Hermès Cashmere Scarf
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 Geometric Style Navy Silk ScarfBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCrafted in France from the purest silk, this pre-owned Chanel silk features a Geometric Cruise collection design in blues, reds and pinks. Delicately bordered with a classic pipe tri...Category
Late 20th Century Scarves
- Cartier Blue Entrelacés De Cartier Cashmere ScarfBy CartierLocated in London, GBFounder Louis Cartier’s signature seal featured two Cs, which are revived in ribbon to form the distinctive Entrelacés de Cartier motif. Woven into pure cashmere, the resulting butter-soft scarf...Category
2010s Scarves
- Hermès Madame Monsieur Cashmere-blend ScarfBy HermèsLocated in London, GBDiscover the artful craftsmanship that goes into making a luxurious Hermès scarf. With a detailed creation process that takes over a year per design, each scarf is a masterpiece. Wit...Category
2010s Scarves
- Chanel Metallic CC Logo ScarfBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis authentic Chanel scarf features delicate hand-rolling and stitching, ensuring a high-quality and luxurious finish. The signature interlocking CC logo adds a touch of elegance to...Category
2010s Scarves
- Chanel Nude Classic Bag Print Silk ScarfBy ChanelLocated in London, GBDisplaying a large motif of Chanel's iconic bags, this pre-owned silk scarf has been designed in the shades of black, white, red and blue. Finished with a border of Chanel's famous l...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Cartier Silk ScarfBy CartierLocated in London, GBSilk scarf by Cartier featuring an all-over print representing the globe and a cruise ship as well as the British, American and French flags. Brand-new.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Chanel CC Twilly Lock Key Silk Made in Italy Scarf/ Wrap CC-0821N-0002By ChanelLocated in Downey, CAChanel Cc Twilly Lock Key Silk Made in Italy Scarf/ Wrap CC-0821N-0002 Here is a beautiful and Limited edition Chanel signature Heart & 2.55 Flap design...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke NomuraBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura Scarf. Nomura was inspired by a children's horse tricycle from the Emile Hermes collection. He shows the god Hermes w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche X Long Rectangle Textured Silk Scarf/ShawlBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in West Palm Beach, FLYves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche X long rectangle, silk jacquard shawl/scarf with self fringe on 4 sides. The design is snake skin in shades of aqua & turquoise blue, a beautiful scarf...Category
1990s French Scarves
- Chanel New Cashmere And Silk BlueLocated in West Hollywood, CABeautiful and warm blue reversible scarf with white fringes and white Chanel letters and CC logo. The other side is in white with pink Chanel letters an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Hermès Multicolor Cashmere ShawlBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès Multicolor cashmere Silk shawl with four different patterns. Minor stains please look at the pictures. Hand rolled edges.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Hermes Blue Pond Silk Cotton SarongBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès vintage blue pond silk and cotton blend sarong. Excellent condition.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
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.