Jane Birkin's Pets

Jane Birkin is an English actress, singer, and fashion icon, best known for her work in French cinema and music. She rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, starring in numerous films and collaborating with artists such as Serge Gainsbourg. Birkin is also known for her unique fashion style and her influence on the Hermès Birkin handbag, which was named after her. Throughout her career, she has received critical acclaim for her acting and singing abilities, and remains a beloved figure in French popular culture.

Jane Birkin cemented her place in pop culture in the late 60s, embarking on a series of meaningful collaborations with notable industry figures. The year was 1969 when she collaborated with lover and artistic partner Serge Gainsbourg, leading to their notorious duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” a track that stormed global charts and set hearts racing, largely due to its suggestive lyrics and sensual undertones. The Gainsbourg-Birkin alliance also bore fruit in the world of cinema, with Birkin starring in Gainsbourg’s “Je t’aime” (1976) and “Charlotte for Ever” (1986), films that helped reinforce her acting credentials. In the realm of fashion, her intimate partnership with Hermès’ CEO Jean-Louis Dumas in the 80s resulted in the iconic Birkin bag, a symbol of luxury that remains coveted to this day. Birkin’s musical journey also saw her collaborate with Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto for “Mourir Auprès de Mon Amour” (1990), and British singer-songwriter Brian Eno on “Mother Whale Eyeless” (1996).

In the light of her influential contributions, Jane Birkin has been the recipient of numerous distinctions. In 1985, she was honored with the “Best Actress” award at the Venice Film Festival for her role in “Dust,” providing ample proof of her acting prowess. Recognizing her ongoing cultural influence, France awarded Birkin the prestigious Ordre national du Mérite in 2001 and later, in 2012, bestowed upon her one of the country’s highest honors, the Legion d’honneur. Further testament to her musical achievements, her album “Birkin/Gainsbourg: Le Symphonique” (2017), an orchestral reworking of Gainsbourg’s songs, was heralded with the esteemed Victoires de la Musique award.