Hermès Etoupe Clémence Bolide 31 PHW
View Similar Items
Hermès Etoupe Clémence Bolide 31 PHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 1159591stDibs: LU2191216016612
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.
- Hermès Raisin Togo Kelly Retourne 35 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermès Raisin Togo Kelly Retourne 35 PHW SKU: 111993 MSRP: Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Condition Description: Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition ...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW SKU: 121538 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Exce...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Vert Veronese Togo Birkin 40 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermès Vert Veronese Togo Birkin 40 PHW SKU: 119358 Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Biscuit Clémence Picotin Lock 22 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermès Biscuit Clémence Picotin Lock 22 PHW SKU: 125384 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Excellent...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Fauve Natural Barenia Faubourg Birkin 30 GHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermes Fauve Natural Barenia Faubourg Birkin 30 GHW SKU: 134642 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Bronze Dore Togo Retourne Kelly 25 GHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermès Bronze Dore Togo Retourne Kelly 25 GHW SKU: Z135891 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Ite...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- CHRISTIAN DIOR 'Be Dior' Bag in Acid Green Color Taurillon LeatherBy Christian DiorLocated in Paris, FRChristian Dior 'Be Dior' bag in acid green color taurillon leather. Silver metal hardware. The interior is in beige leather and has a flap pocket and a flat pocket. Flat pocket also ...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- GUCCI brown Ostrich leather LARGE Shoulder BagBy GucciLocated in Zürich, CHGucci large tote bag in pale brown ostrich leather. Lined in ochre monogram canvas with one zip pocket against the back. Has been carried with some soft color transfer, bag is slight...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$2,600 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage HERMES Kelly 32 sellier in Red H box leatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRKelly 32 sellier HERMES in red H box leather. The hardware is in golden metal. Included : Zipper, clochette, keys (2), padlock. Leather shoulder strap c...Category
1950s French Top Handle Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Prada, Miuccia PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Gucci Multicolor Small GG Flora Bamboo Padlock BagBy GucciLocated in Brossard, QCStructured coated canvas shoulder bag featuring logo pattern in beige and brown. Multicolor floral pattern and grained leather trim in yellow throughout. Bamboo carry handle at top....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- 2001 Hermes Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm RetourneBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne Serial Number: [E] Age (Circa): 2001 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Padlock, Keys, Clochet...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle 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.