit and has helped of the fashion brand.

Regular Birkin bags sell for more than $10,000. The first one — which has Birkin’s J. B. initials on the flap and, unlike its descendants, has a strap that cannot be removed — was bought by a private Japanese buyer over the phone, Sotheby’s said. — Reuters