HERMES Swift Etoupe Kelly/Bolide Bag Strap PHW
View Similar Items
HERMES Swift Etoupe Kelly/Bolide Bag Strap PHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 100-68901stDibs: LU204984952
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.
- Chanel RARE COLLECTORS Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag Necklace Made In: France Year of Production: 1990s Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Satin Lining: Leather Closure/Opening...Category
1990s French Novelty Bags
- Chanel Blue Lambskin Leather Quilted Large Gusset Flap WalletBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Blue Lambskin Quilted Large Gusset Flap Wallet Made In: Spain Year of Production: 2014-2014 Color: Blue Hardware: Silvertone and blue enam...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Wallets
- Chanel Blue Nylon Coco Cocoon Cosmetic Clutch BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Blue Nylon Quilted Coco Cocoon Cosmetic Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2009-2010 Color: Blue Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Nylon with leather trim Lining: Black nyl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cosmetic Bags
- Prada Black Tessuto Nylon Saffiano Wristlet BagBy PradaLocated in New York, NYPrada Black Tessuto Nylon Saffiano Wristlet Bag. Features detachable wrist strap Made In: Italy Color: Black Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Nylon Lining...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pouches and Wristlets
- Hermes Black/Gold Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Adjustable Belt/PouchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Black/Gold Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Belt/Pouch Made In: France Year of Production: 2023 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Epsom l...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pouches and Wristlets
- Saint Laurent Black Monogram Chevron Leather Compact Zip Around WalletBy Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYSaint Laurent Monogram Chevron Leather Compact Zip Around Wallet Made In: Italy Color: Black Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Grained leather Lining: Grained leather Closure/Opening:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets
- Unused Chanel Silver Metallic Leather Micro Mini Chain Belt BagBy ChanelLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Unused Vintage Chanel silver metallic leather micro mini chain belt bag from year 1997 to 1999 collection (Serial 5). - Flap and push button closure. - Length: 3.75 inches. H...Category
1990s French Belt Bags
- 1990s Chanel Vintage Quilted Top Handle Black Cosmetic & Jewelry Hand Bag VanityBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Quilted Top Handle Black Cosmetic & Jewelry Hand Bag Vanity This gorgeous hand bag was crafted from diamond quilted b...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- VALENTINO Model 'My Rockstud' Bag in Black and Beige Bicolour LeatherBy ValentinoLocated in Paris, FRValentino bag 'My Rockstud' model in black and beige leather. Snap closure. Gold jewelry. Inside, 2 storage spaces separated by a central pocket. Address door. Will be delivered in a Valentino box.Category
2010s Italian Wallets and Small Accessories
- Hermès Special Order Vintage Convertible Kelly 15cm Sellier with Constance BeltBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHermès Vert Moyen Lizard Leather Special Order Vintage Convertible Kelly 15cm Sellier with Constance Belt CONDITION NOTES The exterior is in excellent condit...Category
1980s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Vanity Case Clutch Rare Vintage 90's Makeup Orange Caviar SatchelBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vanity Case Clutch Rare Vintage 90's Makeup Orange Caviar Leather SatchelCategory
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Rodeo MM Horse Bag Charm Rare Anemone New w/ BoxBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuarranteed authentic rare limited Hermes Rodeo MM Anemone Rodeo horse bag charm with Bleu Izmir tail and mane. Saddle and holder are Fauve. Skin is la...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.