British and French singer and actress, Jane Birkin, known for her iconic style and being the inspiration behind the famous Hermès Birkin bag, has passed away at the age of 76. Birkin was confirmed dead in Paris, and the cause of her death remains unknown.
Born in London in 1946, Birkin moved to France in 1960 where she began her career in the entertainment industry. She gained recognition for her roles in films such as “Blow Up” and “Wonderwall.” However, it was her relationship with French musician Serge Gainsbourg that brought her international fame.
Birkin and Gainsbourg’s controversial song “Je T’aime…moi non plus,” released in 1969, sparked outrage and led to its condemnation and ban by the Vatican for its explicit content. Despite their tumultuous relationship, the couple stayed together for 12 years and had a daughter named Charlotte Gainsbourg. Charlotte, who had been living in New York, moved back to Paris in 2020.
In addition to Charlotte, Birkin also had another daughter named Lou Doillon with French director Jacques Doillon. Birkin’s influence extended beyond her personal life, as she became the muse for the Hermès Birkin bag. The story goes that Birkin accidentally broke her bag while on an Air France flight, catching the attention of Jean-Louis Dumas, the chief designer of Hermès at the time. After a conversation between the two, the iconic Birkin bag was born.
Jane Birkin leaves behind a legacy of timeless style and talent. Her contributions to the world of music, film, and fashion will always be remembered. As fans mourn her loss, Birkin will forever be an icon and inspiration to many.