the effortless cool girl

how jane birkin changed fashion forever

Jane Birkin: her name is synonymous with fashion and Hermès — as the world-famous Birkin bag was named after her. 

Jane Birkin in June 1970. MIRRORPIX VIA GETTY IMAGES

Birkin sat next to Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London in 1984. When she went to put her signature straw bag in the overhead compartment, it tilted over, and its contents fell out. Birkin told Dumas about her struggles to find a sizable leather bag she liked. That same year, the Hermès Birkin bag debuted after Dumas tapped into Hermès’ design archives.

Jane Birkin participates in a pro-choice demonstration of support for French family planning during an abortion trial in Bobigny on Nov. 1, 1972. ALAIN DEJEAN

the muse behind the birkin

Despite having one of the most coveted luxury handbags in the world named after her, Birkin didn’t forsake her signature straw bag for more than a decade throughout the 1970s. Birkin first adopted the straw bag after discovering it on a trip to Portugal. The straw bag was basically a fisherman’s basket, but it became Birkin’s go-to bag for trips to the farmers market and socialite events. She famously wore the bag at a pro-choice rally in France in 1972.

Jane Birkin in Cannes, France, in 1974. GAMMA-RAPHO VIA GETTY IMAGES

The bag held everything, including Birkin’s makeup, keys and various other items. In a 2018 interview, the style icon said, “I was well known for carrying a basket. So I obviously knew girls liked to have masses of things in their handbag.”

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg during the 1974 Cannes Film Festival. GAMMA-RAPHO VIA GETTY IMAGES

Birkin paired her straw bag with casual outfits like jeans and T-shirts and also wore the bag with evening gowns and heels.

Photos of Birkin depict using the straw bag to grocery shop and hold things like bread and even pick up her morning newspaper. The bag would influence generations of French girl style, and other brands, including Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Loewe and Poléne have all created versions of the straw bag. 

Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg and Regine celebrate New Year’s Eve at Regine’s night club in Paris in 1977. GETTY IMAGES

Birkin’s style was often described as bohemian chic, and she found ways to elevate classic wardrobe staples from minimalist T-shirts to oversized sweaters. The straw bag is an eternal aspect of her fashion aesthetic that is poised to continue influencing French girl style for generations to come.

the style edit

I’ve been really editing down my wardrobe for the past few years, and while I like to use summer to make a statement, I’ve been dreaming up some timeless outfit ideas. I started wondering what moves Jane Birkin would make if she took over my closet, and it got me thinking about these six staples. Let’s talk about them.

Basket Bag

At the peak of her career as a model and actress, Birkin could carry any bag she could dream up, yet she chose simplicity. A series of nameless basket bags followed her everywhere and looked like they’d been plucked out of a random market in the South of France. I’ve been styling this piece with a variety of outfits, and it’s felt amazing.

Flared Denim

For a woman of the ’60s and ’70s, it’s no surprise that flared jeans would be in the equation. Birkin certainly preferred them, which could be easily seen in her outfits every time she wore denim. They are the secret to always looking taller than you are.

White Tops

If you only buy one top this summer, make it pretty and white. Jane Birkin was known for creating the white top and jeans staple, complete with lace details and various textures. This is the top that I’m always most likely to invest in this time of year since it goes with absolutely everything.

Semi Sheer Dresses

To say Jane Birkin was ahead of her time would be an understatement. Yes, she was wearing the “naked dress” trend that we know and love now long before us. Bold and always taking risks, she makes strutting through a crowd in a crochet dress feel effortlessly chic.

Lightweight Sweaters

If you don’t wear sweaters in the summer, you might want to reconsider. Birkin would call this a year-round piece and always invest in cashmere. Whether she threw one over her shoulders during the daytime or wore one on top of her outfit when things cooled down, she almost always had one on her.

Cutesy Shoes

Birkin was known for pairing ballet flats & flip flops with the perfect pair of denim and a white tee. While this style has been experiencing a resurgence, I remember adoring my mom’s collection of ballets in soft pastels and prints. Every cool girl needs a pair of flats and cutesy sneakers to add to their collection.