rare HERMES Vintage 100% silk Ancient French Map print blazer jacket FR38 M
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hong Kong, HK
- Reference Number:
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: Sha Tin, Hong Kong
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- vintage THIERRY MUGLER Vampire collar grey grommet stud blazer jacket FR38By Thierry MuglerLocated in Hong Kong, NTvintage THIERRY MUGLER Vampire collar grey grommet stud blazer jacket FR38 Reference: TGAS/B00803 Brand: Thierry Mugler Material: Viscose Color: Grey Pa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blazers
- HELLESSY Thatcher 2018 Runway purple cloque cape sleeves blazer dress US0 XSLocated in Hong Kong, NTHELLESSY Thatcher 2018 Runway purple cloque cape sleeves blazer dress US0 XS Brand: Hellessy Collection: 2018 Runway Material: Viscose Color: Purple Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Ex...Category
2010s American Blazers
- SEE. BY CHLOE blue white striped dropped armhole boxy vest FR36 SBy See By ChloeLocated in Hong Kong, NTSEE. BY CHLOE blue white striped dropped armhole boxy vest FR36 S Reference: CECU/A00017 Brand: See By Chloe Material: Polyester Color: Navy Pattern: Striped Closure: Button E...Category
2010s Vests
- new BALENCIAGA Y2K red white colorblocked logo poplin track jacket IT48 MBy BalenciagaLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew BALENCIAGA Y2K red white colorblocked logo poplin track jacket IT48 M Reference: TGAS/C00400 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Material: Cotton Color: Red Pattern: Solid C...Category
2010s Italian Anoraks and Parkas
- HERMES Vintage Concerto yellow Violinist silk black suede leather vest FR38 SBy HermèsLocated in Hong Kong, NTHERMES Vintage Concerto yellow Violinist silk black suede leather vest FR38 S Reference: GIYG/A00195 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Ext...Category
2010s Vests
- BALENCIAGA DEMNA 2019 black wool power padded shoulder oversized blazer FR34 XSBy BalenciagaLocated in Hong Kong, NTBALENCIAGA DEMNA 2019 black wool power padded shoulder oversized blazer FR34 XS Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Collection: 2019 Material: Woo...Category
2010s Italian Blazers
- 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
- Louis Vuitton Logo Limited Edition Travel Hoodie JacketBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLTailored from a comfortable technical cotton jersey, this iconic button up travel hoodie features a metallic silver reflective Louis Vuitton logo pe...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sport Jackets
- Azzedine Alaïa Vintage S/S 1992 Runway Coral Corset Jacket DocumentedBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Berlin, BEIconic documented vintage Azzedine Alaïa Spring Summer 1992 runway corset jacket in the most beautiful rare coral colour! AS seen on the Spring Summer 1992 runway show and worn by model Beverly Peele for Vogue issue...Category
1990s French Blazers
- CELINE BY HEDI SLIMANE F/W2019 Rare Runway Snakeskin Print Leather JacketBy CelineLocated in Berlin, BEOutstanding rare leather blouson by Celine from their F/W 2019 collection. This brown snakeskin print jacket is a variation of the runway look 24 - the runway version with epaulettes...Category
2010s Italian Jackets
- SAINT LAURENT By HEDI SLIMANE F/W 2013 Military Style JacketBy Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent, Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BESaint Laurent by Hedi Slimane F/W 2013 Military Jacket Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection / Year: F/W 2013 Fabric: Wool / Silk Color: Black Size: 46 Incredible military inspired jacket by Saint Laurent. Designed by Hedi Slimane for his Fall Winter 2013 collection. Utilitarian and smart. Made from wool and lined in silk. It features a double-breasted closure with nautical antiqued anchor...Category
2010s French Pea Coats
- RICK OWENS Avant Garde Distressed Leather Biker JacketBy Rick OwensLocated in Berlin, BEClassic avant-garde biker jacket from Rick Owens. A true Rick Owens staple. This avant-garde jacket is made from a soft distressed lamb leather and features a concealed front zip closure, classic Rick Owens long sleeves...Category
2010s Italian 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.