Rare HERMES 1980's Gold Tone Belt Buckle with Black and Green Strap
View Similar Items
Rare HERMES 1980's Gold Tone Belt Buckle with Black and Green Strap
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 1 in (2.54 cm)Length: 41 in (104.14 cm)Marked Size: 90 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU346462152
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.
- Early 1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Medallion Greek Key Chain Belt/NecklaceBy Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning gold Medusa Greek key Gianni Versace chain belt/necklace, designed by Gianni Versace. This stunning belt is constructed of gold colored metal and features a Gre...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- Handcrafted Pink Bohemian Waist Belt Embroidered on SilkLocated in North Hollywood, CAGrace your waistline with this saree embroidery Bohemian fuchsia pink belt. This hot pink belt is designed to give a very stylish bohemian look for your outfit. Handcrafted maggam work waist belt embroidered on silk cloth. Material: Silk Brocade fabric...Category
Late 20th Century Indian Waist Belts
$76 Sale Price20% Off - Alexander McQueen Waist Belt Cotton Embroidered India InspiredBy Alexander McQueenLocated in North Hollywood, CAAlexander McQueen's waist belt inspired by the handicraft of the Rajasthan Mughal textile. Alexander Mcqueen mirror work colorful India inspi...Category
2010s Italian Belts
$360 Sale Price20% Off - 1990s Moschino Redwall Belt I Am Rich in Gold Letters on Brown Embossed LeatherBy MoschinoLocated in San Francisco, CAVintage Moschino I AM RICH belt features "I am rich" in gold letters on a brown embossed leather belt. Gold buckle closure. Most letters are stationary with a sliding I and C in "Ric...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware Double-Row Chain-Link Multi "Charms" BeltLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully detailed gilded gold vermeil finished hardware belt with double rows of thick chain-link belt is detailed with multi-charms of stars, hearts, moon, cross and ...Category
1980s Spanish Belts
- Woven Silvery Gold Tone Metal Thread Buckle and Belt c. 1970sLocated in Munich, DEUnique c. 1970s woven metal thread belt with metal disk buckle. The alluring artisanal belt features a round metal disk buckle covered with woven patinized silvery gold tone metal threads. The buckle is set on a smooth metal wire belt...Category
1970s Unknown 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.