Hermès Avalon Pillow
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Length: 27.56 in (70 cm)Marked Size: 70 x 70 cm (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, 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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- CHANEL White and Neon Pink Bath Towel in CottonBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRBrand new! This CHANEL beach towel is in white terry cloth woven with silver threads and fluorescent pink bands. It is made of 97% cotton and 3% polyester. This lovely Chanel beach towel in white and neon pink cotton is completely new. Made in Italy. Brand Label present. The dimensions of this bath towel is 172 x 124 cm The Chanel bath towel...Category
2010s Italian Textiles and Quilts
- HERMES Shoulder Strap in Red LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES Shoulder Strap in Red Leather and palladium metal. In very good condition. Made in France. Dimensions : length : 90 cm Will be delivered ...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
- HERMES Notebook Cover in Red Ostrich LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES Notebook cover in Red Ostrich Leather. Diary holder and or notebook and nota bene HERMES case cover, in red ostrich. Inside there is a new...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French For The Desk
- DELVAUX Masked Keyholder in Green and Pink Calskin LeatherBy DelvauxLocated in Paris, FRDelvaux keyholder masked in pink and green calfskin leather, from the Magritte Collection. Delivered with its gilded metal fastener and siglée Delvau...Category
2010s Belgian Miscellaneous
- GUCCI Dog Leash in Black LeatherBy GucciLocated in Paris, FRBeautiful Gucci dog leash in black leather. Very nice work of leather at the handle and the grip. Thehardware is in palladium. This leash is in very g...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Curiosities
- HERMES Notebook Cover Small Model in Black Grained Calf LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES notebook cover, small model, in black grained calf leather. Letter F in a square. Delivered in a HERMES pouchCategory
Early 2000s French Curiosities
- Hermes Collectible Niege D antan PillowBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès collectible Niege D Antan silk decorative pillow. Excellent condition. Poly interior.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pillows and Throws
- Hermes H Casaque Blanket Carbone / Ecru Limited EditionBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a limited edition Hermes H Casaque blanket featured in Ecru and Carbone. A modern expression of the classic H blanket inspired by the horse racing world. Originall...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pillows and Throws
- Hermes Cushion Avalon III Soleil / Gris Small Model Throw Pillow Set of TwoBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers set of two (2) Hermes classic Small Model Avalon signature H pillow featured in Soleil and Gris. The removable covers are created from 90% Wool and 10% cashmere and...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pillows and Throws
- Gucci Embroidered Velvet Yellow Pillow CushionBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZAre you ready to elevate your living space and add a touch of luxury to your home decor? Look no further! Our Gucci cushion pillow is the perfect additio...Category
2010s Italian Pillows and Throws
- HERMÈS Small Yachting Beach Towel in SableBy HermèsLocated in London, GBHermès Small Yachting Beach Towel in Sable with "Hermès Bain" embroidery 100% Cotton Measurements: 95 x 140 cmCategory
2010s Pillows and Throws
- Hermes Écru Gris Clair Avalon III pillow, small modelBy HermèsLocated in Nicosia, CYPillow with removable cover in jacquard woven wool and cashmere. Hypoallergenic polyester filling. Finished with blanket stitch. Dimensions: L 50 x H 50 cm. sku 11368Category
2010s Scottish Pillows and Throws
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.