Hermès Black Ardennes Leather Vintage Birkin HAC 32cm Retourne
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 10.24 in (26 cm)Width: 12.6 in (32 cm)Depth: 6.3 in (16 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bishop's Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:
Birkin Bag
Since its 1984 debut, the Hermès Birkin bag has become a coveted status symbol as much as it has an exclusive collector’s piece. The handbag is among the most expensive in the world, and the appetite for the accessory is well-known inside and outside the fashion industry.
The history of the Birkin bag owes to a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to London in 1981, when British actress, singer and model Jane Birkin found herself describing her ideal handbag to another passenger. The two travelers hadn’t properly met, so it wasn’t immediately clear that she was practically brainstorming a future product with Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas. When the latter identified himself, he told the star that Hermès was prepared to produce the accessory of her dreams. A discussion followed that involved rough sketches on an Air France airsickness bag, and the Birkin was introduced three years later.
A spacious and symmetrical rectangular bag that features dual handles as compared to the trapezoidal single-handle frame of the company’s popular Kelly, the Birkin has amassed a rabidly enthusiastic fan base since its inception.
Because it is so pricey and sought after, the goatskin-lined Birkin has frequently been targeted by counterfeiters, and its modest aesthetic and understated branding prevent it from being easily discernible from fakes. An array of metallic hardware fixtures, most often produced in gold or palladium, helps distinguish this dynamic handcrafted tote, and likely assisted the French police officers who broke up an international counterfeit Birkin operation in 2012.
Among the characteristics that are integral to determining a Birkin’s authenticity as well as rendering it a truly desirable collector’s item are the signature lock and accompanying keys. The latter are tucked inside a lanyard made from a single piece of leather and draped around one of the handles. There are scuff-resistant base studs, too — a defense system to shield the durable leather exterior from damage should its owner park it on a gritty sidewalk. The studs are hammered in and can’t twist off, so there isn’t any danger of the bag losing its feet.
Each tote is hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and the exotic leathers — a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile — are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France. Owing to the artisan construction effort behind this globally adored accessory, it may take up to several days to produce a single Birkin bag.
Jane had to wait for hers, too.
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: Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Leather & Iridescent Calfskin Daily Carry MessengerBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireChanel Black Quilted Caviar Leather & Iridescent Calfskin Daily Carry Messenger Brand- Chanel Model- Daily Carry Messenger Product Type- Crossbody, Shoulder, Top Handle Serial Numbe...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Prada Burgundy Saffiano Leather Work BagBy PradaLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshirePrada Burgundy Saffiano Leather Work Bag Brand- Prada Model- Work Bag Product Type- Tote Serial Number- ** Accompanied By- Clochette Colour- Burgundy...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Prada Burgundy Saffiano Leather Work BagBy PradaLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshirePrada Burgundy Saffiano Leather Work Bag Brand- Prada Model- Work Bag Product Type- Shoulder, Tote Serial Number- 20* Accompanied By- Prada Dust Bag,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- HERMÈS Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm SellierBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Serial Number: (X) Age (Circa): 1994 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Shoulder Strap Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (M...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Mini NoeBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Mini Noe Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- Mini Noe Product Type- Top Handle Serial Number- AR**** Age- Circa 2004 Colour- Br...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- 1990 Hermès Black Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 28cm SellierBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Black Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 28cm Sellier Serial Number: (T) Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Padlock, Keys, Clochette, Shoulder Strap Authenticity Details: Date Stamp ...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Black patent leather hand-bag LancelLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack patent leather hand-bag. Cotton Toile de Jouy lining. 2 front pockets with magnet snap button and a third one with zip closure. Drawstring on both side ended with pompoms. Slap...Category
2010s Unknown Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Brushed Leather Large ToteBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAChanel balck brushed tiles large leather tote, handle drop 11.5". Collection 14, 2011. lightweigth for all seasons . Comes with hologram and origina...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM handbag, top handle, 1998By Louis VuittonLocated in NEWARK, GBA gorgeous classic, Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM top handle handbag. Coated canvas with the signature LV monogram design, Vachetta leather trim and handles with gold tone hardware. Lined in brown cotton fabric...Category
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Bag in Black Patent Vinyl Circa 1990By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1990/2000 France Vintage handbag in black patent vinyl imitating scratched skin by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the late 2000s. Inspired by the 1940s and Saharan spirit...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- S/S 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Debut Black Crocodile Bamboo Top Handle Frame BagBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting No one knows how to sell sexy better than designer Tom Ford. As part of his debut collection at Gucci, this bag embodies his dedication to eleva...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel New Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNew Chanel Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition Backpack Fall Spring 2016 Blue navy tweed Top Handle Front pocket Decorative patches Firm ...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
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.
These Custom and Rare Birkin Bags Are a Collector’s Dream
An Hermès Birkin might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough. For every kind of Birkin-phile, we present some of the most exclusive bags from our discerning dealers.