Hermes Vintage Les Muserolles Silk Scarf, circa 1986
View Similar Items
Hermes Vintage Les Muserolles Silk Scarf, circa 1986
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.
- Hermes Vintage En Piste Brown Silk Scarf, circa 1998By HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL Hermes vintage En Piste silk scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1998 by Robert Dallet features an assortment of circus horses in a ring over a beig...Category
1990s Scarves
- Hermes Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf, circa 1990sBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PATIMELESS Hermes Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1992 by Caty Latham features an artistic rendition of portrait of Hermes founder...Category
1990s Scarves
- Hermes Vintage Camails Silk Scarf in Maroon c1974By HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes Vintage Camails Silk Scarf in Maroon c1974 in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1974 by Françoise De La Perriere features an array of horse hoods in maroon wit...Category
1970s Scarves
- Hermes On Summer Day Silk Shawl 140cmBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes On Summer Day Silk Shawl 140cm In new without box condition. Original silk screen design c2020 by Nigel Peake features a geometric colorful city scape print in white, blue, go...Category
2010s Scarves
- Hermes Vintage Neige d’Antan Cashmere Silk Scarf in redBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes Vintage Neige d’Antan Cashmere Silk Scarf In excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1989 by Cathy Latham features winter scenes, snowflakes and foliage in green ora...Category
1980s Scarves
- Chanel Sheer Pink Silk ScarfBy ChanelLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Sheer Pink Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Pale pink with dark pink, grey, white and blue abstract print. Chanel printed on each side. No stains...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Christian Dior Vintage Printed ScarfBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on this timeless Christian Dior scarf circa 1960s! A burgundy 100% silk features a navy, yellow and beige paisley pattern throughout to create this classic and chic closet staple. The perfect way to complete your look any time of year, prepare to never run out of ways to style this scarf. Wear this as a neck tie with a Chanel blouse and some Manolo kitten...Category
1960s French Scarves
- Gucci Silk Printed ScarfBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZHow incredible is this Gucci scarf circa 1980s?! A golden 100% silk contrasts vibrant shades of blue coming together to form a signature Gucci horse-bit motif. Notice how detailed this graphic is, it's truly a wearable work of art. Add the perfect touch of vintage to...Category
1980s Italian Scarves
- Hermes Brown Turquoise Coupons Indiens 90 cm ScarfBy Ailine Honore, HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermes Coupons Indiens 90 cm Silk Scarf is pristine. Artist Ailine Honore and issued in 2008. Swirling patterned fabrics in shades of br...Category
Early 2000s French Scarves
- 1980s Gucci Red Paisley Printed Fringe ShawlBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZAmazing 1980s Gucci red paisley print shawl! Solid red background printed all over with an ornate persian rug inspired pattern! Super soft with lightly fra...Category
20th Century Italian Scarves
- 1960s Christian Dior Silk ScarfBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZLuxurious vintage Christian Dior scarf in the most beautiful warmed toned neutral color palette circa 1960s. A modern glitch-like graphic is printed onto 100% silk and finished off with a brown border and Dior logo at the bottom. This print is so eye catching and abstract, you are going to have so much fun playing around with the infinite ways to style this piece! Tie this onto the strap of a brown Dior...Category
1960s Scarves
- Hermès Belt Print 90 cm Silk ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLHermès Belt Print 90 cm Silk Scarf - Pristine Condition The vintage design was originated by J. Metz. Orange background with three rows of brightly striped ribbon belts hanging de...Category
20th Century 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.