Hermès Blue Electrique Epsom Leather Medor Belt size 80
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU102816565291
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: Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Red Leather and Chain Medallion Belt NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Leather and Chain Medallion Belt Necklace is in excellent vintage condition. Red leather is interwoven with 24 karat gold plated chain, measuring approxima...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Chanel Vintage Gold Chain Belt with Black Leather BuckleBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Gold Chain Belt with Black Leather Buckle is in excellent vintage condition from the late 1980’s. Large black leather buckle with gold interlocking CC secures ...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Chanel Black Leather Gold Chain Clover Belt NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black and Gold Chain Clover Belt Necklace is in excellent condition. Versatile and classic- a must have for any collection. Gold chain is woven together with ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Vintage Black Leather Chain Charm BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Leather Chain Charm Belt is in very good vintage condition. Black leather is woven within a gold chain belt. Gold tone suns, stars and lion faces dangle...Category
20th Century Belts
- Chanel Black Leather and Gold Chain with Charm Vintage BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Leather and Gold Chain Belt is in excellent vintage condition. A true classic, this draped chain style is versatile and always chic. Black leather is in...Category
20th Century Belts
- Chanel Vintage Double Layer CHANEL Runway BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Vintage Double Chain CHANEL Runway Belt is pristine. Highly collectible must have piece. 24 karat gold plated substantial link belt with CHANEL lettering...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Vintage Black & White Twist-Detailing Enamel BeltLocated in London, GBA true vintage find with this twist detail enamel belt in black and white enamel. The twist gold plated rings and bicolour details give an art deco feel, while still feeling classic.Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Vintage Crystal-Embellished Multi-Chain BeltLocated in London, GBThis vintage find will add a little glamour to every look. With two large crystals at the front clasp and a layered gold-plated chain belt, this piece will...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Gucci Leather Belt with Horse-bit DetailBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAGucci leather belt in red with a horse-bit detail which is made out of gold hardware. The piece comes with the original dust cover.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Belts
- Christian Dior beige Leather Embroidered Belt, 2001By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDior - (Made in France) Belt in beige leather embroidered with leather bangs. Collection Fall/Winter 2001. Size indicated 40FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 245 cm ...Category
Early 2000s French Belts
- Chanel Belt of Pearly Pearls, 1983By ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - Belt of pearly pearls and gilded metal paved with a cabochon in red glass paste. Collection 1983. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 77 cm Condition: Very good co...Category
1980s French Belts
- Old Chanel Golden Metal Fish BeltBy ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel -Golden metal belt ending with a fish buckle. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 87.5 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref ...Category
1970s French Belts
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.