If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Hermes Bag. It’s an iconic luxury bag that has been a fashion statement since its inception.
But do you know what the first Hermes bag was? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Hermes bags and find out what the first one looked like.
History of Hermes Bags
Hermes is a French luxury brand that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes. At first, it specialized in making horse harnesses and other equestrian goods.
Later, it expanded its product line to include leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and accessories. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that Hermes introduced its first handbag.
The First Hermes Bag
The first Hermes bag was introduced in 1922 and was called the “Sac à dépêches.” It was designed for horse riders to carry their saddles in.
The bag was made of high-quality leather and featured a fold-over flap with a metal clasp for closure. It also had a shoulder strap that made it easy to carry.
Evolution of the Sac à dépêches
The Sac à dépêches quickly became popular among men and women alike for its practicality and style. In the 1930s, Hermes started producing smaller versions of the bag for everyday use. The design remained largely unchanged until the 1950s when Grace Kelly popularized it by carrying it in the movie “To Catch a Thief.”
After Kelly’s appearance with the bag on screen, it became known as the “Kelly” bag in her honor. The design was slightly modified to include a more rounded shape and additional hardware such as a lock-and-key mechanism.
In 1984, another famous actress brought attention to an updated version of the Sac à dépêches – this time it was Jane Birkin. She complained to the CEO of Hermes about not finding a bag that suited her needs, and he subsequently created a new version of the bag just for her. This new design had a more relaxed shape and was equipped with pockets and additional compartments.
This bag was then called the “Birkin” bag, and it quickly became one of the most sought-after luxury bags in the world. The Birkin bag remains popular to this day, with waiting lists that can span years to acquire one.
- Conclusion:
In conclusion, the first Hermes bag was the Sac à dépêches, which was introduced in 1922. It was designed for horse riders to carry their saddles in but quickly became popular as an everyday handbag due to its practicality and style.
The design has evolved over time and now includes famous variations such as the Kelly and Birkin bags. Regardless of which version you prefer, one thing is certain – Hermes bags are timeless pieces that will never go out of style.