Hermes Silk Hat
About the Item
- Brand:
- Style:Circa 1970 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk
- Condition:Presence of stain on the inner lining.
- Seller Location:SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 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: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Alaïa Hat / Beret in Black Virgin Wool Embellished with Silver RivetsBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRAlaïa -Beret in black virgin wool embellished with silver rivets. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size 57 Seller Reference: CHP16Category
Early 2000s Hats
- Yves Saint Laurent Boater Hat Decorated with a Pleated Navy Blue RibbonBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent (Made in France) Boater hat decorated with a pleated navy blue ribbon. Runway model, ribbon N°612. Size 57. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition...Category
1970s French Hats
- Maison Michel Blue Felt HatBy Maison MichelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRMaison Michel - Blue Felt Hat Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: about 57 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: CHP55Category
2010s Hats
- Maison Michel Straw Wide Brim HatBy Maison MichelLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRMaison Michel - Straw wide brim hat. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 55 cm (21.65") - Brim width: 13 cm (5.11") - Height: 10 cm (3...Category
2010s Hats
- Hermès Open Cap with Fabric VisorBy HermèsLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRHermès -Open cap with fabric visor. Size S, the back of the cap has an elastic band. Additional information: Dimensions: Size S Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: CHP9Category
1990s French Hats
- Natural Wicker HatLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRNatural wicker hat. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 58 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: CHP46Category
1980s Hats
- F/W 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Silver Tone Round Black Crystal Hair ClipBy Donatella Versace for Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a fabulous silvertone and black rhinestone Gianni Versace hair clip, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, ...Category
1990s Italian Hats
- Fendi FF Zucca Monogram Small Hat FF-1118P-0006By FendiLocated in Downey, CAFendi FF Zucca Monogram Small Hat FF-1118P-0006 Here is a classic Fendi zucca monogram beanie a true rare item. this classic piece has been sold out f...Category
2010s Italian Hats
- Buscemi Red Adjustable Leather Canvas Made in Italy HatBy BuscemiLocated in Downey, CABuscemi Red Adjustable Leather Canvas Made in Italy Hat A classic baseball cap shape in Original Leather & Canvas Made in Italy detail. This Buscemi hat is a must have for any true ...Category
2010s Italian Hats
- 1940s Leslie James Navy Blue Felt Tilt Hat w Large Pink Ostrich PlumesBy Leslie JamesLocated in Gresham, OR1940s Leslie James Navy Blue Felt Tilt Hat w Large Pink Ostrich Plumes: An unusual tilt hat by the famed milliner Leslie James features and lush ostrich plume and contoured double s...Category
1940s American Hats
- New Chanel Shearling Headband White with BoxBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAThis headband from Chanel is really sought after. It keeps you warm and stays tight on your head Its brand-new and never worn and comes in the original Chanel box. On the front it's ...Category
2010s French Hats
- Edwardian Bird of Paradise HatLocated in New York, NYAmazing Bird of Paradise Edwardian Hat on velvet base. Incredible taxidermy on draped velvet wired hat. Retailed by Marks and Sons, a store in Amsterda...Category
Early 1900s American Hats
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.