Apply Here

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

The One-and-Only Original Birkin Exhibition Makes Its Osaka Debut

ENTRY FORM

2026.8.21 fri - 8.23 sun

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.

*The event was independently conceived, organized, and conducted by ALLU and was not organized, endorsed, sponsored, authorized, or supervised by Hermès International or any of its affiliated companies.
All brand names, product names, logos, trademarks, and other intellectual property displayed on this page belong to Hermès International or its affiliated companies. They are used solely for the purpose of identifying and describing the products exhibited and the content of the event. Original Birkin

Event Archive Event Information

The One-and-Only Original Birkin Returns to Japan

A rare opportunity to encounter the Original Birkin.
We invite you to experience its timeless allure firsthand.

Exhibition Details

If you wish to attend this special exhibition,
 please review the details below and submit your application.

Event Dates

August 21 (Fri) – August 23 (Sun), 2026

Venue

ALLU SHINSAIBASHI ANNEX
https://allu-official.com/jp/ja/guide_store_shinsaibashiannex/
〒542-0085 03B G Building, 1-2-14 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0085, Japan

Hours

August 21–23: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Organizer

ALLU　
https://allu-official.com/jp/ja/
Valuence Japan Inc.　
https://www.valuence.inc/

Contact

0120-778-407（Weekdays 11:00 - 19:00）

HOW TO ATTEND

Please complete and submit the Entry Form at the bottom of this page.

Event Dates
August 21–23, 2026
Entry Period
August 5–16, 2026
Notification
Starting August 13, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old as of August 21, 2026.
Guests accompanying an applicant may attend even if they are under 18.

Notification

Starting August 13, selected applicants will be notified by email from noreply@valuence.inc on a rolling basis.

Visitor Information

・Please present the winner notification email you received in advance when entering the venue. You may show the email on your smartphone or bring a printed copy.
・Please bring one of the following IDs for verification:
Driver's License, My Number Card, Health Insurance Card, or Passport.


*Please note that accompanying guests may also be required to present valid identification upon entry.

Important Notes

  • Applications containing incomplete or inaccurate information may be deemed invalid.
  • Based on the submitted information, we reserve the right to revoke admission if we determine that participation may interfere with event operations.
  • Admission rights are non-transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
  • Event details are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

Entry Form

FAQ

Q. Is an application required to attend?

Yes. Admission to this exhibition is by advance application and lottery selection.
Please complete and submit the Entry Form with the required information.

Q. Can I apply more than once?

Each person may submit only one application for this exhibition.
If multiple submissions are made and identified as the same applicant, only the most recent entry will be considered for the lottery.

Q. Is photography permitted at the venue?

Photography is permitted within the venue except for certain exhibits. However, flash photography and the use of tripods are not allowed.
A dedicated photo spot will also be available for guests to enjoy commemorative photos during the exhibition.

Q. Are outside food and drinks allowed?

Bringing food and beverages into the venue is not permitted.

Q. Is parking available?

There is no dedicated parking available at the venue.
Please use nearby public parking facilities.
As parking in the area may be crowded during the exhibition period, we recommend using public transportation whenever possible.

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

News Latest Events

Latest exhibition updates and related content are shared via Instagram.
Follow us for highlights from the exhibition and deeper insights into the world and vision of ALLU.
Instagramallu_official.jp
Instagramallu_store.jp