Hermes 1970's Vintage Navy & Gold "Cosmos" Print Jacket - 38
View Similar Items
Hermes 1970's Vintage Navy & Gold "Cosmos" Print Jacket - 38
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.
- Oscar De La Renta Yellow & Black Tweed Jacket - 10By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar De La Renta Yellow & Black Tweed Jacket - 10. This jacket is in excellent condition and has a black lace trim. Measurements: Bust- 33" Shoulder to Shoulder- 14.5" Sleeve...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Jackets
- Ralph Lauren Grey Shearling Lamb Cropped Vest - MBy Ralph LaurenLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Ralph Lauren black label grey shearling lamb vest is cropped and has one hook and eye closure in the front. Its lining is suede and the piece is in excellent condition with ligh...Category
2010s American Vests
- Guy Laroche 1980's Black Silk Blend Evening Jacket - Size 40By Guy LarocheLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThe 80's is back with this Guy Laroche Vintage Black Silk Blend Evening Jacket - 40 - circa 1980s. This vintage evening jacket has a quilted design, 2 sealed front pockets, rhineston...Category
1980s French Jackets
- Chanel Black Wool Cropped Jacket with Asymmetrical Zipper Size 40 Circa 1997By ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Black Wool Cropped Jacket w/ Asymmetrical Zipper - 40 - 97A This timeless Chanel jacket is in excellent condition. The jacket is completely made of wool and is lined in silk ...Category
1990s French Jackets
- Carolina Herrera Black and Red Silk Print Jacket - 8By Carolina HerreraLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolina Herrera Black and Red Silk Print Jacket - 8. This very light and classy silk print jacket is fully lined and has a single front snap with a black thick satin cord tie in the...Category
Late 20th Century French Jackets
- Vintage YSL Navy Satin Smoking Jacket- Size 36 Circa 80’sBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVintage YSL Navy Satin Smoking jacket with brushed black buttons. French Size 36. This pre-owned garment is in great vintage condition. Measurements: Bust: 39" Waist: 29” Sleeve len...Category
1980s French Smoking Jackets
- Child's Vintage 1980's Black Leather Motorcycle Jacket Size 8Located in New York, NYVintage child's black leather motorcycle jacket , size 8. Authentic details feature zip front closure, zippered sleeve cuffs and side pockets, metal snap collar and front pocket. At...Category
1980s American Jackets
- 1980's Sonia Rykiel France Evening Wear Lightweight Silk Velvet Lame DusterBy Sonya RykielLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite 1980's evening wear coat, jacket, blazer or duster is lightweight, vented and easy to wear for dining, parties and dancing, with an animal patterned, soft silk velvet and s...Category
1980s French Single-Breasted Jackets
- Three Sam Kori Greorge Courture Atelier Boucle Jackets. Approximately size 12-14Located in Buchanan, MIThree Sam Kori Greorge Courture Atelier Boucle Jackets In The Style Of Chanel. Each is a wool boucle collarless jacket in blue, brown, and red. Priced per jacket. Approximately s...Category
20th Century American Single-Breasted Jackets
- GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970sBy Giorgio di Sant' AngeloLocated in New York, NYGIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s Crimped black and gold kimono-cut top, non-conforming black net sash decorated with metallic gold thre...Category
1970s Italian Jackets
- Wilson’s Leather JacketLocated in New York, NYSize: L Material: Genuine Leather June’s Measurements: Height: 5"3 inches Bust: 32" inches Waist: 24” inches Hips: 35” inchesCategory
1990s Jackets
- F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Black Les Infernales Structural Runway JacketBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Concord, NCThierry Mugler extremely rare collectible dramatic black belted jacket from the iconic Fall Winter “Les Infernales” 1988 collection and as seen on the r...Category
1980s French Jackets
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.