Jane Birkin, a singer and actress, was found dead in her home in Paris on July 16th at the age of 76. Known for her rebellious nature, she is regarded as a fashion icon by many. However, she is most famous for being the key figure behind the creation of the iconic Birkin Bag by Hermès.
Rose to fame with a nude performance in the movie “Happy Together”.
Jane Birkin was born in 1946 in London and didn’t officially move to France until 1968. In 1966, she rose to fame with the film “Blowup,” where she appeared fully nude alongside Brigitte Bardot, challenging the conservative norms of the time. Despite causing controversy, this marked the beginning of her acting career. In 1968, even though Jane Birkin couldn’t speak French at the time, she successfully landed the lead role in the play “Slogan” and decided to move to Paris. It was there that she met her second husband, Serge Gainsbourg, and began a love story that is still talked about today.
Became globally famous for singing taboo songs with her second husband, Serge Gainsbourg.
Jane Birkin married John Barry, the composer of the 007 film series, in 1965 and they had a daughter named Kate Barry. Unfortunately, this marriage only lasted for 3 years. Jane Birkin later met her work partner and second husband, Serge Gainsbourg, in France. They collaborated on a song called “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” which not only featured a lot of heavy breathing from both of them but also had explicit lyrics. As a result, the song was banned in several countries. However, the record still sold over six million copies and made Jane Birkin famous worldwide.
The inspiration behind the Hermès Birkin Bag
Jane Birkin is not only important in the entertainment industry, but also in the fashion industry. Her personal charm has made her an eternal fashion icon, and she is also the inspiration for the Hermès Birkin Bag. It is said that Jane Birkin was on a flight at the time, and as a new mother, she had too many personal belongings. Coincidentally, sitting next to her was Jean-Louis, the chief designer of Hermès and later the chairman of the brand. Jane Birkin suggested that he design a fashionable and practical handbag that would be convenient for carrying baby items. Thus, the Birkin Bag was born and has become the brand’s most popular bag to this day.
The representative figure of French fashion loves wicker baskets the most.
Before the birth of the Birkin Bag, Jane Birkin’s favorite was the wicker basket. She would carry a wicker basket with her everywhere she went, attending various parties, banquets, and even traveling by plane. She would pair it with a white top and jeans, along with her long hair, casually exuding a French charm.
Although Hermes has sent Jane Birkin many Birkin Bags over the years, she only kept one black handbag for herself and donated the rest for charity, hoping to help more people in need with her own efforts.
After the death of Jane Birkin, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also issued a statement in response, calling her “the most Parisian British person” and stating, “We will never forget her voice, her laughter, and her incomparable accent that will always accompany us.”
