Hermes Cashmere Cardi/Coat
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 38FR (NA)
- Style:current (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3647220032802
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Chanel Boutique Pale Blue Jacket with Black Patent Leather TrimBy Chanel, Chanel BoutiqueLocated in London, GBVintage Chanel Boutique Pale Blue Jacket with Black Patent Leather Trim Long sleeves. Four front pockets.Plastic buttons with Camellia at the front and three on the each sleeve. Blu...Category
1980s Jackets
- Burberry Houndstooth JacketBy BurberryLocated in London, GBBurberry Houndstooth Jacket 55% Cotton and 45% Wool. Single breasted in brown and beige tones, fully lined. Button up closure and cuffs with signature lo...Category
2010s Blazers
- Mulberry Checked JacketBy MulberryLocated in London, GBMulberry Checked Jacket Grey/brown blazer designed with single-breasted, asymmetric closure. Detailed with notched lapels and flap pockets to the side. Featuring long sleeves and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blazers
- Stone Island Hooded JacketLocated in London, GBStone Island Hooded Jacket Navy jacket designed with four side pockets and drawstring hemline. Featuring centre zip closure, raglan sleeves and logo batch on the left sleeve. Detaile...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Jackets
- Dancassab Leather Jacket With Tulle Trims Recharged X7 By Yasmin SewellLocated in London, GBDancassab Leather Jacket With Tulle Trims Recharged X7 By Yasmin Sewell Biker jacket designed with all-over tie and dye pattern in light green and grey. Detailed with red tulle stitc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Jackets
- Prada Custom Painted Leather & Mink Fur Biker JacketBy PradaLocated in London, GBPrada Custom Painted Leather & Mink Fur Biker Jacket Oversized, uber soft bright red leather jacket with custom sheared mink fur lining in contrasting black. Custom hand painted desi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Jackets
- Leitmotiv unworn green fashion award 2016 ecofur - ecoleather sequined jacketBy leitmotivLocated in Capri, ITLeitmotiv unworn green fashion award 2016 ecofur - ecoleather sequined jacket totally made in italy in size mCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets
- Rochas Black & White Long Jacket w/ Aqua Stitching & Lace Cutout Bottom - 6By RochasLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRochas Black & White Long Jacket w/ Aqua Stitching & Lace Cutout Bottom - 6. This unique jacket is in excellent condition. It features aqua stitching throughout its black and white...Category
Early 2000s French Jackets
- Gold Gilet Oriental Bustier with PearlsLocated in Amsterdam, NLTraditional oriental handmade vintage bustier/gilet We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Gold fabric decorated with faux pearls no buttons, no label ...Category
20th Century Unknown Coats and Outerwear
- A French Leonard Couture Printed Silk Jacket Circa 1980/1990By LeonardLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1980/1990 France Elegant jacket in printed silk with abstract plaid patterns in red, blue, green, yellow, orange and pink tones on a white background by Leonardo from the 1980...Category
1980s French Dinner Jackets
- John Galliano Set of a Top and Vest with Psychedelic PrintBy John GallianoLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRGalliano - (Made in Italy) Set consisting of a top and vest with psychedelic print. Size indicated L. Additional information: Dimensions: Vest: Shoulder width: 45 cm, Chest: 48 cm,...Category
Early 2000s Italian Vests
- Off-white raw silk and gold lurex jacket with branded buttons ChanelBy ChanelLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FROff-white raw silk and gold lurex jacket with branded buttons.No lining but piping inside on the seam. SIZE 38 (M)Category
Early 2000s 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.