A look back into how the late British-born model, singer, and actress carved her name into the Parisian fashion scene of the 1960s and 1970s.
Jane Birkin, the muse of the iconic Hermés Birkin bag, has left her legacy as one of the ladies who gave the face to the “off-duty model look” and “effortless French chic” style.
While Birkin’s personal wardrobe was defined by her laissez-faire fringe, flared or denim jeans, and crisp white t-shirts, the various movie roles she took on made it seem like she had already lived many lives.
First Blow
Before she was known as one of the most photographed women on earth, Jane Birkin came to fame in the film Blow-Up (1966) where she played the role of “The Blonde.” Her youthful glow fit the energy of the swinging sixties with a wardrobe composed of knit shorts, over-the-knee socks, and brown leather boots.
She’s a Wonderwall
Walking like a full-on counterculture icon, Jane Birkin’s role in the film Wonderwall (1968) had her dressed from head-to-toe in staples of the decade. Her ensemble consisted of a brown-toned palette that included a suede-belted coat and tan knee-high boots—the perfect accessories to the leather mini dress that shaped her physique. Yet perhaps the most iconic outfit she wore in the film was her red-printed kimono in the dramatic final scene.
To Sink or Swim?
Birkin’s wardrobe emphasized the scandalous overtone of the lolita-esque La Piscine (the Swimming Pool) in 1969. In Jacques Deray’s thriller, she played the 18-year-old Penelope. The actresses’ most recognizable outfits in her role were variations of blouses with mini to midi skirts. Knitted dresses were also a staple during this era of Jane Birkin’s acting career. These mostly ended mid-thigh and were crocheted, giving an autumn-like feel to her appearance, despite the summer setting.
Short Slogan
While Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg became known as the “it-couple” of the ’70s, they first met at the set of their film Slogan (1969). There were moments in the film where Birkin’s casual and personal attire peeked through her costumes. This especially becomes notable when her persona, Evelyne, would pick up Birkin’s archetypal trench coat.
The Birkin Bag story has humble beginnings. It began when Jane Birkin’s then-husband, French film director and screenwriter Jacques Doillon, intentionally ran over her day-to-day handbag because he was tired of seeing his wife wear it everywhere.
Birkin scrambled to find a replacement before her flight, settling with her wicker basket. Sitting next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then-CEO of Hermès, Dumas watched as the actress’ belongings tumbled out of her basket bag as she was pushing it into the overhead compartment. And so the design of the first Birkin was sketched on an airplane sick bag by then-CEO of Hermès Jean-Louis Dumas. Since the Hermés Birkin bag was born, it has lived on as a status symbol for celebrities and elite until today.
Love flows at the top
Her character donned the flowiest of attires throughout the film, with pieces that carefully draped her long legs and shaped her arms. These can be observed from her choice of flowy blouses and slacks, usually complemented by a loose bun.
The actress’ silhouette never looked more svelte with the bell-bottom trousers that complimented her long legs. Although Birkin sometimes pranced in dresses as well, it was her hanging ensemble that fully fleshed out her character’s carefree spirit.
As her influence in film impacted fashion, these are just a few highlights of Birkin’s undeniably good style. From her signature, simple white tops to a luxury handbag after her namesake, Jane Birkin lived a long and influential life. While the actress and fashion icon has passed on, her legacy that breaks boundaries continues to thrive.