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Hermès Folk Art

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.

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Creator: Hermès
Hermes Riding Crop
By Hermès
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Vintage Hermes riding crop with deer antler handle. The shaft is covered in a beautifully braided leather and finished at the bottom with twine. The...
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Rare Hermes A Sporting Life Jumping Rope
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Located in Paris, FR
In its own fabric pouch, rare jump rope Hermès Paris made in France year 2013 - Chic Sport. In natural calf leather, wooden handles. Made in France Chic Le S...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Folk Art

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Hermès folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Hermès folk art are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of leather and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Hermès folk art, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider folk art by Eric James Mellon, David Leach, and English School. Prices for Hermès folk art can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $366 and can go as high as $1,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $933.
Questions About Hermès Folk Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Roman herm is a squared off stone pillar that is topped with a carved head. Originally, they represented the god Hermes, but as time went on herms were used to depict any number of people, real and fictitious, as well as animals and mythological creatures. On 1stDibs, find a collection of herms and other statues from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In the world of fashion, whether it’s Hermes or any brand, RTW stands for ready-to-wear. Sometimes also called the French term pret-a-porter, this clothing is made for the general market and sold in stores. There is no customizing or altering the fit, the clothes are simply bought as is. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the modern backpack is an essential part of any handbag designer’s repertoire—even Hermes who has some delightfully functional backpacks to choose from. Find vintage and contemporary Hermes accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Hermes Picotin handbag is one of the brand’s signature bags with a minimalist approach that was inspired by a horse’s feedbag. The name comes from a French term for the amount of oats given to a horse to eat. This is an unlined bag, very simple and understated. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A Hermès Rodeo is a leather bag charm produced by the French luxury fashion house of Hermès. It consists of a whimsical leather horse attached to a loop and comes in various colors. Shop a range of Hermès Rodeo charms on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Yes, Hermès is a luxury brand, and watches have been a part of its exquisite offerings for more than a century. Today, while Hermès’s broad range of luxury goods is still inclusive of the fine saddlery it has always produced, the legendary French house has also built a reputation around its jewelry, which includes long sterling-silver necklaces, modernist rings in rose gold and timepieces. Beginning in the 1920s, Hermès partnered with Jaeger LeCoultre, Vacheron and other manufacturers to produce its watches. Today, all of the cases, dials and movements for Hermès watches are meticulously crafted at a dedicated watchmaking facility that the company owns and operates in Switzerland. Find an assortment of Hermès watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • Chicjoy
    ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020

    The most popular Hermes bag is the Evelyne. Originally designed to carry horse grooming tools, the Evelyne features a distinctive perforated H design, an exterior pocket, and a long strap making it a crossbody bag.

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The price of a Hermès belt is dependent on the style, condition, age, and rarity. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a Hermès belt at a wide range of prices.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A Hermés Birkin bag is one of the costliest bags in the world. A single bag might cost anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000. It is regarded as an instantly recognizable handcrafted and extremely limited-edition bag. Jane Birkin, an actress and singer, was the inspiration for the name. Shop a range of original Hermès Birkin bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    How much a Hermès Lindy bag costs depends on size, features and more. It typically costs $4,500 to more than $16,000 and is said to be one of the most coveted brands for bags. Shop a variety of Hermès Lindy bags today on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Hermes Evelyne handbag comes in four sizes, 16 cm is the smallest and is referred to as the TPM. The abbreviation TPM stands for Très Petit Modèle, which this bag is, as it’s just big enough to hold a phone and a couple of other accessories. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • Chicjoy
    ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020

    Epsom is a stamped or embossed calf leather (as opposed to being a grained leather like Togo or Clemence, or a smooth leather like Swift or Box). It is lightweight and stiff; thus Epsom is known for its ability to retain structure over time. Epsom is the primary leather used to make Sellier Kelly and Birkin bags which feature outside stitching on its edges which result in a crisp and sharp line. Epsom is more rain-resistant than other calf leathers.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    What Hermès color is the best is largely a matter of personal preference. Permanent colors used in the luxury brand's handbag collection include Noir black, Gold and gray-brown Etoupe. In addition, Hermès regularly produces bags in dark red Rouge H and pinkish-cream Parchemin. You'll find a large selection of Hermès bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hermès boxes are made in France by seven different cardboard manufacturers. Hermès iconic packaging has become a collector’s item in its own right, along with the luxury brand’s wide array of clothing and accessories. Shop vintage and contemporary Hermès from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Not to be confused with luxury French fashion house Hermès Paris, Hermes typewriters were manufactured by Paillard-Bolex throughout the early 20th century. Hermes typewriters were initially a side project from the Swiss watch manufacturer looking to capitalize off the lucrative typewriting market. Shop a selection of vintage typewriters, including Hermes, on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    Yes, Hermès discontinued the Evelyne bag in 2019. However, 1stDibs offers more than 70 Evelyne bags from verified retailers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    The most expensive Hermès bag is the Hermès Himalaya Kelly Birkin Bag. The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. Today the wide range of iconic handbags designed by Hermès includes the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance and more. Shop Birkin bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hermes scarves come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are small scarves and larger ones, rectangles and even pocket squares, all from the luxury brand Hermes. Find a collection of vintage and modern Hermes scarves on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The price of a Hermès bag can vary depending on color, condition, rarity, style and age. Owing to its limited availability and quality craftsmanship, a Birkin bag can be a very costly bag made by Hermès — an example of this accessory sold in 2017 for nearly $400,000 at an auction in Hong Kong. On 1stDibs.com, you can find a variety of Hermès bags for a range of prices.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    An Hermès scarf can range in value depending on condition, rarity, and style. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a Hermès scarf for $195 - $7,444.

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