Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jane Birkin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 11, 2025

Discover the career path of Jane Birkin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jane Birkin (1946-2023) was a British-French actress, singer, and fashion icon. Residing primarily in France from the late 1960s, she became a prominent figure in French cinema. Birkin was also known for her musical career and distinctive personal style, which made her a fashion symbol. Her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg further cemented her place in popular culture. The Hermès Birkin bag, named after her, became a widely recognized status symbol in the fashion world. Overall, she was a triple threat known for her acting, music and fashion influence.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: Met Serge Gainsbourg

In 1968, Jane Birkin met Serge Gainsbourg on the set of the film Slogan, beginning a 12-year romantic and creative relationship.

1982: 1982 Design

In 1982, Jane Birkin told Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas that it had been difficult to find a leather weekend bag she liked which lead to him designing the Birkin bag based on a 1982 design.

1984: Creation of the Birkin bag

In 1984, Hermès created the Birkin bag for Jane Birkin, based on a 1982 design.

1985: Best Actress Award at Orleans Film Festival

In 1985, Jane Birkin won the "Best Actress" award at the Orleans Film Festival for her role in Leave All Fair. She was also recognized at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in Dust.

2002: Protest against Jean-Marie Le Pen

In 2002, Jane Birkin participated in a protest against the far-right in France, denouncing Jean-Marie Le Pen's qualification in the second round of the presidential election.

2003: Recording of "Beauty" for Strong Currents album

In 2003, Jane Birkin recorded the song "Beauty" for French producer Hector Zazou's album Strong Currents, which featured various artists and included covers of Nina Hynes' songs.

2004: Release of Rendez-vous

In 2004, Birkin released Rendez-vous, an album featuring duets with artists like Francoise Hardy and Bryan Ferry.

2006: Release of Fictions album

In 2006, Birkin released the album Fictions, adding to her discography of albums.

2008: Release of Enfants d'hiver album

In 2008, Jane Birkin released the album Enfants d'hiver, continuing her musical career.

2010: Protest against immigration policies

In 2010, Jane Birkin demonstrated support for immigrants, protesting against the French government's policy towards undocumented migrants and outside the residence of the Minister of Immigration, Éric Besson. She also sponsored a young Congolese who had requested political asylum.

2010: Duet with Sérgio Dias on We Are the Lilies

In 2010, Jane Birkin recorded a duet, "Marie", with Brazilian singer Sérgio Dias, which appeared on the album We Are the Lilies by Dias and French band Tahiti Boy and the Palmtree Family.

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2015: March in support of refugees

In 2015, Jane Birkin marched in Paris in support of refugees.

2016: Advertising campaign and lead role in La femme et le TGV

In 2016, Jane Birkin appeared in an Yves Saint Laurent advertising campaign and played the lead role in the short film La femme et le TGV.

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March 2017: Release of Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique

On March 24, 2017, Jane Birkin released Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique, a collection of songs written by Serge Gainsbourg for her, reworked with orchestral arrangements.

September 2017: Live performance in Brussels to promote new album

In September 2017, Jane Birkin performed live in Brussels to promote her album Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique.

2017: Performance at free concert against Marine Le Pen

In 2017, Jane Birkin performed at a free concert in Paris to protest against Marine Le Pen in the 2017 presidential election.

2017: Announcement of final acting performance

In 2017, Jane Birkin stated that her role in La femme et le TGV would be her last, announcing her retirement from acting.

September 2018: Signatory of open letter on climate change

In September 2018, Jane Birkin was among 200 artists and scientists who signed an open letter published in Le Monde, urging politicians to act against climate change and biodiversity loss.