Hermes Paris for Bonwit Teller Kelly Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes Paris for Bonwit Teller Kelly Bag
About the Item
- Creator:Hermès (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 11.03 in (28 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:Leather,Polished
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This bag is in vintage condition. Scratches and some wrinkling on handle to leather. More pics available if desired. As found.
- Seller Location:North Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU78629255963
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.
- Vitrix Hot Glass Studio Sculpture by Thomas KellyBy Thomas KellyLocated in North Miami, FL“Rainbow” Heechee Probe with black glass spine abstract Sculpture By Thomas Kelly.Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBlown Glass
- Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn TazzaBy Tommi ParzingerLocated in North Miami, FLA brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for DorlynCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls
MaterialsBrass
- Set of Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs for O.D. MoblerBy Erik BuchLocated in North Miami, FLA set of 4 teak chairs by Erik Buch for O.D. Mobler A-S The chairs have a wonderful sculptural feel to them. Design is enhanced by an almost floating appearance of the cushions on...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsTeak
- 25 Piece Rice Porcelain Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg Coffee Set for ArabiaBy Friedl Holzer-KjellbergLocated in North Miami, FL25 piece rice porcelain set designed by Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia. Set has 12 plates, 12 cups and small sugar bowl. The plate measures 4.75"x...Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets
MaterialsPorcelain
- Natural Pearl or Gold and Sterling Silver Ring by Kerber DesignLocated in North Miami, FLA modern ring by Kerber Design. Ring is a modern organic formed shank of silver gold and set with a natural pearl. The pearl compliments the form and th...Category
1990s Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSilver
- Three Metal Wall Plaques in Style on EvansBy Paul EvansLocated in North Miami, FLThree Brutalist style wall plaques in manner of Paul Evans. All of them have very nice detail. Not signed. All pieces measure height 25" and width 18".Category
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Contemporary Art
MaterialsMetal
$9,785 / set
- Vintage Hermes Paris Citrouilles & Coloquintes Burnt Orange Silk Pumpkin ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine vintage silk scarf. By Hermes. Decorated with pumpkins & gourds and gardening tools. With a hand rolled edge and a "Made in France 100%" label stitched to one corner. Si...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pillows and Throws
MaterialsSilk
- Vintage Hermès Eiffel Tower Paris Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion PillowBy HermèsLocated in Belfast, Northern IrelandRare vintage Hermès Eiffel Tower Paris silk scarf and Irish linen cushion pillow black red blue The ‘crème de la crème’ of scarves, this beauty is a o...Category
20th Century French Baroque Pillows and Throws
MaterialsTextile, Silk, Linen
- Handmade Hermès PillowsBy HermèsLocated in amstelveen, NLHermès pillows made of original Hermes fabric. Silk/cotton fabric. Zipper closure. Feather-filled inner pillow. 100% authenticity guaranteed.Category
2010s European Modern Pillows and Throws
MaterialsSilk, Cotton
$791 Sale Price / set20% Off - Hermes Pillow SpirographieBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Spirographie, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...Category
2010s French Modern Pillows and Throws
MaterialsSilk
$1,000 / item - Hermes Pillow Luco ImprimeBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Luco Imprime, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...Category
2010s French Modern Pillows and Throws
MaterialsCotton, Linen
$700 / item - Hermes Pillow H Losange, Blush BackingBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAIntroducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric H Losange pillow, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Metic...Category
2010s French Modern Pillows and Throws
MaterialsCotton
$700 / item
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.