Jane Birkin, the British-French actress and singer who inspired the iconic Birkin bag, has died at the age of 76.
Birkin died on Sunday at her home in Paris, according to her management company. The cause of death was not immediately released.
Birkin was born in London in 1946. She began her career as an actress in the early 1960s, and starred in a number of films, including “Blowup” and “Belle de Jour.” She was also a successful singer, and released a number of albums, including “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” a duet with her then-lover, Serge Gainsbourg.
In 1984, Birkin was on a flight from Paris to London when she met Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. She complained to him about the lack of a good leather bag that was both practical and stylish. Dumas was inspired by her request, and created the Birkin bag in her honor.
The Birkin bag quickly became a status symbol, and is now one of the most sought-after and expensive handbags in the world. Prices for a new Birkin bag can start at around $10,000, and can go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare or limited-edition bags.
Birkin was initially reluctant to have her name associated with the bag, as she felt it was too expensive and exclusive. However, she eventually came to accept the association, and even received a royalty from Hermès for each bag sold.
In recent years, Birkin had spoken out against the use of crocodile and python skins in the production of Birkin bags. She said that she did not want her name to be associated with the killing of these animals.
Birkin is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon.
