The Ultimate Birkin (Owned By Jane) Is Coming To Auction Next Week
In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Sotheby’s will unveil an exceptional selection of rare masterpieces spanning art, fashion, and fine jewellery this December, including a one-of-a-kind Hermes icon
When Sotheby’s announced its inaugural Collectors’ Week at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort next month, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, there was plenty of excitement for the billion-dollar showcase of art, jewellery, and luxury accessories. Its special auction lots are set to take the stage on December 5, and they include one of the most sought-after rarities in luxury fashion – Jane Birkin’s very own handbag (scheduled for auction at 5:45pm GST, for those who want to set their alarm…)
Presented as a single-lot sale, Jane Birkin’s Le Voyageur – owned by Jane Birkin herself – is adorned with hand-written notes written in silver ink, including the inscription ‘Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagné dans le monde entier’ – “My Birkin bag that has accompanied me all around the world.”
The handbag is one of many special pieces within the week’s sales, which include luxury cars, jewels and art masterpieces. “Sotheby’s is delighted to extend our commitment in the Middle East with our first-ever Collectors’ Week. The UAE has rapidly become a global centre for art, luxury and culture, and we are honoured to present a world-class line-up of auctions, panels and masterclasses to the region, during one of the busiest weeks of the year in their calendar,” said Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer. “Thank you to our partners at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office for helping us bring our programme to life.”
The bag is one of four Birkins that Jane received from the house following the sale of her original prototype in 1994, and this particular one was used by the stylish tastemaker between 2003-2007. It isn’t just the bag’s provenance that makes it special – it features certain details that connoisseurs will recognise as design elements only seen on the original prototypes, such as its closed bridges. Estimated to fetch between $240,000 – 440,000, the bag has been in a private collection since it was last sold in 2007, to benefit the Human Rights Association. Speculation is already swirling as to who the lucky bidders might be – get your paddle at the ready.
Imagery supplied
Lead image photo by Michel Dufour, courtesy of Sotheby’s
