Hermès Brown Medor Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Pre-Owned Curb-Chain Waist BeltBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis gold-plated Chanel belt is the perfect addition to any look. Simple, yet classic and glamorous, this style features polished gold-plated metal, a ch...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Vintage Black & White Twist-Detailing Enamel BeltLocated in London, GBA true vintage find with this twist detail enamel belt in black and white enamel. The twist gold plated rings and bicolour details give an art deco feel, while still feeling classic.Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Vintage Crystal-Embellished Multi-Chain BeltLocated in London, GBThis vintage find will add a little glamour to every look. With two large crystals at the front clasp and a layered gold-plated chain belt, this piece will...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Chanel Haute Couture Black Woven CC Detail BeltBy ChanelLocated in London, GBTake your accessories repertoire to whimsical heights with this vintage Chanel belt. It was designed in 1988 as part of the Haute Couture collection, five years after Karl Lagerfeld ...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Gucci Bordeaux Mini GG Buckle BeltBy GucciLocated in London, GBCrafted in Italy from bordeaux calf leather, this pre-owned belt by Gucci features an adjustable fit, a slim design and the signature 'GG' logo buckle accented by an intricate combin...Category
20th Century Unknown Belts
- Yves Saint Laurent Wool Knit ScarfBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBCrafted in France from pure ecru-coloured wool, this pre-owned scarf by Yves Saint Laurent features a lightweight construction, a round shape and a distinctive, knitted doily collar ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- HERMES orange ETRIVIER 32mm Belt 100 ChamonixBy HermèsLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Hermes 'Etrivier 32mm' belt in orange Veau Chamonix leather with palladium buckle. Brand new. Comes with box. Measurements Tag Size 100 Width 3.2cm (1.2in) Fits 95cm ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts
- Gucci Tom Ford Python Carmel Leather Gold G Logo Snake Belt (80/32)By GucciLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Metallic brown / carmel Vintage 1990s Material: Python leather Model No: 129191 Measures: L 35” x W 1.75” Size: 80 cm / 32 inch Comes With: No Brand dust bag Condition: Very g...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Belts
- Gucci Tom Ford Python Black Leather Purple G Logo Snake Belt (85/34)By GucciLocated in Montreal, QuebecGUCCI TOM FORD PYTHON BLACK LEATHER PURPLE G LOGO SNAKE BELT (85/34) Color: Black with purple snake logo buckle Vintage 1990s Material: Python leather Model No: 129191 Measures: L 3...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Belts
- Silver-tone metal chain and rhinestone belt ChanelBy ChanelLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRSilver-tone metal chain and rhinestone belt. Small rhinestone "CC" Lenght: 98 cm ( Max) Singapore Cruise 2013/14Category
2010s Unknown Belts
- F/W 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Kate Moss Square G Logo Navy Leather Runway BeltBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a vintage Gucci 'G' unisex belt with a modern design, designed by Tom Ford. This sought after belt is from Tom Ford's first fall collection with the house of Gucci...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- J. Lindeberg Black Cross Leather Strap Men's BeltLocated in Downey, CAJ. Lindeberg Black Cross Leather Strap Men's Belt Description This belt is a crafted of genuine leather black men's size 38 waist features an cross buck...Category
2010s Belts
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.