Hermes Metre Ruban In the Pocket Fauve Barenia Measuring Tape Swift Leather
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: One Size (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU58820791222
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: Miami, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Bain Neobain Les Leopard Blue Marine Embossed Large ModelBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an "Hermes Bain" Neobain Les Leopard case featured in the large model. In chic deep Blue Marine with Leopards embossed n front. Top zipper with leather zipper toggl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Hermes Jimetou Jumping Case Navy / Red Small ModelBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Jimetou Jumping Toiletry case featured in Navy and Red canvas. Blue and Black central band takes inspiration from horse jump...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Hermes Kitchen / Bar Linen Towels Gray with Black Edging Set of 2 nwtBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed Authentic set of 2 Hermes kitchen / bar 100% linen towels Dark Gray woven linen with black cotton edging. So chic and modern. Same towel availab...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
- Hermes Key Ring Reversible Key Charms Petite hBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLHermes Petite h whimsical Key charm key ring. Leather in gold and white. Rear is souffre and gold. Keyring is stamped Hermes Paris. CONDITION: NEW or NEV...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Hermes Crop Hackberry Wood Aniline GoatskinBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Crop features with Black Aniline goatskin covered handle. The braided crop in micocoulier wood. (Hackberry Wood) New or Pristine Store Fresh Condition. fi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Hermes Lampe de Poche In the Pocket Fauve Barenia LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a rare Hermes Lampe de Poche in the Pocket featured in Fauve Barenia leather. Small flashlight inside the Barenia leather case with white top stitch. Pressing on ca...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Curiosities
- Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & SpursBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZSay hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...Category
1950s French Other
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold & White Diamond CaseBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Scottsdale, AZRare and beautiful 1950s -60s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K 750 Gold case. Features a woven basket pattern with White Diamonds encrusted clasp. Total weight 136 grams Interior features a...Category
1950s Miscellaneous
- Fendi Gold/Blue Mink Fur-Trimmed U Initial Bag CharmBy FendiLocated in New York, NYFendi Gold/Blue Mink Fur-Trimmed U Initial Charm Made In: Italy Color: Gold/blue Materials: Metal and mink fur Hallmarks: "Made In Italy" "Fendi" on keyring Closure/Opening: Clas...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Miscellaneous
- Golden Spanish Crucifix Saint Anton Mº Claret Reliquary Crucifix PendantLocated in VALLADOLID, ESThis golden crucifix-shaped reliquary pendant is dedicated to the Catalan Saint Antonio María Claret. This Latin cross with circular finials features a crucified Christ in relief. The arms of the cross are decorated with seraphim, both on the front and back. Seraphim are, according to Christian theology, the highest rank within the hierarchy of Christian angelology. Christian iconography represents seraphim as winged beings, but with the peculiarity of possessing three pairs of wings. On the back of the piece we find the round tab that opens the reliquary. In it we see a scene that represents the saint kneeling adoring an apparition of the Virgin with the Child, who descend from the heavens surrounded by rays of light and floating on clouds. In the lower part we find the following inscription: VIRGO MATER ANTº Mª CLARET. When we open the reliquary we find on the lower side of the tab a small medal that on one side has the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and on the other side presents a Virgin and Child. Inside it we found a small piece of her archbishop's red cloak. The inscription surrounds it: BLESSED ANTON M CLARET · RELIC. This pendant had to be made between 1934 and 1950, the first...Category
1930s Spanish Miscellaneous
- Vintage Gilded Bronze Rock Crystal Hand MirrorLocated in Palm Springs, CADecorative 21st century ornate oval hand mirror comprised out of gilded bronze and a rock crystal handle, in the manner of Maison Robert Goossens - made in Paris France.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Decorative Objects
- Hermes Rose Pourpre/Cornaline/Celeste Milo Leather GriGri Rodeo Bag Charm PMBy HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Rodeo bag charms by Hermès come close to being as rare as some of the brand's bags. Collected by fans of Hermès and handbags alike, these little galloping charms are dream pieces to ...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
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.