Hermes Turquoise Blue Togo Birkin 35 GHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- 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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Valentino Ivory Nappa Leather Large Roman Stud Shoulder BagBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Valentino Ivory Nappa Leather Large Roman Stud Shoulder Bag SKU: 117641 MSRP: 4750.00 Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Exce...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Reverse Giant Monogram Canvas OnTheGo GMBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Reverse Giant Monogram Canvas OnTheGo GM SKU: 131409 MSRP: 3250.00 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Blue Glacial Cluny MMBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Blue Glacial Cluny MM SKU: 130127 MSRP: 2570.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condition with minor signs of wear. Heavy patina at leather. Exterior scuffing, marks and at strap. Heavy scratching and tarnishing at hardware. Interior heavy scuffing and marks. Brand: Louis Vuitton Model: Cluny Origin Country: Spain Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag;Top Handle Occasions: Everyday;Fall/Winter;Spring/Summer;Work Size (Generic): Medium Size (Specific): MM Year Manufactured: 2020 Features Interior: One zip pocket. Interior Material: Fabric Interior Color (Generic): Brown Handbag Closure Type: Magnetic...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Empreinte Giant Onthego MMBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Empreinte Giant Onthego MM SKU: 132876 MSRP: 3400.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Raisin Togo Kelly Retourne 35 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermès Raisin Togo Kelly Retourne 35 PHW SKU: 111993 MSRP: Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Condition Description: Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition ...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Bleu Orage Clémence Birkin 35 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYCONDITION Very Good Condition. Plastic on some hardware. Tiny scuffs to corners. DETAILS Dimensions: 13.5"Lx 10"Hx 7"D Handle Drop: 5.5 in Features Interior: One zip pocket. One s...Category
2010s French Top Handle 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
- Nancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc HandbagBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in West Palm Beach, FLNancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc Handbag. This bag is in good condition with a few beads being loose and some minor bottom wear. The beads are ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHWBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHW Circa 90's This beautiful structured handbag in a beautiful deep red lizard color, is in excellent condition. It has an art dec...Category
1990s American Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lockme Bicor Black WhiteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Lockme model, made of black and white two -tone leather with silver hardware. Equipped with a header with interlocking, internamnete covered in black suede,...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Capucines GM Top Handle Bag Black LeatherBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Capucines model, size GM, made of black grained leather with beige inserts and silver hardware. Equipped with a central flap, internally lined in smooth bla...Category
2010s 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
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.