Hermes Carpe Diem & Chasse en Inda Silk Scarf Bag
View Similar Items
Hermes Carpe Diem & Chasse en Inda Silk Scarf Bag
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.
- Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag Plaid Quilted TweedBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZYour favorite flannel pajamas but make it cozy Chanel! Their signature twist lock flap closure is featured on the front, monogrammed and with an embossed lock. The silver chain link handles are coupled with eyelets and complement the strong pattern of the bag. The back has one patch pocket. Lined with buttered leather, the interior includes three compartments and one with a flap and a snap lock closure. It includes one zipped pocket and two patches, as well as a pen holder. Pair with a Balenciaga...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Striped Monogram Vintage HandbagBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZFrom none other than the house of Gucci! This takes the classic monogrammed bag and adds an interesting twist. The monogram is unique and fun with 'GG' embedded in slanted stripes in...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Python Tassel Crossbody BagBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Gucci handbag is an iconic piece to the Gucci house! This features a beautiful neutral python leather that is accompanied by faint green, blue, and ye...Category
Early 2000s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gianni Versace 1990s Baroque Print Satin Shoulder BagBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your looks with this beautiful Versace shoulder bag! Circa 1990s, this bag is made of gorgeous blue satin and features a multi-colored Bar...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Balenciaga Souvenirs XXS Beltbag Black/MulticolorBy BalenciagaLocated in Scottsdale, AZFeel the coolest in this street-wear inspired handbag from the iconic Balenciaga! Everyone will be wondering where they can get this rare gem. This bag is crafted of black lambskin leather with Balenciaga graffiti-inspired print in vibrant colors. Take a look at the bag and you will see the word 'PARIS', 'LOVE', and '75007' in colorful letters. The bag features a gold BALENCIAGA logo on the flap, a rear zipper pocket, and an adjustable chunky silver chain and black leather belt strap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- CHANEL Black/Peach Tweed and Leather Medium Gabrielle Hobo BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZFOUND! The most perfect and versatile bag. From the 2018 Cruise collection this fabulous Gabrielle Hobo Bag is part of Chanel's new 'Gabrielle' line. This particular hobo bag feature...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Dolce and Gabanna Devotion Floral Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Palm Beach, FLQuilted nappa leather medium Devotion crossbody bag. Feminine and adaptable, it boasts an original heart clasp with an antique gold finish and a shoulder strap inspired by the method...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 1986 Flap w Top Handle Clutch Exotic Convertible Caramel Lizard Skin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Camel Lizard skin flap lined with lambskin leather and interwoven chain 1986 {VINTAGE 38 Years} Gold Hardware Interior engraved large CC detail Vintage male/female clasp clos...Category
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- BOTTEGA VENETA brown red blue TRI COLOR AYERS Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CHBottega Veneta shoulder bag in brown, dark brown and red snakeskin featuring blue trim. Can be worn as a shoulder bag , clutch or crossbody bag. Opens with a magnetic flap and is lin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$3,112 Sale Price20% Off - CHLOE Motty grey suede PIXIE MEDIUM DOUBLE HANDLE BagBy ChloéLocated in Zürich, CHChloé 'Pixie Medium Double Handle' circle shoulder bag in Motty grey paneled calfskin and suede with stud trim. Brassy round tote handles. Removable and adjustable shoulder strap. Fl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- VALENTINO burgundy leather ROCKSTUD GLAM LOCK MEDIUM Shoulder BagBy ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Valentino Rockstud Glam Lock flap bag in burgundy calfskin features edgy, oversized pyramid studs in light gold-tone. A chain-link pull-through strap can be used as a ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- 2019 Louis Vuitton Brown Monogram Canvas & Leather Soft Trunk Messenger MMBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLOUIS VUITTON Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Soft Trunk Messenger MM Serial Number: BA3149 Age (Circa): 2019 Accompanied By: Louis V...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
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.