The first Hermès Birkin bag, which Jane Birkin herself loved and used, set a new record at auction on July 10, 2025, for a staggering €8.6 million ($10.1 million or 1.47 billion yen). It was an unforgettable event in fashion history. The sale, which took place at Sotheby’s Paris, has officially crowned this humble yet iconic piece as the most expensive handbag ever sold.

But this wasn’t a pristine piece tucked in a vault. It was a heavily used, sticker-covered Birkin with brass hardware, visible wear, and engraved with the initials “J.B.” It was real, lived-in, and undeniably legendary.

The Story Behind the Birkin Bag

In 1984, on a flight from Paris to London, Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. As she fumbled with her overstuffed straw bag, she complained that she couldn’t find a leather weekend tote that worked for her. Dumas famously sketched a design on an airplane sick bag — and the Birkin was born.

This prototype — the first of its kind—was not just gifted to Birkin but became her daily companion for years. She customized it with stickers, hung trinkets from it, and used it the way real women use their handbags: fully. This wasn’t a fashion piece reserved for showing; it was a part of her identity.

Sotheby’s specialists described it perfectly:

“This isn’t just a handbag. It’s a time capsule filled with rebellion, motherhood, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

Meet the Winner of the Birkin Auction 2025: Shinsuke Yorimoto

The winning bidder was Shinsuke Yorimoto, a former J.League soccer player who turned into a secondhand luxury tycoon. After retiring from professional sports, Yorimoto took over his family’s modest resale shop in Japan’s Kansai region. Under his leadership, that small store evolved into a publicly listed secondhand luxury powerhouse.

In 2022, his company moved to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, and it’s now rapidly expanding. Yorimoto is also behind STARBUYERS AUCTION, a secondhand auction platform aimed at global luxury collectors. By acquiring such an iconic piece, Yorimoto not only made headlines—he strategically elevated his platform’s prestige.

This acquisition is more than personal. It’s symbolic. It reflects Japan’s increasingly influential role in the global resale market and its deep cultural appreciation for craftsmanship, rarity, and sustainable ownership.

What This Means for the World of Luxury

There is more to the $10 million Birkin sale than just historical importance or celebrity possession. It signifies a change in our definition of luxury in 2025.

Newness and exclusivity behind boutique doors are no longer the only aspects of luxury nowadays. It has to do with storytelling, genuineness, and conscientious consumption. This sale proved that even the most valuable handbag in the world can be used, loved, and resold flaws and all.

It also demonstrates how the preloved luxury market has matured. Collectors, investors, and enthusiasts now see secondhand designer bags not just as affordable alternatives but as investment-grade assets.

Why Preloved is the Smartest Way to Collect Luxury

We at Miloura have always thought that pre-owned items can be beautiful. And that view is strengthened by this momentous Birkin transaction. Here are some reasons why buying used goods is more important than ever:

1. You Can Own Heritage
Used items have backstories. They frequently possess distinct characters, having passed hands and lived lives. Whether it's a vintage Hermès Kelly or a rare Chanel Classic Flap from the 1990s, these bags are artefacts more than just accessories.

2. Style and Sustainability
Buying used items lessens the environmental impact of fashion and prolongs the life of expensive goods. Handmade Hermès bags are built to last for many years. Why should that craftsmanship go unappreciated?

3. Smarter Investing
Over time, bags like Birkin and Kelly have consistently gained popularity, particularly when they come in limited editions, unique colours, and materials. Many of our clients see their purchases as future assets as well as fashion statements.

4. Obtaining Rarity
The resale market gives you access to things that are no longer available in stores. Often, only pre-owned boutiques like Miloura carry limited editions, discontinued fashions, and highly sought-after colourways.

5. Genuine tranquilly of mind
You may shop with confidence since we meticulously choose and authenticate each item in our inventory. We can assist you in making responsible purchases, whether you're expanding your investment wardrobe or purchasing your first luxury bag.

Hermes Birkin 30 Epsom Leather 2012

FAQs:

Q: Why did this particular Birkin sell so much?

Because it’s the original prototype created for and used by Jane Birkin herself, it has historical, cultural, and symbolic value far beyond its material construction.

Q: What condition was the bag in?

Very worn and heavily used, with stickers, scuffs, and personal touches like attached nail clippers. But these imperfections only increased their value because they prove authentic and intimate through Birkin.

Q: Who bought the bag?

Japanese collector and entrepreneur Shinsuke Yorimoto who owns a secondhand luxury empire and the STARBUYERS AUCTION platform.

Q: Does this affect the value of other Birkins?

Yes. High-profile sales like this elevate brand prestige and increase general demand, especially for unique or vintage pieces in the resale market.

Q: Is buying a preloved Birkin still worth it?

Absolutely. While not every bag will reach auction-house prices, preloved Birkins hold their value extremely well and can be incredible long-term investments.

Q: Where can I find an authenticated, preloved Birkin?

At Miloura, of course. We offer expertly vetted, authenticated Hermès pieces and other iconic bags from Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.

Final Thoughts

The $10 million Birkin wasn't a brand-new, unopened gem stashed away in a safe. It was a well-worn, pre-owned, and cherished piece of fashion history. And that's precisely what gives it its potency.

Every bag at Miloura has a backstory that extends beyond the boutique counter. Preowned is where accessibility and legacy collide, whether you're an investor, collector, or just a lover of fine goods.

Not just the fashion industry was rocked by this historic sale. We were reminded of the importance of secondhand.

Explore our latest arrivals of authenticated Hermès, Chanel, and more. Because great luxury deserves a second life.