Hermès "Qu'importe Le Flacon" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Catherine Baschet, 2000.
View Similar Items
Hermès "Qu'importe Le Flacon" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Catherine Baschet, 2000.
About the Item
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.
- Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Silk Plaid Multi-Color Long Wrap ScarfBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Banner Elk, NCYves Saint Laurent Vintage Silk Plaid Multi-Color Long Wrap Scarf, Circa 1970 - 1975. This beautiful and classic cross hatched patterned scarf by Yves Saint Laurent comes in a beautiful bright yellow and red coloration. In the early 1960's, Yves Saint Laurent became iconic for his play on patterns mixed with vivid colors and this scarf is no exception! The inset of the scarf contains a bold and bright red coloration with "YSL" to middle of design. This extremely rare and sought after scarf by the YSL fashion...Category
1970s Italian Scarves
- Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Wool Challis & Silk Checkered Plaid Pattern ScarfBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Banner Elk, NCYves Saint Laurent Vintage Wool Challis & Silk Checkered Plaid Pattern Scarf, Circa 1970 - 1980. This beautiful and classic plaid patterned scarf by Yves Saint Laurent comes in a vib...Category
1970s Italian Scarves
- Hermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997.By HermèsLocated in Banner Elk, NCHermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997. "Persona" depicts various tribal masks from the African/Egyptian region on an off white background and is considered...Category
1990s French Scarves
- Hermès "Poste et Cavalerie" Silk Scarf by Joachim Metz circa 1986By HermèsLocated in Banner Elk, NCHermès "Poste et Cavalerie" Silk Scarf by Joachim Metz circa 1986. "Poste et Cavalerie", or french "Post and Calvery", was originally designed by Joachim Metz and issued in 1986. The design of the "Poste et Cavalerie" depicts an illustration of the "Sabretache", or saber bag that was commonly worn by calvary officers or members of the horse artillery unit. Each of the eight "sabretache" bags in this classic Hermès illustration...Category
1980s French Scarves
- Hermès Limited Edition "Brandebourgs" Silk Twill Scarf by Cathy Latham, 1994.By HermèsLocated in Banner Elk, NCHermès Limited Edition "Brandebourgs" Silk Twill Scarf by Cathy Latham, 1994. "Brandebourgs" is inspired by the French Military and the adorning ornamental embellishments to the unif...Category
1990s French Scarves
- Hermès "Marine Naїve" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Philippe Dumas, 1992.By HermèsLocated in Banner Elk, NCHermès "Marine Naїve" Silk Twill Scarf by Philippe Dumas, 1992. "Marine Naїve" or sometimes mistaken under the name "Henry F. Smith Sailor" actually depicts the life of famous sailor Henry F. Smith who passed away in 1880. Handcrafted in France to the highest luxury standards, Hermès scarves are true wearable pieces of art that take 18 months to create from start to finish with over 750 artisan hours into each scarf design. This rare and highly sought after design was designed by famous Hermès designer Philippe Dumas, CEO and heir to Hermès who was responsible for many iconic designs such as "Les Amazones" and "Cirque Molier...Category
1990s French Scarves
- ALEXANDER MCQUEEN red black TARTAN cashmere Muffler Shawl ScarfBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Zürich, CHAlexander McQueen tartan shawl in red, black and yellow cashmere (100%) with embroidered skull appliquee. Has been worn and is in virtually ne...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Scarves
- William David Limited Edition Silk Scarf OrangeLocated in Carlsbad, CAFor the artistic, creative fashion lover, this oil painting-inspired silk scarf is the essential wardrobe staple. Diverse in color, and unique in pattern, this distinctive accessory ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
$199 Sale Price33% Off - Square 1960s Vintage Head Scarf designed by Monique Valery Horse Riding in RedLocated in Chillerton, Isle of WightSquare 1960s Vintage Head Scarf designed by Monique Valery Horse Riding in Red Superb design geometric saddlery A wonderful piece signed, Unworn Con...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Scarves
- Hanae Mori Vintage Red Silk Abstract Print ScarfBy Hanae MoriLocated in Portland, ORWe absolutely love vintage Hanae Mori prints, and this beautiful red silk scarf is no exception! The pure silk scarf has stylized roses between white gradi...Category
1970s Japanese Scarves
- Other Red Plaid Classic 871888 Scarf/WrapLocated in Dix hills, NYThis cashmere scarf is in an excellent condition no holes no tears, no stains Tassels are complete and intact at both ends A light weight scarf made of 100%CASHMERE It has been d...Category
20th Century Scarves
- High Quality Hand Embroidered 100% Cashmere Shawl in Red & BlueBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBThe perfect Christmas gift for someone special - this shawl is unique and handmade. Verheyen London’s shawl is spun from the finest embroidered woven cashmere from Kashmir. The emb...Category
2010s 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.