The Not So Plain Jane
by Nicole Giquel - July 20, 2023 Fashion News
Jane Birkin was a British actress, singer, and model who was born in London in 1946. She is best known for her collaborations with French singer, Serge Gainsbourg; her role as the blonde in the film ‘Blowup’, and her iconic fashion sense.
Birkin’s claim to fame is the Hermès Birkin bag, which was named after her. The bag originated from an unexpected encounter between Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, the then executive chairman of Hermès. Their paths crossed during a flight from Paris to London, leading to a conversation about Birkin’s struggle to find a suitable bag to accommodate her belongings and the paraphernalia that came with being a new mother. This discussion sparked Dumas’ creativity and he was inspired to sketch a design on an airsickness bag. The result was a rectangular holdall with a polished flap and exquisite saddle stitching. The bag was designed in 1984 and it has become one of the most iconic bags in the world.
Jane was also known for her beauty and her charisma. She had a natural, girl-next-door appeal that made her instantly relatable. She was also not afraid to show her age, and she embraced her wrinkles and grey hair with grace. Birkin’s style was an inspiration to women of all ages, and she continues to be a style icon today. She showed the world that it’s possible to be stylish and confident without following the crowd. She was a true original, and her style will never go out of fashion.
Birkin, with her timeless style and boundless spirit, remains an unparalleled fashion inspiration. Her enduring influence on the industry serves as a testament to the power of authenticity, simplicity, and embracing one’s individuality. As we navigate the ever-changing world of fashion, let us look to Jane Birkin as a guiding light, reminding us to stay true to ourselves, savour life’s moments, and let our personal style be a reflection of our inner radiance. In the words of Birkin herself, “Fashion isn’t a means to an end. It’s the entrails of life.”
Birkin died on July 16th, 2023, at the age of 76 in her home in Paris, France. She will be remembered as a fashion icon, a talented actress and singer, and a true OG.