Hermes 50cm Brown Birkin Travel Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes 50cm Brown Birkin Travel Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: H701stDibs: LU90333607143
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.
- CHRISTIAN DIOR Black Crocodile BagBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYChristian Dior Black Crocodile Lady Bag with Gold Hardware 100% Authentic Christian Dior Bag COLOR: Black MATERIAL: Crocodile HARDWARE: Gold ORIGI...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- RALPH LAUREN Matte Deep Purple Alligator Crocodile Ricky BagBy Ralph LaurenLocated in New York, NYMatte Deep Purple Alligator Ricky Bag, Ralph Lauren. 100% Authentic Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag COLOR: Deep Purple MATERIAL: Matte Alligator HARDWARE:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes 35cm Crocodile Cacao Porosus Birkin BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHERMES 35cm Cacao Shiny Porosus Birkin Bag with Silver Hardware 100% Authentic Hermes Birkin Bag MATERIAL: Crocodile HARDWARE: Silver ORIGIN...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermés Alligator Constance 24cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermés Mississipiensis Alligator ClutchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- HERMES Brown Trim BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHERMES Brown Trim Bag with Gold Hardware 100% Authentic Hermes Trim Bag COLOR: Brown MATERIAL: Leather HARDWARE: Gold Hardware ORIGIN: France CONDITION: Prist...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Hobo Bags
$6,500
- Chanel 2005 Vintage Black CC Nylon Sport Mesh Large Gym Travel Duffle BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2005 Vintage Black CC Nylon Sport Mesh Large Gym Travel Duffle Bag Rubber CC Logo at front Nylon body with rubber trim Front exterior zip pockets Rolled handles Detachable s...Category
Early 2000s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel CC Sport Line Duffle Travel BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCHANEL CC Sport Line Duffle Travel Bag Year: 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Black nylon Dual flat canvas shoulder straps Logo embroidery Dual rolled handles ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel 2008 Nylon Microfiber Large CC Logo Gym Travel Sport BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Nylon Microfiber Large CC Logo Gym Travel Sport Bag Year: 2008 {16 Years Vintage} Black Nylon Exterior Black and White shoulder strap Extra Large CC stitching Mesh Interior L...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel Coco Charm Denim Jean Trolley Travel Luggage Rolling Carry On BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Coco Charm Denim Trolley Travel Luggage Rolling Carry On Chanel Cruise 2017 Dark wash blue denim Silver-tone hardware Retractable handle dua...Category
2010s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel 2005 Vintage Airplane Rainbow Mixed Media Blue Jean Denim Rare Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition Airplane Rainbow Mixed Media Blue Jean Denim Tote Rare 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Silver-gold tone hardware Dark b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
- Dolce & Gabana Leather Studded Crossbody Utility BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis rare Dolce & Gabana leather utility style bag is sooo practical! Never again fret about finding the perfect work bag that will keep all of your belongings organized with this incredible crossbody tote featuring a unique arrangement of generously sized of pockets to ensure all of your belongings stay secure and accessible all day. Black leather is contrasted by a plethora of silver studs, DG logo hardware and snap buttons. Unsnap the two front flaps to reveal a large open pocket, another large zip-fastening pocket behind it, and finally the main compartment all lined with a fun leopard print as the finishing touch. The main compartment features a fifth hidden pocket that is also zip-fastening. This bag is so spacious and practical yet also so stylish and chic at the same time, it's truly the best of both worlds. Style this with some black leather Prada biker boots...Category
Early 2000s Italian 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.