ACTUALLY (finally) saw Blow-Up (1966) just last summer. It was one many “classic” cultural films on my list, and the first I’d seen in which Jane Birkin appeared. The Michelangelo Antonioni directed film was one of her first roles and while it was a minor one, you could already tell back then that she had screen presence. Ended up watching La Piscine (The Swimming Pool) after that one (the 1969 psychological thriller directed by Jacques Deray and starring Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, Maurice Ronet, and of course, Jane Birkin) and she was captivating. We’ve referenced the actress, singer, model, and muse many times here at TIG and have always been inspired by her wonderfully chic sense of style and artistry, so it was sad for us to read that she was found dead at her home in Paris on Sunday, (cause currently unknown) at the age of 76.
A Little History
British-French actress, singer, and fashion icon Jane Mallory Birkin was born on December 14, 1946, in Marylebone, London, England. Known for her captivating beauty, effortless style, and bohemian charm, she became one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry during the 1960s and 1970s. In her early teens, Birkin enrolled in drama school and began exploring her creative talents. Her innate sense of style caught the attention of fashion photographers, leading her to venture into modelling. Birkin’s petite frame, long, wavy hair, and doe-like eyes would become her trademark features.
In the mid-1960s, Birkin moved to France and began her acting career, appearing in several films, including “Blow-Up” (1966) and “Wonderwall” (1968). She would go on to appear in 70 or so films, working with some of France’s best directors, including Bertrand Tavernier, Agnès Varda, Jean-Luc Godard, Alain Resnais and James Ivory. Her filmography showcases her versatility as an actress, with roles spanning various genres and styles.
It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Serge Gainsbourg, a renowned singer-songwriter and prominent figure in French popular culture. He had a distinct and unconventional sense of style, often pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms. Being in a relationship with Gainsbourg exposed Birkin to his unique artistic vision and avant-garde approach to fashion. Their relationship would shape not only Birkin’s personal life, but also her fashion choices, as their romantic partnership had a significant influence on her style and the way she presented herself through fashion.
In the mid-1960s, Birkin moved to France and began her acting career, appearing in several films, including “Blow-While she is primarily known for her acting and fashion endeavours, Jane Birkin had a notable music career spanning several decades. She collaborated with Gainsbourg, their partnership beginning in the late 1960s and resulting in numerous successful and influential recordings, the most famous of these being the provocative and controversial song “Je t’aime… moi non plus” (1969), which became an international hit. The song showcased Birkin’s soft and sensual singing style and established her as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Jane Birkin’s style can be described as effortlessly chic, embodying the essence of the Swinging Sixties and the bohemian spirit of the 1970s. She often opted for a laid-back and androgynous look, favouring comfortable clothes that exuded a sense of freedom and rebellion. Birkin adored denim, and was often seen in flared jeans, cutoff shorts, and denim jackets; it was a trend that became synonymous with her name. Birkin’s collaboration with Hermès in the early 1980s marked a turning point in her fashion journey: while seated next to the Jean-Louis Dumas, the CEO of Hermès on a flight, she spilled the contents of her bag, causing her to complain about the lack of a functional yet stylish handbag. This moment, as the story goes, led to the creation of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, which quickly became a symbol of luxury and status.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Birkin’s fashion choices showcased her love for vintage and thrift store finds. She often mixed and matched different eras, creating a unique and eclectic style. Her wardrobe was filled with flowing maxi dresses, peasant blouses, oversized sweaters, and floppy hats. Birkin effortlessly blended elements of boho, rock ‘n’ roll, and classic elegance, creating an aesthetic that resonated with a generation. Birkin’s personal life had a profound impact on her fashion choices as well. As mentioned earlier, her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg influenced her style, as the couple often performed together and appeared in public wearing coordinated outfits. The singer embraced Gainsbourg’s love for tailored suits, tuxedos, and military-inspired jackets, adding a touch of androgyny to her feminine aesthetic.
In the 1990s and beyond, Birkin continued to evolve her style while staying true to her signature bohemian sensibility. She embraced more contemporary fashion trends, experimenting with bold prints, vibrant colours, and statement accessories. Birkin became an inspiration for fashion designers and style enthusiasts worldwide, with her effortless elegance and natural beauty remaining timeless. Jane Birkin’s fashion legacy extends beyond her personal style: her influence can be seen in the countless fashion editorials, runway shows, and street style looks that continue to pay homage to her iconic looks. Her impact on the fashion industry earned her a place among the most enduring fashion icons of all time.
Filmography
Jane Birkin has appeared in numerous films throughout her career. While the exact number may vary depending on different sources and categorisations, she has an extensive filmography that includes both French and international productions. Here are some notable films in which she has appeared:
“Blow-Up” (1966)
“Wonderwall” (1968)
“La Piscine” (1969)
“Slogan” (1969)
“Don’t Deliver Us from Evil” (1971)
“Catherine & Co.” (1975)
“The Pirate” (1978)
“Evil Under the Sun” (1982)
“Dust” (1985)
“Jane B. par Agnès V.” (1988)
“The Accompanist” (1992)
“Merci pour le Chocolat” (2000)
“The Science of Sleep” (2006)
“La Fille du RER” (2009)
“Love Punch” (2013)
