Jane Birkin Quotes

Powerful Jane Birkin for Daily Growth

About Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin, an English-French actress, singer, and style icon, was born on 14 December 1946 in London, England, to Judy Campbell, a dancer, and David Birkin, a barrister. Known as much for her artistic contributions as her personal relationships, Birkin began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress, making her film debut in the 1965 British comedy film "Dr. Tongue's-Three Patients." In the late 1960s, she found fame as a member of the underground counterculture movement. She met and married French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she had a son, Jacques Doillon. The couple's unconventional relationship and collaborative work left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their 1969 song "Je t'aime... moi non plus" caused controversy for its suggestive lyrics. Birkin also delved into a solo singing career, with her debut album "Jane Birkin" released in 1969. Her music was characterized by its soft, ethereal quality and introspective lyrics. In the 1970s and 1980s, she appeared in numerous films, including Jean-Luc Godard's "Contempt," Michael Winner's "The Wicker Man" (for which she wrote the iconic song "Summer is Over"), and Louis Malle's "Vanya on 42nd Street." Later in her career, Birkin continued to act and perform, while also expanding her business ventures. One of her most enduring contributions was the creation of the Hermès Birkin bag in 1984. This collaboration with Hermès was born out of a frustrating airport experience where she couldn't find a suitable leather weekend bag. Throughout her life, Jane Birkin has been celebrated for her unique blend of talent, style, and fearless attitude. Her artistic achievements continue to influence modern music, film, and fashion, making her a true icon of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think we're all a little mad, in our own way."

This quote by Jane Birkin suggests that everyone possesses unique quirks or idiosyncrasies, which could be considered as forms of "madness" within the context of societal norms and expectations. However, it emphasizes that this "madness" is inherent in each individual, making us all unique and special in our own way. In essence, Birkin is encouraging us to embrace our individuality and accept others for their idiosyncrasies as well.


"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."

Jane Birkin's quote suggests that maintaining youthfulness involves leading an authentic life, taking time to appreciate food, and occasionally fibbing about one's age. Living honestly refers to being true to oneself and values, while eating slowly encourages mindfulness in daily activities. The notion of lying about age is a playful reference to the common societal concern with aging, implying that self-acceptance and embracing life can counteract the negative effects of time on one's appearance and vitality.


"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

Jane Birkin's quote, "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other," emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly those with other human beings, as the most valuable aspect of life. She suggests that these connections are what we should cherish above all else, implying that they offer us comfort, support, and a sense of belonging during our time on this planet. This quote serves as a reminder that in the pursuit of material success, personal fulfillment, or self-discovery, it's essential not to forget the people who make up our world and contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.


"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who does - God."

This quote by Jane Birkin suggests a profound trust in a higher power (God) for the unknown events that the future may hold. It implies a recognition of the limitations of human understanding and control, and a belief that ultimate guidance lies beyond ourselves, in the hands of a divine entity. In essence, it is an expression of faith and humility in the face of uncertainty.


"Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is about clothes, style is a part of you."

This quote suggests that style is a unique expression of one's personality or character, rather than simply adhering to current trends or fashion statements. While fashion revolves around clothing, style encompasses an individual's sense of self and taste, making it a personal reflection of their identity and values. In other words, style goes beyond wearing popular clothes; it embodies the essence of who we are.


I'd rather live on my own than live with a face that looks at me with the wrong eyes.

- Jane Birkin

Face, Looks, Rather, My Own

I put some red stuff on my mouth and cheeks so I look healthy - any old red lip pencil and a lip colour from Dr. Hauschka in a crushed berry tone. I never put anything on my eyes, or I look like Joan Crawford.

- Jane Birkin

Some, Tone, Joan, Berry

Robert Louis Stevenson... I'm focusing on the late short stories that I was ignorant of. I always thought he was a boys' author, but he's not at all.

- Jane Birkin

Thought, Always, Stories, Robert

I colour my hair mousy brown and I wear makeup only on stage. I use Laura Mercier - something called Biscuit, I think. I run one tiny sponge over my face and cover the red blotches. If I've got some rouge, I'll bung it on my mouth and cheeks.

- Jane Birkin

Makeup, Some, Sponge, Brown

There's no fun in a bag if it's not kicked around so that it looks as if the cat's been sitting on it - and it usually has. The cat may even be in it! I always put on stickers and beads and worry beads. You can get them from Greece, Israel, Palestine - from anywhere in the world.

- Jane Birkin

Bag, Been, Anywhere, Kicked

I have never written a book about my life, despite being offered purses of gold. I made 'Boxes' because I wanted to make a sincere depiction of a daughter who has lost her father, or the jealousy one can feel towards a daughter who has become more beautiful than you and whose stepfather starts to take her shopping.

- Jane Birkin

Father, Book, My Life, Stepfather

I love Dickens because it makes me chuckle to myself so. He has taken me to another world and out of so many earthly miseries.

