Four Hermes Cotton Scarves
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4045222856142
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: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermes Silk Scarf, La Fontaine De BartholdiBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Silk Scarf, La Fontaine De Bartholdi designed by Vladimir Rybaltchenko, with box and ribbon. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition, almost new.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Four Hermes Cotton ScarvesBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLFour Hermes Cotton Scarves Comprising, Musee, designed by Philippe Ledoux, Au Clair de la Mer, Lettres Nul, and a new with tag, Charmes Des Plag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Hermes Silk Scarf, Plaza de TorosBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Silk Scarf, Plaza de Toros Designed by Hubert de Watrigant. 35 by 35 in.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Four Hermes Small Silk ScarvesBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLFour Hermes Small Silk Scarves Comprising, Constellations, designed by Pierre Peron, Fall Leaf, abstract Clouds, designed by A.M. Cassandre, and another in tones of pink, lavender an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Hermes Silk Scarf, Sole Mecanique Du TempsBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Silk Scarf, Sole Mecanique Du Temps designed by Pierre Marie. New, with Hermes retail tag and a ribbon tied box. 35 by 35 in.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Hermes Silk Scarf, Voyage En EtoffesLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Silk Scarf, Voyage En Etoffes Designed by Annie Faivre. 35 by 35 in.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
- Chanel 2014 Iconic Black Rabbit Fur Logo CC Long Neck Scarf Wrap StoleBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Black Fur Logo CC Long Neck Scarf Year: 2014 Chanel Orylag Fur Cashmere Limited Edition Black Soft Scarf Two tone CC fur logo accent on end 70%...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Chanel 2014 Iconic Black Elegant Orylag Rabbit Fur CC Stole Scarf Winter WrapBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Black Elegant Orylag Rabbit Fur CC ScarfCategory
2010s Italian Scarves
- Made For Liberty 1990s Floral Silk ScarfLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe Made For Liberty 1990s Floral Silk Scarf is a stunning accessory that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted from luxurious silk, this large printed scarf features a captiva...Category
1990s French Scarves
- Verheyen London Handmade Mink Fur Trimmed Black & Burgundy Cashmere ShawlBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBVerheyen London Mink Fur Trimmed Black & Burgundy Cashmere Shawl Verheyen London’s shawl is spun from the finest Scottish woven cashmere and finished with the most exquisite dyed m...Category
2010s Greek Scarves
- Verheyen London Hand Embroidered Sapphire Blue Shawl & Blue Mink FurBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBVerheyen London Embroidered Sapphire Blue Shawl & Blue Mink Fur Verheyen London’s shawl is spun from the finest embroidered woven cashmere mix blend from Kashmir and finished with ...Category
2010s Greek Scarves
- Verheyen London Legacy Stole Scarf in Garnet Burgundy Fox Fur with BeltBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBVerheyen London Legacy Stole Scarf in Garnet Burgundy Fox Fur with Belt The Legacy Stole is Verheyen London’s versatile design to be worn from day to night. Crafted in the finest d...Category
2010s Greek Stoles
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.