Hermès Silk Skirt Illustrated with Theme "Brin d'or", 1982
About the Item
- Designer:Julia Abadie
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 28.75 in (73 cm)Marked Size: 46 (EU)Waist: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk
- Condition:
- 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.
- Black Raffia Skirt Embroidered with Small FlowersLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRBlack raffia skirt embroidered with small flowers. It features two patch pockets and metal zip. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Conditi...Category
1960s French Flare Skirts
- Dolce & Gabbana Skirt, Size 38FRBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDolce & Gabbana -(Made in Italy) Printed silk skirt. Size 38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Waist: 38 cm, Hips: 42 cm, Length: 55 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller R...Category
2010s Italian A-Line Skirts
- Lanvin Wool Skirt Fall, 1989By Lanvin ParisLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRLanvin -(Made in France) Wool skirt sewn with metallic elements. Size 36FR. Fall-Winter 1989 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Size: 30 cm, Length: 45 cm Condition: V...Category
1980s French A-Line Skirts
- Jean-louis Scherrer Silk, Lace and Taffeta Maxi Skirt Haute CoutureBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRJean-Louis Scherrer - (Made in France) Haute Couture silk, lace, and taffeta maxi skirt. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good ...Category
1980s French Flare Skirts
- Nina Ricci Skirt in Pink Cotton Enhanced with GoldBy Nina RicciLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRNina Ricci - (Made in France) Skirt in pink cotton enhanced with golden. Size 40FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 35 cm - Length: 57 cm ...Category
1980s French A-Line Skirts
- Christian Dior Yellow Tone Lace SkirtBy Christian DiorLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDior - (Made in Italy) Yellow tone lace skirt. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 35 cm - Length: 85 cm Se...Category
2010s Italian Pleated Skirts
- Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS-02 Cotton Laced Safari Skirt with Leopard TrimBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Brussels, BEThe sexy pencil skirt was a piece that Carine Roitfeld, Tom Ford’s longtime stylist and former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, made quite popular in the e...Category
Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts
- Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS-02 Cotton Laced Safari Skirt with Leopard TrimBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Brussels, BEThe sexy pencil skirt was a piece that Carine Roitfeld, Tom Ford’s longtime stylist and former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, made quite popular in the early noughties. Roitfeld was obsessed with the rigor and discipline of uniforms, but she kept looking for ways to add eroticism to strictly tailored clothes. This military-inspired skirt -with its sensual trim of leopard print chiffon- was an obvious choice for her and hasn’t lost any of its relevance. This is a version of skirt Look 2 as seen on the runway spring/summer 2002, ready-to-wear, model Rie Rasmussen 100% cotton in brown Leopard trim...Category
Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts
- Tom ford, Signature skirt in cashmereBy Tom FordLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLTom ford, Signature skirt in cashmere. The item is new with tags. • CONDITION: new with tags • SIZE: IT38 - XS • MEASUREMENTS: length 38 cm, width 36 cm • MATERIAL: 100% cashmer...Category
2010s Skirts
- Salmon Prada Silk Pleated Skirt Size IT 38By PradaLocated in New York, NYSalmon silk pleated skirt by Prada. Zip closure at center back. 28.5" waist, 34" hips, 23.25" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Skirts
- Black Alexander McQueen Pleated Buckle Mini Skirt Size IT 38Located in New York, NYBlack pleated mini skirt by Alexander McQueen. Snap closures at back and buckle closure at waist. 32" waist, 50" hips, 16" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Skirts
- Vintage Black Chanel Fall/Winter 2003 Wool Skirt Size FR 46By ChanelLocated in New York, NYVintage black wool pencil skirt by Chanel. From the Fall/Winter 2003 Collection. Zip closure at center back. 41" waist, 45" hips, 19" length.Category
Early 2000s European Pencil Skirts
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.