Hermès Buffalo Horn Pastel/Multicolour Lacquer Lena Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- 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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermès Buffalo Horn Brown Lacquer Lena NecklaceBy HermèsLocated in London, GBDiscover the stunning craftsmanship of the Lena Necklace from Hermès. •Made from luxurious buffalo horn, creating a beautifully unique and natural look •Rich brown •Comes with a du...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
- Hermès Buffalo Horn Orange/Multicolour Lacquer Lena NecklaceBy HermèsLocated in London, GBDiscover the stunning craftsmanship of the Lena Necklace from Hermès. •Made from luxurious buffalo horn •Creating a beautiful unique and natural look •Rich brown and bright colours ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
- Hermès Buffalo Horn Purple/Multicolour Lacquer Lena NecklaceBy HermèsLocated in London, GBDiscover the stunning craftsmanship of the Lena Necklace from Hermès. •Made from buffalo horn, creating a beautifully unique and natural look •Brown and purple bright colours •Comes...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
- Buffalo Horn Lacquer Lariat Style NecklaceBy HermèsLocated in London, GBDiscover the stunning craftsmanship of the Buffalo Horn Lacquer Lariat Style Necklace from Hermès. Made from luxurious buffalo horn Creates a beautifully unique and natural look Ric...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
- Korloff Diamond NecklaceBy KorloffLocated in London, GB* 18ct white gold * High jewellery piece * Never worn * Markings present * 14.13 carats of diamonds * 45.40 grams of gold * original price Euro 95000Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
- Chanel Long Pearl Necklace 15ABy ChanelLocated in London, GBNothing screams Chanel more than the pearl necklace. This piece is a beautiful example of a classic Chanel symbol and style in excellent condition. Scat...Category
2010s Drop Necklaces
- Circa 1920 Natural Unenhanced Burmese Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace TiaraLocated in London, GBBurmese sapphire and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty two cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphires in open back claw settings, ranging from sma...Category
Vintage 1920s Unknown Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
- 30 Carat Round Diamond Link Drop NecklaceLocated in New York, NYA simple statement piece showcasing diamond encrusted links made in 18k white gold. An intricately designed pendant elegantly drops from the necklace and is set with more brilliant d...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Diamond Panthere Maillon Links NecklaceBy CartierLocated in New York, NYFinely crafted in 18k yellow gold with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately a total of 15.00 carats. Signed by Cartier From their Panthere Links collections 16 1/4 inchesCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Boucheron Crystal Onyx Diamond Gold Link NecklaceBy BoucheronLocated in New York, NYGorgeous necklace by BOUCHERON is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with crystal, onyx and round brilliant cut diamonds. It also can be worn as two bracelets.Category
Vintage 1960s French Link Necklaces
MaterialsCrystal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
- Colored Rhinestone Belt or NecklaceLocated in Stamford, CTWild red, pink,, orange, and yellow rhinestone chain. Makes a great necklace too.Category
Vintage 1960s American Link Necklaces
- "Silver", "Amethyst" and "Jet" Jeweled Necklace and Earrings, Costume JewelryLocated in Stamford, CTDramatic amethyst and jet style, prong set oval cabochon necklace and earrings in silvertone metal. Earrings are 1 inch by 1.5 inches.Category
Vintage 1950s American Clip-on Earrings
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.