Hermes Touareg Silver Necklace, 2001
View Similar Items
Hermes Touareg Silver Necklace, 2001
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.
- South Sea Pearl with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold SettingsLocated in Bangkok, THSouth Sea Pearl with Diamond 0.37 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.4 cm Total Weight: 4.81 grams South Sea Pearl : 11....Category
2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Important 125 Carat Rubellite Necklace And Ring SetLocated in New York, NYImportant 125 Carat Rubellite Necklace And Ring Set This beautiful set has a necklace featuring a important center cushion cut rubellite tourmalin...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Rubelite, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yel...
$130,000 / set - Antique Enamel Gold Locket PendantLocated in Cairo, EGAntique russian locket pendant in enamel light blue colour centered with 1 old mine cut diamond stone with total 14k gold weight of 8.50 grams a...Category
Antique 1850s Pendant Necklaces
- Gold Heart Slide with Diamonds and Pyramid Pattern Necklace in 18K GoldBy Alison Nagasue AKN DesignLocated in Rutherford, NJThe yellow 18K Gold version of the Heart Slide with the unique Pyramid texture in matte and white diamonds will add a surprise sparkle play. 18K yellow gold adds another dimension in...Category
2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Rose Quartz Ruby Diamond Valentine Pendant NecklaceBy Vaibhav DhaddaLocated in Jaipur, Rajasthan18 karat yellow gold heart rose quartz ruby diamond valentine pendant necklace This beautiful elegant pendant features a natural Rose Quartz heart s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 16.40 Carat Pear Shaped Emerald and White Diamond Pendant with White Gold ChainLocated in Hong Kong, HK16.40 Carat Pear Shaped Emerald And White Diamond Pendant With White Gold Chain: A magnificent and rare Pear Shaped Emerald weighing 16.40 carat, it forms a wonderful pendant with a...Category
2010s Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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.