Style icon Jane Birkin dies aged 76

PARIS: Jane Birkin, the British-born singer and actress who became a style icon in her adopted France, has died, a source close to her said on Sunday

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She was 76. Birkin had been suffering from health problems in recent years that had forced her to cancel concerts.

Birkin catapulted to fame through her turbulent relationship with legendary singer-song-writer Serge Gainsbourg and her heavily accented French, which became one of her signatures in her adopted home. With her flared jeans, mini dresses and distinctive fringe, Birkin was the ultimate It girl in the 1970s.

In 1984, Hermes named one of its handbags after her, which remains a sought-after status symbol.