Hermes Birkin 35cm in Orange Togo, 2009
View Similar Items
Hermes Birkin 35cm in Orange Togo, 2009
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.
- Hermes Omnibus Bag in Navy Leather Trim and Toile CanvasBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage ravel bag by Hermes Two zipper closures, one along top middle and one of front edges (to be able to open when laying flat) Includes luggage tag as well as lock and key Dimens...Category
Mid-20th Century Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel Weekender HandbagBy ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAChanel Small Weekender Handbag Made in Italy Produced in 2000 - 2001 Black Caviar leather Rounded top handles Detachable leather shoulder strap Gold CC logo lock with key Three compartments with zipper closures Leather tag on handle for personal information...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
$2,795 - 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
- 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
- Hermès Birkin 35 Bag 2012 Plomb Togo Palladium-PlatedBy HermèsLocated in Los Angeles, CAHermès Birkin 35 Bag 2012 Plomb Togo Palladium-Plated P Stamp; 2012 Plomb/Off Black Togo leather Palladium-plated hardware Made in France Great pre-owned condition; minor signs of ...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- 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
- Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Red Caviar Executive Briefcase Laptop Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel caviar red vintage briefcase with gold CC clasp 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Interior centered zippered pocket 11" H x 14.75" W x 2.5" D Handle Drop 2" Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel Classic Flap Portfolio Caviar Briefcase Black Leather Laptop BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Classic Flap Portfolio Caviar Briefcase Black Leather Laptop Bag Gold tone hardware Black quilted caviar leather Front flap with CC turn l...Category
1990s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 1992 Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase Bag circa 1992 black lambskin diamond quilting single flat top handle front flap closure push-lock fastening main compart...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Robusto 2 Compartment BriefcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Krakow, PLThis classic briefcase from Louis Vuitton brings a whole new perspective to office repertoire. This Robusto 2 compartment briefcase is crafted from black Epi leather. The bag feature...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Valentino Garavani Bag In Purple AlligatorBy ValentinoLocated in Paris, FRGolden jewelry. Zip closure. The interior is in golden leather. Serial number: BSXAB912T In very good condition. Slight wear and tear on one of the flow...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- HERMES Kelly 35 Crocodile Shiny Black BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRMAGNIFICENT Kelly 35 bag from the House of HERMES in shiny black porosus crocodile. The jewelry is gold plated. On each tab, inscription "HERMES Paris". It...Category
1940s 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.