**Original Birkin Bag Sets Auction Record at £7.4 Million**

The unique Birkin, which inspired generations of designers and collectors alike, was auctioned after a heated bidding war, emphasizing its monumental historical significance.

An original Birkin bag, which is synonymous with luxury and desirability, has shattered auction records by fetching €8.6 million (£7.4 million or $10.1 million), thus becoming the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction. This renowned black leather accessory was commissioned by singer Jane Birkin in 1985, following a chance encounter on a flight with Jean-Louis Dumas, the then-chief of Hermès. After the singer shared her plight of needing a bigger bag, Dumas sketched a design on a sick bag, leading to the birth of the famed Birkin bag.

The remarkable piece was auctioned by Sotheby’s in Paris, where competitive bidding from nine different collectors ensued. Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags, lauded the sale as an emblematic showcase of "the power of a legend," highlighting the item’s exceptional provenance. The final bid, which included commissions and fees, significantly eclipsed the previous record of $513,000 for a handbag.

Jane Birkin, the bag’s namesake who passed away earlier this year at the age of 76, utilized the bag for a decade before donating it to charity. This historic bag showcases several personal attributes, such as Birkin's initials on its front flap, a shoulder strap, and even the nail clippers attached to it, with various stickers symbolizing her support for causes like Médecins du Monde and Unicef.

The original Birkin bag ignited an enduring legacy, leading to its commercial production and establishment as a luxury fashion symbol. Various limited editions have since commanded prices in the tens of thousands, leaving them in high demand among celebrities and fashion aficionados. The sale at Sotheby’s emphasizes not only the allure of the Birkin bag but also its significance in the ongoing narrative of fashion and cultural status.