Hermes Black & Grey Canvas Tote
View Similar Items
Hermes Black & Grey Canvas Tote
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU259210690
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.
- Jimmy Choo Tan and Silver Perforated Suede Shoulder BagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Jimmy Choo shoulder bag has a bottom silver leather layer with a tan perforated suede layer on top. The bag has silver hardware and a leat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Shoulder Bags
- Marc Jacobs Beige Python Leather HandbagBy Marc JacobsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAnother of Marc Jacobs beautiful handbag designs, this Beige Python leather beauty. The inside is lined in maroon and the bag features gold hardware ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags
- Vivienne Westwood White Crochet HandbagBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVivienne Westwood White Crochet Bag. This oversized bag by Vivienne Westwood is the perfect luxury tote to carry all of your necessities. The piece features crotchet detailing, red leather sides, brown leather handles with white stitching, zipper closure and the iconic Vivienne Westwood orb...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Cabag Purple Canvas Tote w/ Shoulder BagBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThe Hermes Cabag is a simple & elegant tote that is perfect for everyday luxury. The fuchsia-colored canvas exterior is complemented by hunter leather str...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Chanel Denim Blue XL Deauville Tote - Circa 2012By ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Denim Blue XL Deauville Tote - Circa 2012 This very popular Chanel tote is made from a denim blue canvas with white Lettering/Logo. The design of the tote bag has an open top ...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Valentino Pale Blue Large Leather Petale Rose ToteBy ValentinoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Valentino Petale Rose tote is pale blue leather. It is large and has two straps along with a detachable shoulder strap. This tote is in very good...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel large CC coated canvas beach toteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNever worn As seen on Sex and the City the movie Has a large detachable interior pouch insert XL shopping tote with rope detail perfect for travel or vacation Very spacious tote th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel 2009 Jumbo Maxi Soft Lambskin Leather Classic Flap Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Jumbo Maxi Soft Lambskin Leather Classic Flap Shoulder Bag Year: 2008-2009 Gunmetal hardware Black quilted lambskin leather Logo at front with magnetic snap flap closure Si...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Limited Edition Black Large Crochet Nature Tweed Fringe Classic Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSoft Organic Nature Tweed Woven Large CC Tote This series is very hard to find! Year: 2009 Antique gold hardware Four bottom feet Flat bottom Tweed interwoven chain Diamond stit...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Reissue 2.55 Computer Laptop Work Business Classic Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Reissue 2.55 Computer Laptop Work Business Classic Tote Bag Aged silver-tone hardware accents Quilted diamond stitch aged calfskin leather Chanel's signature reissue chain s...Category
Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Limited Edition Soho Glazed Calfskin Quilted Tweed Flight Travel Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition Soho Glazed Calfskin Quilted Tweed Flight Travel Tote Bag This is a limited edition bag with "SOHO 2010" engraved on the special plaque to commemorate the ope...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel 1996 Vintage Black Caviar Triple CC Stitched Shoulder Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1996 Vintage Black Caviar Triple CC Stitched Shoulder Tote Bag Year: 1996 Gold hardware This stunning classic shoulder bag circa 1996-1997 is crafted of luxurious caviar l...Category
1990s Italian 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.