Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress 1970s 42
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4-6 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- 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: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Carolyne Roehm black and white polka dot strapless dress and jacket 1990sBy Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm black and white silk polka dot strapless dress and jacket fro the 1990s. Fitted torso boned strapless dress has a double ruffle hem and closes at the back with a zipp...Category
1990s American Day Dresses
- Vintage Valentino cream and black silk polka dot chiffon dress 1980sBy Valentino Garavani, ValentinoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLValentino, Miss V cream and black silk chiffon polka dot dress...Next to Valentino "red", navy and off white polka dots are a recurring theme in many of Valentino's designs...The simplicity of this dress will take it from casual to dressy with the addition of accessories, half the fun of dressing! Bateau neckline dress...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Vera Wang Black Knit Jersey Racer Shoulder Zipper Front Fitted Maxi DressBy Vera WangLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVera Wang black knit jersey maxi dress with racer shoulders, band neck & zipper front. Fitted through the torso, the dress falls in an A line to the hem. There is a 28" front hem ven...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Maxi Dresses
- Irene Galitzine Couture Navy Blue Racer Neck Fitted Sheath Braid Trim Dress 1960By Irene GalitzineLocated in West Palm Beach, FLIrene Galitzine Couture navy blue wool racer neck, fitted sheath, braid trim dress. Navy blue wool dress has cut in shoulders with a round neck, the dress is fitted through the bodic...Category
1960s Italian Sheath Dresses
- Fendi Silky Black Jersey Pleated Bat Wing Turtle Neck Dress 40By FendiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLFendi silky black jersey pleated bat wing turtle neck dress marked size 40. Pull on stretch jersey dress has a turtle neck, long bat wing style, with pleats at the underside of the u...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Azzedine Alaia Rare Fall 1992 Brown & Green Argyle Knit Body Con Dress MediumBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAzzedine Alaia rare Fall 1992 brown & green argyle knit body con dress marked size medium. Silky rayon knit dress features a wide oval neckline with long tight sleeves. The body of ...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970S Purple & Blue Striped Poly Blend Satin Long Sleeve Day To Night DressLocated in New York, NY1970S Purple & Blue Striped Poly Blend Satin Long Sleeve Day To Night DressCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- 1970S SAKS 5TH AVENUE Navy Silk Chiffon Ruffled GownLocated in New York, NY1970S SAKS 5TH AVENUE Navy Silk Chiffon Ruffled GownCategory
1970s Formal Gowns
- DOLCE & GABBANA black & white ROSE PRINT & LACE Dress 42By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Zürich, CHDolce & Gabbana shift dress in black and white viscose (82%) cotton (16%) nylon (2%) with a rose print and lace part at the bottom, stand-up collar, puffed shoulders, long sleeves wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Casual Dresses
- VALENTINO black silk BEDED Short Sleeve Dress 40By ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CHValentino embroidered short-sleeve dress in black/multi polyamide (100%) and silk (100%) with a round neck. Has a bead and lace pleated bottom. Closes on the back with a concealed zi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Casual Dresses
- 1990's Dolce & Gabbana Black Nylon Slip DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Austin, TX1990's Dolce & Gabbana Black Nylon Slip Dress Excellent condition Nylon fabric Made in Italy Size S/M Bust: 28"-38", Waist: 25"-36", Hips: 41"-54", Length: 44.5"Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- F/W 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Tulle Sleeveless Shift DressBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a black pleated chiffon Gucci dress, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, the top version of this dress in pink debuted on the season's runway as pa...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
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.