Paris (France), July 10 (LaPresse) – The original Birkin bag created by fashion house Hermès for actress and singer Jane Birkin has been sold at auction in Paris for €7 million. According to Sotheby's, which handled the sale, the price far exceeded the previous record for a handbag.

The Parisian maison designed the exclusive bag for the London-born star in 1984, engraving her initials "J.B." on the front, just below the clasp, and delivered the one-of-a-kind piece to her the following year, Sotheby's reported. The commercial version of the Birkin bag has since become one of the most exclusive luxury items in the world, with an astronomical price tag and years-long waiting lists.

© Copyright LaPresse