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This Man Spent $10M on a Handbag And Says It Was Totally Worth It

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Last updated 08/02/2025 by
SuperMoney Team
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Andrew Latham
Summary:
A Japanese luxury reseller stunned the fashion world by buying Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin for over $10 million. But this isn’t just about fashion. It’s about legacy, exclusivity, and investment. Discover the story behind the world’s most expensive handbag and the bag that sparked it all.
In a record-shattering auction held at Sotheby’s in Paris, the very first Hermès Birkin bag—designed for and used by Jane Birkin herself—sold for €8.6 million (about $10.1 million USD). The buyer? Shinsuke Sakimoto, a former pro soccer player turned CEO of Valuence Holdings, a Japanese luxury resale powerhouse.
Who was Jane Birkin again?
Jane Birkin was an English-French actress, singer, and fashion icon best known for her effortless style and collaborations with French musician Serge Gainsbourg. Her laid-back elegance and outspoken personality made her a muse for generations of designers. Though she inspired the Birkin bag, she remained grounded, often poking fun at its luxury status and using hers until it wore out. She passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of art, activism, and timeless cool.
“It was the most expensive purchase I’ve ever made for a single item,” Sakimoto told CNN, calling it both thrilling and nauseating. But for him, it wasn’t just a splurge. It was a strategic investment in fashion’s most iconic artifact.

Meet the man behind the bid

Sakimoto is far from a fashion mogul stereotype. He started out in Japan’s soccer leagues before shifting into retail.
Shinsuke Sakimoto
At age 22, he opened his first resale shop and eventually founded Valuence, which now spans global resale markets. Buying the Birkin, for him, was about more than prestige. It was about symbolism and belief in circular fashion models.

The auction showdown

The bidding process was intense. From a Tokyo office, Sakimoto coordinated with reps on the ground in Paris, pushing the auction price higher in real time. “We were trying to create pressure on our opponents,” he said, attributing his competitive mindset to his sports background.

Why this Birkin was worth $10M

This wasn’t just any Birkin. It was the first Birkin ever made—a one-of-a-kind prototype designed by Jean-Louis Dumas for Jane Birkin in 1984. Handcrafted in black leather, it featured her initials “J.B.” and had metal charms dangling from the strap. These small touches reflected her personality. Birkin used the bag regularly from the mid-1980s until she sold it in 1994 to support AIDS research.
Did you know?
The Birkin bag was born when Jane Birkin’s belongings spilled from her carry-on during a 1984 flight. She vented to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, who sketched a new design on an airplane sick bag. The rest is fashion history.

Investment, not indulgence

For Sakimoto, this wasn’t just a trophy buy. He believes the bag’s cultural value will appreciate over time, just like blue-chip art or rare watches. Other luxury assets, like Beeple’s NFT or Maurizio Cattelan’s banana, have also fetched millions. Sakimoto sees the Birkin as an anchor for future exhibitions and brand storytelling.

Preserving the legend

Unlike most resale items, this Birkin won’t hit the market again. It will remain in Valuence’s permanent archive and may be featured in exhibitions around the world. “We want to preserve it and share it with everyone,” Sakimoto said. The bag is expected to go on display in New York and Tokyo in the coming months.

What makes the Birkin bag iconic?

  • Scarcity: You can’t just walk into Hermès and buy one. Most are offered to VIPs after years of loyalty.
  • Craftsmanship: Each Birkin is handmade by a single artisan and takes 18 to 24 hours to complete.
  • Resale value: Birkins often outperform gold or stocks in resale markets.
  • Cultural cachet: Owned by celebrities and collectors, it’s more than a bag. It’s a power symbol.

The Birkin legacy

Jane Birkin wasn’t chasing luxury. She wanted practicality. After her straw bag broke on a flight, she famously told Dumas, “Why don’t you make a bag that’s sort of four times the Kelly?” Her request turned into a legend. Today, the Birkin stands as one of the most coveted bags in the world.
Birkin, who passed away in 2023, once joked that she used her bag so much it was nearly destroyed. But that authenticity—wear, scribbles, and charms—made the prototype priceless. “The more I looked into Jane’s life and stance,” Sakimoto said, “the more I realized how fascinating she was.”
me and Shinsiku meme

Frequently asked questions

What was special about the $10M Birkin?

It was the original prototype made for Jane Birkin in 1984. Personal touches, constant use, and the fact that it sparked a global fashion phenomenon made it historically and culturally priceless.

Who bought the $10M Birkin and why?

Japanese resale CEO Shinsuke Sakimoto purchased it to anchor his brand’s identity in sustainability, legacy, and circular luxury.

How was the Birkin invented?

Jane Birkin complained about her lack of a proper travel bag to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. He sketched the design mid-flight on a sick bag. It became the first Birkin.

Will the $10M Birkin be resold?

No. It will remain in Valuence’s permanent collection and be featured in museum-style exhibits.

Key takeaways

  • The first Hermès Birkin bag sold for over $10M at Sotheby’s in 2025.
  • It belonged to Jane Birkin and was the prototype that launched a fashion icon.
  • Japanese resale CEO Shinsuke Sakimoto bought it for both cultural and investment value.
  • The Birkin will not be resold. It will be displayed in exhibitions worldwide.
  • The Birkin’s blend of artistry, scarcity, and storytelling makes it one of the most valuable accessories ever made.

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