Hermès introduced the Birkin bag in 1984.
The bag was named after Jane Birkin, the English singer and actress. According to the commonly told origin story, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to Birkin on a flight and discussed the difficulty of finding a practical yet elegant leather weekend bag. The conversation led to the design that carries her name.
The Birkin became known for its structured shape, leather construction, handcrafting, and distinctive flap closure. It is produced in different sizes, leathers, and colors, with some versions using exotic skins or precious-metal hardware. Its scarcity and long-standing association with craftsmanship helped make it one of the most recognizable luxury handbags.
The Birkin is often confused with Hermès’s Kelly bag. The Kelly was renamed for Grace Kelly in 1956, while the Birkin was created decades later and named for Jane Birkin.