Unveiling the Enduring Legacy of Jane Birkin: The Icon Behind the Legendary Hermes Handbag Passes Away at 76

Jane Birkin, the renowned actress and singer who served as the muse for the iconic Hermès handbag that bears her name, passed away at the age of 76. The news of her demise was confirmed by the French Culture Ministry through a tweet in French on Sunday, July 16. The tweet acknowledged her significant contributions and enduring legacy as a revered figure in French-speaking culture, thanks to her collaborations with esteemed artists such as Serge Gainsbourg, Etienne Daho, and Agnès Varda.

Additional information about the death of Birkin, including the cause, is still undisclosed. Birkin, originally from England but later moved to France, gained recognition for her performances in renowned movies like Evil Under the Sun, Blow-Up, Death on the Nile, and Boxes. Furthermore, she was a celebrated singer, famously expressing her passionate relationship with her former partner Gainsbourg in the 1969 song "Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus."

Jane Birkin Shutterstock

In her prime, Birkin emerged as a key source of inspiration for Hermès when the former chairman, Jean-Louis Dumas, found himself seated beside her on a flight from Paris to London in 1981. As Birkin tried to fit her straw purse into the overhead compartment, its contents accidentally spilled out, catching Dumas' attention. After hearing Birkin express her dissatisfaction with the bag's design, a moment of inspiration ensued.

Three years after this encounter, Hermès crafted a personalized handbag exclusively for Birkin, propelling it to become one of the most highly sought-after and prestigious fashion accessories in the industry.

Birkin had been using her unique handbag for several years before deciding to have her name removed from the crocodile-skin purse by the brand in July 2015.

In a statement, Birkin expressed her concern over the inhumane treatment of crocodiles during the production process of Hermes handbags that carry her name. She requested Hermes to disassociate her from the Birkin Croco until more ethical practices are implemented, aligning with international standards.

Hermès stated that upon receiving Birkin's concerns about the ethical treatment of crocodiles, they would conduct an investigation. The brand emphasized that her comments did not affect their longstanding friendship and trust. Hermès expressed understanding and shock over the recently released images, stressing their commitment to the highest ethical standards for crocodile treatment. They further highlighted their extensive measures, including monthly visits to suppliers, adherence to veterinary and regulatory guidelines, and compliance with international conventions for protecting endangered species.

The investigation concluded in September 2015, and in a statement to Reuters, Birkin expressed her satisfaction with the brand's actions. Birkin, who had a mild stroke in 2021, is survived by her daughters Charlotte and Lou. She had Charlotte with Gainsbourg and Lou with Jacques Doillon. Additionally, Birkin co-parented her late daughter Kate with her ex-husband John Barry, who passed away in 2013.