Hermès Sac à Malice Palm Tree Bag Rare
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73017061962
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: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Purple Suede & Lizard Intrecciato Convertible Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLThe Bottega Veneta intrecciato weave has and will always be an iconic staple of leather and luxury. The less-is-more approach allows the design to speak for itself and ensures that it is both fashion-forward and functional. This rare Bottega Veneta hard shell clutch...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Givenchy Magenta Eel Skin Leather Fringe Shoulder bag, 2009By GivenchyLocated in Boca Raton, FLFor decades, the house of Givenchy captured its luxury status through simple and traditional designs. This classic style began to evolve slowly over the decades to be more daring, wh...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
- Lanvin Alber Elbaz Fall 2012 Satin Jewel Embellished Convertible Bag ClutchBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Boca Raton, FLRunway F/W 2012 Alber Elbaz's 10th-anniversary collection for Lanvin. Seen in look #49 on the runway and campaign-featured. This bag was a highlight accessory from that season, fe...Category
2010s French Shoulder Bags
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Gold Leather Coral Shell Rope Shoulder BagBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Boca Raton, FLA look is as only as good as the accessories that accompany it. This was a tried and true rule followed by Yves Saint Laurent for decades. In creating modern styles for the woman-on-...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in Boca Raton, FLJudith Leiber is internationally acclaimed for her glammed-up, kitschy accessories. Never dull, Leiber’s creations employ deep color combinations and sculpture forms that often refle...Category
1980s Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Louis Vuitton Vernis Conte de Fees Frog Pochette Bag, 2002By Louis VuittonLocated in Boca Raton, FLLimited edition Spring 2002 Louis Vuitton Vernis Conte de Fees Frog Shoulder Bag in Sapin. This charming limited edition baguette is crafted of Louis Vuitton monogram embossed vernis...Category
Early 2000s Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag Quilted Caviar NavyBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLCHANEL Caviar Quilted Medium Double Flap Wallet in Navy. This classic flap bag is made of navy blue caviar leather that has been diamond q...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Bright Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag with Mixed metal HardwareBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag is in pristine condition. Released in 2019, the pillowy soft oversized quilts and mixed metals are a beautiful addition to the cla...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Vintage Sequana Bag Magic Purple Blue Porosus Crocodile Golden Hdw RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRAbsolutely Stunning Authentic Hermès Vintage Bag "Séquana" This bag is magic! Depending on the weather, the light, your outfit, its color changes!...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Yves Saint Laurent Bag Le Carre Satchel Bag Purple magentaBy Yves Saint Laurent, Saint LaurentLocated in Roosendaal, NLFrom the collection of SAVINETI we offer this YSL Le Carre Magenta Bag: - Brand: Yves Saint Laurent - Model: Classic Flap Medium Caviar - Year...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Miu Miu Royal Blue Iconic Crystal Cloquè Small Bag with Silver HardwareBy Miu MiuLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Miu Miu Royal Blue Crystal Cloquè Small Bag is in pristine condition. The iconic design features blue quilted Nappa leather and a crystal turn lock closure. May be c...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Blue And Black SequinsToteBy PradaLocated in PARIS, FRPrada Blue And Black Tote Shiny Strass Stripe - Very good condition. No signs of wear over time. - Prada tote bag - Shiny rhinestone - Blue and black stripe - Two black varnish s...Category
2010s French Structured 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.