Hermès Classic Gold Alligator Day Planner
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Length: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU102819531922
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.
- Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby FootballBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black and White Game Series Rugby Football is in pristine condition. Rare and collectible item. PBF 13076Category
21st Century and Contemporary Decorative Objects
- Hermès Brown Togo Notepad CoverBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Brown Togo Notepad Cover is in pristine condition; never used. Durable and textured Togo leather snap closure notebook cover is el...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European For The Desk
- Hermès Rose Leather Tassel Key HolderBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Rose Leather Tassel Key Holder is in pristine condition. Rose pink leather large tassel fob connected to silver tone ring. Carry yo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Miscellaneous
- Hermès Miami Dolphins Horseshoe Chevre 35 cm BirkinBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Yellow and White Clemence 35 cm Birkin is in pristine condition. Hermès bags are handstitched and usually require extensive wait lists. This uniquely bicolor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Rose Shocking Chevre Kelly Wallet To GoBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Rose Shocking Chevre Kelly Wallet To Go is in excellent condition. Hand sewn; this stylish wallet is extremely well design...Category
2010s French Wallets
- Hermès Berry Rose Crocodile 30 cm Touch BirkinBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Framboise Rose Crocodile 30 cm Touch Birkin is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. A subt...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- HERMES Notebook Cover in Red Ostrich LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES Notebook cover in Red Ostrich Leather. Diary holder and or notebook and nota bene HERMES case cover, in red ostrich. Inside there is a new...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French For The Desk
- Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange FeuBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...Category
2010s French For The Desk
- Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered WoodBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French For The Desk
- Hermes e-Zip iPad Notebook Cover Rose Tyrien Epsom NewBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offes a guaranteed authentic Hermes e-Zip iPad Notebook Cover featured in Rose Tyrien Epsom leather. Case has leather lined hard center sleeve to h...Category
2010s French For The Desk
- 70s Parker fountain pen set, gold plated, caseLocated in VALLADOLID, ES70s Parker fountain pen set, gold plated, case Fountain pen manufactured in the United States by Parker in the mid-sixties. Pair of PARKER 45 CUSTO...Category
1960s American For The Desk
- Parker 75 Custom Insignia writing set with case, 14k gold plated, 70'sBy James ParkerLocated in VALLADOLID, ESParker 75 Custom Insignia writing set with case, 14k gold plated, 70's. Excellent Parker writing set, consisting of a fountain pen, ballpoint pen and model 75 Custom Insignia mechanical pencil in its original case. Each of the three pieces retains its streamlined silhouette and iconic arrow-clip cap. Each writing tool has been assembled by hand, incorporating Parker's experience and reputation for superior craftsmanship. Both the pen and the ballpoint pen have the initials “E.E.” engraved. As an ornament, each tool features a subtle and elegant square pattern across the entire surface. 14k gold nib. Its conservation corresponds to normal use, without damage. It also retains its original box. Parker Pen Company...Category
1970s North American For The Desk
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.