THE original Birkin bag from Hermès has just sold for a record-breaking $10 million at auction, but you can get a dupe for a fraction of the price.
The iconic black leather bag designed for British actor and singer Jane Birkin is an iconic fashion accessory, but Walmart will sell you a version for just $35.
The original Birkin bag from Hermès has just sold for a record-breaking $10 million at auction[/caption]
Created for Jane Birkin, the star was seen with it particularly every day from 1985 to 1994[/caption]
Birkin was mostly known for her work in French cinema, as well as her status in the fashion world[/caption]
In all of its scratched and scuffed glory, the original Hermès Birkin bag just became the most expensive handbag ever to sell at auction.
Created for Jane Birkin, the star was seen with it particularly every day from 1985 to 1994.
Birkin was mostly known for her work in French cinema, as well as her status in the fashion world.
Thanks to her, the Birkin bag has gone on to be known as a symbol of fashion luxury.
It was sold for $10 million by Sotheby’s auction house on Thursday, following a dramatic 10 minute bidding war between nine bidders.
In the end, the bag went to a private collector from Japan.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and accessories, described the bag as a demonstration of power.
She said: “It is a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors seeking exceptional items with unique provenance.
“The sale of the Original Birkin is also, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring spirit and appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin.
“It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermès as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin, has become the most desirable bag in history and will most likely continue to be so for many years to come.”
The bag was so popular that other big name fashion designers created their own, such as Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior.
But Sotheby’s confirmed that the original Birkin features some notable distinctions that sets it apart from other versions.
For example, the specific size of the handbag as well as the metal rings on it were never replicated.
The front flap also features the initials “J.B.”, and a small silver nail clippers dangle from the shoulder strap.
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And of course, no replica could replace the natural wear and tear made by Birkin.
For example, you can seed discoloration from two stickers Birkin stuck on it, from the humanitarian organizations Médecins du Monde and UNICEF.
Jane Birkin died in 2023 at the age of 76.
WALMART DUPE
If you couldn’t pull together the $10 million needed to bid for the original bag, Walmart is selling a dupe for just $35.
The Womens PU Leather Satchel Bag sells in a variety of colors, and you can get an orange and a grey version for this price tag.
The Walmart dupe features a top handle and a crossbody strap, including multiple pockets.
It measures at 32cm across and 10cm deep, designed to offer you versatility and fashion at a discount price.
The bag is made from high quality leather and are built to last.
Reviews for the bag on the website have praised it, while others have criticized the quality.
One positive review said: “It’s beautiful and I get compliments all the time.”
However, an unhappy customer wrote: “I ordered orange, but I got dark brown – that’s a bit disappointing.
“The quality of the bag is to be desired. Not what I was expecting.”
If you couldn’t pull together the $10 million needed to bid for the original bag, Walmart is selling a dupe for just $35[/caption]
The bag sold for $10 million by Sotheby’s auction house on Thursday, following a dramatic 10 minute bidding war between nine bidders[/caption]
