Hermes Bracelet Collier de Chien "Medor" in Purple Leather
View Similar Items
Hermes Bracelet Collier de Chien "Medor" in Purple Leather
About the Item
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.
- Vintage 1972 Van Cleef Barquerolles BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in London, GBFrom the sought-after Barquerolles collection that has reached the highest auction prices, this is a unique piece dated 1972. * 14ct yellow gold set with white diamonds * Engraved ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
- Tiffany & Co. French Aquamarine and Diamond BraceletBy Tiffany & Co.Located in New York, NYDating from the 1930s, this Tiffany & Co. aquamarine and diamond bracelet was made in France. It is designed as strap of flexible oval-cut aquamarines, approximate total weight 32.40 carats, centering a stepped platinum ribbon bow with pavé-set diamond band, and completed by a buckle clasp. Stylized and flowing, with sparkling diamond highlights, this bracelet sits balanced on the wrist, its cool blue and matte platinum streamlined form both playful and dynamic. Product Details: Item #: BA-20586 Artist: Tiffany & Co. Country: France Circa: 1930's Dimensions: 6.5" length x 0.75" width Materials: 32 round diamonds (with approximate total weight 1.25 carats); 54 oval aquamarines (with approximate total weight 32.40 carats); Platinum Signed: Tiffany & Co from France. Importation mark Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes: From the 1848, when Charles L. Tiffany went to Europe to purchase important diamonds from aristocracy feeling revolution, Tiffany has maintained ties with Paris and French design. His sophisticated, well-connected representative in Paris, Gideon Reed, patronized the great jewelers of the second half of the 19th century, providing important support for rising stars like Frédéric Boucheron and securing their world class work for Tiffany's clients in New York. Louis Tiffany often exhibited his art in Paris, alongside his father and solo. In the mid 20th century, Walter Hoving and Van Day Truex entrusted the firm's revival to American and European designers steeped in world art traditions. In hiring the creative genius Jean Schlumberger to lead the jewelry department, they secured Tiffany an...Category
Vintage 1930s French Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsAquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
- HERMES NEW 18K White Gold Diamond Matte Crocodile Himalaya Kelly Cuff BraceletBy HermèsLocated in Chicago, ILNEW Condition Matte Nitoticus Crocodile Himalaya 18K White Gold Diamond Inner Circumference 6.25" Includes Storage Pouch and Box Width 1.25" 100% Authenticity Guaranteed by NEWFOUND...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
$102,820 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - M. Buccellati Gold Ruby Cuff BraceletBy BuccellatiLocated in Lambertville, NJ18K YELLOW & WHITE GOLD Rubies , approx.1.00ctw MEASUREMENTS will fit 6 1/3 -6 1/5" wrist, 15mm wide (INCH=25mm) MARKED:m. buccellati , italy,750 WEIGHT 41.6gCategory
20th Century Italian Cuff Bracelets
Unavailable$14,000 - Baccarat Merveille Gilt Sterling Silver and Crystal Moi et Toi Cuff BraceletBy BaccaratLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine Baccarat Merveille 'Moi et Toi' bracelet. In vermeil or gilt sterling silver with amber-colored, spherical glass stones. Simply great wearable design from one of France's le...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsCrystal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
- 12.16 Carat Cabochon Cut Chrysoprase and 2.42 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold BraceletLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneA stunning vintage 12.16 carat chrysoprase and 2.42 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold bracelet; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This...Category
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsChrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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.