Christie's to offer Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg's iconic Hermès HAC bag which inspired the Birkin

PARIS.— Christie's announce a landmark offering in its upcoming Handbags & Accessories live auction in Paris on 6 November: an extraordinary piece of Hermès history – the Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag once owned by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg.

This exceptional bag, a symbol of craftsmanship, rarity, and artistry, was a beloved travel companion of the legendary couple. Frequently photographed during family holidays alongside Jane Birkin, Gainsbourg was often seen carrying his signature HAC bag. Created before the iconic Birkin bag, this HAC embodies the spirit of the 1970s – a decade defined by freedom, music, rebellion, and effortless elegance.

The sale of this historic Hermès piece marks the return of live handbag auctions at Christie's Paris after three years, and pays tribute to the brand's rich heritage and its enduring connection to cultural icons.

Founded in 1837, Hermès began as a maker of harnesses and saddles. In 1892, the Maison introduced its first bag – the Haut à Courroies – designed to carry boots and saddles. As transportation evolved, so did the HAC, becoming a discreet yet coveted travel bag for those who appreciated Hermès' timeless quality and design.
The HAC remains one of the most sought-after Hermès bags, especially among collectors and connoisseurs of men's fashion. Serge Gainsbourg was frequently photographed with it during his travels between Paris and London with Jane Birkin in the 1970s.

While Birkin was first known for her signature wicker basket, it was her familiarity with the HAC – Gainsbourg's favorite – that inspired the creation of the Birkin bag in 1984. As she once remarked, “It's the Birkin bag, four times bigger.” The Birkin's design echoes the HAC's features: two sturdy handles, belt-like straps, a clochette with keys, and the same artisanal techniques – from saddle stitching to pearling – that have remained unchanged for over a century.

Without the Haut à Courroies, there would be no Birkin.

In 2019, Jane Birkin donated this very bag to a charity auction in support of Médecins du Monde, underscoring her lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes.

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg were more than artists – they were cultural icons whose style defined an era and whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

The sale in Paris on 6 November, preceded by previews in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Paris from 30 October to 6 November, offers a rare opportunity to celebrate their timeless and effortlessly chic style on a global stage.