Hermes Avalon Pillow
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Marked Size: 50 (UK)
- Style:Avalon (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:United Kingdom
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3021220793572
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 PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chanel Shearling and Cashmere PillowBy ChanelLocated in London, EnglandChanel Grey & Black CC Shearling & Cashmere Pillow - Shearling front with CC logo in grey and black hues - Soft cashmere felt back - Concealed top zi...Category
2010s Muffs
- Chanel slingback shoes white and blackBy ChanelLocated in London, EnglandChanel slingback sandals in white ( crocodile pattern) and black. Sold out very limited. Size 38.5c new in box and dustbags.Category
2010s French Shoes
- Hermes Himalaya crocodile oasis sandalsBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandIncludes invoice, box, dustbag and Cites Made in France Brand New Himalayan Crocodile Oran Sandals full set with CITES These beautifully crafted sandals are crafted to mimic the snow...Category
2010s French Shoes
- HERMES Scarf Twilly CARRES VOLANTS Lila Rose Pale Flying Carre SilkBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHERMES Scarf Twilly CARRES VOLANTS Lila Rose Pale Flying Carre Silk Ladies. 100 silk Brand: Hermes Line: Twilly Model: CARRES VOLANTS Country of O...Category
2010s Scarves
- Hermes blue enamel Rondo braceletBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandHermes palladium plated metal and blue enamel Rondo bracelet H logo rotating. Palladium. Comes with dustbagCategory
2010s Belts
- Hermes Himalaya crocodile oasis sandalsBy HermèsLocated in London, EnglandIncludes invoice, box, dustbag and Cites Made in France Brand New Himalayan Crocodile Oran Sandals full set with CITES These beautifully crafted sandals are crafted to mimic the snow...Category
2010s French Shoes
- Louis Vuitton Red/Brown Logo Cashmere Baroda MufflerBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The perfect style companion on a cold day comes to you in the form of this Louis Vuitton muffler. The cashmere muffler comes detailed with the brand name and fringed edges.Category
2010s European Muffs
- Jean Paul Gaultier Punk Rock New Soft Stuffed Toy Plush Sailor Marine Teddy BearBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Teddy Bear with Striped T-Shirt. Plush novelty bear with chain detail, kilt, and t-shirt. NEW in bag! In 2012 the De Young Museum in San Francisco featured a very large exhibit of his work and along with that came the release of many limited edition items. Nana was Gaultier's first bear and he used to dress that bear in his own fashions- he felt this was the start of his design career. For the museum exhibit a very limited release of his bear Nana was produced. The bear is dressed in a signature blue and white striped Gaultier shirt. He also has on a red plaid kilt. Most unique about the bear is the punk look. He has 2 silver earrings and a chain is attached to one of them. The chain is long and travels to his nose location as in a nose ring...Category
1990s Italian Muffs
- Rhinestone and mink muff with rhinestone strap Daniel SwarovskiBy Daniel SwarovskiLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRRhinestone and mink muff with rhinestone strap.Pocket with zip ( lenght: 12 cm ) strap lenght = 100 cm Lenght of the muff= 20 cm X 12 cm LIKE NEWCategory
2010s French Muffs
- LOUIS VUITTON beige LEOPARD FUR EarmuffsBy Louis VuittonLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Louis Vuitton leopard print earmuffs in beige, brown and black mink. Lined in soft black fleece. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Come with dust bag. A...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Muffs
- Gucci Fur MuffsBy GucciLocated in Capri, ITGucci Fur Muffs Totally made in italy Real fur They can be sold alone or together with Scarf and HatCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Muffs
- Adrienne Landau Bold Red with Sable Tails MuffBy Adrienne LandauLocated in New York, NYThis elegant Adrienne Landau red muff is fully lined with a hidden zipper compartment within for your personal items if desired. The ends are highlighted with rich wonderful long sab...Category
1990s Italian Muffs
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.