Hermes rich brown porosus crocodile convertible clutch, 1986
View Similar Items
Hermes rich brown porosus crocodile convertible clutch, 1986
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:crocodile
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Light marks to crocodile and lining. Please feel free to request more photos if you are concerned about the condition. Wear is consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU812264893
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.
- 1980's CARLOS FALCHI asymmetrical snakeskin patchwork clutch bag with strapBy Carlos FalchiLocated in San Fransisco, CAAsymmetrically shaped snakeskin patchwork clutch with thin concealable leather strap designed by Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980's. One interior pocket. Made in the U.S. Very good c...Category
1980s American Clutches
- 1990's VALENTINO black textured leather convertible 'envelope' clutch bagBy ValentinoLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack textured leather convertible bag in the shape of an envelope designed by Valentino dating to the 1990's. Strap is completely removable. Gold hardware. Off-white top-stitching. ...Category
1990s American Clutches
- 1990's RENAUD PELLEGRINO textured leather convertible shoulder clutch bagBy Renaud PellegrinoLocated in San Fransisco, CAColor blocked textured leather convertible clutch with exterior pockets designed by Renaud Pellegrino dating to the 1990's. Bag measures approximately 8.875" wide by 7.75" tall and 1...Category
1990s American Clutches
- 2005 TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT suede & leather bag with wood beadsBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery interesting, black suede and leather handbag with brown wooden beading and brass hardware from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 2005 as designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laure...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1980's BOTTEGA VENETA large grey woven leather bagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in San Fransisco, CAElephant-Grey, woven leather bag from Bottega Veneta dating to the late 1980's. Bag measures approximately 16" tall by 10" wide seam to seam (it's actual wider and taller depending o...Category
1980s Italian Hobo Bags
- COMME DES GARCONS brown embossed leather bag with silver 'kiss lock' frameBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in San Fransisco, CABrown, crocodile embossed, leather bag with adjustable black nylon shoulder strap and silver kiss lock frame designed by Katsuyuki Yoshida for Comme ...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2006 Vintage Velvet & Patent Camellia No. 5 Shoulder Clutch Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel No. 5 Vintage Black Velvet and Patent Leather Camellia Shoulder Bag circa 2006 black velvet velvet effect floral appliqué logo patch to the front...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2002 Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Convertible Clutch Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Bag Year 2002 {Vintage 22 Years} Black nylon canvas with a flap top CC turn-lock closure Leather entwined chain shoulder strap Black metal hardware Carry it as a clutch or shoulder bag Interior has a black fine textile...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Classic Flap Clutch Vintage 80's Gold Cc Closure Black Crocodile Skin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage 1989 Crocodile Flap Bag Clutch Gold CC Closure The vintage Chanel octagon black crocodile 8 sided flap with classic cc closure and atta...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Faux Tortoise Shoulder Bag/Clutch, c.1980sLocated in Alford, MAConvertible clutch in faux tortoise shell features a textured goldtone clasp and gold chain. The chain folds away to convert to a clutch. Fabric interior with side compartment. Made ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Vintage Navy Blue Leather Shoulder Bag or Clutch HandbagBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Portland, ORThis is a lovely vintage navy blue leather Salvatore Ferragamo handbag with blue suede trim around the edges of the flap extending to the back and a removable, adjustable suede stra...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Privée Collection Runway Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Privée Collection Frame Bag is in pristine condition. Considered an extremely rare Runway collectible, this Chanel bag is completely unique. Black quilt...Category
2010s European 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.