Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972
View Similar Items
Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972
About the Item
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.
- Hermes Burgundy Leather Short Travel BagBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage travel duffle by Hermes Zipper closure along top and side Two top handles Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 8" Condition: Okay, with noticeable wearCategory
Mid-20th Century Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Hermes Burgundy Leather Long Travel BagBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CATravel duffle by Hermes Zipper closure along top and side Two top handles Front pocket pouch Additional belt strap secure closure on top Dimensions: 24" x 13" x 10" Condition: Okay...Category
Mid-20th Century Luggage and Travel Bags
- Gucci 1970s Brown Crocodile Leather Train Travel CaseBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAGucci 1970s Brown Crocodile Leather Train Travel Case Vintage; circa 1970s Made in Italy Dark Brown Gold-tone hardware Multifunctional compartments Combination lock front Top handle...Category
1970s Italian Suitcases and Trunks
- Hermès Blue and Eucalyptus Green Canvas Bride-a-Brac Case SmallBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAHermès Blue and Eucalyptus Green Canvas Bride-a-Brac Case Small Blue/Green; color is "Eucalyptus" 100% cotton Anti-stain lining in herringbone canvas "H" logo embroidered front Mul...Category
2010s French Luggage and Travel Bags
- Hermès Blue and Eucalyptus Green Canvas Bride-a-Brac Case LargeBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAHermès Blue and Eucalyptus Green Canvas Bride-a-Brac Case Large Blue/Green; color is "Eucalyptus" 100% cotton Anti-stain lining in herringbone canvas "H" logo embroidered front Mult...Category
2010s French Luggage and Travel Bags
- Rick Owens Larry Degrade Leather Mega Duffle Spring 2019By Rick OwensLocated in Los Angeles, CARick Owens Larry Degrade Metallic Gradient and Black Leather Mega Duffle From Spring 2019 Larry LeGaspi inspired collection Limited Edition Metallic gradient over a soft black with...Category
2010s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- CHANEL Black Vinyl & Mesh Sports Line Duffle BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Black Vinyl & Mesh Sports Line Duffle Bag Serial Number: 11545811 Age (Circa): 2007 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Serial Sticker (Made in Italy) Gende...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes HAC 40 Birkin Men's Bag Black Runway Embroidered Limited EditionBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Runway Haut a Courroies or HAC bag is featured in Black with gorgeous embroidery detail. Black Togo leather a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- NWT Roberto Cavalli F 2006 Burgundy Velour Gold Painted Crocodile Trim Large BagBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Montgomery, TXNWT Vintage Roberto Cavalli Burgundy Gold Crocodile Trim Large Velour Bag F/W 2006 Collection Amazing Gold Baroque Print over Burgundy Velour, Crocodile Leather Trim, Cavalli Iconic ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Train Case, Louis Vuitton Boite Pharmacie, Louis Vuitton CaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis Louis vuitton beauty case features monogram canvas and all brass fittings. All studs are marked Louis Vuitton as well as its leather handle. Inte...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Suitcases and Trunks
- LOUIS VUITTON Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 with Navy SequinsBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBElevate your wardrobe with the LOUIS VUITTON Damier Paillettes Speedy 30. This iconic Speedy bag is adorned with stunning navy sequins on the brand’s timeless Damier canvas - the 30 is a reference to the bag’s width in cm. With a spacious interior and instantly recognisable design details, this bag is the perfect blend of style and function. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and denim for a casual daytime look or with a chic black dress for a night out. Buy it now...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Gucci Python Black Brown Hysteria Large BagBy GucciLocated in North Miami, FLThis large Gucci python bag can also be used for a travel bag. It is a top handle. The python is a mix of black and brown combination. This was done b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Luggage and Travel 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.