Hermes Birkin 30 Taurillon Clemence Rose
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.86 in (22.5 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor signs of use. Stickers on hardware still intact. Minor rubs on the interior bottom of the bag.
- Seller Location:Indianapolis, IN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3882220810662
Birkin Bag
Since its 1984 debut, the Hermès Birkin bag has become a coveted status symbol as much as it has an exclusive collector’s piece. The handbag is among the most expensive in the world, and the appetite for the accessory is well-known inside and outside the fashion industry.
The history of the Birkin bag owes to a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to London in 1981, when British actress, singer and model Jane Birkin found herself describing her ideal handbag to another passenger. The two travelers hadn’t properly met, so it wasn’t immediately clear that she was practically brainstorming a future product with Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas. When the latter identified himself, he told the star that Hermès was prepared to produce the accessory of her dreams. A discussion followed that involved rough sketches on an Air France airsickness bag, and the Birkin was introduced three years later.
A spacious and symmetrical rectangular bag that features dual handles as compared to the trapezoidal single-handle frame of the company’s popular Kelly, the Birkin has amassed a rabidly enthusiastic fan base since its inception. Because it is so pricey and sought after, the goatskin-lined Birkin has frequently been targeted by counterfeiters, and its modest aesthetic and understated branding prevent it from being easily discernible from fakes. An array of metallic hardware fixtures, most often produced in gold or palladium, helps distinguish this dynamic handcrafted tote, and likely assisted the French police officers who broke up an international counterfeit Birkin operation in 2012.
Among the characteristics that are integral to determining a Birkin’s authenticity as well as rendering it a truly desirable collector’s item are the signature lock and accompanying keys. The latter are tucked inside a lanyard made from a single piece of leather and draped around one of the handles. There are scuff-resistant base studs, too — a defense system to shield the durable leather exterior from damage should its owner park it on a gritty sidewalk. The studs are hammered in and can’t twist off, so there isn’t any danger of the bag losing its feet.
Each tote is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and the exotic leathers — a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile — are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France. Owing to the artisan construction effort behind this globally adored accessory, it may take up to several days to produce a single Birkin bag.
Jane had to wait for hers, too.
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Indianapolis, IN
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte On the Go GM CremeBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte On the Go GM in Crème is a luxurious and sophisticated tote that seamlessly merges style with practicality. Crafted from the iconic Monogram Empr...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Giant Reverse On the Go GMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Monogram Giant Reverse On the Go GM effortlessly captures attention with its bold and contemporary design. Featuring the iconic Monogram pattern in a striking, over...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Saleya MMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Saleya MM is a sophisticated and versatile tote bag that exudes timeless elegance. Crafted from the iconic Damier Azur coated canvas, the bag showcases ...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Chanel Canvas Deauville Tote Bag Light BeigeBy ChanelLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Chanel Canvas Deauville Tote Bag in Light Beige is a chic and versatile accessory that effortlessly blends casual elegance with the iconic Chanel aesthetic. Crafted from durable ...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 35By Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 35 is a quintessential and iconic handbag that embodies the timeless elegance and luxury. With its classic design and spacious interior, it has rema...Category
1990s European Top Handle Bags
- Gucci GG Marmont Leather Compact Wallet PinkBy GucciLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Gucci GG Marmont Leather Compact Wallet in Pink a stylish and compact accessory that seamlessly fuses luxury with modern design. Meticulously crafted from smooth leather, the wallet features the iconic GG Marmont chevron...Category
2010s Italian Wallets
- Vintage Rare Chanel Woven Straw Lambskin Beige Shopper ToteBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel White Monogram ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 14 Inches Height: 10.75 Inches Material: LeatherCategory
1990s Tote Bags
- Chanel Black Patent ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 12 Inches Height: 9.75 Inches Material: Patent LeatherCategory
1990s Tote Bags
- Chanel Blue Deauville Grand Shopping Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA chic Chanel blue Deauville Grand Shopping Tote bag. The exterior of this tote is crafted in blue canvas with silver-tone hardware. It features an interwoven chain link with blue le...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Chanel Vintage Lambskin Maxi JumboBy ChanelLocated in London, GBChanel Vintage Lambskin Maxi Jumbo This Chanel Vintage Lambskin Maxi Jumbo is a classic and timeless piece that is sure to add a touch of luxury to a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Tote Bags
- Chanel Taupe Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBChanel Taupe Tote Bag Condition: Good Condition Colour: Taupe Box: No Dust bag: No Size: 32 x 20 x 13 cm - Drop 47cm Material: Caviar Calf Leather , Gold Hardware This Chanel t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
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.
These Custom and Rare Birkin Bags Are a Collector’s Dream
An Hermès Birkin might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough. For every kind of Birkin-phile, we present some of the most exclusive bags from our discerning dealers.