Hermès Palladium Chain and Bordeaux Swift Leather Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 31.5 in (80 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1028117669092
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Green Pony Hair and Draped Chains Runway BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Green Pony Hair and Draped Chains Runway Belt is in excellent plus condition. Extremely rare and collectible, this unique piece combines leather, metals and po...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Black Leather Bow Belt with ChainsBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Bow Belt is in mint condition. Black leather belt is covered with black wool fabric and has a central bow closure. Three differe...Category
Early 2000s French Belts
- Chanel Green Pony Hair and Draped Chains Runway BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Green Pony Hair and Draped Chains Runway Belt is in excellent plus condition. Extremely rare and collectible, this unique piece combines leather, metals and po...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Chanel Red Leather and Chain Medallion Belt NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Leather and Chain Medallion Belt Necklace is in excellent vintage condition. Red leather is interwoven with 24 karat gold plated chain, measuring approxima...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Chanel Black Leather Quilted Handbag Buckle Belt 75/30By ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Quilted Handbag Buckle Belt is in very good condition form the late 1990’s. Black leather adjustable belt in size 75...Category
1990s French Belts
- Hermès Gold H Bubbles Belt BuckleBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Gold H Bubbles Belt Buckle is in pristine condition. PBF 11938Category
2010s Belts
- Hermès Black Reversible H Logo Belt Kit Silver 57h816sBy HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: J in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 39.75" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Lengt...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Hermès Black x Brown x Gold 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 49h421sBy HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYHermès Black x Brown x Gold 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 49h421s Date Code/Serial Number: A in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 30" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERA...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Leather belt with metallic and rhinestone snake head buckle Roberto CavalliBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack leather belt with metallic, resin cabochon and rhinestone snake head buckle. SIZE XL Measures: 110 cm X 3 cm New with tag, autenticity hologram and box.Category
2010s Italian Belts
- FW 2007 Chanel 9 Chainlink rows Belt T85By ChanelLocated in PARIS, FRChanel belt composed of 9 rows of forçat chain in blackened silver metal, closure with square pin buckle. Size 85 cm, total length 92 cm, closure 82-88 cm (1 hole at 82 cm, 1 at 85 c...Category
Early 2000s French Belts
- Vintage Native American Indian Sterling Turquoise Belt Buckle by Art TafoyaLocated in Greenport, NYBeautiful Vintage Native American Indian Sterling Turquoise Belt Buckle by Art Tafoya Signed 100% Sterling Silver & turquoise.Category
1970s Belts
- GIANFRANCO FERRE Leather BeltBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLRare Gianfranco Ferre Belt. Gianfranco Ferré was an Italian fashion designer known for his elegant and sophisticated designs. He was often referred to as ...Category
1990s Italian Belts
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.