Hermes Clemence Methane Mini Lindy 20 PHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Denim Taigarama MessengeramaBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Denim Taigarama Messengerama SKU: 135550 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in e...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Light Blue Quilted Patent Leather Large Boy BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Chanel Light Blue Quilted Patent Leather Large Boy Bag SKU: 120762 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Light Blue Chevron Lambskin Medium Boy BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Chanel Light Blue Chevron Lambskin Medium Boy Bag SKU: 135268 MSRP: 6600.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Brand: Chanel Model: Medium Boy Bag ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar Canvas Archy Messenger GMBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar Canvas Archy Messenger GM SKU: 135092 MSRP: 2780.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Han...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar Canvas S Lock MessengerBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar Canvas S Lock Messenger SKU: 135708 MSRP: 2910.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handb...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar S Lock MessengerBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Macassar S Lock Messenger SKU: 135556 MSRP: 2910.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excell...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermès Au Bout Du Monde Exotic Blue Constance 24 Special EditionBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Blue Au Bout Du Monde Constance 24 is in pristine unworn condition. A special edition, this rare Constance is created with a com...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Yves Saint Laurent New Blue Python Cross Body BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in West Hollywood, CAYves Saint Laurent brand new electric blue python should bag with gold hardware. Can be worn cross body. Shoulder drop 22”. Comes with booklet, cites and original dust cover. Due to...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Classic Flap Quilted Microfiber Acqua Blue Nylon Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSoft Chanel microfiber acqua flap Year: 2012 Silver hardware Interwoven chain Interlocking CC clasp Interior zipper closure Interior center zippered pocke...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Drawstring Bucket Cruise 2015 Tweed Fringe & Lambskin Mini Blue Denim BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Cruise 2015 Denim Tweed Fringe Bucket Bag Antiqued ruthenium hardware Blue denim Chanel bucket bag Drawstring CC Logo closure at front Classic interwoven chain strap Cha...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gianni Versace 1990s Baroque Print Satin Shoulder BagBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your looks with this beautiful Versace shoulder bag! Circa 1990s, this bag is made of gorgeous blue satin and features a multi-colored Bar...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Blue Monogram Velvet Match Speedy 20 Bandouliere Mini 68lk523sBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: RFID Chip Made In: France Measurements: Length: 8.2" Width: 4.5" Height: 6" Shoulder Handle Drop: 18.5"-21" Handle Drop: 2.75" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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.