Rare Hermès Set of Matching Scarf and Cummerbund Seashells on Mosaic in Silk
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 47.25 in (120 cm)Length: 79.93 in (203 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location: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: France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermès Silk Scarf Mosaic Seashells Twilly Orange RareBy HermèsLocated in FRRare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès twilly Print: "Coquillages en Mosaïque" (Mosaic Seashells) This rare pattern was designed by Anne Gavarni in the 60's This twi...Category
Late 20th Century French Scarves
- Exceptional Hermès Belt Buckle Horse Printed on Enamel Texas For 24 mm BeltBy HermèsLocated in FRStunning Authentic Hermès Belt Buckle Extremely rare removable top plate system Made of printed enamel and golden hardware "HERMÈS" engraved at back Classic Hermès fixing system ...Category
20th Century Unknown Belts
- Hermès Ornament Adornment for Skirt in Brown Leather and Golden Medor Studs RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRAbsolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is designed to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not in...Category
1980s French Belts
- Exceptional Hermès Ornaments for Hermès Skirt Belt Buckles in Toile and LeatherBy HermèsLocated in FRRare and Beautifu Authentic Hermès Ornaments These pieces of leather is intended to adorn the front of the Hermès skirts provided for this purpose Please notice: will come without ...Category
Late 20th Century French Belts
- Hermès Vintage Belt in Golden Leather and Golden H Buckle Size 80By HermèsLocated in FRBeautiful Authentic Vintage Hermès Belt Made in France Stamp J in a circle (1980) Made of Smooth Leather Colorway: Gold Leather, White Stitchin...Category
1980s French Belts
- Exceptional Hermès Belt Buckle Whip Shaped Horse Texas for 24 mm BeltBy HermèsLocated in FRExtremely Rare Authentic Hermès Belt Buckle In shape of 2 whips Made of silver Vintage item "HERMES" engraved at back Classic Hermès fixing system Size: for 24 mm belt (1,26 in...Category
20th Century Unknown Belts
- New Proenza Schouler Bronze Gold Metallic Sequin Silk Tie Sash Belt Hair ScarfBy Proenza SchoulerLocated in San Diego, CABrand new PROENZA SCHOULER golden bronze sequin sash belt! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins on both the front and back of the belt. Extremely versatile piece that can really a...Category
2010s American Belts
- 90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt BuckleBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TX90-s Vintage Gianni Versace Atelier Barocco Scarf Silk with Bondage Belt Buckle Truly unique statement piece! It can be worn in many different ways! Plea...Category
1990s Italian Scarves
- Chanel Vintage CC Logo Medallion Gold-Tone Necklace Belt, France, 1990sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel gold-tone triple “necklace” belt featuring a CC logo medallion, made in France, 1990s. The belt is stamped. Very classic and great for everyday ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Vintage chain belt, draped with Chanel perfume bottleBy ChanelLocated in L'ESCALA, ESMagnificent vintage chanel belt, double golden chain of 2.2 cm, pretty draped with chains (at the lowest 10cm), ending with a perfume bottle stamped coco chanel with a height of 4cm ...Category
1980s European Belts
- 1990s Gianni Versace curb chain medusa head belt with rhinestonesBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Nottingham, GBThis Gianni Versace belt is made from a gold tone gild metal. The style of the chain reflects the 90s era as it has a curb shaped chain. The belts chain is covered with clear rhinest...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- 1990s Versace chain belt with a large oval buckleBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Nottingham, GBIf you are looking for a spectacular item to start off or to add to your collection this vintage Versace belt is a masterpiece. The links on the b...Category
1990s Italian Belts
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.