- Jane Birkin

Love, Myself, Miseries, Earthly

I feel most comfortable in an old pair of jeans, Converse, and a man's jersey. My best friend cuts my hair with kitchen scissors.

- Jane Birkin

Best, Old, Feel, Jersey

My mother was right: When you've got nothing left, all you can do is get into silk underwear and start reading Proust.

- Jane Birkin

Start, Nothing, Silk, Underwear

If I were mayor, I'd invite everyone to have free boat trips on the river and free balloon rides over the city. I'd let the elderly in residential homes wander free.

- Jane Birkin

Balloon, Mayor, Over, Wander

I know what it's like to have someone coming home who looks at you not in the way they used to in the old days, and I've seen my own face contorted with sadness and rage in the mirror.

- Jane Birkin

Mirror, Sadness, Own, Coming Home

When I arrived in France aged 20, I marched against the death penalty, which was an unpopular thing to protest against at the time.

- Jane Birkin

Death, Death Penalty, Which, Unpopular

I think I did a lot of humorous films when I was young, and they were No. 1 films.

- Jane Birkin

Think, Lot, Films, Humorous

I don't know why people keep banging on about the '60s. I came from a conventional family and I didn't go off with different people - I rather wish I had now, seeing all the fun everyone else was having.

- Jane Birkin

Why, Rather, About, Banging

Jacques Doillon wanted me to be in his film, 'La Fille Prodigue,' and there I was, expecting, for some reason, this great bearded man, when a splendid looking red-Indian style man appeared at my door. I said no to his film because I knew that if I said yes, I would run off with him.

- Jane Birkin

Door, Reason, Some, La

I don't much enjoy travelling, but I have always longed to take a slow train to Russia. I'd like to go alone - like writers do - with only a pencil and piece of paper as company. I'd take my sketchbook and note down all the wonderful details of other travellers.

- Jane Birkin

Enjoy, Other, Note, Travellers

A Birkin bag is a very good rain hat; just put everything else in a plastic bag.

- Jane Birkin

Rain, Bag, Very, Everything Else

I have to be careful not to get a paunch - I'm so skinny that if I put any weight anywhere, it'd be there, and I don't like a bulge. I wouldn't mind if it went on my bosom, but it doesn't.

- Jane Birkin

Mind, Be Careful, Like, Bosom

My father was a painter, so I was encouraged to take a sketchbook everywhere. Cameras are perishable, but I still have tonnes of sketchbooks from all the trips I've ever been on. It gets you by when you don't know what to give people as a gift; drawings are good souvenirs.

- Jane Birkin

Father, Gift, Been, Trips

People always like things that seem exotic.

- Jane Birkin

Always, Like, Things, Exotic

It's usually a jolly good trick to pick up a local tour guide. They can tell you all the anecdotes that make a place interesting. I'm one for rushing off to museums at the crack of dawn, eating fabulous things on terraces for lunch, and enjoying long dinners on balmy evenings.

- Jane Birkin

Lunch, Tell, Trick, Jolly

When my father died, my mother came back from being Mrs. Birkin to being Judy Campbell. She was a stunning actress. She came out of her shell. She was herself again: this very independent, funny, intellectual lady - and was able to perform again, which was her life before meeting my father squashed it out.

- Jane Birkin

Independent, Before, Very, Campbell

I think it's always good to read local authors or relevant books. In Egypt, I studied hieroglyphics and read everything about the mummies.

- Jane Birkin

Think, Always, I Think, Authors

At school, I used to hear, 'You're a half-caste.' They'd laugh at my figure and say, 'Are you a boy or a girl?'

- Jane Birkin

Say, Used, Figure, Laugh

I love the French very much, and I think they know that. I've been adopted here. They treat me as one of their own.

- Jane Birkin

Love, Here, Very, French

I think there is an extreme charm in the French, and actually it's their bolshiness that makes them such fun.

- Jane Birkin

Think, I Think, Makes, French

My distinguishing feature is the gap between my teeth. I had to wear a brace because my teeth used to stick out like guns from a fortress.

- Jane Birkin

Guns, Like, Distinguishing, Fortress

My first husband, John Barry, was a composer. I couldn't believe that this sophisticated, talented genius chose me and not any of the other girls. I was so flattered, so excited, so in love with him. Of course, my parents were horrified, as he'd been married once and had a daughter with the au pair girl.

- Jane Birkin

Love, Other, Sophisticated, Horrified

Without my specs on, I think I look really great; then I put them on, and I scream. But at 62, I still think less is better. I use Clarins foundation, but I don't put it everywhere - I hate that covered look - so just on the sides of my nose where the veins have gone bang.

- Jane Birkin

Scream, I Think, Use, Bang

Big Ben... hearing the chimes makes me feel at home.

- Jane Birkin

Me, Big, Makes, Hearing

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