Hermès Parchemin Crocodile Birkin 35cm
View Similar Items
Hermès Parchemin Crocodile Birkin 35cm
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Width: 13.78 in (35 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Crocodile Leather
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CSZHBB21stDibs: LU336622912
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 Kelly 32 Toile RougeBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier is an old time favourite. Meticulously made entirely by hand from natural Toile it is lined with evenly-grained Courchevel ...Category
20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- Gucci Pink Lady Lock Bamboo Top Handle BagBy GucciLocated in London, GB* Pink * Leather * Signature bamboo top handle * Detachable shoulder strap * Foldover top * Push-lock fastening * Main compartment * Internal slip pocket * Leather tag * Silver-tone ...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
On Hold$1,610 - Prada Black and Orange Nylon pouchBy PradaLocated in London, GBPerfectly sized to fit your makeup collection or for weekends away. This pre-owned Prada cosmetic pouch has been designed from black nylon and fea...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Valentino Rockstud Leather Tote BagBy ValentinoLocated in London, GBThe Valentino Rockstud Leather Tote Bag is a stunning and versatile accessory that combines edgy style with timeless elegance effortlessly. The bag features Valentino's iconic pyrami...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Clemence Leather 34cm LindyBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès 34cm Lindy bag, first released in Spring/Summer 2007 show, features two different versions of shoulder straps and two exterior slip pockets. It o...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin 25 Swift Leather with PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès Birkin 25 in turquoise adds a joyful pop of colour to any outfit. Handcrafted from smooth Swift leather, it's big enough to carry your essentials and works from day to ni...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Saks Fifth Ave Leopard Motif Stenciled Pony-Hair Handbag Straps Circa 1960sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in Los Angeles, CASaks Fifth Ave Leopard Motif Stenciled Pony-Hair Handbag Straps Circa 1960s. Two Top Handle Straps. Stenciled Pony on both faces of the bag, front and ba...Category
1960s American Top Handle Bags
- Cartier Classic Beige Feminine Line Top Handle BagBy CartierLocated in Philadelphia, PACartier Classic Beige Feminine Line Top Handle Bag in very good condition. light wear on bottom. clean corners and interior. measurements: 13"x7"x3.75" 2" handle 12" strapCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Rare Chanel 90's Round Beige HandbagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRRare, Collector, superb CHANEL round handbag in beige and black leather. Magnificent piece that collectors are snapping up. This CHANEL collector's bag ...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- 1980s Bottega Veneta Rectangular HandbagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Bottega Veneta bag comes to you in a soft cream colored leather. Unique rectangular silhouette- slightly oversized. Structured top handle and magnetic clasp closure. Suede inter...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Rare Ileene Reeves 1970s Handpainted Fairytale Fairies Vintage Handbag 70s PurseLocated in San Diego, CARare mid 1970s ILEENE REEVES hand painted plexiglass novelty handbag! Features fairies, flowers, mushrooms and daisies throughout. Secure front closure. Interior features a mirror on...Category
1970s American Novelty Bags
- Carlo Zini Jewel BagBy Carlo ZiniLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITStunning Carlo Zini Milano jewel bag One of the world's best bijoux designers Textile White color Black inserts Wonderful swarovski crystals applications Leather handles Can be carri...Category
2010s Italian 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.