1981 Hermes Washington Carriage by C Latham Silk Scarf
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)Length: 35.44 in (90 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos-All Hermes scarves could get small spots ou small discolorations, small yellowish spots, and color transfer).
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU187216562492
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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Silk Scarf AscotBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over multi print, and a center pleat. Circa 1960s In good vintage condition. Made in France. We guarantee you will receive this iconic ite...Category
1960s French Scarves
- Hermes Bordeaux Cliquetis by J Abadie Silk ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes silk scarf "Cliquetis" by J. Abadie featuring a bordeaux border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1986 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We...Category
1980s French Scarves
- 1974s Rare Hermes Bordeaux Les Amazones by Philippe Ledoux Silk ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FR1974s Hermes bordeaux Les Amazones by Philippe Ledoux and Vladimir Rybaltchenko silk scarf featuring a bordeaux border. This is the only scarf designed by...Category
1970s French Scarves
- Multico Love Yves Saint Laurent YSL Georgette Silk Large ShawlBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Paris, FRGorgeous Saint Laurent multico georgette silk shawl ( 100% silk ) featuring a LOVE motive. Marked YSL 46.4 in. (118 cm) X 85in (216 cm) In good vintage condition. (some screens dis...Category
Late 20th Century French Scarves
- Hermes Camel Astrology Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet Silk ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes silk scarf camel “Dies et Hore” (Astrology) by Francoise Faconnet featuring sun, moon Astrology & Renaissance scene, a camel border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1988s In...Category
1980s French Scarves
- Hermes Le Timbalier by F Heron Silk ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermes silk scarf "Le Timbalier" by Francoise Heron featuring an ochre border, a Hermès signature. In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90...Category
1990s French Scarves
- Emilio Pucci silk scarfBy Emilio PucciLocated in Rubiera, REEmilio Pucci silk scarf Scarf from the 1957 Palio collection, dedicated to the contrade of Siena, on which an exhibition and a dedicated book w...Category
1950s Italian Scarves
- Gucci "Python" Silk Foulard Tom Ford Era S/S 2000By GucciLocated in Venezia, ITGucci "Python" Silk Foulard Tom Ford Era S/S 2000 Measures: 190cm x 30cm Materials: 100% Silk Conditions: ExcellentCategory
Early 2000s Scarves
- Hermes Vintage Brown/Green Paisley Pattern Cashmere & Wool ScarfBy HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2An essential Hermès accessory, the label's scarves are as iconic as any other creation from the brand and are collector's favorites. This rendition is carefully cut from luxurious si...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Valentino Gold & Black Silk Jacquard & Satin Two Faced Fringed ScarfBy ValentinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Pick this scarf for an instantly chic update. The scarf is made from silk jacquard & satin and cut to a length that allows you to comfortably wrap it around your neck.Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Louis Vuitton Brown Monogram Dentelle Silk ScarfBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Made from luxurious silk, this Louis Vuitton Dentelle scarf keeps you fashionable. Pattered with the monogram, this brown scarf from the Dentell...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Hermes Vintage Camails Silk Scarf in Maroon c1974By HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes Vintage Camails Silk Scarf in Maroon c1974 in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1974 by Françoise De La Perriere features an array of horse hoods in maroon wit...Category
1970s 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.