In an extraordinary moment for fashion and luxury collectors worldwide, an original Hermès Birkin bag has just shattered all records by selling for a jaw-dropping €8.58 million (approximately ₹785.7 crore / USD $10 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris.
This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a handbag in history, transforming the already iconic Birkin into a symbol of ultra-rare collectible status and financial investment.
Known simply as “J.B.” by insiders, the record-breaking Birkin is believed to be one of the very first prototypes made in collaboration with actress and singer Jane Birkin, after whom the line is named. Crafted in rare Himalayan Nilo crocodile leather, with 18-karat white gold hardware encrusted with diamonds, the piece was preserved in pristine condition and held privately for decades.
Sotheby’s described the bag as “a once-in-a-lifetime artifact that bridges haute couture, cultural history, and collectible design.”
While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, sources close to the auction say the winning bid came from an international collector with a passion for heritage fashion. The bidding war lasted over 20 minutes, captivating both attendees and online audiences around the globe.
Social media exploded with reactions, with many users stunned by the astronomical price. Fashion influencers and industry experts called it a “landmark moment” that could redefine luxury asset valuation.
The Birkin, long regarded as a status symbol, now enters a new category — luxury investment-grade art. Financial analysts say rare designer pieces like this are becoming increasingly attractive to ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking to diversify portfolios beyond traditional assets.
With this historic auction, the Hermès Birkin has once again proven that it’s not just a handbag — it’s history, art, and investment rolled into one elegant statement.
