Hermes Two-Tone Reversible Leather Belt
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 30.71 in (78 cm)Marked Size: 72 (NA)
- Style:Circa 1990 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather
- Condition:
- Seller Location:SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Yves Saint Laurent Belt in Red PassementerieBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent (Made in France) Belt composed of red passementerie, decorated with a bow in gilded metal and rhinestones. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 78 cm (30...Category
1980s French Waist Belts
- Snake Dark Silver Metal Belt 1920'sLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDark silver metal belt representing a snake. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length : 83 cm Period: 20th Century Seller Reference: ACC77Category
20th Century Waist Belts
- Hermès Brown Leather BeltBy HermèsLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRHermès - (Made in France) Brown leather belt with a golden metal buckle. To be mentioned, the leather is slightly worn. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions:...Category
1980s French Waist Belts
- Yves Saint Laurent (Attributed to) Purple Passementerie BeltBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent (Attributed to) Long purple passementerie decorated with neon yellow resin rings. No signature. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions:...Category
1970s Waist Belts
- Christian Dior Monogrammed BeltBy Christian DiorLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDior - (Made in Italy) Monogrammed belt with leather inside and a silvery metal buckle. Indicated size 80. To be noted, a slight scratch on the buckle. Additional information: Condi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Waist Belts
- Dior Fabric and Leather BeltBy John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDior - (Made in Italy) Fabric and leather belt. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length : 80 cm - Width : 5 cm Seller Reference: ACC41Category
Early 2000s Italian Waist Belts
- Extremely Rare Vintage Chanel Coco Plate BeltBy ChanelLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILExtremely rare and hard to find vintage Chanel belt, features Logos " 31 Rue Cambon 19 5 Coco Chanel Paris" and CC logos. Specifications: Adjustab...Category
1980s French Waist Belts
- Saint Laurent Black Suede Cocco Print Kenya Square Buckle Belt (90/36)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Balck Material: Suede Item Code: 634447 Measures: L 39.5” x W 2” Size: 90 cm / 36 inch Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Louis Vuitton Patent Leather Black Logo Buckle Belt (36/90)By Louis VuittonLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Shiny black Material: Patent leather Code: M9913 Measures: L 41” x W 2.5” Comes With: Dust bag Condition: Excellent. Like new. Pristine. Made in SpainCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Waist Belts
- Saint Laurent Black Cracked Leather Belt (90/36)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecSColor: Black Material: Distressed leather Item Code: 649205 Measures: L 40” x W 1.25” Size: 90 cm / 36 inch Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Chanel Vintage Black Calfskin Sliver CC Buckle Belt (75/30) 2012By ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Calfskin leather Item Code: B12 [logo] W Measures: L 35” x W 1.75” Size: 75cm /30” Comes With: Box Condition: Good. Light indentations and faint marks to leath...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Saint Laurent Brown Leather Bracelet Cuff (542012)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Leather Item Code: 542012 Measures: L 6.5” x W 1” Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.