Jane Birkin, 76, has passed away.
The singer and actress Jane Birkin was found dead in her Paris apartment.
According to French media, Jane Birkin, the singer and actress, died at the age of 76.
Jane Birkin, the inspiration for the Hermés Birkin handbag, was found dead at her home in France by her carer. The cause of her death is still unknown.
The 76-year-old singer was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002 and suffered a stroke in 2021. She had to cancel events in March due to a damaged shoulder blade.
Jane Birkin was a singer and actress most known for her marriage to Serge Gainsbourg, a French singer and composer.
Because Jane was a cultural figure in the 1960s, the iconic bag was named after her in 1981. In 2015, however, she publicly demanded that the firm stop using her name after viewing footage obtained by animal rights organization PETA purportedly revealing “cruel practices endured by crocodiles during their slaughter for the production of Hermès bags.”
“Having been made aware of the cruel practices endured by crocodiles during their slaughter for the production of Hermès bags bearing my name, I have requested that the Birkin be renamed,” the actress stated in a statement to Agence France-Presse. “Until better practices conforming to international standards for the production of this bag can be implemented.”
Following an inspection of the farm, the French label addressed the issue in a second statement, indicating that the Birkin name may be retained for the coveted accessories.
“Following the heartfelt emotion expressed by Jane Birkin and her request for an explanation, Hermès, in agreement with her, reiterates its firm commitment to the ethical treatment of crocodiles in its partner farms,” according to the statement.
Our thoughts are with Jane’s family and friends.
