Hermes Bag Madonna Camel Messenger Bag Large
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Montreal, 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: MONTREAL, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Popincourt Crossbody BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram Popincourt Long Crossbody/Shoulder Bag features a traditional monogram canvas trimmed with ve...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Saint Laurent ID Doc Holder Convertible 2n1 Crossbody Bag (505878)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecSaint Laurent's ID Document Holder in black canvas can be carried as a clutch or with a strap for crossbody carry. Made from soft cotton and features leather trims, complimentary sil...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Dior Vintage Beige Street Chic Military Belt Bag 2002By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis military style belt bag is made of fabric with Dior Diorissimo monogram print. Featuring leather finishes, two pouches at the front with snap and zip closure and an adjustable b...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Prada Vintage Tessuto Buckle Beige Crossbody BagBy PradaLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis bag features a cream and beige nylon body, leather trim and a front buckle to secure the top flap with magnetic snap closure. COLOR: Cream and beige MATERIAL: Nylon & leather I...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 3.1 Phillip Lim Vendetta Crossbody SaddleBy 3.1 Phillip LimLocated in Montreal, Quebec3.1 Phillip Lim vendetta mini flap with long cross body bag. Half moon shape in leather. COLOR: Black MATERIAL: Leather ITEM CODE: AF12-0257GLF MEASURES: H 6.5” x L 9” x D 3” DROP: 22” EST. RETAIL: $850 COMES WITH: Dust bag & care card CONDITION: Minimal signs of wear on undersides. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARTEBLANCHESHOP.COM is an online boutique which also provides curation, consignment and customization services for authentic designer luxury items. CARTEBLANCHESHOP.COM is not an authorized brand dealer of Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Saint Laurent or Dior nor are we affiliated with these brands. We purchase many of our products outright through private auctions, individual collections, and directly from clients. We stand behind each and every carefully selected piece in our collection. All items sold on CARTEBLANCHESHOP.COM are 100% authentic and are carefully reviewed by experts with over a decade of combined experience in authenticating...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Black Suede Diamond Quilted Jumbo Business Affinity Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis Chanel classic is made with black suede with leather finishes. Featuring a sturdy black leather top handle, black leather trim, a signature interlocking CC clasp closure, a gold...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Kelly 32 Ghillies Retourne Swift Leather with Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Banbury, GBBrand Hermès Model Kelly 32cm Measurements Approx. 32cm L x 22cm H x 12cm D Leather Swift Date Stamp P in a Square Color Sanguine Date Circa 2012 Metal Palladium Condition E...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- SACAI orange leather navy belt strap gold logo crossbody bagBy SacaiLocated in Hong Kong, NTSACAI orange leather navy belt strap gold logo crossbody bag Reference: ANWU/A00030 Brand: Sacai Designer: Chitose Abe Model: Belt Bag Material: Leather...Category
2010s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Salmon Peach Quilted Lambskin Square Mini Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireChanel Salmon Peach Quilted Lambskin Square Mini Flap Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Square Mini Flap Bag Product Type- Crossbody, Shoulder Serial Number- A7****** Age- Circa 2022 Accompa...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- CHANEL Light Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Single Full Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Light Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Small Classic Single Full Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB5250 Serial Number: 2047424 Age (Circa): 1991 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Auth...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- CHANEL Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Single Flap Bag with WalletBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Single Flap Bag with Wallet Xupes Reference: HB5243 Serial Number: 1488135 Age (Circa): 1990 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Wa...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- CHANEL Beige Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Beige Chevron Quilted Lambskin Vintage Medium Classic Double Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB5125 Serial Number: 1916902 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authen...Category
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
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.