2013 Hermes Menthe Clemence Leather So Kelly 26
View Similar Items
2013 Hermes Menthe Clemence Leather So Kelly 26
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:The exterior leather is in excellent condition with minimal signs of use but does have very light wear to each corner. Some parts are still sealed. The Hermes dust bag has some blue stains.
- Seller Location:Bishop's Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: HB9201stDibs: LU17022675053
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.
- Jacquemus Pale Blue Smooth Calfskin Leather Le Bambino LongBy JacquemusLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireJacquemus Pale Blue Smooth Calfskin Leather Le Bambino Long Brand-Jacquemus Model- Le Bambino Long Product Type- Shoulder, Top Handle Age- Circa 2023 Colour- Pale Blue Hardware- Gol...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- HERMÈS Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cmBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Serial Number: (U) Age (Circa): 1991 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Shoulder Strap Authenti...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- HERMÈS White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm RetourneBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Serial Number: [H] Age (Circa): 2004 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Shoulder Strap, Padlock, Keys, Raincover, Hermès Spa Receipt ...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- CHANEL Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Full Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireCHANEL Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Full Flap Bag Serial Number: 1280499 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Authenticity Card Auth...Category
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON White Multicolour Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Judy PMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON White Multicolour Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Judy PM Serial Number: TH3059 Age (Circa): 2009 Accompanied By: Louis Vuitton Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date St...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- HERMÈS Black Chevre Leather Verrou Chaine MiniBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Black Chevre Leather Verrou Chaine Mini Serial Number: Y Age (Circa): 2020 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Turquoise Cassette Leather Crossbody BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Pasadena, CABottega Veneta Turquoise Cassette Leather Crossbody Bag * Marked Bottega Veneta * Made in Italy * Comes with the dustbag -Approximately 2″ x 9″ x 5.5″. -In a pristine condition -In...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Birkin HSS 30 Electric Blue Etoupe Chevre with Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Aventura, FLHermes Birkin 30 Electric Blue Etoupe Chevre Gold Hardware . X Stamp 2016. The bag is pre-owned like new condition Details: Designer: H...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Blue Leather Gancini SatchelBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Salvatore Ferragamo has long been known for meticulously handcrafted Italian leather goods and this sophisticated bag is a great example. The exterior is crafted from smooth leather ...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Celine Blue Leather Medium Classic Box Shoulder BagBy CelineLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2From the house of Celine comes this gorgeous Classic Box flap bag that will perfectly complement all your outfits. It has been luxuriously crafted from leather and styled with a flap...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Teal Blue Quilted Leather Just Mademoiselle Bowler BagBy ChanelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2With flawless craftsmanship, immense style quotient, and an air of elegance, this Chanel bag has it all! Stitched to perfection, the handbag is made using only prime-quality material...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Blue Quilted Caviar Leather Maxi Classic Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior that ...Category
2010s Italian 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.