1957 Hermes "Le Bois De Boulogne" Silk Twill Carré Scarf
View Similar Items
1957 Hermes "Le Bois De Boulogne" Silk Twill Carré Scarf
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.
- Documented Courrèges Haute Couture Wool Set, Fall-Winter 1969-1970By André CourrègesLocated in Geneva, CHAndré Courrèges opened the haute couture to the Pop culture. Giving priority to geometric lines and shapes, the sculptural designs feature a mix of simplicity with Parisian chic. This very rare labelled complete wool set includes a beanie (numbered C2136), a pair of mitten (numbered C2137) and a scarf (numbered C2138), is a typical example of the above. It was accompanying the coats and trenchs of this 1969 collection. White color was one of Courrèges favorites, he liked using either alone or mixing with others, more striking ones. Fits approx. : Beanie -> US 7 / EU 56 / Size M Scarf -> one size fits all Mitten -> Size S/M Measurements (approx.) : Beanie -> Circumference 56 cm (22 inches) Scarf -> L 145.5 x W 19 cm / L 57.3 x W 7.5 inches Mitten -> L 23 x W 10.4 cm / L 9.1 x W 4.1 inches This item has been professionally cleaned, pressed & carefully inspected by a couture-trained seamstress before being sold. Credit photos : Picture n° 6 -> Peter Knapp...Category
1960s French Scarves
- Yves Saint Laurent Runway Wool Sweater & Scarf, Fall-Winter 1982-1983By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Geneva, CHWoven with a colourful pattern for a bold graphic look, this FW1982-1983 YSL runway (see picture 10) sweater and matching scarf will be perfect for the Fall s...Category
1980s French Pullovers
- Emilio Pucci Printed Silk ScarfBy Emilio PucciLocated in Geneva, CH60's Emilio Pucci silk scarf with a lovely and unusual floral pattern. Rolled edges. Emilio Pucci’s signature is printed throughout the scarf. A great addition to any Pucci scarf col...Category
1960s Italian Scarves
- 1951 Hermes "A La Gloire De La Légion Etrangère" Silk Twill Carre ScarfBy Hermès, Hugo GrygkarLocated in Geneva, CHVery rare Hermès “A la Gloire de la Légion Etrangère” silk twill Carré scarf. Signed by Hugo Grygkar and issued in 1951, this scarf pays hommage to a specific corps of the French Army : the French Foreign Legion...Category
1950s French Scarves
- Versace Balletto Printed Silk Square ScarfBy Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in Geneva, CHAs a true dance enthusiast, it is not surprising to find references to this Art in Gianni's work. From 1984 until his tragic death, Gianni Versace collaborated with the famous French...Category
1990s Italian Scarves
- Hermès "La Maison Des Carrés" Silk Twill Carre Scarf, Fall-Winter 2014-2015By Pierre Marie, HermèsLocated in Geneva, CHYoungest artist ever to create scarves for the legendary fashion house, design star Pierre-Marie Agin is behind "La Maison des Carrés". From the Fall-Winter 2014-2015 collection, thi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Fendi Blue Applique Detail Karlito Silk & Wool ShawlBy FendiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Classy and stylish are some words that come to our minds when we look at the shawl. The label brings you this versatile creation made from luxurious materials that you style with man...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Lurex Off White ShawlBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Paris, FRAn iconic vintage piece from YSL, the large shawl with lurex threads on a plain off white background. With fringe around the edges and stamped YSL. In very good condition exept a sma...Category
1990s Unknown Scarves
- Hermes Twilly Les Coupes Tattoo Silk Scarf Rose Vif/ Rose Pale Set of 2 NewBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes silk scarf twilly features Les Coupes Tattoo in Rose Vif and Rose Pale. Designed by Francoise de le Perriere. This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Hermes Plisse Au Fil de la Soie Vintage Scarf Mint w/ BoxBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes silk plisse (pleated) print scarf. The Journey of Silk Thread was created by Annie Faivre. This print depicts the story of silk from the cocoon on the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Hermes Twilly Les Cles Burgundy / Pink / White / Blue New w/BoxBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Hermes Les Cles single silk twilly featured in Burgundy, Pink, White and Blue. Designed by Cathy Latham. Comes with signature Her...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves
- Jean Charles de Castelbajac Red Silk Square Pop Scarf "Love"By JC DE CASTELBAJACLocated in Paris, FRCollector !!!! This scarf is a message of love ! "running after an heart as we can run after a star". Made of Silk the composition label is present. It's in very good condition. Dim...Category
Late 20th Century French Scarves
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.