Jane Birkin

During the production of Blow-Up, Jane Birkin met the renowned French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. Their creative chemistry soon evolved into a romantic relationship, leading to the release of their daring 1969 duet Je t’aime… moi non plus. Despite being banned by the BBC due to its sensual nature, the song captivated audiences and climbed to number one in the UK, selling over three million copies across Europe by October of that year. The success launched Birkin into the global spotlight as both a musical and cultural icon.

Birkin’s acting career flourished in France, where she became a prominent figure in cinema. Her collaborations with esteemed directors such as Jacques Rivette led to memorable roles in films like La Piscine (1969), Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman (1973), and Le Mouton Enragé (1974). Her ability to portray layered, emotionally rich characters earned her lasting critical acclaim.

Beyond her work in film and music, Jane Birkin defined effortless French chic. Her style, a unique mix of bohemian charm and refined simplicity, influenced designers and fashion lovers around the world.

In the 1960s and 70s, she was often seen carrying her signature wicker basket. However, in 1984, a late-night flight brought about one of the most iconic moments in fashion history. In an interview with The New York Times Style Magazine in 2010, Birkin recalled,

“I was on an airplane when a plastic bag holding all my things broke and everything fell out — my date book, papers, everything.”

Seated in first class by chance, she found herself next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then artistic director and CEO of Hermès. He was instantly charmed by her relaxed yet sophisticated style. Witnessing the mishap with her bag, he suggested designing a handbag that could better suit her needs. Jane offered a few ideas, including increasing the size and adding compartments, and sketched a rough concept on the back of an aeroplane sick bag.

The result was the Birkin bag, created with meticulous attention to detail by the expert artisans at Hermès. Jane’s personal input on both its functionality and design gave the bag its distinctive appeal. She famously kept just one at a time, adorning it with charms and putting it to practical use, before auctioning it off for charity.

Her favourite, a black Hermès Birkin in Togo leather with palladium hardware, size 35, is currently available in our showroom, along with many other beautiful pieces. [See our full collection here.]

Although she was born in Britain, France became Jane Birkin’s true home. Following her recent passing, tributes appeared across the front pages of French newspapers. President Emmanuel Macron paid homage on Twitter, writing,

“She represented freedom and sang the most beautiful words in our language. Jane Birkin was a French icon.”

Jane Birkin’s contributions to film, music, and fashion will continue to be celebrated for generations. Her refined style, creative spirit, and authentic charm live on in the beloved Birkin bag and in the hearts of all who admired her.