Hermes Cashmere Cardi/Coat
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 38FR (NA)
- Style:current (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3647220032802
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Chanel Boutique Pale Blue Jacket with Black Patent Leather TrimBy Chanel Boutique, ChanelLocated in London, GBVintage Chanel Boutique Pale Blue Jacket with Black Patent Leather Trim Long sleeves. Four front pockets.Plastic buttons with Camellia at the front and three on the each sleeve. Blu...Category
1980s Jackets
- Burberry Houndstooth JacketBy BurberryLocated in London, GBBurberry Houndstooth Jacket 55% Cotton and 45% Wool. Single breasted in brown and beige tones, fully lined. Button up closure and cuffs with signature lo...Category
2010s Blazers
- Mulberry Checked JacketBy MulberryLocated in London, GBMulberry Checked Jacket Grey/brown blazer designed with single-breasted, asymmetric closure. Detailed with notched lapels and flap pockets to the side. Featuring long sleeves and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blazers
- Akris Wool & Leather Open JacketLocated in London, GBAkris Wool & Leather Open Jacket Grey jacket designed with nappa leather inserts. Featuring open front and rolled-up cuffs. Size – 12US Condition – Very Good Composition – Calf ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Jackets
- Mulberry Cropped Scallop JacketBy MulberryLocated in London, GBMulberry Cropped Scallop Jacket Black open jacket designed with slightly cropped fit and three-quarter sleeves. Detailed with scallop trimmings. Size – 38FR Condition – Very Good...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bolero Jackets
- NNO7 Plaid JacketLocated in London, GBNNO7 Plaid Jacket 60% Wool in green, blue and black. One top open chest pocket and two larger waist pockets. Hidden button closure. Fully lined. Additional information: Size – S ( ...Category
2010s Jackets
- Giorgio Armani Pearl Grey Jacket Size 44 EU NewBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in New York, NYSoft and luxurious Giorgio Armani pearl grey jacket , new with tags. Beautifully tapered to fit the body. The jacket features a notched lapel collar, and three matte buttons down the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets
- Comme des Garçons grey cropped jacket, fw 1987By Comme des GarçonsLocated in Milano, IT- Grey cropped jacket - Sold by Skof.Archive - Double breasted button - Fall Winter 1987 - Shot by Peter Lindbergh in 1987 Comme des Garçons adv campaign - Made in Japan Size : ...Category
1980s Japanese Blazers
- Moschino Heart Vest circa 1990sBy Moschino, Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Scottsdale, AZSuper fun button down wool vest from Moschino's 'Cheap and Chic' line circa 1990s! The large heart motif in the center of the vest is the star of the show and is so fun to play around with unbuttoning! The back of the vest creates a contrast with a satin striped fabric and an adjustable belt style feature to flatter your figure. Style this over top of a white Miu Miu button down, a pleated Prada skirt and red YSL heel...Category
1990s Italian Vests
- Courreges Striped Leather Belted Jacket, 1980sBy André CourrègesLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most amazing mod inspired 1980s Courreges striped leather jacket! Made of a soft cream leather, accented with grey and red vertical stripes. Buttons up the side of the chest with...Category
1980s French Jackets
- Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt SetBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZFeel cool and collected with this 80's era Chanel skirt set! This two-in-one ensemble is completely reversible for a whole new look making this Chanel...Category
1980s Italian Skirt Suits
- 1990s Randolph Duke 3D Flower Petal Applique Bolero ShrugBy Randolph DukeLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing a Fashion Flashback: 1990s Randolph Duke 3D Flower Petal Applique Bolero Shrug! Step into the world of vintage glamour with our exquisite Randolph Duke bolero shrug. Craf...Category
1990s Bolero Jackets
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.