Hermes Ostrich Picotin 22 Bag Saffron
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- 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: Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Hermes Tangerine Ostrich Birkin 25cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés Birkin bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being sai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermés Biscuit Ostrich Birkin 30cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés Birkin bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being sai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- CHRISTIAN DIOR Black Crocodile BagBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYChristian Dior Black Crocodile Lady Bag with Gold Hardware 100% Authentic Christian Dior Bag COLOR: Black MATERIAL: Crocodile HARDWARE: Gold ORIGI...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Rose Azalee and Gris Clair Wool Birkin 40cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés Birkin bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the most iconic and desired ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermés Lime Retourne Kelly 25cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés Kelly bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermés Retourne Geranium Kelly 28cmBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés Kelly bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- HERMÈS Cuivre Taurillon Saddle Leather Birkin 40cm HACBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Cuivre Taurillon Saddle Leather Birkin 40cm HAC Serial Number: C Age (Circa): 2018 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Padlock, Keys, Clochette, ...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON White Multicolour Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Judy PMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON White Multicolour Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Judy PM Serial Number: TH3059 Age (Circa): 2009 Accompanied By: Louis Vuitton Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date St...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Blanc Corail Monogram Vernis Leather Alma GMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON Blanc Corail Monogram Vernis Leather Alma GM Xupes Reference: CB705 Serial Number: SN1143 Age (Circa): 2013 Accompanied By: Louis Vuitton Dust Bag, Clochette, Keys Aut...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Rare Limited Japan 15th Anniversary Mini Noe 2way Hobo 1110lv22By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYLouis Vuitton Rare Limited Japan 15th Anniversary Mini Noe 2way Hobo 1110lv22 Date Code/Serial Number: A20993 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 12.5" Wid...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- 1999 Hermès Evelyne GM Epsom Jaune Leather Crossbody BagBy HermèsLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITBag signed Hermès, model Evelyne, size Gm, made in Epsom leather, stiff and structured with motif printed in the leather, in the Jaune colorway with golden hardware. Equipped with a closure with a central button band, internally lined in yellow suede, quite roomy. Equipped with a removable fabric shoulder strap, with a defect on one of the two side hooks, which has lost its elasticity. Year of production 1999, it is in good condition. Mastrogeppetto Vintage is a luxury store of secondhand founded by Lualdo Nettuno. We are the most famous vintage shop in Italy, with four stores spread throughout the country. We buy and sell the most important and luxurious brand of fashion in the world such as Hermès and...Category
1990s Top Handle Bags
- Hermes 2012 Kelly 35 Arlequin Bag Limited Edition.By HermèsLocated in New York, NYThis Hermes Kelly is absolutely stunning..This “Arlequin” bag is a limited edition made of six colors. The handles the lock and clochette as well as the shoulder strap come in sanguine red., the front and back of the Kelly is a medium orange, one side is a blue lin...Category
2010s French 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.