Hermes Black Leather Knee High Boots Buckle Detail Size 40
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 40 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Oakland, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU141219439372
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: Oakland, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chloe Susanna Boots Studded Coffee Brown SuedeBy ChloéLocated in Oakland, CAChloe Susanna studded 3-buckle boots in a coffee brown suede. These are a pre-owned item and show signs of having been worn. Please note the scuffs at t...Category
2010s Italian Ankle Boots
- Alaia Black Suede Platform with Fringe Cuff 39.5By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Oakland, CAALAIA high heeled shoes in black suede. These are in excellent, lightly-used condition. Made in Italy. These are marked a size 39 1/2 MEASUREMENTS:...Category
2010s Italian High Heels
- Issey Miyake 2 Piece Pleated EnsembleBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Oakland, CAElegant Issey Miyake black top and skirt set. Airy top with pleating and alternating panels of sheer fabric. V neck, sleeveless, very loose shape. Long skirt is pleated with same...Category
1980s Japanese Skirt Suits
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Wool and Velvet BlazerBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Oakland, CAClassic YSL black tuxedo jacket. Wool with silk velvet lapels and cuffs. Fitted shape. Two button closures. Lightly padded shoulders. Two hip pockets with velvet lining. Lined. ...Category
1980s Italian Dinner Jackets
- Emilio Pucci Brown Floral Print Silk DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Oakland, CAGorgeous vintage Emilio Pucci autumnal print dress. Flowers weaving in and out of a trellis. Silk jersey in deep brown with pink, pale blue, oranges and yellows. High neck. Fitt...Category
1960s Italian Sheath Dresses
- Brunello Cucinelli Orange Cashmere SweaterBy Brunello CucinelliLocated in Oakland, CAVibrant "melon" orange Brunello Cucinelli sweater/top. Softest cashmere V-neck sweater with white cotton trim giving the illusion of a blouse underneath. Subtle pleating detail a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pullovers
- New Rare Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Pink shoesBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLPurposely created to exude style and provide comfort wherever you go, this pair of sneakers by Louis Vuitton is absolutely worth the buy! They have been finely crafted from perforate...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Louis Vuitton Suede Perforated ShoesBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLPurposely created to exude style and provide comfort wherever you go, this pair of loafers by Louis Vuitton is absolutely worth the buy! They have been finely crafted from perforated...Category
Early 2000s French Shoes
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels
- PRADA F/W 2021 Runway Platform Boots Miuccia Prada Raf SimmonsBy PradaLocated in Berlin, BEIncredible platform boots from the third collection co-designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simmons. This Prada Fall Winter 2021 collection was inspired by the idea of change and transf...Category
2010s Italian Block Heel
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.