Vintage Tan Hermes 1980s Nouema Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Pre-owned. Good. Wear and use throughout. Minor cracking and discoloration at exterior leather.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU147220937022
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 2 days of delivery.
- Light Pink Fendi DotCom Whipstitch SatchelBy FendiLocated in New York, NYLight Pink Fendi DotCom Whipstitch Satchel. The DotCom Whipstitch Satchel features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, floral print ribbon trim, a single flat top handle, a single ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Ivory & Tan Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Bucket BagBy Polo Ralph LaurenLocated in New York, NYIvory & Tan Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Bucket Bag. This bag features a cable knit body, leather trim, gold-tone hardware, a single flat shoul...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Peach Salvatore Ferragamo Shoulder BagBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in New York, NYPeach Salvatore Ferragamo Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, a front Gancini buckle accent, dual rolled top handles, and a top zip closure...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Beige Roger Vivier Geometric Patterned Shoulder BagBy Roger VivierLocated in New York, NYBeige Roger Vivier Geometric Patterned Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, dual chain-link and leather shoulder straps, and a front flap clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Black & Multicolor Roger Vivier Suede Shoulder BagBy Roger VivierLocated in New York, NYBlack & Multicolor Roger Vivier Suede Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a suede body, light gold-tone hardware, a single shoulder strap, and a front flap closure. 11.5" L x 8...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Beige & Black Valentino Python Shoulder BagBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYBeige & Black Valentino Python Shoulder Bag. This bag features a python body, gunmetal hardware, dual rolled top handles, dual exterior side pockets, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Bright Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag with Mixed metal HardwareBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag is in pristine condition. Released in 2019, the pillowy soft oversized quilts and mixed metals are a beautiful addition to the cla...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Prada, Miuccia PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Blue Escale Monogram Coated Canvas & Blue Calfskin Leather NéoNoéBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Blue Escale Monogram Coated Canvas & Blue Calfskin Leather NéoNoé MM Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- NéoNoé MM Product Type- Shoulder Serial Number- SP**** Age- Circa 2020...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Large 19 Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Large 19 Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2020 Color: Black Hardware: Antiqued goldtone, ruthenium, and dark silver Materials: Leather, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2020 Blue/White/Black Nylon Maxi Scarf Chanel 19 Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Blue/White/Black Nylon Maxi Scarf Chanel 19 Flap Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2020 Color: Blue, white, black, pink Hardware: Goldtone, silvertone, ruthenium Materi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede LiningBy Bottega VenetaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLBottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede Lining. This lovely bag is in good condition with some wear consistent with its age and a zipper that is worn. It fe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder 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.