Rare Hermes vintage extra large backpack seabag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:PARIS, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3895222494122
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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Rare Chanel vintage rabbit fur muff bag hand warmerBy ChanelLocated in PARIS, FRRare Chanel vintage 2000’s rabbit fur muff bag hand warmer, crossbody, silver chain with cc logo, huge CC logo and amazing details, one pocket with zipperCategory
Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton X Virgil Abloh 3D monkey monogram T SHIRTBy Louis VuittonLocated in PARIS, FRLouis Vuitton X Virgil Abloh limited edition 3D monkey monogram T Shirt brand new with tag, rare, size XS on the tag, unisexCategory
2010s French T-Shirts
- Chanel Paris Salzburg 2015 runway coatBy ChanelLocated in PARIS, FRChanel runway métiers d’art Paris Salzburg pre fall 2015 coat worn by Stella Tenant, size 38 FR, very good condition, it fits perfectly for sizes 36 FR,...Category
2010s French Coats
- Chanel métiers d’art Paris Rome Pre Fall 2016 cashmere runway maxi dressBy ChanelLocated in PARIS, FRChanel métiers d’art Paris Rome pre fall 2016 runway cashmere maxi dress with a cape behind, new condition, cc logo number 5 and Chanel print, it doesn’t come with Chanel hangerCategory
2010s French Maxi Dresses
- Isaac Sellam Experience real alligator vestLocated in PARIS, FRIsaac Sellam Experience real alligator vest size 42 FRCategory
2010s French Vests
- Rare Chanel Goossens Cerberus 1950’s beltBy ChanelLocated in PARIS, FRExtremely rare Chanel Goossens 1950’s Cerberus 24k gold plated and black lambskin leather chain belt 80 centimeters very good conditionCategory
1950s French Belts
- Jean Paul Gaultier 1998 brown leather bustier backpackBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GBJean Paul Gaultier 1998 brown leather bustier backpackCategory
1990s French Backpacks
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Reverse Canvas Dauphine BackpackBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Louis Vuitton Monogram Reverse Canvas Dauphine Backpack SKU: 136368 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent conditi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Backpacks
- new VERSACE 90's Box Logo navy blue nylon Greca strap backpackBy VersaceLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew VERSACE 90's Box Logo navy blue nylon Greca strap backpack Reference: TGAS/C00301 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: DFZ5350 DNYVER K...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Backpacks
- Prada Tessuto Nylon Vela Backpack Navy BlueBy PradaLocated in Montreal, QuebecThis backpack is made of nylon in blue. The bag features adjustable nylon shoulder straps with polished silver buckles, two external flap pockets, and a top crossover flap with a str...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Backpacks
- MCM Black Leather Studded Flap BackpackBy MCMLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Marked by flawless craftsmanship and enduring appeal, this MCM black backpack is bound to be a versatile and durable accessory. It has a practical size.Category
2010s German Backpacks
- Chanel CC Quilted Lambskin Drawstring BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Salt Lake Cty, UTAuthentic, pre-loved Chanel vintage black quilted lambskin leather backpack. Features: Signature quilted lambskin leather, drawstring closure, 24 kt gold plated hardware, classic CC ...Category
1990s Italian Backpacks
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.