Hermes Charcoal and Kiwi Ostrich Horseshoe 30 cm Birkin
View Similar Items
Hermes Charcoal and Kiwi Ostrich Horseshoe 30 cm Birkin
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 Black Leather Vintage Speedy BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Leather Vintage Speedy Bag is in excellent condition. A timeless piece from the early 1990’s, it has maintained its status as a true classic. Black leather duffel style handbag is flat stitched in signature Chanel diamond pattern. Top zipper accesses the roomy black leather interior. Carried by the double rolled leather top handles. Made in Italy. Chanel padlock...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Aubergine Togo Leather 30 cm Birkin Bag 2022By HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Aubergine Togo Leather 30 cm Birkin Bag is in pristine unworn condition. A brand new deep purple color from 2022, this piece ha...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Deep Brown Evergrain 30 cm BirkinBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Deep Brown Evergrain 30 cm Birkin is in pristine condition. Hand sewn and coveted worldwide; the Hermès Birkin is considered the epitome of luxury handbags...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black and Beige Canvas Clover Charm ToteBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black and Beige Canvas Clover Charm Tote is in great condition. Black canvas north south tote with beige mini check pattern. Zippe...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Charcoal Canvas Victoria II SatchelBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Charcoal Canvas Victoria II Satchel is in pristine condition. Hand sewn by skilled artisans, this beautiful daily bag from Hermès is...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Black Box Calf 30 cm Birkin with PalladiumBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Black Box Calf 30 cm Birkin is in pristine unworn condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Each Hermès piece is sewn by hand and waitlists ...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM handbag, top handle, 1998By Louis VuittonLocated in NEWARK, GBA gorgeous classic, Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM top handle handbag. Coated canvas with the signature LV monogram design, Vachetta leather trim and handles with gold tone hardware. Lined in brown cotton fabric...Category
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Bag in Black Patent Vinyl Circa 1990By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1990/2000 France Vintage handbag in black patent vinyl imitating scratched skin by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the late 2000s. Inspired by the 1940s and Saharan spirit...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- S/S 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Debut Black Crocodile Bamboo Top Handle Frame BagBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting No one knows how to sell sexy better than designer Tom Ford. As part of his debut collection at Gucci, this bag embodies his dedication to eleva...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel New Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNew Chanel Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition Backpack Fall Spring 2016 Blue navy tweed Top Handle Front pocket Decorative patches Firm ...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks
- Chanel 2006 Quilted Caviar Burgundy CC Kelly Top Handle Boston Satchel Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2006 Quilted Caviar Burgundy CC Kelly Top Handle Boston Satchel Tote Bag Year: 2006 {Vintage 18 Year} Silver hardware Stitched CC Logo at fro...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Limited Edition Hermes Blue Bolide Shark Monster BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRAmazing Hermes Bolide bag with its happy shark, created in 2015/2016. A collectible piece ! Made of Togo leather. Size 45. Comes with lock, key, clochette, and its original dustbag. ...Category
2010s French Top Handle 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.