Hermes 2016 F/W Scarf Print Silk-Cotton-Cashmere Sleeveless Knit Dress New
View Similar Items
Hermes 2016 F/W Scarf Print Silk-Cotton-Cashmere Sleeveless Knit Dress New
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.
- Jean Paul Gaultier Venus De Milo Torso Optical Illusion Nude Sculpture Dress SetBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRNEW Jean Paul Gaultier Venus De Milo Torso Optical Illusion Nude Sculpture S/S 1999 Kim Kourtney Kardashian Iconic Collector Soleil De...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- Chanel 2001 wool, silk and sequin knee length dress with half belt detailBy ChanelLocated in COLLINGWOOD, AUThis is a piece of Chanel that you will wear & wear again as it’s the perfect dress for when you don’t know what to wear. Crafted in wool/silk herringbone style patterned fabric in ...Category
1990s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- STELLA MCCARTNEY orange viscose 2016 CINTHYA Short Sleeve Dress 40 SBy Stella McCartneyLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Stella McCartney Resort 2016 'Cinthy' dress in light orange viscose (64%), acetate (32%) and elastane (4%). Features a slit at the front neck and short raglan sleeves ...Category
2010s Casual Dresses
- BOTTEGA VENETA orange viscose 2022 SLEEVELESS PLEATED MINI KNIT Dress MBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Bottega Veneta sleeveless knit mini dress in orange and green viscose (76%), polyester (8%) and elastane (1%). Features square neck pleated at the hem and green fine s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
- new JACQUEMUS Runway orange long tafetta button front maxi dress gown IT34 XSBy JacquemusLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew JACQUEMUS Runway orange long tafetta button front maxi dress gown IT34 XS Reference: TACW/A00033 Brand: Jacquemus As seen on: Rihanna Material: Cotton C...Category
2010s Maxi Dresses
- HERVE LEGER coral ABRIELLE BANDAGE BODYCON Dress SBy Herve LégerLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Herve Leger 'Abrielle' bandage dress in coral red rayon (91%), nylon (8%) and spandex (1%). Opens with a zipper in the back. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent...Category
2010s Casual 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.