Jane Birkin, the actress and singer, and also the inspiration behind the luxuriously famous Birkin bags, has passed away at the age of 76 in Paris, France's Culture Ministry has confirmed.
She was a British-born “French icon” for years associated with the singer Serge Gainsbourg. In the U.S., she was known for lending her name to luxury handbags by Hermès.
Her death was confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron of France, who called her “a French icon” in a message posted on Twitter. The French news media reported that Ms. Birkin had been found dead at her home but that the cause was not immediately known.
According to French news outlets Liberation and BFM TV, Birkin was found dead at her home. Another French media outlet, Le Figaro, reported that Birkin had suffered from health issues in the past few years that kept her from performing and her public appearances became sparse.
Her first acting roles was The Blonde in Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 film “Blow-Up.” It was two years later, on a film set, that Ms. Birkin met Mr. Gainsbourg, beginning a love affair that would last 12 years and captivate France.
Jane Birkin is a muse and style icon known for her effortless, bohemian chic looks. She popularized the iconic "Birkin Bag," named after her, which is a luxury handbag made by Hermès. The bag is considered one of the most prestigious and sought-after accessories in the fashion world.