Another Hermès Birkin Owned By Jane Birkin Will Be Auctioned In December

The actress and humanitarian utilized 'Le Birkin Voyageur' from 2004 to 2007. It will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Abu Dhabi in December.

ELÉA LEFÈVRE

An Hermès Birkin bag formerly owned by Jane Birkin will be auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 5 in Abu Dhabi. ‘Le Birkin Voyageur,’ utilized by Birkin from 2003 to 2007, was auctioned with the proceeds benefiting the International Federation for Human Rights. Later this year, it is anticipated to be sold for a price range of $240,000 to $440,000.

The designation 'Birkin Voyageur' originates from a distinctive inscription on the bag created by Birkin herself. Prior to the inaugural auction of the bag, Birkin inscribed comments on the interior, including “Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagne dans le monde entier,” which translates to “My Birkin bag that has accompanied me around the entire world.” She additionally inscribed her signature "Jane B" in silver ink.

It is logical that Birkin would have utilized her eponymous totes as travel bags, considering their renowned origin narrative. During a 1981 flight from Paris to London, the actress, who passed away in 2023, was seated adjacent to Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas when her long-utilized basket bag spilled its contents onto the floor. Dumas subsequently created a bag capable of transporting Birkin's scripts, infant toys, and travel documents wherever she traveled. Consequently, the Birkin was created.

In July, the inaugural Birkin from the late actress's collection was sold at auction for $8.2 million ($10.1 million including premiums and costs). The prototype was auctioned by Sotheby’s Paris at the 'Fashion Icons' sale. In 1994, she donated that bag for auction, with the proceeds benefiting the French AIDS charity Association Solidarité Sida. It was resold in 2000, subsequently remaining in private ownership. In the 2025 auction, it was acquired by Japanese collector and reseller Shinsuke Sakimoto.

MICHEL DUFOUR

The preceding auction occurred in Paris; however, this one will be held in Abu Dhabi, featuring the ‘Voyageur’ bag as a highlight at the inaugural “Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week,” scheduled for December at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, near the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Desert Rose, the largest Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond ever graded (estimated value: $5–7 million), together with a full four-piece set of the Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000 (estimated value: over $10 million), will also be auctioned.

Between 2003 and 2007, the Birkin was her sole possession, as she stated to Vogue, “I only have one Birkin at a time, and when it becomes worn, Hermès provides me with another.” I embellish it, I inscribe upon it, I personalize it. Upon the auction of this bag, a fortunate buyer will have the chance to possess a fragment of history.