Red Leather Hermes Suitcase 53 cm, Hermes Trunk, Hermes Luggage
View Similar Items
Red Leather Hermes Suitcase 53 cm, Hermes Trunk, Hermes Luggage
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Depth: 7.09 in (18 cm)Length: 20.87 in (53 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Saint-ouen, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1860220766362
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.
- Louis Vuitton Sunrise Pastel Onthego GM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThe Sunrise Pastel theme gives Louis Vuitton’s On the go bag a bright fresh look . The House’s iconic Monogram canvas comes in a burst of s...Category
2010s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- Goyard Travel Bag, Vintage Oversized Goyard Travel Bag ToteBy GoyardLocated in Saint-ouen, FRAn oversized vintage Goyard travel bag in black leather and woven chevrons canvas with a yellow colored canvas interior. Its two large leather handle...Category
1970s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Extra Large Louis Vuitton Marin Bag Louis Vuitton Bag, Louis Vuitton Duffle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis impressive 1970s Louis Vuitton bag features monogram canvas in very good condition, its leather part has very few stains and scratches. I...Category
1970s French Luggage and Travel Bags
- Hermès Beige Leather Briefcase, Hermes Attache, Hermes BagBy HermèsLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis elegant Hermès briefcase features beautiful beige leather and a comfortable leather handle. It is a very unusual color for an Hermès piece of luggage. Closed by 2 Hermès engrav...Category
Late 20th Century French Luggage and Travel Bags
- Louis Vuitton Suitcase 70 cm, Louis Vuitton TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis very nice all original Louis Vuitton monogram suitcase features all solid brass fittings, solid brass LV stamped main lock and clasps. Its trims are marked Louis Vuitton all around. its trims It has got a very comfortable round leather handle, gently tanned by time. Interior is in very good condition too with its 2 Louis Vuitton stitched...Category
Late 20th Century French Suitcases and Trunks
- Louis Vuitton Monogramm Briefcase, Vuitton President BriefaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis elegant Louis Vuitton briefcase features monogram canvas and a large and comfortable leather handle. Closed by a solid brass lock, it is accompanied by two crafted brass trunk latches. Its trims are printed with the LV logo all around. Its interior is all original too in brown leather and it is very clean.It features a flat pocket to store documents.It is embossed Louis Vuitton . Embossed serial number. It comes with its Louis Vuitton leather name tag...Category
1980s French Briefcases and Attachés
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alzer Damier Azur Rare Travel Trunk 80cmBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. When not in use for your travels, it would make a wonderful accent to any home. Designed for a variety of uses. If you open the Louis Vuitton official website, you will find its price is unavailable, which reveals you that in fact these trunk can not be collected on line nor in store. From the purest tradition of travel, the famous Alzer suitcase is one of the Louis Vuitton emblems...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alzer Damier Azur Rare Travel Trunk 75cmBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. When not in use for your travels, it would make a wonderful accent to any home. Designed for a variety of uses. If you open the Louis Vuitton official website, you will find its price is unavailable, which reveals you that in fact these trunk can not be collected on line nor in store. From the purest tradition of travel, the famous Alzer suitcase is one of the Louis Vuitton emblems...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Prada Saffiano leather beautycaseBy PradaLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful Prada beautycase made in the late 1980s. It's crafted in the signature black Saffiano leather, trademark of the Prada luggages an leather goods. The beautycase features a double leather handle, a combination number lock...Category
1980s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- Hermés Herbag Zip Retourne Ebene Vache Leather Etoupe Canvas GMBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA chic and stylish Hermes Herbag Zip. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Ebene Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Garment Luggage Carrying BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Pasadena, CALouis Vuitton Monogram Garment Luggage Carrying Bag. There is a hook on the bottom of the bag when opened can hang in a closet. Easily opened and cloths exposed when laying down to p...Category
20th Century French Garment Bags
- 1880s Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk Finished in Damier CanvasBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBImmerse yourself in the allure of timeless luxury with this magnificent Louis Vuitton Cabin Trunk, a storied piece from the 1880s that radiates the elegance and adventure of a bygone...Category
1880s French Suitcases and Trunks
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.