Jane Birkin as a fashion icon will forever stand unquestionably as the reigning queen of French girl style, with personality. While she epitomized that cool sort of je ne sais quoi that you can still see when you visit Paris or in the closets of French girls everywhere, she did it with a rare sort of panache and epic coolness spiced with individuality. The biggest example of this is how she carried and decorated her Birkin bag. Rather than babying it, protecting it, or treating it like a museum-like object not meant to be touched, she covered in in colorful cords, chains, and let her cat put bite marks in it. She dinged it up and my favorite part–overstuffed it and often carried it from the bottom rather than using the little handles.

Ever wondered about the origins of the renowned Birkin bag?

During a chance encounter on a flight, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas found himself seated next to Jane Birkin. As fate would have it, Jane's signature straw basket, serving as her carry-on, accidentally spilled its contents during the journey. In conversation, Jane lamented her struggle to find a bag that met her needs, leading to the birth of the Birkin Bag. Despite the enduring popularity of the Birkin bag, Jane remained loyal to her basket bag. Our Anouk Grewal handwoven African totes pay homage to the simplicity and charm of her basket, offering a similar aesthetic appeal.

Jane Birkin, the quintessential icon of the 1960s, mesmerized the world with her multifaceted talent and unconventional style. Renowned for her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg on "Je t'aime... moi non plus," she transcended borders with her sensual allure and breathy vocals, symbolizing a new era of sexual liberation. Her eclectic career and unwavering commitment to authenticity solidified her as a cultural icon, leaving an indelible mark on music, fashion, and activism.