Jane Birkin’s Most Iconic Looks

MANON FILLON-ADISHA

EDITED BY ANGÉLIQUE GOUWS

British actress and singer Jane Birkin was the retro-style icon who gave name to the famously recognizable Birkin bag. She was known for her unique, effortless, and timeless looks, and was one of the most acclaimed muses in the fashion world. Her recent passing on July 16th was a shock to many, and many tributes have been made remembering her incredible life. In order to commemorate her, here are some of my favorite outfits of Jane Birkin throughout her lifetime.

VOGUE US 1969

Jane for Vogue US 1969, styling a suede russet tunic and pants designed by Ossie Clark.

This full suede look was designed for one of the many Vogue shoots she did in the 70s.

SLOGAN MOVIE PREMIER 1969

At the premiere of Slogan 1969, Jane was spotted styling a sheer dress, accompanied by her iconic basket bag. In a later interview with Vogue, she admitted that she had not even realized that the dress was sheer until paparazzis took pictures of her with the flash on.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 1974

For the 1974 Cannes film festival, Jane styled a white crochet gown held together with a cross-like brooch. It was one of the most stand-out looks of the night, and if you Google “Jane Birkin”, it is likely photos of her in this outfit that will show up first. Jane wore a lot of crochet outfits, but this gown is definitely one of my favorite of her crochet looks. The brooch is elegant and ties the look together perfectly.

WEDDING DRESS 1968

As the queen of crochet clothing, Jane Birkin got married to Serge Gainsbourg in a semi-sheer white crochet lace dress. Wearing this casual looking dress, she redefined the traditional marriage gown and gave it a contemporain touch.

PACO RABANNE

Throughout the 70s, Paco Rabanne was the mastermind behind many of Jane’s most memorable looks. She’s worn plenty of other Paco Rabanne looks, but I’d have to say that this one is my favorite. It is also one of the most famous pictures of her and her ex husband, Serge Gainsbourg. Rabanne actually started creating mini dresses because of Jane Birkin.

THE DARLING MINI DRESS

Jane is famous for her mini dresses, and I love the shape and the fit of this one in particular. I’m obsessed with the way she paired it with her staple basket bag, and the high boots are just amazing.

UNKNOWN

I could not find any information of where this dress is from or for what shoot it was for, but I love the clash between the shirt-dress and the lace. The wide sleeves and the lace tights make it look elegant, while the shortness of the dress makes it look casual. It clashes in all the right ways, and this is the type of “formula” that we see a lot in Jane Birkin’s looks – elegant and sexy.

SAUMUR FRANCE, ALL WHITE LOOK

Jane wore this outfit on set for one of the movies she shot in France. It is simple yet stylish, and serves for a timeless look. This photo really does her justice.

ICONIC RECORD PLAYER LOOK

I will finish this list with the incredible but simple look Jane was captured in for this photo. I feel like the long statement necklace and V-neck long dress is a look that we will see a lot of this summer.