Hermès Classic Trench
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 37 in (93.98 cm)Marked Size: 34 (EU)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 36 in (91.44 cm)Hip: 37 in (93.98 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4413718292
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 PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chloe Double Breasted Pin Stripe CoatBy ChloéLocated in New York, NYChloe, mauve tone, wool, pin stripe, fitted, double breasted coat, having an exaggerated, wide lapel collar, and slanted, flap pocket detail. Back of coat h...Category
1980s French Coats
- Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Corduroy CoatBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, rust tone, corduroy, Russian Collection, Cossack style coat, having a slightly fitted semi dropped waist bodice, and...Category
1970s French Coats
- Yves Saint Laurent Wool Coat with Plaid InteriorBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, black, wool coat, having a black and white paid lining. Coat has a small pointed collar with a single closure at the neck; a simple straight line sil...Category
1970s French Coats
- Tom Ford for Gucci Runway Gold Coat with Leather DetailBy Tom Ford for GucciLocated in New York, NYTom Ford for Gucci, fitted, gold ottoman, coat having gold leather details. Leather details include a pointed collar, edging along the hem, front and cuff...Category
Early 2000s Italian Coats and Outerwear
- Yves saint Laurent Wool Cape with Mandarin CollarBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, chocolate brown, wool cape , having a mandarin collar and passementerie frog closures. Cape extends to the ankles.Category
1970s French Capes
- Chado Ralph Rucci Bronze Tone Belted CoatBy Chado Ralph RucciLocated in New York, NYChado Ralph Rucci, taffeta faille, bronze tone, belted coat, having a small lapel collar, hidden button closures, (buttons are tortoise) a double vent at the back, slash pockets, and...Category
Early 2000s American Trench Coats
- James Perse Gray Vintage Full Zip Hoodie ShirtLocated in Downey, CAJames Perse Gray Vintage Full Zip Hoodie Shirt Simple cuts made with quality materials, James Perse is a must for any minimalist. A easy throw on for any o...Category
2010s American Hooded Jackets
- Eric Bompard Pale Grey Cashmere Single Breasted CoatLocated in West Palm Beach, FLEric Bompard pale grey cashmere single breasted coat. Classic man tailored coat with great details. Notched lapel collar, top stitching on facings, besom ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Dolman Sleeve Coats
- Vintage 1960s Dynasty Ivory Silk Evening Coat w Beaded ButtonsBy DynastyLocated in Portland, ORThis is a long vintage Dynasty late 1960's or early 1970's creamy ivory silk evening coat. We love coats like these because they can be worn so effortl...Category
1960s Asian Coats
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent White Cotton Coat Dress or Duster Style CoatBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis vintage early 1980's Yves Saint Laurent white cotton duster style coat or coat dress is another YSL take on the utilitarian smock style dresses and tops he designed in the 1970'...Category
1980s Coats and Outerwear
- Fendi Coat, Size 42FRBy FendiLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRFendi - (Made in Italy) Coat in sheepskin wool and bottom of the sleeves in mink. Size indicated 42FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 44 cm, Chest: 48 cm, Slee...Category
2010s Italian Coats
- Jean-Louis Scherrer Long Coat in Black and Beige Wool, Size 40FRBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRJean-Louis Scherrer (Made in Italy) Long coat in black and beige wool, with a black and white fur collar, accompanied by a belt. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 40FR. Add...Category
1990s Italian Coats
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.