Battered Birkin Bag Becomes World's Most Expensive Handbag at $10 Million

A battered black leather Birkin bag, the first ever made for Jane Birkin by Hermès in 1984, sold for a record €8.6 million (Rs 86.19 crore) at a Sotheby’s auction, becoming the most expensive handbag ever. Used daily by Birkin from 1985–1994, its worn condition and personal touches added to its appeal. Originally auctioned by Birkin in 1994 for AIDS research, the bag has featured in major museums. Its latest sale surpassed previous records by a wide margin. The bag’s historic and iconic origin, not luxury materials, drove its value. Birkin designed it after an in-flight encounter with Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas.