Hermes Noir Mosaique Au 24 – 21 Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes Noir Mosaique Au 24 – 21 Bag
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.
- Chanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage Spring 1997 Micro Mini Minaudière Clutch Chanel Spring 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Gold hardware CC embedded accent at top Plexigla...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Vanity Case Very Rare Vintage 1990’s Houndstooth Black and White Wool BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Very Rare Vintage 1990’s Houndstooth Vanity Case Crossbody Bag Black and white houndstooth fabric with black smooth leather trim Lid with magnetic snap closure Gold-tone ha...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Classic Flap 2.55 Reissue Runway Rare Swarovski Lucky Charms Black BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel bag with Swarovski crystals from the Dubai Resort Cruise Collection. This bag features the chain from the original Chanel flap bags but with a ...Category
Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Spring 1997 Micro Mini MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZA beautiful vintage Chanel Spring 1997 find! This is a major conversation piece as there won't be a single person who won't notice this gem. Black a...Category
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Vintage Whiting and Davis Chainmail Crossbody HandbagBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZSuper festive and fun vintage Whiting and Davis crossbody handbag! This is the perfect going out bag as the chainmail fabric is so special and eye catc...Category
Late 20th Century American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud Leather Crossbody Bag Snakeskin FurBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZDo not miss out on this incredibly rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud leather crossbody bag in this unique rendition featuring fur and python patchwork!...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger 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.