Hermès Etoupe Togo Jet Pochette Clutch
View Similar Items
Hermès Etoupe Togo Jet Pochette Clutch
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.
- Louis Vuitton Moutard Monogram Satin Minaudiere with Gold HardwareBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Louis Vuitton Mustard Monogram Satin Minaudiere is in pristine condition. May be carried as a clutch or with an optional crossbody gold chain...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
- Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather Clutch is in excellent condition. The simple silhouette gets a boost with a mixed texture an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Hermès Red Crocodile Kelly Cut ClutchBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Vivid Red Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch is in pristine condition. Hand crafted by skilled artisans; the Kelly Cut is extremely rare...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Chanel Silver Leather Roll Handle Reissue ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLChanel Silver Leather Rolled Handle Reissue Clutch- very good condition From the 2012 collection, this unique hand-held style is particularly desirable due to the hybrid nature of th...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Black Lambskin Classic CaseBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Lambskin Classic Case is in pristine condition. Spacious slim zip top case is quilted in signature Chanel diamond p...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway Clutch is in pristine condition. Enhanced with ornate crystals and a Lucite clasp, this spectacular piece from the 1990’s is a fantastic addition to any sophisticated collection. Black and white tweed wool blend is adorned with intricate crystal and rhinestone decoration. Gold framed top is capped with a clear Lucite kiss lock clasp evoking a perfume bottle stopper...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Hermès Vintage Jige Toile Burgundy 29By HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLHermès vintage jige toile leather trim clutch 29. Light beige canvas framed by burgundy leather, with beige stitching on the leather closure. This 1988 clutch has light stains on the...Category
1980s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABeautiful Judith Leiber Vintage Cream Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Soft cream leather exterior with textured pinched leather top front...Category
1980s Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Tan Snakeskin ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PABottega Veneta Tan Snakeskin Clutch in excellent condition. Tan snakeskn exterior with black burnished edges. Hidden hinge closure with pull tabs opens to a blue suede interior. No s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Dolce and Gabbana Maroon Snakeskin Keyhole Clutch BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Philadelphia, PADolce and Gabbana Maroon Snakeskin Keyhole Clutch Bag in like new condition. Maroon snakeskin exterior trimmed with antiqued bronze hardware an...Category
2010s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch With Crystal ClosureBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAFABULOUS JUDITH LEIBER pink alligator box clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator exterior trimmed with silver hardware and a stunning clear swar...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Brown Lizard Leather ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PAGorgeous Bottega Veneta brown lizard leather clutch in excellent condition. Brown lizard leather exterior with front twist closure. Pleated expandable interior design features 2 sepa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
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.