Jane Birkin

The existential poetry of the overstuffed bag



Miu Miu SS24 main

Will we ever not be eternally fascinated by the ‘what’s in my bag’ trope? This SS24 – surprise! – capacious bags are trending, and not only are they big, they’re stuffed to the brim. Aligning with the outpouring of Jane Birkin love (and hot takes on her bulging Birkin), Miu Miu’s SS24 show was lauded for its chaotic bag energy – each exit showed a model toting a classic bowling bag, top handle or tote overflowing with spare shoes, keys and clothes. As you do. (more…)



Au revoir Jane, the ultimate garconne



Jane Birkin - the ultimate garconne

Celebrities dying is nothing new, but word of Jane Birkin’s passing feels personal. Not because she was an icon or a diva but because she wasn’t.

Despite her obvious physical beauty and talent she always came across to me as down to earth and real. I remember ‘meeting’ her with That’s Not My Age at a Miller Harris event (Lyn Harris had created a bespoke fragrance for her and they had remained friends). Well, Alyson actually spoke to her while I hovered awkwardly. (more…)



This old thing



Jane Birkin - Hermes Birkin bag

I’ve been reading up about the crazy world of status bags and watches and deduced that the only way around the unavailability of ‘It’ Hermès Birkins and Rolex Daytonas is to go the imperfect route. As even pre-loved icons are hard to obtain (mint-conditioned pieces command the highest prices), better to go for the less-than-pristine patina, no?

For me, this aligns with my love of a well-worn leather tote. I just came across a picture on Pinterest of Jane Birkin’s legendary Birkin (above). You know, the one she adorned with personal charms and trinkets – and then auctioned for charity. This bag lived! The picture linked to a ten-year-old old Purse Forum thread on ‘slouchy, floopy, used Birkins’, imploring Birkin owners to share their own photos. (more…)



Cannes red carpet: garconnes do it better



What is it about the Cannes red carpet that’s so much more refined than other red carpets? Don’t answer that. I think I know the answer already.

American premieres and awards are super-planned and super-commercial, all about diamonds and deals. Somehow Cannes just seems a bit cooler. Here’s the evidence; Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg in classic garconne style – Birkin in Celine and Gainsbourg in Saint Laurent. (more…)