Vintage Hermes Sport Red Leather Coat in Red
View Similar Items
Vintage Hermes Sport Red Leather Coat in Red
About the Item
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.
- YSL Rive Gauche 1970s Red Wool Madarin Collar CoatBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NY1970s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche red wool coat with mandarin collar. Black piping and 6 black buttons down the front. Shoulder 18 in Chest 46 in Waist 56 in Length 39.5 in Sleeve 21 ...Category
1970s Coats and Outerwear
- Rare Iconic D&G - Dolce e Gabbana Leather printed jacket with strass F/W 2001By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Venezia, ITSuper Rare Iconic D&G - Dolce e Gabbana Leather printed jacket with strass Fall / Winter 2001 - SIZE: 30 / 44 IT Shouldes: 42cm Length: 52cm - NO RETURNSCategory
Early 2000s Italian Bomber Jackets
- Vintage 1960's Christian Dior Wool Coat UK 14-18 US 10-14By Christian DiorLocated in Cheltenham, GBThis rare 1960's Christian Dior mid-season red wool coat, is a rare piece to behold and the perfect statement piece for your transitional wardrobe. The V shaped neckline of the coa...Category
1960s Coats
- Yves Saint Laurent 1990 Glass Bead Leather Cropped JacketBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAFrom the Spring Summer 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Collection, our Yves Saint Laurent Glass Beaded Leather Cropped Jacket is straight from the r...Category
1990s Coats and Outerwear
- VALENTINO burgundy wool VLOGO OVERSIZED Cardigan Coat Jacket XSBy ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Valentino oversized long VLogo cardigan in burgundy and white virgin wool (70%) and cashmere (30%). The design features intarsia-knit, drop shoulder, front button fast...Category
2010s Coats
- VETEMENTS red wool DOUBLE BREASTED PEAK COLLAR Coat Jacket MBy VetementsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Vetements double-breasted peak-collar coat in red virgin wool (100%). With two flap pockets on the sides, buttoned cuffs, slit on the back, and satin suspenders on the...Category
2010s Italian Coats
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.