In the world of luxury, some items transcend status to become symbols of lived experience. One such piece is the black leather “Le Birkin Voyageur” once carried by Jane Birkin and now heading to auction during Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week (December 2-5). This isn’t just a handbag. It’s a chapter of fashion history coming to life, in the Gulf region.
The Le Birkin Voyageur is one of only four Birkins ever gifted by Hermès to Jane Birkin herself, after she had auctioned her original prototype. What sets it apart? Her handwriting. In silver ink she wrote: “Mon Birkin bag qui m’a accompagné dans le monde entier” (“My Birkin bag, my globetrotting companion”). Inside you’ll also find doodles and the signature “Jane B.” — turning the bag into a personal diary in leather and ink.
The upcoming auction, held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, isn’t just about high-stakes bidding. It’s a signifier: the Middle East is becoming a stage for fashion heritage, not just consumption. With expected estimates between $240,000 and $440,000, this piece is poised to attract collectors who value provenance, narrative and exclusivity.
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