A Pair of Hermès Shoes Circa 2000
View Similar Items
A Pair of Hermès Shoes Circa 2000
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.
- A Rare François Pinet Pair of Shoes in Leather French Circa 1935Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1935 England Rare pair of shoes in leather for collection signed François Pinet, famous luxury bootmaker in Paris and London and dating from the 1930s. These shoes were accompanied by a Bordeaux Haute Couture Dress by Nicole Groult...Category
1930s French Shoes
- Antique Pair of shoes in glazed wool twill Bleu de France - Louis XVI Circa 1780Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1775/1785 France Rare pair of Collectible and Simplicity shoes for lady dating from the French Louis XVI period. Wool and silk twill Bleu ...Category
1770s French Shoes
- A Roger Vivier Pair of Evening Heels Shoes Circa 2000By Roger VivierLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 2000 France Pair of evening pumps as new by Roger Vivier in black silk satin dating from the year 2000. Shoes with stiletto heel with pointed shape in front, decorated with a ...Category
Early 2000s French Heels
- A pair of burgundy leather shoes Circa 1790-1800Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1790-1800 France or Europe Elegant pair of burgundy leather Stiletto heel shoes dating from the late 18th century. Pointed toe vamp and small coil heel, typical of the fashion ...Category
1790s French Shoes
- Gianni Versace Boots in Suede and Swarovski Rhinestone Circa 2000By Gianni VersaceLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 2000 Italy Beautiful pair of evening boots from Gianni Versace in black suede adorned with Swaroski rhinestones and dating from the 2000s. High heels in ribbed wood...Category
Early 2000s Italian Boots
- Iconic Pair of Roger Vivier Pumps with Virgule Heel Circa 1980By Roger VivierLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1980/1990 France/Italy Iconic Pair of collector's pumps with Virgule heel by Roger Vivier dating from the 1980s. Silver and waxed leather with metallic comma heel and Roger Vi...Category
1980s Italian Shoes
- YVES SAINT LAURENT tan suede & patent TRIBTOO Platform Pumps Shoes 36By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Zürich, CHauthentic Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo platform pumps in tan suede and patent leather. Have been worn wit a small color-transfer on the inner side ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes
- Sergio Rossi Snakeskin ShoesBy Sergio RossiLocated in Bilbao, ESSergio Rossi Snakeskin Women High Heel Shoes Super High Stiletto Heels Red Made In: Italy Color: Red Material: Snackeskin Marked Size: 39,5 Europe Heel Height: 12 cm/ 4,72 inches B...Category
1990s Italian Shoes
- New 1950s Mackey Starr Size 6N Sorbet Orange Leather Rhinestone Slingback HeelsLocated in San Diego, CABrand new, never worn 50s vintage MACKEY STARR sorbet orange peep toe slingback high heel shoes! Features rhinestones at the toe. Adjustable sling back st...Category
1950s Italian High Heels
$460 Sale Price20% Off - Gucci Shoe Pink Lizard Bow Detail Cut Out Sides 7By GucciLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Gucci soft pink lizard shoes with charming bow detail. Sides are open with heel cover. Bow in smooth leather highlights detail on o...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Miu Miu Nude/Black Cap Toe Patent Pumps W/ Bow Sz 38By Miu MiuLocated in New York, NYMiu Miu Nude/Black Cap Toe Patent Pumps W/ Bow Sz 38 Made In: Italy Color: Nude/black Materials: Patent leather Closure/Opening: Slide on Overall Condition: Very good pre-owned cond...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Heels
- Christian Louboutin Pigalle Lady Spikes Red 39.5 CL-S0106P-0138By Christian LouboutinLocated in Downey, CAChristian Louboutin Pigalle Lady Spikes Red 39.5 CL-S0106P-0138 These unbelievably glamorous Christian Louboutin Red Follies metallic studded heels are a great addition to any wardr...Category
2010s Italian Heels
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.