Hermès Vintage Lydie Bag Purse 2 ways Shiny Brown Crocodile Golden Hdw RARE
View Similar Items
Hermès Vintage Lydie Bag Purse 2 ways Shiny Brown Crocodile Golden Hdw RARE
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.
- Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch in Brown Crocodile Ghw RareBy HermèsLocated in FRAbsolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel Made in France Stamp A in square (1997) Made of shiny niloticus croco...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRLovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Exceptional Hermès Vintage Padlock Purse Clutch Bag Shiny Brown Crocodile GhwBy HermèsLocated in FRAbsolutely Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "Padlock" Purse Very rare ! Asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and elegant rendering Made in France Stamp N in a circle (1984) Pu...Category
1980s French Clutches
- Exceptional Hermès Evening Clutch Bag Minaudière Shagreen Grey Silver Tone MetalBy HermèsLocated in FRLovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Evening Bag Made in France No stamp Made of Shagreen (Galuchat) and Silver Tone Metal, Doblis Shoulder Strap In...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRStunning and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bag "KELLY II" retourné Special Edition for the Year of India, also called "Gange" A must-have for any H...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Exceptional Hermès Kelly Bag 32 cm Sellier Crinoline Horse Hair Beige Ghw RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRBeautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "KELLY" Sellier version, Rigid Made in France Stamp V in a circle for 1992 (vintage) Made of smooth L...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Clutch Bag Leather In GoldBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis Chanel clutch bag is a classic and timeless piece that is sure to add a touch of luxury to any outfit. It is made from high-quality leather and fe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Valentino Multicolor Leather Rockstud Va Va Voom Chain ClutchBy ValentinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Va Va Voom clutch from Valentino has an appealing design. Crafted from quality leather, the creation features a gorgeous flap, a well-sized interior, and a shoulder chain. It al...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta White Leather Teen Pouch ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A bag that took the fashion world by storm, Bottega Veneta’s The Pouch clutch reflects Daniel Lee’s distinctive style choices. This version is skillfully made from leather into an un...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta White Leather Teen Pouch ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A bag that took the fashion world by storm, Bottega Veneta’s The Pouch clutch reflects Daniel Lee’s distinctive style choices. This version is skillfully made from leather into an un...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Coach Grey Python Embossed Leather Flap ClutchLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Crafted from quality materials, your wardrobe is missing out on this beautifully made designer clutch. Look your fashionable best in any outfit with this stylish clutch that promises...Category
2010s Chinese Clutches
- Prada White Nylon and Leather Strap PouchBy PradaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Functional and stylish, this designer label's collections capture the effortless, elegant finesse of the modern woman. Crafted from quality materials, this chic bag is easy to carry ...Category
2010s Italian 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.