The ORIGINAL BIRKIN Exhibition Official Archive & All Exhibitions The ORIGINAL BIRKIN Exhibition Official Archive & All Exhibitions

Original Birkin

Original Birkin The Story Behind the Original Birkin

Created by Hermès in the 1980s for actress and style icon Jane Birkin, the Original Birkin is the one-of-a-kind prototype that inspired the legendary Birkin bag.

Personally used by Jane Birkin for years, it still bears her initials and sticker marks, preserving its unique history and timeless significance.
This exceptional piece was acquired by Valuence Japan Inc. at the “Fashion Icons” auction presented by Sotheby’s in Paris on July 10, 2025. Original Birkin

Why Valuence Acquired the Original Birkin

Valuence Japan Inc. is a circular design company dedicated to creating a more sustainable future by connecting luxury items — including watches, jewelry, handbags, and apparel — with those who value them most.
The acquisition of the Original Birkin, personally used by Jane Birkin, represents far more than the ownership of a rare piece. It reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing an object of profound cultural significance with society.
Looking ahead, we envision opportunities to exhibit the bag through museums and educational institutions, contributing to cultural dialogue and future generations through education and public access.
This moment also offers an opportunity to share the values at the heart of our mission: circulation, sustainability, and enduring richness. The freedom and independent elegance symbolized by Jane Birkin deeply resonate with our commitment to diversity and the empowerment of individuals to live authentically.


*This event is independently organized by ALLU and is not affiliated with Hermès International in any way. Hermès and Birkin are registered trademarks of Hermès International. Original Birkin

Event Event Information

COMING SOON

The next exhibition is currently in preparation.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates !

Tokyo Vol. 2

January 21–25, 2026 @ ALLU OMOTESANDO

Building on the success of the first edition, the second exhibition focuses on a deeper dialogue with the piece itself.
It offers a rare opportunity to rediscover its differences from the modern Birkin and its enduring value.

Participant Feedback

Inspired by the beauty of wear.
Rediscovered lasting ownership.

A truly breathtaking Birkin. As a leather piece, some signs of aging are natural, yet it still fully expresses its presence as a handbag.
It also made me want to continue using and cherishing my own Birkin until I am fully satisfied. The staff’s explanations were clear and thoughtful, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to experience this exhibition.

Pure bliss, condensed.
An unforgettable memory.

A truly valuable exhibition, not only showcasing rare pieces but also offering insightful explanations of the philosophy behind their acquisition and future use.
The staff were consistently kind and attentive, and their thoughtful guidance made the experience far more meaningful than simply viewing the exhibit.

Auction excitement up close.
The true value of ALLU.

A remarkable exhibition offering a rare close view of the Original Birkin. I was truly impressed.
Congratulations once again to ALLU on securing such an extraordinary piece through the Sotheby’s auction, and thank you for making this experience possible.
I look forward to using ALLU again.

Reunited with admiration.
A passion awakens.

Seeing Jane Birkin’s actual Birkin in person was truly unforgettable.
Although purchasing from Hermès feels out of reach for me these days, it was still an incredibly special experience. It also rekindled my appreciation for luxury, and I would love to visit again.

Captivated by the origin of the Birkin.
Grateful for a dreamlike experience.

This exhibition was a truly rare experience. Seeing the origin of the Birkin by Hermès in person felt like a dream, and I’m still excited by the experience.
I’m deeply grateful to ALLU OMOTESANDO for creating such a special opportunity. Thank you very much.

New York

December 13–21, 2025
@ Sotheby’s New York Headquarters

The Original Birkin was loaned to and exhibited at the new New York headquarters of Sotheby’s.
Displayed alongside artworks that symbolize the auction house’s history, the piece’s cultural and historical significance was once again presented on an international stage.

Abu Dhabi

December 3–5, 2025
@ Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi

At Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, the Original Birkin was presented as a special exhibition piece at the auction venue.
In a setting attended by collectors and industry leaders from around the world, its singular history and presence drew significant attention.

Tokyo Vol. 1

November 18–24, 2025 @ ALLU OMOTESANDO

A special exhibition that attracted significant attention as the first public unveiling, with numerous notable guests in attendance.
It offered a rare opportunity to experience the depth of the Birkin’s allure and drew strong crowds throughout the event.

Participant Feedback

True brilliance
never fades with time.

It was an honor to see the Original Birkin. Its signs of use reflect its story and warmth.
It was my first visit to the ALLU OMOTESANDO, and the pieces were so beautiful they hardly felt like pre-owned items.

A sense of “special”
you never knew exists—here.

I didn’t know such a wonderful store existed in such a beautiful place.
I’ll keep working hard so that one day I can gift something special to my wife.

Beyond imagination
—before your eyes.

I had been looking forward to the visit after seeing it on social media. It’s rare to see such pieces in person, and I was truly moved.
The explanations were clear, and I wished I had more time to explore.

Witness the passage of time through an icon.

Seeing the moment history began through the piece itself was truly special.
Being able to view the current models as well made it feel like witnessing the full evolution of its history.

The more you carry it,
the more your own story unfolds.

Simply incredible. I took the time to admire every detail.
You could truly feel the history it carries, and it made me want to carry my own bag even more and create a story of my own through it.

The luxury of choosing
both material and era.

It was my first time seeing so many pieces from Hermès in one place.
Normally, you can only choose from the styles or colors available, but here I was able to explore a wide variety of materials and eras as well.

Media Coverage

The acquisition and unveiling of the Original Birkin drew global attention as a record-setting moment in the auction world,
and was widely covered by major domestic and international media for its cultural and social significance.

The Asahi Shimbun Digital
“An insane amount… but still.” The CEO who acquired the Birkin for ¥1.5 billion speaks out
https://www.asahi.com/articles/
AST7C35BWT7CUCVL03CM.html
The Nikkei
“Birkin No. 1” acquired by a Japanese company for ¥1.47 billion — a record-breaking price for a handbag
https://www.nikkei.com/article/
DGXZQOCB114U00R10C25A7000000/
WWD JAPAN
Valuence Japan acquires first-generation Birkin for ¥1.47 billion, setting record for most expensive handbag
https://www.wwdjapan.com/articles/2161645
FASHIONSNAP
Hermès Original Birkin acquired by Valuence Japan Inc. for ¥1.47 billion, setting record high
https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/2025-07-11/
hermes-original-birkin-valuence/
CNN
What it feels like to spend $10M on a handbag, according to the man who did it
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/01/style/
japan-birkin-valuence-auction-hnk-intl
Bloomberg
Japan emerges as hub of pre-owned luxury as Hermès Original Birkin is acquired
https://www.bloomberg.com/jp/news/articles/
2025-11-22/T60IN1T96OSG00
The New York Times
The Original Birkin Sells for $10 Million
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/style/
original-birkin-bag-auction-sold.html
TBS NEWS DIG
Hermès Birkin prototype acquired by Japanese company for ¥1.47 billion, setting handbag auction record
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N44DLNj0VsA
FNN Prime Online
Hermès Birkin acquired for ¥1.47 billion — Japanese CEO says victory came “by a narrow margin”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBsSOiy1dpQ
Takashi Murakami's YouTube hannel
CEO behind ¥1.47 billion Birkin acquisition makes European society debut !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-hQ7xTTRiQ

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