After cancelling a series of concerts in May due to health problems, on Sunday, 16 July, Jane Birkin—the muse, the artist, the idol—was found dead in her apartment. She was 76 years old. Here, Vogue pays tribute the eternal muse.
Birkin’s distinct accent, delicate voice and modern look made her an idol. She arrived in France at a time when England was electrifying the world with its cultural revolution, in the wake of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mary Quant, David Bailey, Twiggy, David Hemmings and Terence Stamp. With her androgynous silhouette, large eyes and deep candour, her innocence turned her into the muse of French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg in the blink of an eye. Their shared hits—from Je T’aime Moi Non Plus à La Décadanse to Sea, Sex and Sun—made them the power couple of 1970s show-biz.
Despite Gainsbourg’s influence, Birkin maintained her own path both behind the microphone and on the big screen. Under the fascinated gaze of Doillon, Rivette, Godard, Wargnier and Chéreau, she exuded a humility that was inversely proportional to the brilliance of her track record, which includes other masterpieces such as Je t’aime… moi non plus, La Piscine, La Pirate and Les Dessous Chics. Her golden voice, her unfiltered spontaneity and a few popular comedies in which she shines (Mustard Goes to my Nose, La Course à L’échalote, etc.) have definitively crowned her a national treasure. Her personal style, on the other hand, has inspired one of the world’s most sought-after accessories: the Birkin Bag by Hermès.
Birkin was also known for her humanitarian commitment. Her work with human rights and refugee organisations have brought critical issues to light and provided tangible help to those who need it most. She used her voice not only to charm the world with her music, but also to speak on behalf of the voiceless. Her legacy is not limited to her songs, movies and iconic style, but also lies in the impact she had on the world around her. Birkin will be missed, but her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
