Luxury news wrap: Birkin auction, Samsung Galaxy Z 7 series launch

From the Birkin that started it all fetching a jaw-dropping ₹85 crore at auction to Samsung giving tech a haute upgrade with its slick new Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7, this week’s luxury news is serving drama, design, and a dash of digital flair. Here’s what everyone’s talking about.

Jane Birkin’s original Birkin sold for ₹85 crore 

The original Hermès Birkin bag, famously handcrafted for the late British-French icon Jane Birkin, has just fetched a record-shattering €8.58 million (approx. ₹85.7 crore) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold. The iconic accessory was born in 1984 from a mid-air mishap when Birkin spilled her belongings during a London-bound flight. Lamenting the lack of stylish yet practical handbags, she described her dream carry-all to then-Hermès chief Jean-Louis Dumas, who sketched the now-legendary design on an airplane sick bag.

Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7 in India 

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 in India, pushing the boundaries of design, AI innovation, and imaging power. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the slimmest and lightest in the Fold series yet, weighing just 215 grams and boasting a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display with a new 21:9 aspect ratio. It features a groundbreaking 200MP wide-angle camera that captures four times more detail and 44% brighter images, along with a 10MP ultra-wide front camera designed for expansive group selfies. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7 arrives as a stylish, compact AI-powered device with an edge-to-edge FlexWindow, intuitive voice AI, and a powerful dual rear camera setup featuring a 50MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide that delivers top-tier photography in any light. Available now, the Z Fold7 is priced at ₹1,74,999, while the Z Flip7 retails at ₹1,09,999.

Sony India unveils the BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED Series

Sony India has unveiled its all-new BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED series, redefining cinematic excellence at home with cutting-edge technology and elegant design. Powered by the advanced XR Processor with AI, the BRAVIA 8 II delivers ultra-realistic visuals and immersive audio, replicating the creator’s vision through Studio Calibrated Mode. Its state-of-the-art QD-OLED screen offers perfect blacks, dazzling contrast, and vibrant colours enhanced by XR Contrast Booster and XR Triluminos Max. With Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Acoustic Surface Audio+, the TV transforms your space into a cinematic sound-and-picture marvel.

Viking to debut in India with Brahmaputra River Cruise

Viking has unveiled plans for its first-ever river cruises in India with the upcoming Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel custom-built for the Brahmaputra River. Set to launch in late 2027, the ship promises to redefine river cruising in India with a blend of comfort, cultural immersion, and modern design. The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary will feature an eight-day scenic voyage between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in Assam, paired with a guided land tour that includes overnight stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Kalki Koechlin becomes the brand ambassador of Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar

Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar has announced Kalki Koechlin as the new face of its campaign, Forces of Tyaani, where she embodies the spirit of individuality and artistic flair that defines the brand. Rooted in the heritage-rich Pink City, the Tyaani Artform evolved from a traditional production method once known as stamp jewellery, crafted using embossed moulds and dies—into a contemporary take on classic Polki. Now lighter, enamel-free, and intricately detailed, the reimagined pieces offer everyday wearability without losing their opulent charm, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern sensibility.

Rhea Kapoor and Isharya join hands for a capsule edit

Known for its bold, contemporary spin on Indian-inspired design, Isharya has now teamed up with celebrity stylist and filmmaker Rhea Kapoor to bring her signature styling into a curated edit for the brand. Featuring skin-safe pieces with 18-karat gold plating, the collection blends sculptural modern silhouettes with reimagined classics, designed to be layered, lived in, and worn with everything, from moods to milestones. “It’s always been my go-to when I need that one piece of jewellery that just gets it, which is effortless, striking, and always elevating. This curation is deeply personal, a love letter to the pieces I’ve worn on special nights, hoarded for years, or chased down after friends ‘borrowed’ them”, says Rhea.