7 Secret Details About Jane's Original Birkin

[navicular]

A neat article from Sotheby's published on 13 Mar 2025: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/7-secret-details-about-jane-birkins-original-birkin-revealed

TLDR:

1) Non-removable shoulder strap
2) Hybrid size between a B35 and B40*
3) Brass hardware
4) Closed pontets
5) Small feet
6) Eclair zipper
7) Embossed initials

*Pleasantly surprised to learn this

According to Sotheby's, the B40 and B35 were the only commercialised Birkin sizes available until 1996.

 

[periogirl28]

I was fortunate to view this when it was on display at the V&A London.
A friend (fellow TPFer and Horizon owner) who just saw it in Hong Kong tells me it's a 36.

 

[duna]

A neat article from Sotheby's published on 13 Mar 2025: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/7-secret-details-about-jane-birkins-original-birkin-revealed

TLDR:

1) Non-removable shoulder strap
2) Hybrid size between a B35 and B40*
3) Brass hardware
4) Closed pontets
5) Small feet
6) Eclair zipper
7) Embossed initials

*Pleasantly surprised to learn this

According to Sotheby's, the B40 and B35 were the only commercialised Birkin sizes available until 1996.

I bought my first Birkin in 1997 and it was a size 40, it was the most popular size at the time! I remember thinking that 35s were too small 😱 I have no idea if size 30 already existed, it could well have come out later. Actually in 28 years my taste hasn't changed much: I've given up 40s as they are way too heavy for me now but I still think 35 is the ideal size, I've never owned a smaller size. I've always considered the Birkin a tote so a smaller size doesn't make sense to me, if I want a handbag I use my Kelly 32 or other bags.

 

[navicular]

I bought my first Birkin in 1997 and it was a size 40, it was the most popular size at the time! I remember thinking that 35s were too small 😱 I have no idea if size 30 already existed, it could well have come out later. Actually in 28 years my taste hasn't changed much: I've given up 40s as they are way too heavy for me now but I still think 35 is the ideal size, I've never owned a smaller size. I've always considered the Birkin a tote so a smaller size doesn't make sense to me, if I want a handbag I use my Kelly 32 or other bags.

Love this. Do you still have pictures of your B40?

 

[duna]

Love this. Do you still have pictures of your B40?

Here you are: the gold and brown Birkins are size 40, the black is a 35. All sold since, unfortunately

 

[Charm]

I've always loved this bag, not just because I always admired Jane, but because of its beauty from use. Bags that are too perfect just don't appeal in the same way.

 

[jmen]

Informative article; thanks for the link! Would be stellar is Hermes offered the shoulder strap option especially for smaller Birkins.

 

[WhiteBus]

Informative article; thanks for the link! Would be stellar is Hermes offered the shoulder strap option especially for smaller Birkins.

hear hear
but the shoulder strap option should not be limited to smaller sizes
just the inclusion of D rings - not a fixed strap - it would not spoil the style
it would open up a new market for replacement bags
a marketing triumph!

 

[benjinito]

While I like the idea of a strap, I don’t think the execution here is great. I’d imagine the bag would always flop forward since the strap was attached to the backside? I’m not mad that they removed it.

 

[Tonimichelle]

I was lucky to see this in the V&A too, back in 2021 hence the mask. I tried to gauge the size, but it was too far back behind the glass to get a proper idea. Interesting to find out it's 36! I always thought the original was supposed to be 40cm, but it didn't look that big when you compare it with the surrounding bags.

 

[_kiki119_]

I just went to see the original birkin today. It was amazing to see the OG that inspired it all