2014 Hermés Shiny Alligator Mississippiensis Medor 23cm Clutch
View Similar Items
2014 Hermés Shiny Alligator Mississippiensis Medor 23cm Clutch
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.
- Judith Leiber Green Alligator Top Handle Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will be sure to catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber in genuine green alligator in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag has a stunning alligator skin complimented with a unique metal brooch detailing and a gold metal top handle and push lock embellished with green crystals. This handbag is vintage from the early 21st century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is green canvas and a zip-pocket. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini matching green coin purse and gold metal mirror...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog MiniaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Vintage Sequin Fendi Logo BaguetteBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow stopping Fendi monogram baguette covered in sequins! This stunning handbag features a plethora of navy, silver and ruby brown sequins alongside brown leather and metal Fendi engraved hardware complimented by a navy sherpa handle. Could this bag get any more unique?! This is the perfect statement piece thats begging to be added to your baguette collection. Shine bright on a night out and pair this with your favorite YSL evening dress and Versace pumps or elevate your casual brunch look by marrying this with some vintage Levis...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Black Beaded Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZComplete your evening look with this stunning Chanel bag! Circa 1997-1999, this boxy evening bag is crafted from black satin and features a black beaded motif on both sides, a black ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud Leather Crossbody Bag Snakeskin FurBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZDo not miss out on this incredibly rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud leather crossbody bag in this unique rendition featuring fur and python patchwork!...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Orylag Triple Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA stylish and Chic Chanel Orylag flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2015 Act 1 Collection. The exterior of this bag features a navy orylag fur with antiqued s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Roberto Cavalli Black Silver Leather Suede HandbagBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Brindisi, BtRoberto Cavalli vintage handbag, 100% leather, black and silver color, internal partitions with zip. 1990s. Made in Italy. Very good vintage condition, some imperfections have small ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Sergio Rossi Black Suede Evening Shoulder Bag 1980sBy Sergio RossiLocated in Brindisi, BtSergio Rossi 80s vintage elegant bag. Square model rigid with shoulder strap, fabric in velvet, color black with details in color gold. Zip and button closure. Made in Italy. Excelle...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Larisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLarisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bag. The bag is completely covered in sequins and beads in metallic hues. The bag is silver hardware with clasp c...Category
2010s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Christian Louboutin Loubi Lula, leopard print clutch purse, Gold tone hardwareBy Christian LouboutinLocated in NEWARK, GBA truly stunning vintage Christian Louboutin, Loubi Lula leopard print, pony style skin clutch purse. It has a lovely leopard print design...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- BALENCIAGA Hourglass Wallet On Chain Black Glitter Clutch Shoulder BagBy BalenciagaLocated in Freehold, NJPre-Owned 100% Authentic BALENCIAGA Hourglass Wallet On Chain Black Glitter THIS IS NOT THE XS (its bigger) RATING: A/B...Very Good, well maintained, shows minor signs of wear MATE...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
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.