Hermes Crocodile Skin Heels
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 37 (EU)
- Period:
- Condition:Minor marks.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3647220284392
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.
- Alexander McQueen Leather Skull Embroidered SlidesBy Alexander McQueenLocated in London, GBAlexander McQueen Leather Skull Embroidered Slides Blush pink wide strapped flats detailed with skull and roses embroidery. Featuring nude insoles wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clogs Mules
- Aquazzura Patent Leather & PVC SandalsBy AquazzuraLocated in London, GBAquazzura Patent Leather & PVC Sandals Red heels designed with barely there straps at the toes and ankle detailed with PVC inserts. Featuring round toe and stiletto heel. Size –...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Heels
- Alice and Olivia by Stacy Benet Heels. Size 37By Alice + OliviaLocated in London, GBBeautiful Sandals by Alice and Olivia and Stacy Benet Light beige in colour. Embellished crystal stud accents. Snake embossed leather. Buckle strap with push pin closure. Heel measu...Category
2010s Heels
- Chanel Tweed Logo MulesBy ChanelLocated in London, GBSold Out - Chanel Tweed Logo Mules Pink tweed mules designed with iconic white leather and gold chain 'CHANEL' lettering to the front. Styled with white leather trimmed straps and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clogs Mules
- Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather & Velvet SneakersBy Giuseppe ZanottiLocated in London, GBGiuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather & Velvet Sneakers Beige velvet, lace-up sneakers designed with patent leather inserts. Featuring silver 'Giuseppe Zanotti' logo to the tongue and zi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes
- Sophia Webster Heart Printed Patent Leather Slingback PumpsBy Sophia WebsterLocated in London, GBSophia Webster Heart Printed Patent Leather Slingback Pumps Pink heels designed with black hearts and stripes pattern. Detailed with clear vinyl inserts to upper, adjustable ankle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Heels
- Jimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedgeBy Jimmy ChooLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLJimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedge. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: 39 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25.5 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 10 cm ...Category
2010s Shoes
- Dolce & Gabbana tan and brown leather platform sandals, sz 39By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana tan and brown leather platform sandals ca. 1990-1999Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- Azzedine Alaia nude suede boots, A/W 1989By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAzzedine Alaia by Diego Della Valle Autumn-Winter 1989Category
1980s Italian Shoes
- Dolce & Gabbana Beige Leather Pointed Toe Pumps Size 38By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Dolce & Gabbana has designed this excellent pair of pumps that will complement almost every outfit you own. These pumps are made from leather and come in a lovely shade of beige. The...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Gucci Pink Leather Peep Toe Platform Pumps Size 37.5By GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2These stylish pumps come from the iconic house of Gucci. They are crafted from quality leather and come in a lovely shade of pink. They are styled with peep toes, platforms, 12 cm he...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Gucci Ivory Leather Hysteria Embossed Slide Sandals Size 40By GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Flaunt these fabulous sandals from Gucci and get set to step out in style. These leather sandals feature open toes and a slide design. They bring leather insoles featuring the brand ...Category
2010s Italian Sandals
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.