Hermes Ostrich Skin Constance Long Wallet
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:MODERN (In the Style Of)
- Period:
- Material Notes:ostrich skin
- Condition:Condition - Fair/Good ( Many scratches and dents to the 'H' some are deep).
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3647221466422
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Tyler Ellis Metallic Lizard Skin Clutch Bag With Chain StrapBy Tyler EllisLocated in London, GBTyler Ellis Metallic Lizard Skin Clutch Bag With Chain Strap Metallic shiny silver , structured 'Jamie' evening bag in exotic leather. Detailed with silver hardware which has been...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Viva La Moda Hand Made Exotic Clutch BagLocated in London, GBViva La Moda Hand Made Exotic Clutch Bag Black Ostrich skin, with a band of Crocodile band with magnetic closure and bright yellow leather lining. Additional information: Size – 3...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Hermes Egee Leather Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in London, GBHermes Egee Leather Clutch Bag Hermes famous Orange, cylinder style bag with palladium iconic signature Chaine D’Ancre feature to the front. Date code 2016. Size - Height 10cm, Wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Roger Vivier Crystal Buckle Satin Clutch BagBy Roger VivierLocated in London, GBRoger Vivier Crystal Buckle Satin Clutch Bag Navy clutch bag with silver crystal embellished buckle to the front. Detailed with flip-lock fastening at ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Goyard Monte Carlo Crocodile Skin Clutch Bag - Special OrderBy GoyardLocated in London, GBGoyard Monte Carlo Crocodile Skin Clutch Bag - Special Order Exceptionally rare - Special order in exotic Crocodile skin is the iconic model. Fla...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Velvet & Crystal Clutch BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBChanel Velvet & Crystal Clutch Bag Large sparkling crytal hoop style detail to the front of this black velvet rare bag. Zipper compartment with visible dangle 'CC' logo to the si...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Chanel Orylag Triple Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA stylish and Chic Chanel Orylag flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2015 Act 1 Collection. The exterior of this bag features a navy orylag fur with antiqued s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990's GIANNI VERSACE CROC SUNBURST Women's Brown Patent CLUTCH BagBy Gianni VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWCollector's Gianni Versace croc clutch, featuring sunburst hardware, brown pattern croc leather. comes with many card slots and seperate department for not...Category
1990s European Clutches
- Fendace Gold Medusa Bling Mesh Mini Fendi Versace FF Zucca Baguette Bag ChainBy Fendi, VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWCollector's Versace X Fendi Bag as seen countless celebrities. Brand new with dust bag, full set with tags, Feature Material: Mesh, Metal Color: Gold Condition: Brand New Period: 20...Category
2010s European Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABeautiful Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Soft cream leather exterior with textured pinched leather top front...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Clutch in fair condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and tiger eye gemstones along t...Category
1980s Clutches
- Hermès Kelly Cut Clutch Elan Crocodile Porosus Lisse 89 Noir GHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NY- New 2023 - Kelly Cut Clutch Elan - Crocodile Porosus Lisse 89 Noir - Gold Hardware - Full set including, Cities, Receipt, Dust bag, BoxCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
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.