Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Silk Vest
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Pulled threads (see examples on the pictures 18 to 20).
- Seller Location:Nice, FR
- 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: Nice, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- THIERRY MUGLER Couture Vintage Black Cut Out JacketBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Nice, FRTHIERRY MUGLER Couture vintage spring/summer black supple jacket featuring cut-outs on front, forearms and back embellished with brushed silver tone arrowhead details. This jacket i...Category
20th Century French Jackets
- Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Black Neoprene Multi Pocket Hooded Jacket Size SBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Nice, FRJEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage black neoprene multi pocket hooded jacket. Front zipper closure. Pockets with velcro closure. Stretchy fabric. Label reads JPG JEAN'S. Collection 0002. M...Category
20th Century Italian Jackets
- HERMES Vintage Grand Cortege à Moscou Silk JacketBy HermèsLocated in Nice, FRHERMES vintage rare GRAND CORTEGE A MOSCOU double breasted jacket designed by MICHEL DUCHENE, depicting NAPOLEON BONAPARTE march into the city of Moscow in 1812. This jacket feature...Category
20th Century French Jackets
- Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Tailcoat Varsity JacketBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Nice, FRJEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage rare burgundy red long tail back cropped varsity/college jacket. This jacket features : - Burgundy red front and back. - Rib...Category
20th Century French Jackets
- Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Cotton Anorak Jacket Size MBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Nice, FRJEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage cotton anorak jacket. This jacket features : - Large "JUNIOR GAULTIER" print on the back. - Lightweight cotton layer. - Black perforated lining. - Short s...Category
20th Century Italian Anoraks and Parkas
- Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Black Astrakhan Fur Bolero JacketBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Nice, FRYVES SAINT LAURENT Fourrures vintage rare black astrakhan fur bolero jacket embellished with massive multicolored three-dimensional resin cabochons. ...Category
20th Century French Tuxedo Jackets
- Dolce & Gabbana lamé brocade double-breasted blazer jacket, ss 1993By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana multicoloured double-breasted blazer jacket ▪ The textile consists of a patchwork of colourful lamé brocades and floral jacquards ▪ Large antique-style metal butto...Category
1990s Italian Blazers
- Issey Miyake black nylon oversized parachute coat, fw 1987By Issey MiyakeLocated in London, GBIssey Miyake; Black nylon oversized parachute coat with batwing sleeves and two front pockets Fall-Winter 1987Category
1990s Japanese Jackets
- 1970s Debeaux Multicolour JacketLocated in Capri, IT1970s Debeaux Multicolour Jacket Embellished botton Totally made in italy in italian size range 44Category
1970s Italian Jackets
- Pamela Flower embellished Blu jacketLocated in Capri, ITPamela Flower embellished Blu jacket Inside Leopard Totally made in italy in size MCategory
1980s Italian Jackets
- New! Schiaparelli Heart w/Arrow dress Jacket 2019 LOWERED PRICE****By SchiaparelliLocated in Los Angeles, CA****Price has been lowered to from $7500 to $5500 Beautiful Schiaparelli black wool blazer with signature large red heart pierced by embroidered gold arrows, with a small spray of clear stones. Four (4) small delicate buttons showcasing Signature "S" and 3 more of the famous "lock." All buttons are encased and trimmed in tiny stones on each wrist. Two (2) concealed covered front closure snaps. Lining of blue silk and red hearts pierced with arrows. Two (2) front pockets. Jacket is exquisitely designed and tailored as in a couture garment. See vintage image...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Blazers
- F/W 2000 Roberto Cavalli Python Leather Fur Biker Jacket Python Accents VintageBy Roberto CavalliLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting this extravagant Roberto Cavalli biker jacket. This piece features black leather, python, fur, and pony hair working in harmony. The jacket debuted on look 34 on the Rober...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.