The original Hermès Birkin handbag is on display in France for the first time. Sotheby’s, one of the world's largest auction houses and brokers of art, collectibles, jewellery, and real estate, is hosting a show throughout October called “Excellence à la Française.” “The origins of the Birkin lie in the famous meeting between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight. Forty years ago, this chance encounter sparked the creation of a new bag design, tailored to suit the actress and singer’s busy lifestyle: The Original Hermès Birkin,” states Sotheby’s.“Excellence à la Française” is a tribute to “the finest examples of French artistic production over the last millennium.” In 1985, Hermès offered her the bag and asked for permission to name the model after her. "The legendary accessory is part of the new exhibition ‘Excellence à la Française’, which champions some of the finest examples of French artistic production over the last millennium," continues Sotheby’s.The original Birkin bag was branded with her initials, J.B., on the front flap. The bag on display was used by Jane for ten years. The most unique feature of the Original Birkin was the attached shoulder strap. According to Sotheby's, "The original Birkin features a shoulder strap that was not retained on the commercialized model. A limited edition Birkin with a detachable shoulder strap was produced in the 1990s, but the Original Birkin is the only one with a non-removable shoulder strap."Catherine Benier, a renowned collector, bought the handbag at an auction more than 2 decades back. She is the owner of Les 3 Marches, a small Parisian boutique.The Birkin bag has become a status symbol and a much sought-after collectible item, one of the most exclusive luxury items on the market.

The Controversy Over Hermès’ Birkin BagsA lawsuit has been filed in California, USA, revolving around the Hermès Birkin handbag. The lawsuit alleges that Hermès only sells Birkins to customers with a "sufficient purchase history," claiming that one of the plaintiffs was "coerced into purchasing ancillary products in order to obtain access to Hermès Birkin bags," writes Justin Klawans in The Week.