Extraordinary Hermes Elephant Pochette Maxi Jige
View Similar Items
Extraordinary Hermes Elephant Pochette Maxi Jige
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.
- Burberry Black/Beige House Check Canvas and Leather Small Phoebe HoboBy BurberryLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Phoebe hobo from the House of Burberry is absolutely gorgeous! Made from black-beige House Check canvas and leather, this hobo is highlighted with black-tone hardware and a sing...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Black Caviar Quilted Evening Box BagBy ChanelLocated in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaRare chanel evening bag in black caviar leather. Overall still in excellent condition, very rarely worn. Slight scratches on the lambskin lining. Already chip. Comes with dust bag an...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Couture Black Satin Gold Rhinestone Medusa BagBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAMade of gorgeous black silk satin and embellished bag with a large iconic gold Medusa logo, this bag is classically Versace. Gold and crystal Greek Key embellishments are seen throug...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Christian Dior Vintage Belt Saddle Bag Bum Bag Waist Fanny PackBy Christian DiorLocated in Bilbao, ESDior Waist Christian Saddle Fanny Pack Vintage Rare Off White Leather Cross Body Bag Crafted from canvas and leather, this ivory and brown saddle waist bel...Category
Early 2000s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Minaudière Evening Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Rare Cc Charm Gold ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Gold Rare Evening CC Charm Clutch Gold hardware Metallic gold-tone lambskin leather vintage Single wristlet strap at side Three pockets at exterio...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Art Deco Precious Stone Jeweled Lame Evening BagLocated in New York, NYArt Deco Evening Bag of sterling silver set with precious stones such as aquamarines, emeralds and rubies in the Neoclassical taste. The tightly gathered pouch body of the bag is of...Category
Early 20th Century Austrian 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.