Golden lightweight sheared mink cape coat by Elena Benarroch
View Similar Items
Golden lightweight sheared mink cape coat by Elena Benarroch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bilbao, ES
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1812211330492
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.
- Armani Oriental Style Brown Leather Coat with blac silk trimmingsLocated in Bilbao, ESArmani Oriental Style Brown mink Leather Coat with black silk trimmings Size: 42 FR / 46 IT/ 10 US / 14 UK / EU L Condition: MINT COAT MEASURES: LEN...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Anoraks and Parkas
$1,013 Sale Price25% Off - Cirilo Fernandez mink adjustable coatLocated in Bilbao, ESCirilo Fernandez mink adjustable coat three quarters with a gorgeous adjustable collar. The collar can be formed at the front to be worn completely up, down, or slightly up! This...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Anoraks and Parkas
- Delfín Abad Bilbao Brown Beaver CoatLocated in Bilbao, ESDelfín Abad Bilbao Brown Beaver Coat Moderate lapel collar and V-neck; Three snap hook and loop closures at the front. External pockets on both sides, COAT MEASURES: LENGTH 1115...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Anoraks and Parkas
- Fashion diamond lamb wool coat with sequined jean finishLocated in Bilbao, ESEmbellished Diamond Lamb Wool Coat adorned with sequin Glitter Embroidered over jeans Moderate lapel collar and V-neck; Zipper closures at the front...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Anoraks and Parkas
- Long Leopard and brown Leather CoatLocated in Bilbao, ESLong Leopard and brown Leather Coat Fur (Outer), 100% Silk (Lining) Rain Coat Style The coat has 2 pockets and belt and four buttons Size: 40- 42 E...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Anoraks and Parkas
- Benet Black Persian Lamb Astrakhan with Chinchilla collarLocated in Bilbao, ESThis special vintage persian lamb coat is from karakul lambs. 100% Astrakhan Lamb Fur (Outer), 100% Silk (Lining) and Chinchilla Collar The ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Anoraks and Parkas
- 1950S Burgundy Paisley Rayon Robe Made In EnglandBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NY1950S Burgundy Paisley Rayon Robe Made In EnglandCategory
1950s French Robes
- Les Copains Plaid Belted Trench Coat Made in Italy Size 42By Les CopainsLocated in University City, MOLes Copains Plaid belted trench coat Made in Italy The chic plaid belted trench coat is designed with silk blend light weight fabric with a sheen The stylish designer coat secu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Trench Coats
$245 Sale Price28% Off - Mari Milano wool coatLocated in Capri, ITMari Milano wool coat totally made in italy in size 44Category
1980s Italian Coats and Outerwear
$300 Sale Price20% Off - AMEN WARDY Gold Metallic Foiled Snakeskin Jacket with Knit Detailing Size M LBy Amen WardyLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Amen Wardy jacket is composed of a foiled snakeskin in a gold metallic hue. There are gold hued button closures at the center front. In excellent condition. **Please cross-...Category
20th Century American Coats and Outerwear
- Soft Gold Vintage Chinease CoatLocated in London, GBA stunning full length vintage silk Chinease coat in silk with a red satin lining. The coat has a wonderful butterfly and floral design woven into...Category
1960s Unknown Coats and Outerwear
- Verheyen London Leopard Print Coat in Natural Goat Hair Fur UK 12By Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBVerheyen London Leopard Print Coat in Natural Goat Hair Fur UK 12 - Brand New RRP Price £1,695 This Leopard print coat is Verheyen London’s classic staple for effortless style and ...Category
2010s Italian Coats
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.