Hermès Muse Jane Birkin Asks for Her Name to be Removed From Iconic Handbag

It's one of the world's most famous designer pieces, but it seems as though the iconic Hermès Birkin bag could be no more.  At least, that is, if the muse has her way. Singer Jane Birkin, 68, has asked the luxury brand to remove her name from the coveted piece. The move comes after a PETA exposé on the "cruel" methods used in the bag's manufacture. Birkin said in a statement: “Having been alerted to the cruel practices reserved for crocodiles during their slaughter to make Hermès handbags carrying my name ... I have asked Hermès to debaptise the Birkin Croco until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place.” Birkin pictured at Fashion Week, June 2015 The Birkin sells from $10,000 per bag, with certain varieties in the line, in particular the crocodile skin version, going for up to $300,000. Hermès responded with a statement of their own, saying: “Jane Birkin has expressed her concerns regarding practices for slaughtering crocodiles. Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for many years. Hermès respects and shares her emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast. “An investigation is underway at the Texas farm which was implicated in the video. Any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned. Hermès specifies that this farm does not belong to them and that the crocodile skins supplied are not used for the fabrication of Birkin bags.”