Hermès Kelly Depeche Epsom Dark Blue 38cm
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 13.78 in (35 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2811215837882
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: Lake Worth, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Caviar Executive Shopper Tote BrownBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLBrown, copper, and iridescent CHANEL Caviar Executive Shopping Tote. This traditional shopper tote is classy and stylish despite its simplicity. The bag is made from textured leather...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Murakami Monogram Multicolor Porte-Monnaie BlackBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLFrom the historic partnership between Murakami and Louis Vuitton, this Porte Monnaie Plat card holder is constructed from coated canvas with Murakami's eye-catching Multicolore design, natural Vachetta leather trim, and gold-tone brass hardware. This fashionable compact money purse...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets
- Louis Vuitton Sobe Clutch Electric Epi Leather BurgundyBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLCrafted handbag in a streamlined form with amaranth Electric Epi leather and a silver-toned LV emblem on the front. This clutch is both functional and elegant, making it ideal for nu...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Chocolate Bar CC Quilted LeatherBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis chocolate bar bag is crafted from black leather with Chanel's signature square stitching and has an adjustable leather shoulder strap, protective base studs, a CC logo stitch in...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Gripoix and Satin Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLRare Chanel Gripoix collectable bag. In perfect condition. The purse is made of satin, the chain strap is constructed of doubled circular and oval links, each link is in a rope desig...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Christian Dior Vintage 1980 bagBy Christian DiorLocated in Palm Beach, FLVintage Christian Dior black bag with honeycomb pattern with dior logo inside with two compartments and gold color chain, can be wear ...Category
1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather Pilot BriefcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in travel bag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Louis Vuitton always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The beautiful circa 2004 briefcase take...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel In The Classic Flap Vintage Large Business Shoulder Briefcase Black BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel So Black Vintage Caviar Large Business Travel Bag Year: 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC turn lock logo at front Crossbody Strap Leather black interior Two main inte...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Bottega Veneta Navy Blue Leather BriefcaseBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Bottega Veneta navy blue leather briefcase in excellent condition. Navy blue leather exterior trimmed with gunmetal hardware and 2 woven le...Category
2010s Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 1992 Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase Bag circa 1992 black lambskin diamond quilting single flat top handle front flap closure push-lock fastening main compart...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Hermès Black Leather, Suede and Lizard Brief CaseBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Black Leather and Lizard Brief Case is in excellent plus condition. Very unique, this rare design combines textures, color and materials to create a collectible case. Black leather slim briefcase...Category
Late 20th Century French Briefcases and Attachés
- Bottega Veneta Black Intrecciato Leather Cassette Briefcase BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The popular BV Cassette bag is presented in a super-functional briefcase silhouette. The bag is made of leather and it has the maxi Intrecciato motif, two ...Category
2010s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
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.