- Last updated by Iris l 25th June 2018
1. It was named after Jane Birkin
In 1981 actress and singer Jane Birkin happened to be sitting next to Hermés CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Less than two days prior to her flight, Birkin’s husband Jacques Doillon had run over her bag with his car on purpose. Little did he know that this would result in all of her things falling out of her bag and Jean-Louis Dumas telling her that she needs a bag with pockets. She replied that when Hermés offers one of those, she would have it. The rest is history.
Actress and singer Jane Birkin
2. The original sketch was made on a sick bag
On that very same flight, Jean-Louis Dumas was so inspired by Jane Birkin's story, he asked Jane what kind of bag she needs. Jane told him that she needed a bigger bag than the Kelly, but smaller than the Serge's suitcase. To give Jean-Louis a good impression of her thoughts, she wanted to make a sketch, but because the lack of supplies on the flight - in this case paper - she drew the first Birkin sketch on a sick-bag which was provided on the aircraft. After seeing the sketch, Jean-Louis Dumas decided he would make the Birkin bag.
3. It comes in 20 shades of blue
Alongside all the elegant nude colours of Birkin bags that pop into our minds when we hear its name, these bags are designed in multiple bold and bright colours. For example there are over 20 shades of blue Birkins alone around the world.
Blue Hermès Birkin Bag
4. Each Birkin bag takes 2 days to make
Each Birkin bag is made by one single Hermés artisan and it takes that person more than 48 working hours to finish the iconic bag.
5. Each Hermés artisan owns a personal tool set
Every single Hermés artisan own a personal set of tools that they use every day. They are also entitled to take it with them after their retirement.
6. The most expensive Birkin ever sold at auction for $221,844
The Birkin we’re talking about is a fuchsia porosus crocodile in hot pink, with 18K gold and diamond elements sold at auction in 2015 for $221,844! 
The Hermès fuchsia porosus crocodile Birkin Bag
7. Birkin receives a nominal royalty from Hèrmes
Jane Birkin receives an annual paycheck from Hermés for the use of her name. It is reported to be around £30,000, an amount Birkin donates to a charity of her choice.
8. One at the time
Unlike many stars and people who love the Birkin, Jane Birkin herself uses only one Birkin bag at a time. She uses it until she completely wears it out and sells it in a charity auction afterwards.
9. Victoria Beckham is rumoured to own more than 100 Birkin pieces
Unlike Jane Birkin, who limits her needs to one Birkin at a time, it is said that Victoria Beckham has over 100 Birkin bags.
Victoria Beckham with a white Hermès Birkin bag
10. The waiting list is sort of a myth
Black Hermès Birkin 35 shoulder bag
If you're not into long waiting lists, we have the best solution for you. Discover more Hermès Birkin Bags here in our special Hermès auction or visit our other Fashion auctions for more designer accessories and vintage fashion.
Discover more Hermés l Birkin bags l Jane Birkin
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