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Remembering Jane Birkin, the muse behind Hermès Birkin handbag: the late English-born actress-singer was a cultural icon of the 60s and 70s – so how did she inspire the ‘It’ bag of the century?

British-born singer and actress Jane Birkin poses at the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, in July 2021. Photo: AFP
British-born singer and actress Jane Birkin poses at the 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, in July 2021. Photo: AFP

  • The beloved French icon, who died at 76 yesterday, became synonymous with the ‘Parisian chic’ style and inspired the most famous luxury handbag in history – the highly coveted Hermès Birkin
  • Admired by fashionistas and designers alike, with Diane von Furstenberg calling her ‘the epitome of bohemian chic’, she’s survived by her celebrity daughters Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon

English-born cultural icon and “It” girl of the 60s and 70s, Jane Birkin, tragically passed away at the age of 76 on July 16, at her home in Paris.

The singer, actor and Francophile was renowned for her effortless, understated fashion style and artistic collaborations.

Style icon Jane Birkin has an Hermès bag named after her. Photo: @janebirkindaily/Instagram
Style icon Jane Birkin has an Hermès bag named after her. Photo: @janebirkindaily/Instagram
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Birkin suffered a stroke in 2021 and her death follows her cancellation of several concerts due to health concerns.

Tributes have poured in from around the world for the passing of the woman who inspired the most iconic bag ever made. French President Emmanuel Macron honoured the iconic artist in a tweet, describing her as a “French icon” who embodied freedom and sang the most beautiful words of the French language.

British-French singer and actress Jane Birkin died at age 76 on July 16. Photo: Getty Images
British-French singer and actress Jane Birkin died at age 76 on July 16. Photo: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Hermès shared an official statement on losing its muse: “With a shared sensitivity, we grew to know each other, we discovered and appreciated the extent to which Jane Birkin’s soft elegance revealed an artist in her own right: committed, open-minded, with a natural curiosity of the world and others. We salute Jane Birkin’s talent, and above all her great humanity as we join her family in mourning.”

A woman places a flower on the entrance of the Maison Gainsbourg museum of late French singer Serge Gainsbourg, former partner of Jane Birkin in Paris, France, on July 16. Photo: EPA-EFE
A woman places a flower on the entrance of the Maison Gainsbourg museum of late French singer Serge Gainsbourg, former partner of Jane Birkin in Paris, France, on July 16. Photo: EPA-EFE

Birkin, who pioneered the “Parisian chic” style, has had a lasting impact, inspiring generations of fashion lovers and designers alike, including Diane von Furstenberg who said, “Jane Birkin is the epitome of bohemian chic and effortless beauty.”

The namesake of the most desired bag in the world could effortlessly rock a combination of casual and elegant pieces, all while embracing a carefree Parisian and bohemian spirit.