Hermès—Clic Clac H…and more.

 

 

By Cheryl Anderson

 

 

“Clic Clac”—the sound you hear when putting on and taking off the iconic Hermès, Clic Clac H enamel bracelet.  One writer compared the sound to the clip clopping of a horse passing by.  Choose from wide, and even wider ones with the appearance of a cuff that definitely make a statement, or narrow ones,  perfect for stacking. Enamel colors galore—an estimated 100+ to choose from! The Clic Clac H was first introduced in 2000 and has become one of the most popular bracelets.  Be it the color of the enamel or hardware, wide or narrow, or perhaps one with a clever design in the enamel, there’s a Clic Clac H bracelet that will suit every personality.

Clic Clac H in its box.

Clic Clac H bracelets.

The history of the Chaine d’ancre design goes all the way back to Robert Dumas.  It was in 1937 while strolling along the Normandy coast he watched the boats.  The heavy anchor chains holding the boats in place caught his eye—in them,  he saw the “beauty” in something so functional.  The massive chains would be his inspiration for the ever popular Hermès Chaine d’ancre collection.  The first piece in the collection was the bracelet launched in 1938. On the Hermès site, The Story Behind, states, “Since then, this motif has been an endless source of inspiration, undergoing a plethora of interpretations, utilizing various materials and shapes, all while preserving its essence.” 

Pages from Le Monde d’Hermès referencing the Chaine d’ancre.

Chaine d’ancre necklace and bracelet.

Closeup of Chaine d’ancre necklace.

Variation of the Chaine d’ancre, a necklace, Farandole.

The idea of the Collier de Chien motif was suggested by a customer. At the time of the suggestion, the Maison had a collection of dog collars.  She, the customer, was drawn to the dog collar design. The ring in the center between the Medor studs mimicks the ring on dog collars to fasten the leash. “Her flight of fancy” was to have a belt with the same design to go with her outfits—and so it was created.  Quoting Hermès, The Story Behind, “The request inspired the house to create a belt decorated with four-faceted Medor studs and adorned with a ring.  The purity of the belt’s lines and volumes eventually led to the creation of the iconic Collier de Chien bracelets.”  Different widths, leather colors and hardware—one will surely to catch your eye.  To my mind, this design is one of the most dramatic of them all.

Collier de Chien bracelets. Medor Picnic Collier de Chien…Osier wicker, with a patch of leather, and Medor studs.

Medor Picnic Collier de Chien…Osier wicker, with a patch of leather, and Medor studs.

The Kelly Double Tour—I like how the closure of the iconic Kelly bag, (designed by Robert Dumas), found its way to create such a charming bracelet.  The Touret clasp is a “signature” of the House—first appearing in the 1930s.  Hermès, The Story Behind states, “This closure can be found on two timeless bracelets: the Kelly Dog cuff and the Kelly double-tour bracelet.”  There is a leather color and hardware choice for this motif that is likely to appeal to everyone.