2011 Hermes Black Clemence Leather Birkin 40cm
View Similar Items
2011 Hermes Black Clemence Leather Birkin 40cm
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 8.27 in (21 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:-The interior is in excellent condition with minimal signs of use. -The hardware is in excellent condition with minimal signs of use. -The corners are in excellent condition with minimal signs of use.
- Seller Location:Bishop's Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: HB22921stDibs: LU17025192042
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 Blue Indigo, Rouge Sellier & Framboise Epsom Leather Casaque Birkin 30cmBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Blue Indigo, Rouge Sellier & Framboise Epsom Leather Casaque Birkin 30cm Sellier Xupes Reference: HB5152 Serial Number: U Age (Circa): 2022 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, B...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
Sold$32,318Free Shipping - HERMÈS Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 35cm RetourneBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 35cm Retourne Xupes Reference: CB873 Serial Number: Y Age (Circa): 2020 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Padlock, Keys, Cloc...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Black Epi Leather Alma PMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON Black Epi Leather Alma PM Xupes Reference: CB707 Serial Number: FL0026 Age (Circa): 2006 Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in France) Gender: Ladies Type: Tote C...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Black Grained Calfskin Leather Lockme Shopper BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Black Grained Calfskin Leather Lockme Shopper Bag Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- Lockme Shopper Bag Product Type- Tote Serial Number- FL**** Age- Circa 2016 Accompanied B...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- GUCCI Black & Cream Diagonal Stitched Calfskin Leather Zumi ToteBy GucciLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireGUCCI Black & Cream Diagonal Stitched Calfskin Leather Zumi Tote Serial Number: 564714 520981 Age (Circa): 2021 Accompanied By: Care Booklet, Shoulder Strap Authenticity Details: Da...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Jumbo Classic Single Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireChanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Jumbo Classic Single Flap Bag Product Type- Crossbody, Shoulder Serial Number- 46***** Age- ...Category
1990s French Tote Bags
- Celine Micro Luggage Handbag in Black Smooth CalfskinBy CelineLocated in Scottsdale, AZMicro Luggage Handbag in smooth Calfskin with leather handles, a single zip closure, and a zipped outer pocket on the front. Retail price is $3,150. Brand: Celine Material: Calfskin...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Giant Reverse Canvas Onthego GM ToteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZFashioned from Monogram Giant canvas, the On The Go tote bag is as striking as it is practical. A Monogram Reverse pattern on the sides and handles creates a stylish contrast in colo...Category
2010s American Tote Bags
- Chanel Black Canvas Raw Edge Tote BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Black Canvas Raw Edge Tote Bag in excellent condition. Black woven canvas exterior with raw fringe edge canvas quilted pattern throughout. CC logo quilted in canvas on bottom ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Marc Jacobs black Nylon Beaded Tropical Chappy Bird ToteBy Marc JacobsLocated in Philadelphia, PAMarc Jacobs black Nylon Beaded Tropical Chappy Bird Tote in excellent condition. Black nylon exterior trimmed with a multicolor beaded parrot on the front side, ribbon tied sides, bl...Category
Early 2000s Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Aurore Monogram Olympe MM Tote (2012)By Louis VuittonLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis newer style tote bag from Louis Vuitton is called Olympe and this bag is made with monogram coated canvas with supple Aurore burgundy colored calf leather finishes. The bag feat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Fendi Vintage Black Canvas Zucchiano XL Mono Tote BagBy FendiLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis bag is made with black canvas with Fendi Zucchiano pattern throughout. Featuring leather trim, dual rolled leather handles, top zip closure, leather with logo interior lining an...Category
1990s Tote 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.