1990's Vintage Hermes Off White Vintage Box Calf Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Width: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Length: 9 in (22.86 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Very Good; minor stains inside.
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:
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: Faenza, Italy
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Dior New Floral Print White ClutchBy Christian DiorLocated in West Hollywood, CACHRISTIAN DIOR Ete 2023 30 Avenue Montaigne Paris floral print canvas zip pouch in white. It's new and comes with the original dustcover.Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Hermes Craie Constance Slim Wallet Belt BNIBBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès Slim wallet in craie Epsom calfskin with removable zipped change purse, 2 credit card slots, belt loop and yellow enamel and palladium plated closur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermes Craie Constance Slim Wallet BeltBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès Slim wallet in craie Epsom calfskin with removable zipped change purse, 2 credit card slots, belt loop and yellow enamel and palladium plated closur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- YSL Fuchsia Leather Wristlet Small BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in West Hollywood, CAYves Saint Laurent hot pink leather wrestle bag. Great for casual outing . Handle 6". Comes with original box.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pouches and Wristlets
- New in Box Hermès Lemon Yellow Epsom Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès lemon yellow Epsom leather clutch with palladium zipper. In a tridimensional shape, this clutch is a novelty for the 2017 collection. Brand new in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Chanel Oversize Gold Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAChanel limited edition "feministe mais feminine" cracked gold leather oversize clutch. Open back pocket, interior zipped pocket, and cell phone pocket. Includes hologram, booklet, ID...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber White Karung Convertible Clutch With Semi Precious JewelsBy Judith LeiberLocated in Wallkill, NYWonderful Judith Leiber clutch! Totally surrounded by semi-precious stones. Converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag. Gently, gently used. Mirror in bag. Measures 7.25 in x 5 in. x 2...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Timeless Tweed Iconic Camelia Flower Bicolor Black & White Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel clutch designed with patent leather, lambskin and tweed opens to a three-fold clutch 2000 {VINTAGE 22 Years} Gold hardware Interior center zippered pocket 4 card slots Interi...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Bottega Veneta White Pouch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in London, GB* White leather * Smoothing finish * Gathered detailing * Magnetic closure * Excellent Condition: No major signs of wear. Comes with a dust bag. Please note that most of the items w...Category
2010s Clutches
- Chanel Gold Lambskin & Beige Patent Leather Double Circle ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Gold Lambskin & Beige Patent Leather Double Circle Clutch Serial Number: 11321198 Age (Circa): 2007 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authenticity Card Authenticity Details: S...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Rare White Monogram Multicolor Pochette Accessoires WristletBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: CA0634 Made In: Spain Measurements: Length: 8.2" Width: 1.5" Height: 4.75" Shoulder Handle Drop: 6" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+) Signs ...Category
20th Century Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Taurillon Utility Side Bag Monogram Powder White Sling Bag 861459By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth:9.4inch Length:6.3inch Gusset:2.0inch Shoulder:0.0inch VERY GOOD CONDITION (8/10 or AB) Includes Box, Dust Bag, Strap and Shoulder Pad Minor rubbing at a back Interior is clean...Category
20th Century Clutches
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.