Hermes Jean Paul Gaultier Shoulder Birkin 42cm
View Similar Items
Hermes Jean Paul Gaultier Shoulder Birkin 42cm
About the Item
- Creator:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 21st Century
- Condition:Mint condition.
- Seller Location:Southampton, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: HermesBirkin1stDibs: LU682857192
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.
- Chopard L.U.C. Quattro Mechanical Table Clock 95020-0082By ChopardLocated in Southampton, PAAn irresistible view for any watchmaking connoisseur is provided at the transparent case back of this amazing piece from Chopard which is inspired by the brands L.U.C. collection an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Desk Accessories
- White and Yellow Gold Tempered Glass Chess SetLocated in Southampton, PAThe foremost game of strategy unfolds between the most fantastic cast of characters with this unique and stunning handmade, custom designed chess set. Consider first the sheer weight...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American More Objets d'Art and Vertu
Materials14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Hermes 18K White Gold H Band RingBy HermèsLocated in Southampton, PAThis sleek, simple 18K White Gold Hermes band ring is an understated piece that will forever make a statement. Accented by the brand’s iconic “H” symbol, i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Materials18k Gold, White Gold
- Hermès Niloticus 18K Rose Gold Diamond BraceletBy HermèsLocated in Southampton, PAPieces from the Hermes Niloticus collection draw inspiration from the sleek, stylish forms that appear organically in nature. This exquisitely crafted...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- de Grisogono 18K Rose Gold 7.42 ct Diamond EarringsBy de GRISOGONOLocated in Southampton, PAA bold, artistic sense of style makes these De Grisigono earrings truly extraordinary. A creative setting crafted from 18K Rose Gold comes to life thanks to the stunning array of dia...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
- LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 2.42 Ct Diamond BraceletBy LB ExclusiveLocated in Southampton, PAThis classy LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 2.42 ct Diamond Bracelet will complete any outfit. The bracelet is made of 18K white gold and set with five rows of round diamonds and a desig...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
- Paul Amey 9K Gold and Diamond “Jasmin” Shoulder StrapBy Paul AmeyLocated in Tewantin, QueenslandPaul Amey’s “Jasmin” shoulder (bra) strap is made in 9K yellow gold, silver and diamonds. The “Jasmin” flowers are solid silver with a small flower at each end with a 25pt round whit...Category
2010s Australian Artist More Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
- Jean Painlevé Rare Seahorse Jewelry ParureLocated in Southbury, CTThe French artist Jean Painlevé, known primarily for his oceanic-themed films and photographs and whose work is currently exhibited in galleries around t...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro More Jewelry
MaterialsBase Metal
- Paul Amey "The Island" Hand Crafted Artisan Silver SculptureBy Paul AmeyLocated in Tewantin, QueenslandThe objet d'art consists of a romantic interpretation of an island atoll occupied by a Caruso type character who is in no hurry to finish his hobby (the boat), instead hiding his too...Category
2010s Australian Artisan Figurines and Sculptures
MaterialsGold Plate, Silver
- Paul Amey "The Robber" Silver Sculpture Hand Crafted by ArtisanBy Paul AmeyLocated in Tewantin, Queensland“THE ROBBER” Silver Sculpture “The Robber” was designed and hand crafted by multi award-winning jeweller Paul Amey in Australia. Paul’s first ever sculptur...Category
2010s Australian Artisan Figurines and Sculptures
MaterialsHematite, Jasper, Silver
- Historic Enamel and Diamond Gold Cigarette Box by Paul FlatoBy Paul FlatoLocated in New York, NYHistoric Enamel and Diamond Gold Cigarette Box By Paul Flato Circa 1942 this box designed by Paul Flato was custom made for Vogue's Editor Edna Wo...Category
Vintage 1940s Boxes and Cases
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
- Paul Amey "Pink Mist" 18K, Platinum and Diamond Ladies Writing ImplementBy Paul AmeyLocated in Tewantin, QueenslandAward winning “PINK MIST” Ladies Writing Implement on “Monstera Desk Base” “Pink Mist” was designed and hand crafted by multi award-winning jeweler...Category
2010s Australian Artisan Desk Accessories
MaterialsDiamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver
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.