Hermes Paris Silk 18th Century Style Nautical Exploration Blouse cira 1990s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 30 in (76.2 cm)Marked Size: French Size 42 (EU)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Style:18th Century (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:The tunic style blouse is illustrated with 18th century style nautical sailing ships set in a harbor. The figures are dressed in 18th century style finery. The solid black sections are silk knit
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7363949443
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: University City, MO
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Schiaparelli Modern Silk Chiffon Blouse May Ray Trust Collection c 2018By House of SchiaparelliLocated in University City, MOSchiaparelli Modern silk chiffon blouse Man Ray Trust c 2018 The avant-garde silk chiffon blouse is designed with a long dramatic built in scarf that cascades down the front. The sca...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Blouses
- Salvatore Ferragamo Silk Floral Print Blouse c 1980sBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in University City, MOSalvatore Ferragamo Italy silk floral print blouse The elegant blouse is designed with violet flowers set against a bronze background Accented with copper and golden amber graphics. The luxurious silk blouse buttons...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Blouses
- Michael Vollbrach Silk Screen Artisan Print Borzoi Batwing Tunic Blouse c 1980sLocated in University City, MORare Michael Vollbract Graphic print silk borzoi batwing tunic blouse c 1980s The unique artisan blouse is designed with a sleek borzoi canine figure that runs across the front Desi...Category
Late 20th Century South Korean Blouses
- Emilio Pucci Cotton Pastel Print Blouse Made in Italy c 1970By Emilio PucciLocated in University City, MOEmilio Pucci Cotton pastel print blouse Made in Italy The charming retro blouse is designed with color block floral and fruit graphics The collage of fruits and flowers are set ...Category
1970s Italian Blouses
- Valentino Italy Silk Charmeuse Peach and Gray Print Blouse US Size 12By ValentinoLocated in University City, MOValentino Silk charmeuse peach and gray print blouse The elegant Italian blouse is designed with luminous peach color silk with streaks of gray silk graphics Valentino's V initial...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Blouses
- Reserved for Daniel Unique Silk Beaded Graphic Print Blouse c 1990sLocated in University City, MO***RESERVED SALE PENDING FOR DANIEL*** Silk beaded graphic print blouse c 1990s The unique high fashion blouse is illustrated with a pair of elegant retro style women having tea T...Category
1990s Chinese Blouses
- 2003 Roberto Cavalli Brown Astrology Corset Top Removable SleevesBy Roberto CavalliLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning astrology print corseted top, designed by Roberto Cavalli. From 2003, this sought after print features constellations and depicts some of the horoscope signs. T...Category
Early 2000s Italian Blouses
- A Pierre Cardin Organza Blouse With Dramatic Batwing Sleeves Circa 1970/1980By Pierre CardinLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1970/1980 France Stunning Blouse in black Organza by Pierre Cardin (attributed to) dating from the 1970s / 1980s. Boat neckline blouse buttoned in front and dramatic raging s...Category
1970s French Blouses
- Erdem Floral Tie Neck TopBy ErdemLocated in London, GBErdem Floral Tie Neck Top Long sleeved blouse designed with muted light blue and dark green floral prints throughout. Detailed with high, tied neckline a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blouses
- 1980S Multicolor Status Print Silk On Paisley Jacquard BlouseLocated in New York, NY1980S Multicolor Status Print Silk On Paisley Jacquard BlouseCategory
1980s Blouses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Beaded TopBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Los Angeles, CABeaded Vintage top by by Jean Paul Gaultier Made in Italy Black V-Neck Metallic beaded argyle embellishment covering front Sleeveless Functional zipper detail along left side seam ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Blouses
- Gucci by Tom Ford c.1999 Knit Backless Strappy Logo Buckle Black Crop TopBy Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Naples, FLGucci by Tom Ford c.1999 Knit Strappy Backless Logo Buckle Black Crop Top Size Small Gucci knit crop top with crew neck, straps at back and silver-toned metal logo buckle at nape. E...Category
1990s Blouses
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.