Hermès Silk Turban with "Astrologie"Print, 1963
About the Item
- Brand:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk
- Condition:
- Seller Location:SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
- 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: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Chanel Silk Reversible Foulard in Navy Blue and Pink TonesBy ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel- Silk reversible foulard in navy blue and pink tones. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 90 cm x 90 cm Seller Reference: FFC19Category
2010s Scarves
- Chanel Golden Metal Belt Ornamented with Multicolored Resin Charms, 1992By ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel- (Made in France) Golden metal belt ornamented with multicolored resin charms. 1992 Spring-Summer Collection. To be mentioned, a few golden metal lacks on two charms. Additio...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Yves Saint Laurent Fashion Show Hat in Red, Black and Gold TrimmingsBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent - Fashion show hat in red, black and gold trimmings holding a braid ending with a pompom. not signed. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 48 cm, H...Category
1980s French Hats
- Chanel Golden Metal Chain Belt with CC Logo Buckle, 1995By ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt with a cc logo buckle ornamented with rhinestones. Spring-Summer 1995 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good cond...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Chanel Belt Composed of Chains in Gold-Plated Metal, 1995By ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - (Made in France) Belt composed of chains in gold-plated metal with charms. Fall/Winter 1995 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: L...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Chanel "Lion Head" Belt in Gold-Plated Metal, 1980sBy ChanelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRChanel - (Made in France) Belt in gold-plated metal festooned with 17 sun-shaped patterns and lion heads, enhanced with the brand initials. Jewelry from the 1980s. Additional inform...Category
20th Century French Belts
- Midnight Black with Ivory Border "Raindrops" Cotton HandkerchiefLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully elegant midnight black with ivory borders surrounding "Raindrops" men's cotton handkerchief accented with hand-rolled edges measures 17 1/2 inches by 17 1/2 i...Category
1990s Italian Handkerchiefs
- "Set of 2" Beautifully Embroidered Micro "R" Floral Cotton HandkerchiefsLocated in New York, NYThis beautiful "set of 2" beautifully detailed embroidered micro "R" floral cotton handkerchiefs, both accented with hand-rolled edges and measures 12 inches by 12 1/2 inches...Category
1970s Italian Handkerchiefs
- Coco Brown Border With "Winter's Branches" Silk HandkerchiefLocated in New York, NYCoco brown border surrounding "Winter's Branches" silk handkerchief accented with hand-rolled edges measures 13 inches by 12 1/2 inches. Made in Italy.Category
1980s Italian Handkerchiefs
- Bronze Edges with Multi Tangerines, Bronze & Yellow Silk Scarf.Located in New York, NYThis wonderfully whimsical bronze edged surrounding multi tangerines, bronzes and yellow silk scarf, accented with rolled edges, measures 26 inches by 26 inches. Made in Japan.Category
1970s Japanese Scarves
- Majestic Shades of "Violet & Turquoise" Silk ScarfLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully elegant majestic shades of "violet and turquoise" silk scarf with rolled edges, measures 34 inches by 35 inches. Made in Japan.Category
1980s Japanese Scarves
- Holiday Red With Floral & Ribbons Red Silk HandkerchiefLocated in New York, NYHoliday Red with Floral blended with Ribbons surrounded with Holiday red silk handkerchief, accented with hand-rolled edges, measures 19 inches by 19 inches. Made in Italy.Category
1980s Italian Handkerchiefs
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.