1970s Hermes Black Crocodile Sac Malette
View Similar Items
1970s Hermes Black Crocodile Sac Malette
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 11.4 in (28.96 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 27711stDibs: LU2252214674382
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.
- 1970s Louise Fontaine Green Crocodile Clutch / Shoulder BagLocated in London, GBA rare early 1970s Louise Fontaine hunter-green porosus crocodile clutch/shoulder bag, comprising of one compartment with one gusseted zipper pocket, f...Category
20th Century Belgian Shoulder Bags
- 1930s Asprey Brown Crocodile HandbagBy Asprey & Garrard LimitedLocated in London, GBA typical late 1930s Asprey sienna-brown crocodile handbag, comprising of one compartment with one gusseted zipper pocket, two patch pockets pi...Category
20th Century British Top Handle Bags
- 1970s Gucci Dark Brown Lizard HandbagBy GucciLocated in London, GBA late 1970s Gucci dark-sepia-brown lizard handbag, comprising of one gusseted compartment with one complementing zipper pocket incorporating a patch pocket and one further patch poc...Category
20th Century Italian Top Handle Bags
- 1950s Brown Evening BagLocated in London, GBA late 1950s supple brown evening bag featuring one compartment, fully lined in a green faille lining, mounted on a covered frame with angular perspe...Category
20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1940s Mappin & Webb Ltd Brown Lizard HandbagBy Mappin & WebbLocated in London, GBAn excellent condition rare late 1940s Mappin & Webb Ltd gently padded dark-bole-brown lizard handbag, comprising of one compartment with one zipper pocket and two patch pockets, ful...Category
20th Century English Top Handle Bags
- 1930s Couture Black Velvet HandbagLocated in London, GBAn iconic late 1930s Couture black silk velvet handbag, comprising of one compartment with one elasticated patch pocket, fully lined in coral-pink cotton...Category
20th Century Clutches
- DIOR X RIMOWA Hand Case Black Oblique AluminumBy Christian DiorLocated in Montreal, QuebecDIOR X RIMOWA Hand Case Black Oblique Aluminum. Rare aluminum hand case featuring the emblematic Dior Oblique design on the exterior and interior, black plastic...Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Briefcases and Attachés
- Prada Unisex Black Weekender SuitcaseBy PradaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPrada excellent condition black nylon and leather weekender suitcase. Detachable strap. Multiple Compartments.Category
2010s Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Briefcase Business BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis Louis Vuitton Briefcase bag features Louis Vuitton monogram and cowhide leather, dual leather top handles and two-way zip closures at...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Pilot or Doctor's Briefcase, Louis vuitton ServietteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis very unusual Louis Vuitton briefcase features monogram canvas and solid brass stamped Louis Vuitton lock. It also has got a beautiful all leather handle in pristine condition. T...Category
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Boite Bijoux Jewelry Travel Trunk CaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage Louis Vuitton Boite Bijoux Monogram Jewelry Case c1970s in great condition. Signature monogram canvas exterior with brass hardware and...Category
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
- Hermès Dark Brown Leather Briefcase, Hermes Attache, Hermes BagBy HermèsLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis elegant Hermès briefcase features dark brown, chocolate color calfskin leather and a comfortable leather handle. Closed by 2 Hermès engraved gold plated solid brass plated latc...Category
Late 20th Century French 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.