Hermès 2014 Red Reversible Double Sens 36 Clemence Tote
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- 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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Chanel 2008-2009 Ecru Leather Mademoiselle Lock East West Quilted ToteBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Good. Minor wear to bag is evident. Minor wear to the bag is evident. Light wear to the side edges, piping, bottom edges, inside lining, chain, and front and back is vis...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Saint Laurent Grey Leather Small Sac de Jour Supple ToteBy Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the bag is evident. Minimal wear to the bottom corners and top side edges is seen with discolouration marks. The top handle is seen with leath...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Chanel 2002-2003 Black Coco Print Chain Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the bag is evident. The top rear of the bag shows minimal wear with a minor scratch mark, and the bottom edges show abrasion marks with the le...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Goyard Blue Goyardine Saint Louis GM ToteBy GoyardLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the bag is evident. Small abrasions to the top sides, to the bottom of the handle straps and to the bottom four corners. Light scratches to th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Chanel 2011-2012 Green Patent Interlocking CC Shopper ToteBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the bag is evident. Small marks on the front and back. Light abrasions to the front centre of the logo and bottom four corners. General tarnis...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Aspinal of London Teal Leather Croc Embossed Regent ToteBy Aspinal of LondonLocated in London, GBCONDITION is Good. General wear to tote is evident. Moderate discolouration to the overall lining. Minor scratches to the front and back of the bag. Overall abrasion to both handles ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Tote Bags
- Dior Black Leather Medium Studded Supple Lady Dior ToteBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Due to detailed and innovative designs, Dior has managed to be at the top of fashion's hierarchy through the years. Infuse the signature aesthetics of the brand into your outfit by a...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull PMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull PM is a stylish and iconic tote bag that's perfect for everyday use. It features the classic LV Monogram canvas, which is known for its durabilit...Category
2010s American Tote Bags
- Celine Red Calfskin Leather Tri-fold Small ToteBy CelineLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis chic tote is crafted of grained calfskin leather in orange. The bag features leather shoulder straps and expandable sides. This elegant handbag opens to a partitioned red suede ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Burberry Beige Haymarket Check Canvas Salisbury Tote BagBy BurberryLocated in Rome, RomeBURBERRY Haymarket Check 'Salisbury' Tote bag, crafted of the beige haymarket check canvas with beige rolled leather top handles and trim. Gold metal hardware. Upper zipper closure. ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Dior White Leather Medium Sequin and Embroidered Lady Dior ToteBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This alluring tote bag for women has been designed to assist you on any day. Convenient to carry and fashionably designed, the tote is cut with skill and sewn into a great shape. It ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Canvas Sistina GM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Louis Vuitton's handbags are popular thanks to their high style, durability, and functionality. This Sistina bag, like all the other designs, is lasting and stylish. Crafted from Dam...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote 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.