1970s HERMES Equestrian Print Silk Blouse and Skirt set
View Similar Items
1970s HERMES Equestrian Print Silk Blouse and Skirt set
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.
- 1960s Malcolm Starr Green Pink Metallic Floral Print DressBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Malcolm Starr Gown in Green, Pink, gold and blue print sleeveless gown. Perfect for wedding or cocktail event . Waist is encrusted with multi color jeweled. Bust: 34” / waist ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Lanvin by Alber Elbaz Brown Silk DressBy Alber Elbaz, Lanvin ParisLocated in Beverly Hills, CALanvin by Alber Elbaz Brown silk cocktail dress with black spaghetti strap. Dress drop waist fastener that is adjustable.\ Fit size Small- Medium...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Michael Kors Gold Jersey Gown with RhinestonesBy Michael KorsLocated in Beverly Hills, CABeautiful 2000s Michael Kors light yellow strapless Jersey gown with iridescent rhinestones. Size: Small Measurement: Bust: 32” / Waist: can stretch up to 28” / Hip: can stretch up...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Gowns
- 90s Gianfranco Ferre Light Brown Strapless Mini cocktail DressBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage Gianfranco Ferre Light Brown Knit mini strapless dress with leather trimming. Dress has built in bra. Perfect for cocktail party. Size : Small Bust : 32” / Waist : 28” / ...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dress
- 1970s Andrè Laug Taupe and Brown Silk Print Maxi DressBy André LaugLocated in Beverly Hills, CA70s Andrè Laug mocha and creme silk print maxi dress with beads. Size: 8/10 Bust: 40"/ Waist: 32"/ hip: open/ length : 55"Category
1970s French Maxi Dress
- 90s Richad Tyler tan leather cut out dressBy Richard TylerLocated in Beverly Hills, CARichard Tyler leather cut out spaghetti strap dress. Size: 2 Bust: 32" Waist: 30 Hip: 32Category
1990s Australian Cocktail Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Nomad Ethnic Tribal Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Indian DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Collector Catwalk Mesh Transparent Sheer Nomad Ethnic Tribal Indian Western Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Long Maxi Dress Extremely rare "Tatouages" dress from Jean Paul Gaultier! Museum piece! "Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All Time Jean Paul Gaultier, Spring/Summer 1994, October 1993: BoF’s Editor-at-Large journeys back to a show that fused Indian mysticism, 18th century silhouettes...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
$1,994 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Etro multicolor floral stripe paisley print plunging cut out maxi dress gownBy EtroLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage An incredibly feminine floor length dress by Etro from their Spring/Summer 2007 runway collection Low cut plunging neckline Floral, stripe and paisley multicolour...Category
Early 2000s Maxi Dress
- Prada black & white gingham check print sleeveless babydoll style mini dressBy PradaLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage Prada black and white mini dress in gingham print Structured style sleeveless dress with a fitted waist and puffed skirt ...Category
2010s Italian Mini Dresses
- Azzedine Alaia black white polka dot sleeveless flare babydoll mini dress FR 36By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Paris, FRAzzedine Alaia sleeveless flared dress in black with white polka dot print Fitted upper which extends into a flared full skirt Concealed back zip Size: FR 36 with plenty of stretch...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Halter Neck Knitted DressBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Nice, FRGIANNI VERSACE Couture vintage halter neck knitted dress. This dress strongly highlights the silhouette with a thick knitting ribbed structure and...Category
20th Century Italian Day Dresses
$701 Sale Price20% Off - Elisabetta Franchi peach feathers dressLocated in Capri, ITElisabetta Franchi peach feathers dress totally made in italy in italian size range 42 total lenght 72 cmCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day 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.