Hermes 30cm Birkin Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes 30cm Birkin Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7.88 in (20 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather
- Condition:Pre-owned, excellent condition. Next-to-new, hardly used, superb throughout. Slight wear on the corners (please see image).
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CSSG01BIR1stDibs: AU130402336165
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.
- Prada Oxygen Vitello Leather Front Pocket ToteBy PradaLocated in London, GB* White * Calf leather * Gold-tone logo lettering * Two long top handles * Top zip fastening * Main compartment * Internal zip-fastening pocket * Slip pocket to the front * Leather t...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Customized "Shark" Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBAdd some bite to your look with this hand-painted Louis Vuitton Shark Keepall travel bag from Rewind's Emotional Baggage collection, where iconic handbags are specially customised wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Valentino Pink Rockstud Tote BagBy ValentinoLocated in London, GBExpertly crafted by Valentino Garavani, the Pink Tote Rockstud Bag boasts ancient architectural-inspired Rockstud embellishments. With a medium size, tonal stitching, and hand-painte...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Hermès Pearl Grey Clemence Leather Massai PM ToteBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès Massai PM offers your luxury looks an air of effortless sophistication with its understated slouchy frame and neutral hue. Composed of a P...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Prada Vitello Daino Leather Tote BagBy PradaLocated in London, GBThis Italian-made Prada tote bag is crafted from luxurious Daino leather with a unique grained texture. It features two rolled top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, a magnetic fa...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Chanel 2014 AW Logo-Print Transparent Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBKnown for transforming Paris' Grand Palais exhibition hall for their fantastical catwalk shows each season, Chanel created their own shopping centre there for the AW14 collection. De...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Chanel Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Medium Bowling BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Medium Bowling Bag Measurements: 13.5" Width x 10" Height x 3.5" Depth This bag is done in black quilted lambskin leather with gold ha...Category
1990s French Tote Bags
- Hermés 2006 Large Tan Canvas Travel ToteBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZHello Hermés lovers! Circa 2006, this large travel tote is crafted from tan and brown woven canvas and features pristine chocolate stitching, dual c...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Mark Cross Turquoise and Evergreen Calf ToteBy Mark CrossLocated in New York, NYMark Cross Turquoise and Evergreen Calf Tote with original gold monogram. Bag expands at top of open wide but narrows at ...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel 1990s Patent Leather Tweed Print ToteBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZChange up your Chanel collection with this rare Chanel tote! Circa 1994-1996, this structured shopping tote features Chanel's signature tweed in rich red, yellow and black but with a...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 40 Blue Flag Toile / Barenia Leather Bag Permabrass Limited EdBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightchic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Birkin 40 Flag bag. Criss Cross toile with Blue center stripe. Fauve Barenia leather with signature bone topstitch. Permabrass hardwa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Chanel Bowling Bag 'PARIS-NYC' Burgundy CrocodileBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRSublime collector CHANEL bag, model 'Bowling' from the Famous Collection Paris / New York in bordeaux crocodile leather. Aged silver plated hardware, aged silver plated closure, han...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle 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.