1970s Hermes Yellow Suede Clutch Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.12 in (13 cm)Width: 1.58 in (4 cm)Length: 8.67 in (22 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use as visibles on photos (please enlarge images to see all details on photos).
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU187221915392
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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Rodo Gold-Tone Metal Woven Clutch BagBy RodoLocated in Paris, FRRodo gold-tone metal clutch bag featuring gold-tone metal woven, a claps opening, a rectangular shape, a leather gold-tone lining, and inside red stamped signature and an inside pock...Category
1970s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Cesare Piccini Brown Suede Leather Clutch BagLocated in Paris, FR1960s Cesare Piccini brown suede leather clutchbag featuring silver-tone articulated metallic claps opening, an inside gold-tone stamp: Cesare Piccini Firenze. Circa 1960s In good v...Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Loulou de la Falaise Purple Leather Mini Clutch BagBy Loulou de la FalaiseLocated in Paris, FRLoulou de la Falaise purple leather mini-clutch bag featuring a trapezoidal shape, a front pleated flap, with a snap closure, a mini back double handle, inside black suede leather. ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Lanvin Happy Clutch Bag Summer 2009By Lanvin Paris, Alber ElbazLocated in Paris, FRLanvin by Alber Elbaz "Happy" clutch bag featuring t an iconic animal print, a top fixed bow tie, a front closure, inside logo lining, a front zipped pocket, gold-tone hardware. See ...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rodo Dark Chocolate Silk Clutch BagBy RodoLocated in Paris, FRRodo dark chocolate bag featuring a long shape, a shoulder silver tone chain could go inside the clutch, a top logo silver-tone claps fastening, and inside plaque and an inside pocke...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rodo Grey Silk Evening Hand BagBy RodoLocated in Paris, FRRodo grey silk pleated evening hand bag featuring a pleated silk with black beads, a black metal top chain, a fancy jewel top closure, inside silk lining, and inside plaque. Circa: 1...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 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
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Chanel Classic Flap Clutch Gabrielle Brasserie Menu Burgundy Black Lambskin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLBrasserie Gabrielle Menu Classic Flap Clutch is sold out everywhere. A beautiful and elegant piece for a Chanel collector.Category
2010s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Limited Edition Curved Warped Mirror Silver Metallic Minaudière ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition Curved Warped Mirror Silver Metallic Minaudière Clutch Color Silver Metallic Material Stainless Steel, Leather Year 2013 Made ...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Chanel 2006 Spring Runway Vintage Mini Resin Pillbox Crossbody Clutch MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel resin pillbox limited edition runway minaudière 2006 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Silver hardware Circular resin design with CC logo Black leather interior lining 2.25”W x 4”H x 2”D...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
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.