HERMES gold-plated & cognac Ostrich leather strap KELLY Watch
View Similar Items
HERMES gold-plated & cognac Ostrich leather strap KELLY Watch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Zürich, CH
- Reference Number:Seller: 399701stDibs: LU138025463742
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 stainless steel & black PREMIERE ICON CHAIN WatchBy ChanelLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Chanel Première watch in steel with black leather Icon Chain strap and black lacquered dial. Steel crown with onyx cabochon and clasp closure with cover. Has been worn...Category
Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches
- Hermes Etoupe leather APPLE WATCH DOUBLE TOUR 38mm, Series 2By HermèsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Hermès Apple Watch in stainless steel with interchangable double wrap Etoupe (taupe) Barenia leather strap and orange rubber sports b...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
- Hermes black leather & steel H HEURE MINI 21mm Watch White DialBy HermèsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Hermès Heure H Watch Mini Modèle 21mm in steel with a white dial and sunburst stamped. Quartz movement and strap made of black Epso...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
- BOTTEGA VENETA sterling silver Intrecciato woven Bangle BraceletBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CHBottega Veneta silver bracelet handmade using the label's signature Intrecciato techniques. Opens with a push clasp fastening. Has been ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Bangles
- GUCCI clear RHINESTONE Necklace with PendantBy GucciLocated in Zürich, CHGucci necklace embellished with crystals to a metal base with a palladium finish. Formed by the initials of the House's founder Guccio Gucci, the classic Interlocking G logo is refas...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
- BOTTEGA VENETA oxidised sterling silver HAMMERED Bangle BraceletBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CHauthentic Bottega Veneta oxidized hammered bangle bracelet in sterling silver. Has been worn and are in excellent condition. Comes with box and dust bag. Tag Size M Circumference 2...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
- Miriam Salat Brown and White Topaz Medallion Cuff in Black Resin and Sterling SiBy Miriam SalatLocated in Dallas, TXThis amazing Miriam Salat black resin and sterling silver cuff bracelet features a medallion with brown and white topaz. Cuff measures apx. 6-1/2 inches in circumference and apx. 1-1...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches
- Miriam Salat Brown and White Topaz Medallion Cuff in Black Resin and Sterling SiBy Miriam SalatLocated in Dallas, TXThis amazing Miriam Salat black resin and sterling silver cuff bracelet features a medallion with brown and white topaz. Cuff measures apx. 6-1/2 inches in circumference and apx. 1-1...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches
- Rare Omega Seamaster watch from the 1960sBy OmegaLocated in Boostedt, SHA beautiful and original Omega Seamaster watch from the 1960s. The original light blue bezel is rare, original and makes this watch very special. You don´t see it too often. The wa...Category
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Datejust 36mm Silver Pink FaceBy RolexLocated in Double Bay, AURolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Silver Pink Face Condition: Brand new Material: Stainless steel Year: 2023 Size: 36mm Inclusion: F...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
- Rolex Rose Gold Datejust WatchBy RolexLocated in Miami Beach, FLRolex Rose Gold Datejust Watch This is an authentic Rolex rose gold Datejust Oyster Perpetual 36mm with all links attached. Comes with box an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Bulgari Serpent Seduttori Diamond WatchBy BulgariLocated in Miami Beach, FLBulgari Serpent Seduttori Diamond Watch This is an authentic Bulgari Serpent Seduttori watch. This watch features a stainless steel case, stainless st...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose 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.