Jane Birkin & The Birkin Bag
- Feb 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 13, 2024
Sydney Greenburg
Modern & Mode
2/20/24
Jane Birkin & The Birkin Bag
Luxury is something not unfamiliar to the industry. It is hard to not get wrapped up in this constant idea of luxury that exists in the fashion world. With women across the world collecting luxury bags like trophies there seems to be one bag that trumps them all as the peak existence of luxury. Only a few can own it and to many, it is seen as almost confirmation that they "made it" in life. This bag is none other than the infamous Birkin bag. But where did this bag come from and what makes it so special?
The original owner of the Birkin bag has quite an incredible personality. However, many purchasing customers don't know where the name came from. Jane birkin herself, was known as a controversial pioneer of women's sexuality. She was always doing the opposite of what was seen as normal. She loved to shock the public. In an article by Vogue France she states, "When I see the pictures ... I didn't realize it was so transparent. This is the flash effect of the photographers' camera. If I had known, I would not put knickers on!" about a see-through party dress she wore out. She was always pushing limits which especially at the time is seen as admirable. But how did this woman come across and help on the creation of an iconic hand bag? Jane Birkin boarded a flight with her travel bag that had broken and spilled all the contents of her bag on the floor of the plane. Lucky for her she happened to be seated right next to the designer of Hermes and the rest is history. They sat on the plane ride together designing the iconic bag for women of the world to use. Birkin was known for a classic basket bag that she practically wore to death before ever purchasing a new one. She did the same with her coined birkin bag. Wearing the item til she couldn't use it anymore. She decorated it with keychains, niknak items, and even sometimes glued or taped images to her Birkin bags.
This idea, however, has not seemed to carry itself through the remaining Birkin owners. Many people hold them in pristine condition only to be used for special occasions. I believe some of this has to do with the demand for the bag. Now, because of how hard it can be to purchase the item they have become somewhat of a trophy. Leaving behind the utility and history of the woman who inspired the bag itself. Whether you wear your designer bags to death or hang them up preserved for special moments, Jane has somehow influenced us all.
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