Jane Birkin requests her name to be removed from iconic Hermès Birkin Bag

 

British fashion icon and singer Jane Birkin has asked historical maison Hermès to remove her name from the crocodile-skinned version of the Birkin bag.

After an investigation into crocodile farms from Texas to Zimbabwe, Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) shared a video report which shows the cruel methods through which these animals are slaughtered in order to use their skin to produce the famous luxury accessory. Jane Birkin’s reaction to the video was to immediately call the fashion house, inquiring to stop the use of her name for the handbag. “Having been alerted to the cruel practices reserved for crocodiles during their slaughter to make Hermès handbags carrying my name, I have asked Hermès to debaptise the Birkin Croco until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place,” said Birkin in a statement.

Hermès response came quite immediately: “Jane Birkin has expressed her concerns regarding practices for slaughtering crocodiles,”they declared in a statement. “Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for many years. Hermès respects and shares her emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast.” The brand also stated it has always made sure that their practices fully respected the slaughter standard imposed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as well as the opinions of veterinary experts. Hermès has even denied that the farm shown in the video belongs to them and that the skin from those crocodiles has actually been used to craft its handbags, affirming that “an investigation is underway at the Texas farm which was implicated in the video. Any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned”.

Francesca Milano