The Birkin Behind the Birkin: Actress, Singer, and Fashion Icon Jane Birkin Dies At 76
On Sunday, July 16, the world lost yet another pivotal name in the fashion industry. You might not have known her for her acting or singing career, however, her name was the inspiration behind one of fashion’s most infamous handbags of all time- the Hermés Birkin bag. Jane Birkin was the first muse of Jean-Louis Dumas—the artistic director and CEO of Hermès at the time. Her spirit both on and off-screen led Dumas to create the ultimate style-worthy accessory.
Born Jane Mallory Birkin on December 14, 1946, in Marylebone, London—Birkin grew up a shy English girl. Her mother, Judy Campbell, was an English actress, known for her on-stage performances. While her father, David Birkin, was a Royal Navy lieutenant commander and World War II spy. Birkin married composer John Barry at the age of 17 and gave birth to her first child Kate in 1967. After divorcing Barry, Birkin then began auditioning for film and television roles in England and in Los Angeles. Her first role was in the 1965 film The Knack ...and How to Get It, however, it was uncredited. Her big break came with the lead role in Slogan, a French film released in 1969. She performed the film’s theme song alongside her co-star and future partner Serge Gainsbourg.
Birkin starred in the original Death on the Nile film, as well as Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman, and even began modeling shortly after. Her career as a singer and actress was taking off in France, where she spent most of her time. Her style began to also turn heads, being seen with a signature wicker basket that she wore everywhere. According to The French, “Jane Birkin adopted the wicker basket bag after coming across it in Portugal in the 1960s. It was nothing more than a fisherman's basket, but Jane adored it. From then on, she carried it absolutely everywhere with her – from the airport to the farmer's market
Birkin had some iconic fashion moments before her encounter with Dumas on an overnight flight from Paris to London. For the Artists Union Gala in Paris back in 1969, Birkin wore a stunning yet revealing crochet dress on the red carpet, creating a timeless summer trend in the process. She made a basic white t-shirt and bootcut jeans look effortlessly chic, pairing it with none other than her iconic wicker basket and some red open-toe sandals. A basic crop top and shorts were turned into a glamorous ensemble by Birkin on a casual day.
But in 1983, after the contents of her wicker bag spilled out in front of Dumas, Dumas suggested a bag with pockets, and she joked that if he created a bag big enough for her to give up her beloved wicker basket, she would buy it in a heartbeat. A year later, The Birkin was born. Since the bag was released it has been a favorite among handbag collectors and celebrities alike, with everyone from Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, and many more sporting the handbag on numerous occasions. Of course, Jane Birkin herself owned her very own Birkin, filling it up with all of her daily essentials.
Jane Birkin will not only be remembered for her talent, and classic style during the ‘60s and ‘70s, but she will always be known as the woman who inspired the most fashionable bag in the industry.