Hermes Paris Vintage Gray Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Handbag
View Similar Items
Hermes Paris Vintage Gray Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:A - EXCELLENT CONDITION - Some general light wear and darkness of use (color discoloration). Very light wear on the bottom corners.
- Seller Location:Rome, IT
- Reference Number:Seller: H8439-XXY1stDibs: LU23227344101
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.
- Bottega Veneta Blue Printed Canvas Intrecciolusion Tote Shopping BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Rome, RomeBeautiful Bottega Veneta 'Intrecciolusion' tote in blue color from the 2012. Intreccio woven print. Blue leather handles. Open top. Blue canvas lining. Bottega Veneta authenticity la...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Yves Saint Laurent Brown Leather Large Muse Tote Shoulder BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Rome, RomeIconic YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Large Muse bag' indark brown leather. The bag features gold metal hardware, whip stitching and the iconic Muse padlock detailing on the front (Keys are inc...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Yves Saint Laurent Beige Canvas Taupe Leather Tote BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Rome, RomeYVES SAINT LAURENT beige canvas tote bag with grey taupe leather trim. The bag features silver metal hand, Y-shaped lrather trim on the sides, op...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Gucci Vintage Black Canvas Front Pockets Bamboo Tote BagBy GucciLocated in Rome, RomeBeautiful Gucci Bamboo tote bag in black canvas and leather. Double distinctive Bamboo handles. Upper zipper closure on top. 2 open pockets on th...Category
20th Century Italian Tote Bags
- Celine Vintage Brown Macadam Canvas Small Tote Shoulder BagBy CelineLocated in Rome, RomeCeline Brown 'Macadam' Canvas Small Tote bag with genuine leather handles and trim. Open top. 2 main open sections and 1 middle zip section. Brown lining. 1 side open pocket inside. ...Category
1990s French Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton 2003 LV Cup Limited Edition Grey Vinyl Tote ShopperBy Louis VuittonLocated in Rome, RomeRare Louis Vuitton American Cup 2003 large tote bag, limited edition. The America's Cup is the oldest active nautical trophy in internationa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton X Fornasetti Monogram Canvas Cameo Speedy Bandoulière 25 BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2On LV's iconic Speedy, we witness prolific Italian artist Fornasetti's stunning artwork over the signature monogram prints. The Louis Vuitton X Fornasetti bag...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Balenciaga Black Leather Cable Shopper ToteBy BalenciagaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This shopper tote from the luxury fashion label, Balenciaga, is handy and the structure of the creation gives it a stylish edge. It is made of leather and designed with a front brand...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Dior White Cannage Patent Leather Large Lady Dior ToteBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Due to detailed and innovative designs, Dior has managed to be at the top of fashion's hierarchy through the years. Infuse the signature aesthetics of the brand into your outfit by a...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Fendi Grey Leather Petite 2Jours ToteBy FendiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This alluring tote bag for women has been designed to assist you on any day. Convenient to carry and fashionably designed, the tote is cut with skill and sewn into a great shape. It ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
Sold$1,022 - Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Uzes Tote Manhattan Style Tote 82lz817sBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: MB0035 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 14" Width: 4" Height: 11.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of We...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Totally PM Tote Bag 1L615aBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: SF2144 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 15" Width: 4.5" Height: 9.75" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9.5" OVERALL FAIR CONDITION ( 6/10 or C ) Signs of We...Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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.