Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Gold Bag Gold Hardware RARE
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Chester, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1606122580322
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: West Chester, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- CHANEL 22 Mini Handbag Pink Coral Goldtone NEWBy ChanelLocated in West Chester, PAThe New Chanel 22 Mini Hobo style bag As seen on Celebrities all around the world including K2 Pop star JENNIE, an icon whose fame whips up crowds and stirs hearts, everything spark...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermes Mini Lindy Cassis Bag Clemence B GoldBy HermèsLocated in West Chester, PAHermes Lindy Bag The New Size The Mini Crossbody Color: Cassis Gold-plated Hardware The Hermes Mini Lindy is a smaller version of the classic Lindy ba...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Black Epsom Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in West Chester, PAHermes Kelly 25 Black Epsom Gold Hardware Collection: W Origin: France The interior is lined with Black chevre leather and has one zip pocket with an Hermes engraved pull and one op...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- CHANEL 22 Mini Handbag Barbie Purple Gold HardwareBy ChanelLocated in West Chester, PAThe New Chanel 22 Mini Hobo style bag As seen on Celebrities all around the world including K2 Pop star JENNIE, an icon whose fame whips up crowds and stirs ...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermes Halzan 25 Bag White w Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in West Chester, PAHermes bag in Evercalf Leather This is the new size 25cm In our opinion, just the right size, not too big, not too small! Nothing better than white with gold hardware So chic and ele...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Hermès Beton Evelyne Tpm Gold Hardware NewBy HermèsLocated in West Chester, PAHermes Evelyne Tpm 16 Tres Petite Modele The Evelyne bag is known for its simple and functional design, featuring a perforated "H" logo on the front that serves both an aesthetic an...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 1999 Shopping Shoulder Vintage Small Classic Black Caviar Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Caviar Vintage 1999 Small Classic Shoulder Bag 1999 {23 Years VINTAGE} Gold hardware Classic interwoven chain CC Turnlock logo at front ...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote Bag 1991-1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold Hardware Long strap with classic interwoven chain Drawstring closure Do...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Large Gold Medusa Medallion Chain Leather BagBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a classically Gianni Versace Couture purse, designed by Gianni Versace. Created in the early/mid 1990s, this bag constructed entirely of black leather and features a borde...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2014 Runway Ombre Shopping Pop Art Gradient Large Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLQuilted metallic leather with resin details Includes: Box and authenticity card 2014 Interwoven retractable chain straps Single zip closure Microfiber interior lining One interior ma...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 1991 Camera Case Vintage Rare Chevron Logo Quilted Fringe Grey Wool ToteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Grey Chevron Logo Wool Tassel Fringe Tote 1991 {VINTAGE 32 YEARS} Grey Chevron diamond wool print CC stitched logo on exterior Gold hardware Classic interwoven lamb leather c...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 1994 Vintage Organic Beige XL Weekend Travel Supermodel Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1994 Vintage Organic Beige XL Weekend Travel Overnight Supermodel Bag Year: 1994-1996 Gold hardware Quilted canvas exterior Leather trim strap and gold tone hardware with sat...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
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.