Hermès HAC 40 Bleu Nuit Palladium Hardware Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Style:HAC 40 (In the Style Of)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3021222771512
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 PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermès Birkin 30 Niloticus Himalayan Blanc bagBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes Birkin 30 Himalaya phw. Comes with box, dustbag, felt protection, rain cover, lock and keys One of the rarest and most prestigious handbags ever created, the Hermès Birkin 30 Niloticus...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 35 brown epsom phw bagBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes Birkin 35 brown Cognac palladium hardware epsom leather bag. Classic style Birkin for all the occassions. As new condition. Comes with dustbag, clochette lock and keys.Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Kelly 25 Lime epsom ghw bagBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes Kelly 25 Crafted from high-quality Epsom leather, in a vibrant lime color with gold hardware.The epsom leather is known for its durability and scratch-resistant properties, e...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Herbag Zip 31 Fauve Vache and Orange Mecano Toile PM Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermès Herbag Zip 31 Fauve Vache and Orange Mecano Toile PM Palladium Hardware. Hermès Herbag 31 is handcrafted from Vache Hunter in Fauve and finish...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Kelly 28 Alligator Vert Cypres gold hardwareBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes Kelly 28 Shiny Alligator in Vert Cypres colour and gold hardware. This bag is a statement piece; creates a classic and sophisticated look for a lady. The deep green colour has...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 35 CraieBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes Birkin 35 Craie Taurillon Clemence leather bag PHW. A timeless colour combination for a chic and sophisticated look. Date stamp: C (2018) M...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Monogram Canvas Bandouliere Travel Bag LV-0829N-0001By GucciLocated in Downey, CA"Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Monogram Canvas Bandouliere Travel Bag LV-0829N-0001 The Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Bandouliere Cross...Category
2010s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Canvas Gold Large Travel Suitcase TrunkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition Monogram Canvas Leather Includes Name Tag W 27.6 x H 18.5 x D 7.1 " Handle Drop. 2.75 " 100% Authenticity Guaranteed bisten 70Category
21st Century and Contemporary Suitcases and Trunks
- LOUIS VUITTON Vintage Monogram Sac Shopping BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLouis Vuitton Shoulder Bag Sac Shopping in Brown Monogram Canvas and Golden Brass hardware. This is a large vintage shopping tote and is simple and designed for ease. It is crafted of classic Louis Vuitton monogram on coated canvas with complimentary signature vachetta natural cowhide leather including sturdy strap handles that are made to last. The tote is open with zipper and patch pockets. This is an excellent bag that is chic and fabulously functional as an ideal everyday bag. Though vintage the bag is in a very good pre loved condition shown in pics. No smell or tearing. The double leather handles of Sac convince me that it’s strong enough to NEVER crack. The Sac shopping tote is much large in length, while the never full...Category
2010s French Hobo Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Lin Idylle Epopèe Suitcase & Mini PochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis is a fabulous, limited-edition bag that has refined features and a chic look of quality for every day. Navy blue and white monogram Idylle canvas, a supple and light and very du...Category
2010s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Chanel 2006 Soft Plush Quilted Distressed Leather Large Carry-On Travel Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2006 Soft Plush Quilted Distressed Leather Large Carry-On Travel Tote Bag 2006 {VINTAGE 18 Years} Silver hardware Black distressed quilted leather Braided chain interwoven h...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lim.Ed Nemeth Keepall 45 CMBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton Nemeth limited edition keepall 45cm. Includes lock, key and removable shoulder strap. Comes with original dust cover. Mini keepall i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Luggage and Travel Bags
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.