Hermes Purse "Silk in Veau" Epsom Leather Blue Paon PHW 2016
View Similar Items
Hermes Purse "Silk in Veau" Epsom Leather Blue Paon PHW 2016
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 3.15 in (8 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wallet, notecase,billfold
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: PR0016191stDibs: LU6041857243
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 Jaipur Epsom Leather Wallet HR-1111P-0009By HermèsLocated in Downey, CA"Hermès Jaipur Epsom Leather Wallet HR-1111P-0009 World renowned luxury brand Hermes are known for their quality in leather and materials. A simple yet ...Category
2010s French Wallets
- Gucci Marmont GG Monogram Long Wallet GG-1217P-0004By GucciLocated in Downey, CAGucci Marmont GG Monogram Long Wallet GG-1217P-0004 This Gucci elegant baby blue GG marmont logo is chic way to organize your essentials like your bills and cards with ease. It feat...Category
2010s Italian Wallets
- Prada Saffiano Peonia Fiocco Bow Zip Around Wallet PR-W1005P-A002By PradaLocated in Downey, CAThis pre-loved Prada wallet is a great addition to any purse or collection! The saffiano leather is durable and beautiful, and the gold-tone hardware adds a touch of luxury. The butt...Category
2010s Wallets
- Hermes Jige Duo Wallet / Clutch Blue Paon Matte Alligator NewBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes Jige Duo Wallet featured in peacock Blue Paon Matte Alligator. This stunning Hermes Duo wallet also doubles as a clutch. ...Category
2010s French Wallets
- Louis Vuitton Illusion Leather Wallet BNBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CABeautiful credit card holder from the SS22 Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh Illusion Mens collection. Stunning neon embossed leather with matching stitching. The classic Pocket Organizer, a practical all-in-one wallet, gets a futuristic make-over in Taurillon Illusion...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets and Small Accessories
- Hermes Calvi Sailor Tattoo Blue Indigo Jaune De Naples Bi-Color Card HolderBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes Calvi card holder features embossed Sailor Tattoo. Rich Blue Indigo swift leather and Jaune De Naples interior. The card holder has 2 slots for business/...Category
2010s French Wallets and Small Accessories
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.