Hermes Beige Canvas and Ebene Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware HAC Birkin 50
View Similar Items
Hermes Beige Canvas and Ebene Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware HAC Birkin 50
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Length: 19.69 in (50 cm)
- Style:Birkin 50 (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Gently Used (This item has minor scuffs at the bottom exterior Leather corner edges, light scratches on leather buckle hardware and minor scratches on hardware feet studs. Overall, it's in excellent condition.).
- Seller Location:Dubai, AE
- Reference Number:Seller: 2877571stDibs: LU131019872182
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.
- Balenciaga Cream Leather GSH Brief ToteBy BalenciagaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This GSH Brief tote from Balenciaga is perfect for all your outings. This bag is made from leather and is unique in its silhouette, and it features an interplay of large studs and bu...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Beige Pebbled Leather Dotty ToteBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Dotty tote from the House of Salvatore Ferragamo is super classy and functional, perfect for everyday use. It is made from beige pebbled leather on the exterior with a silver-to...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Etro Yellow Paisley Embossed Patent Leather ToteBy EtroLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Featuring two handles and silver-tone hardware, this paisley-embossed patent leather tote by Etro exudes just the right amount of sophistication. The bag also features a capacious co...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Saint Laurent Beige Leather Large Sac De Jour ToteBy Saint LaurentLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Sac de Jour tote by Saint Laurent has a structure that simply spells sophistication. Crafted from beige leather, the bag is held by double top handles. The tote comes with a sue...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Aigner Cream Leather Cavallina ToteBy AignerLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Designed to look nothing but flawless, this Cavallina bag from Aigner is a dream you can add to your collection! Fabulous in cream, it comes crafted from leather and features dual to...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Beige Leather ToteBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This lovely tote bag is a creation that you cannot miss out on! Designed by Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy, it is crafted from quality leather and comes in a lovely shade of beige. It ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Chanel Vintage 90's Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote Bag W 10.63 inch, H 7.87 inch, D 3.15 inch Year 1994 Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Shopping Resort 2011 Laser Cut Icon Icons Taupe Beige Calfskin Suede BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Taupe Laser Cut Icon Suede Calfskin Icons Tote Year 2011 Resort Silver hardware Classic interwoven chain Suede taupe calfskin leather Laser cut icons and beige fringe stitc...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Gallery Dept Riot Beige Canvas Tote BagLocated in Bear, DEGallery Dept Beige Canvas Tote Bag Riot / Art on Display Josue Thomas Brand new All sales are finalCategory
2010s Tote Bags
- Prada Raffia ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 17.5” inches Height: 12.5” inches Material: raffiaCategory
1990s Tote Bags
- 1994 Chanel Kisses & Lips Limited Edition Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITChanel signed bag, Tote model, Kisses & Lips limited edition, made of cream-colored plastic-coated canvas with pink decorations and golden hardware. It is not equipped with any type ...Category
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Stella McCartney Logo BagBy Stella McCartneyLocated in London, GBStella McCartney Logo Bag Light beige linen canvas woven bag. With black trim, large logo to the front, shoulder strap, base. Carry handles and a matching removable purse/walle...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
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.