The biography, It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin, by Marisa Meltzer, delves into the multifaceted life of the iconic Anglo-French actress and singer. The book chronicles her rise to fame, beginning with an incident in 1983 when Birkin’s open straw basket spilled onto the lap of the chief executive of Hermès. This moment led to the creation of the now-legendary Birkin bag, which starts at around £10,000. The original bag, made specifically for Birkin, was auctioned for a staggering £7.4 million this summer, underscoring her lasting impact on fashion.
Birkin’s story is often characterized by her effortless charm and the way opportunities seemed to gravitate towards her. She famously embraced a laid-back attitude towards her newfound wealth and status. Rather than treating her luxurious bag with reverence, she adorned it with charms and stickers, reflecting her personal style. This trend of personalizing handbags has seen a resurgence, echoing Birkin’s unique aesthetic that includes flared jeans and peasant blouses.
Despite the engaging subject matter, Meltzer’s biography does not uncover new insights about Birkin’s life. The author, known for her previous works on Weight Watchers and the cosmetics brand Glossier, faced challenges in accessing Birkin’s inner circle. In the two years since Birkin’s passing at the age of 76, her friends and family have remained remarkably private, offering little new information for the biography. Instead, Meltzer relies on a wealth of previously published interviews and profiles dating back to 1969, the year Birkin achieved fame with the song “Je T’aime … Moi Non Plus.”
Birkin’s Artistic Journey
The biography recounts Birkin’s journey from her boarding school on the Isle of Wight to her rise as a prominent figure in the 1960s. Her early career saw her in provocative roles, including a memorable nude scene in Michelangelo Antonioni’s film Blow-Up. By the age of 21, she had already navigated a tumultuous relationship with composer John Barry, which ended with a pregnancy.
Birkin’s move to Paris in 1967 marked the beginning of her most notable chapter, characterized by her tumultuous relationship with the controversial artist Serge Gainsbourg. Their partnership was marked by public displays of affection and dramatic conflict, including notorious drunken fights. Gainsbourg’s flamboyant personality and penchant for scandal kept them in the limelight, even drawing condemnation from the papacy for their provocative song.
Meltzer’s narrative captures the essence of Birkin’s life, including her struggles with identity and relationships. After parting ways with Gainsbourg, Birkin found a new partner in film director Jacques Doillon, who, while also controlling, provided a somewhat more stable environment.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Despite her significant presence in film and music, Meltzer’s portrayal of Birkin raises questions about her artistic contributions. While she remained active, performing concerts until her death, audiences were often drawn more to her persona than her musical talent. Birkin’s unique blend of traits—romantic yet daring, British yet French—contributes to her enduring allure.
The complexity of her character makes her an intriguing figure, one that invites deeper exploration. Meltzer’s biography offers a brisk overview but ultimately falls short of providing a comprehensive analysis of what made Birkin an icon. As interest in her life continues to thrive, there remains a need for a more nuanced account that captures the full spectrum of her influence and legacy.
It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin is published by Atria and retails for £20. For those interested in exploring the life of this enigmatic figure, the book offers a starting point, even if it does not fully satisfy the quest for understanding Birkin’s complex persona.
