Hermes Lindy Cream Leather Shoulder Duffle Bag, 2008
View Similar Items
Hermes Lindy Cream Leather Shoulder Duffle Bag, 2008
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.
- Hermès Toiletry Set Circa 1988By HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAToiletry Case by Hermes 1988 Brown leather case Exotic leather Flip-top opening Single Top Handle Six interior compartments Three soap bottles One br...Category
1980s French Luggage and Travel Bags
$4,953 Sale Price29% Off - Hermes Burgundy Leather Long Travel BagBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CATravel duffle by Hermes Zipper closure along top and side Two top handles Front pocket pouch Additional belt strap secure closure on top Dimensions: 24" x 13" x 10" Condition: Okay...Category
Mid-20th Century Luggage and Travel Bags
- Rick Owens Larry Degrade Leather Mega Duffle Spring 2019By Rick OwensLocated in Los Angeles, CARick Owens Larry Degrade Metallic Gradient and Black Leather Mega Duffle From Spring 2019 Larry LeGaspi inspired collection Limited Edition Metallic gradient over a soft black with...Category
2010s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Hermes Burgundy Leather Short Travel BagBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage travel duffle by Hermes Zipper closure along top and side Two top handles Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 8" Condition: Okay, with noticeable wearCategory
Mid-20th Century Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Hermes Helena Sac in Tobacco Leather and Toile CanvasBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAMessenger bag by Hermes Large zipper compartment with smaller front zipper compartment Adjustable shoulder strap Dimensions: 14" x 13" x 7" Condition: Great with some minor wear to...Category
Late 20th Century Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
$800 Sale Price50% Off - Gucci GG Monogram Canvas Messenger Bag (Tom Ford)By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAGucci by Tom Ford Messenger Bag Made in Italy Classic tan canvas with iconic interlocked GG pattern Light brown leather detailing Gold hardwa...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Shoulder Bags
- Moschino "Comical Female Relaxing" Shoulder BagBy MoschinoLocated in New York, NYMoschino Wonderfully whimsical "Comical Female Relaxing" with leopard accent shoulder bag is detailed with gold hardware throughout as well as the double gold hardware chain straps which measures 9 1/2" in height. The bottom of the bag in bold print are the words "LOVE MOSCHINO". The vinyl-finished cloth shoulder bag...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- GUCCI Bag In Red PythonBy GucciLocated in Paris, FRGucci bag in red python. Gold jewelry. The interior is red lamb leather with multiple pockets, one with a zipper. Worn on the shoulder or crossbody with a r...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
$2,451 - New 2021 Limited Edition Louis vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 45 Bag Virgil AblohBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis superb Keepall Bandoulière 45 bag is all made in leather with a Damier checkerboard pattern in turquoise blue and white. Its leather top handles, side bands, and nametag are als...Category
2010s Luggage and Travel Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Black Taurillon Leather Volta Bag/ Hand bag, Excellent conditionBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYPerfect for the a woman on-the-go, this gorgeous and newer creation from Louis Vuitton is perfect for the LV lover who also wants a functional everyday bag! The Volta is made from su...Category
2010s French Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Grand Shopper Chain Tote, Golden HardwareBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Grand Shopper Chain Tote, Golden Hardware Chanel’s Grand Shopping Tote comes in durable black caviar leather and features Golden hardware, This styli...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1980s Burberry's Toweling Beach Duffle BagBy BurberryLocated in London, GBBuYellow Burberry Toweling Beach Duffle Bag features a front logo and blue rope handles, making it a perfect choice for your beach / pool day This eye-catching bag made of terry towe...Category
1980s English Bucket Bags and Drawstring 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.