French icon Jane Birkin passed away last Sunday at the age of 76. The beloved singer and actress, famous for her musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg and prolific career in French cinema, was found dead at her home in Paris – sparking an influx of heartfelt tributes from admirers and peers across the world.
Birkin rose to prominence after appearing in the 1966 film Blow-Up before heading to France to star in the 1968 satirical romantic comedy Slogan alongside Gainsbourg, performing with him on the film’s theme song. This was to be the first of many collaborations between the two, whose working relationship soon blossomed into a passionate love affair.
Check out the trailer for Blow-Up:
The pair quickly won over the hearts of the public and became France’s most famous couple - renowned for their work as much as their hedonistic and bohemian lifestyle. After their separation in 1980, Birkin branched out into more serious film roles, gaining three nominations at the César awards. She continued to work both as an actress and a singer until a few years prior to her death, appearing in various arthouse films and recording numerous albums, for which Gainsbourg would often pen a song.
Listen to the famous Birkin-Gainsbourg collaboration “Je T’Aime…Moi Non Plus” below:
Perhaps the British native’s most famous accolade however, is for her contribution to fashion as the inspiration for the Hermès Birkin bag, which was named after her following a chance encounter with the company’s chief executive on a flight to London. The Hermès Birkin continues to be an accessory staple amongst the rich and famous and remains one of the most expensive bags on the market to this day.
Following the news of Birkin’s death, both fans and celebrities haven taken to social media to pay tribute to the late pop icon.
Marianne Faithfull, an old friend, wrote: “Dearest Jane has gone. I admired her as an artist so much and I’m very glad we got to work together. […] We first met several lifetimes ago – and from that day I always thought she possessed such beauty and style […] How I wanted to look like her and be like her! Her style will endure of course but she was a dear friend and I will always love her.”
Johnny Marr, who featured on Birkin’s 2006 album Fictions, described his collaborator as “a sweet and kind person with a heart for art”, while Beth Gibbons of Portishead lamented: “I’m so sad to hear that Jane Birkin has gone. She was such a beautiful, generous and kind soul. She was one of the nicest people I’ve worked with and always made me feel so at ease.”
I’m so sad to hear that Jane Birkin has gone. She was such a beautiful, generous and kind soul.
She was one of the nicest people I’ve worked with and always made me feel so at ease.
This is us rehearsing for a performance together in Francepic.twitter.com/Ep0VFhELjk— Beth Gibbons (@realbethgibbons) July 16, 2023
Placebo’s Brian Molko shared a photo of the French icon alongside the caption: “I got a message for Jane. Soul beauty personified. I can’t begin to explain what a privilege it’s been to have you in my life. I loved you from the day we met and will continue to do so until it’s my time. Your grace and dignity were inspirations, your generosity a priceless gift. Sleep peacefully beautiful one.”
