Hermès Blue Jean Leather x Toile Intercity Vanity Tote Bag 216her89
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Dix hills, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2409214662662
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: Dix hills, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chanel Grey Quilted Nylon Cocoon Tote Bag 1115c8By ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYChanel Grey Quilted Nylon Cocoon Tote Bag 1115c8 Date Code/Serial Number: 13938375 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 20" Width: 7" Height: 15.5" Handle Drop: 3" OVERALL FAIR+ ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Florentine Papillon Bedford Noisette 872932 Beige Monogram VernisBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NY(Outside) Minor spots partially (Outside) Minor spot on the edge of the bottom (zipper) Zipper works properly Width (inch) : 12.2 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 31 cm(approx) Height ...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Large Panier De Plage with Pouch 221032 Beige X Orange Canvas ToteBy HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYDate/style Code: no date code Made In: France Measurements: Length: 21.25" Width: 7" Height: 13" Handle drop: 5.5" GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes Zip Pouch Sign...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 25 Boston 4LK0425By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: SP2027 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 10" Width: 6.25" Height: 9" Handle Drop: 3.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) Signs of Wea...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Camera Fringe Tassel Quilted 28ca530 Beige Suede Cross Body BagBy ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NY9”x3”x7” 20” strap drop Goods Condition (7/10 or B) Includes Serial Seal Sticker and Authenticity Card Minor rubbing at exterior. Interior is clean and odorless.Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Embossed Camellia Gusset Zip Around Wallet 2cj1110 Pink Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYMade In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: 1" Height: 4.25" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Includes Serial Seal Sticker and Authenticity Card Signs of Wear: ...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lockme Bicor Black WhiteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Lockme model, made of black and white two -tone leather with silver hardware. Equipped with a header with interlocking, internamnete covered in black suede,...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- 2014 Chanel Tote Bag Padded Nylon Multicolor HandbagBy ChanelLocated in PARIS, FR2014 Chanel Tote Bag Padded Nylon Multicolor Handbag - Good condition, has slight traces of wear appeared with time. - Chanel tote bag, quilted nylon, multicolor. two small white ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Off-white and beige Speedy hand-bag in cotton jacquard Louis Vuitton "Croisette"By Louis VuittonLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FROff-white and beige Speedy hand-bag in cotton jacquard. Close with zip. One flat pocket inside + gold metal key-ring. Branded studs.Cotton padded pillow to...Category
Early 2000s Unknown Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Swift Beige De Weimar Retourne Kelly II 25 PHWBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Hermes Swift Beige De Weimar Retourne Kelly II 25 PHW SKU: 131438 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 197...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Printed canevas and red leather handbag Emilio PUCCIBy Emilio PucciLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRPrinted canevas and red leather handbag. Zip closure with branded zip puller. Snap on the leather handle to adjust the lenght. Branded nylon lining and one small pocket with zip insi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Fendi Beige East/West Zucchino BagBy FendiLocated in Atlanta, GAI'm in love with the SHAPE of you! This trendy East West Boston Fendi is detailed in the fashion house's archetypal zuchinno canvas with leather trim, silver-tone hardware, and dual ...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle 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.