Hermès created the Birkin bag after Jane Birkin described her ideal handbag in 1984.
The origin story places English actress and singer Jane Birkin beside Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on an airplane. Birkin reportedly explained that she needed a practical bag that could hold more than the small handbags then in fashion. Dumas sketched a design, and Hermès developed the structured leather bag that became known by her name.
The Birkin is made in many sizes, leathers and colors, with production handled by Hermès artisans. Its scarcity, craftsmanship and high prices have helped make it one of the most recognizable luxury handbags in the world.
The bag is sometimes confused with the Hermès Kelly, another iconic model named for a famous woman. The Kelly is associated with Grace Kelly and predates the Birkin. Jane Birkin’s name refers specifically to the 1984 model created through her collaboration with Dumas.