Hermés 1990s Celestial Sun Midi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 34 in (86.36 cm)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16728839122
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1970s Rikma Arrow Print Mini DressBy RikmaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most incredible 1970s Rikma by Rosi Ben Yosef mini dress! Made of thick, quality woven cotton with multicolored stripe pattern and red arrow graphic up the front. Short sleeves w...Category
1970s Israeli Mini Dresses
- Emilio Pucci Mod Dress circa 1960sBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis 1960's vibrant Pucci dress is so fun for any time of year! In a signature Pucci print highlighting a drawstring in the center with beaded detailing, this lightweight fabric is soo comfortable and flattering. Style this for a night out with a Gucci leather jacket...Category
1960s Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Diane Freis 1980s Printed DressBy Diane FreisLocated in Scottsdale, AZDiane Freis collectors rejoice! This amazing 1980s Diane Freis dress is printed in a bright and bold multicolored floral motif this is reminiscent of...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Leonard Belted Tunic DressBy LeonardLocated in Scottsdale, AZCalling all 80's lovers! This floral Leonard tunic dress is begging to be added to your collection! Adorable 1980s Leonard midi dress featuring a gorgeous contrasting floral print, g...Category
1980s Tunics and Wrap Dresses
- Isa Boulder Purple Knit DressLocated in Scottsdale, AZWow! This Isa Boulder knitted dress is going to become your next go-to piece to layer this spring/summer! Super intricate fine knitted dress in the most gorgeous braided stitching. Hand made by talented artisans across Bali, the construction of this dress is truly a work of art and it shows. This piece is so much fun to play around with styling, turn heads and wear this poolside as the perfect bathing suit cover up or dress this up for a night out and wear this over a Dior slip dress...Category
2010s Indonesian Mini Dresses
- Chanel Silk Multi-Color Logo Graphic DressBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Chanel dress is nothing other than a beautifully detailed piece of art! Featured in a delicate light and flowy pleated silk fabric with a graphic graffiti pattern. Don't miss th...Category
Early 2000s French Casual Dresses
- Chanel Faux Pearl Embellished Full Length Dress FR 40 14C 2014 NWTBy ChanelLocated in Merced, CAChanel full length dress with faux peals embellishments and Chanel interlocking CC logo emblem. It s new with tag. This is from Chanel Cruise 2014 r...Category
Mid-20th Century French Maxi Dresses
- CHANEL Camellia Dress 97PBy Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Rubiera, RECHANEL BOUTIQUE SPRING 1997 COLLECTION 97P Vintage multicolor camellia patterned dress, front opening, with hidden buttoning. Mandarin collar, four fla...Category
1990s French Chemise Dresses
- CHANEL RESORT 2019 La Pausa knitted dressBy ChanelLocated in Rubiera, RECHANEL Resort 2019 LA PAUSA Collection Dress in very light white cotton jersey with blue vertical stripes. Bateau neckline with CC logo embroidered at th...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Chanel cotton tweed dress with camelia FR 40 Spring 2011 11PBy ChanelLocated in Rubiera, REChanel tweed cotton dress with camelia Spring 2011 Size FR 40 Made in France 62% cotton 33% polyamid 5% viscose Fully silk lined Flat measures: Length cm. 97 Shoulders cm. 28 Bust...Category
2010s French Cocktail Dresses
- CHANEL blue and white cotton dress FR 40 Spring 2008 08PBy ChanelLocated in Rubiera, RECHANEL Spring / Summer 2008 Collection Look 16/80 on the catwalk Blue and white tweed dress featuring halter shoulders, front zip with double slider, side pockets on the front and ba...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood 1991-1992 Cupid dressBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZHThe Vivienne Westwood 1992 Putti Print Dress is a true gem from the iconic fashion designer's remarkable collection. The print was frist release...Category
1990s Day Dresses
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.