Hermes Etoupe Evelyn Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes Etoupe Evelyn Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DPCO0418HERBAG1stDibs: LU3364346611
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.
- Saint Laurent Leopard Print Hobo BagBy Saint LaurentLocated in London, GB* Brown Ponyhair * Animal Print * Gold-Tone Hardware * Leather Trim * Flat Handle * Leather Trim Embellishment * Satin Lining & Dual Interior Pockets * Zip Closure at Top * Excellent...Category
Early 2000s Hobo Bags
- Gucci Guccissima horsebit-detail shoulder bagBy GucciLocated in London, GB*Black *black *leather *signature Guccissima pattern *smoothing finish *signature Horsebit detail *tassel detail *debossed logo to the front *chain-link shoulder strap *foldover top ...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
- Valentino Vavavoom Crossbody BagBy ValentinoLocated in London, GBThe Valentino Vavavoom Crossbody Bag is a stylish and versatile accessory for any outfit. Its high-quality construction and stunning design make it a must-have for fashion-forward in...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Pink Leather Le Boy BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBInspired by a cartridge bag, made for hunters, the Chanel Boy bag has become one of the true iconic bags of the French fashion house. With a modern edgy twist, this pre-owned bag from 2012 has been crafted from galuchat leather...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Pink Heart Bag SS22By ChanelLocated in London, GBThis luxurious Pink Heart Bag from the Chanel SS22 collection offers a fun and unique design with beautiful leather craftsmanship. Featuring soft & supp...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
$11,500 - Chanel 9 Inch Small Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis timeless Chanel 9" double flap bag that has been crafted from diamond-quilted black lambskin with a double-flap design. The front flap features the iconi...Category
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Prada, Miuccia PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Bottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede LiningBy Bottega VenetaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLBottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede Lining. This lovely bag is in good condition with some wear consistent with its age and a zipper that is worn. It fe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
- Dior Diorama Shoulder Bag Bordeaux PailletsBy Christian DiorLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITDior Diorama model shoulder bag in burgundy leather and multicolor sequins with silver hardware. It has a front flap with interlocking closure. The inter...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Raffia Flap Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Philadelphia, PADolce & Gabbana Crystal Raffia Flap Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Beige woven raffia straw exterior trimmed with gold hardware, matching beige leather, and beautiuful crystal ...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Caramel Caviar Jumbo Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Caramel Caviar Jumbo Classic Flap Bag is in pristine condition. A must have for any collector, the Jumbo Classic is elegant and t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Vitello Daino Grey Calf Leather Satchel Bag (Bn2325)By PradaLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis satchel features a leather body, dual rolled leather top handles, a top zip closure and brown logo interior lining with a partitioned interior with pockets. COLOR: Grey MATERIA...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder 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.