HERMES Taurillon Clemence Top Belt Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 9.06 in (23 cm)Length: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:
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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes HAC 50 Cognac OstrichBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRRare Vintage Piece. Zipper, clochette, keys (2) and padlock included. Delivered in its original Hermes Dustbag. Corners of the bag are slightly used because of the time (see photos)....Category
1990s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- GUCCI Bag In Red PythonBy GucciLocated in Paris, FRGucci bag in red python. Gold jewelry. The interior is red lamb leather with multiple pockets, one with a zipper. Worn on the shoulder or crossbody with a r...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Large Pegasus Model Rolling Suitcase in Damier Ebene CanvasBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRLouis Vuitton large Pegasus model rolling suitcase in damier Ebene canvas. It is very light. It contains a lot. In very good used condition (a snag on the right side). It has a to...Category
2010s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Cruiser BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRBeautiful vintage LOUIS VUITTON Cruiser bag from 1996 Condition: excellent Made in France Collection : Cruiser Genre : unisex Material : Monogram coated ca...Category
1990s French Luggage and Travel Bags
- Hermes Hac 40 crocodile graphiteBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES HAC 40 travel bag Condition: very good condition Country of manufacture: France Model : Haut à courroies Size: 40 Gender: unisex Material: matt Porosus ...Category
2010s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Trunk / Hard Case In Brown Canvas:By Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRThis beautiful trunk (hard case) LOUIS VUITTON is in monogram canvas. This is the model Bisten 70. The hardware is gold metal. The lining is canvas. The rounded handle is leather. Th...Category
2010s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Hermes Rock Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Bag Volupto Leather Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes limited edition HAC Rock Birkin 40 (Haut a Courroies) bag featured in Black and Volupto leather. The bag features a diagonal saddle shaped zippered pocket...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Large Louis Vuitton Bag 50, Large Louis Vuitton Duffle Bag, Louis Vuitton TravelBy Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-ouen, FRThis beautiful travel bag features monogram canvas and gently tanned leather. This large size is no longer available in Louis Vuitton stores. This is a collector piece. It features i...Category
Late 20th Century French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Tumi Golden Bronze-Tangerine Nylon Zippered Top Double-Handle Tote BagBy TumiLocated in New York, NYTumi wonderfully detailed golden bronze-Tangerine nylon zippered top double-handle tote bag has a large zipper compartment as well as two open compartments within the interior...Category
Early 2000s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- Hermes Hac 40 Vert Veronese with Ecru and Vert Amande Toile Birkin BagBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a rare Hermes HAC 40 bag featured in Vert Veronese with Ecru and Vert Amande Criss Cross Toile. A chic and masculine combination for th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Brown Monogram Canvas Keepall Luggage Bag 50, Boston BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYA Louis Vuitton logo-printed Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 with leather trim with bring a touch of heritage luxury wherever you carry it. Over all very good condition, I have added lots ...Category
2010s Unknown Top Handle Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Brown Monogram Canvas Keepall Luggage Bag 55By Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYA Louis Vuitton logo-printed Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 with leather trim with bring a touch of heritage luxury wherever you carry it. Over all good condition, I have added lots of pi...Category
2010s Unknown Top Handle Bags
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.