Hermes Leather Trim Cotton Tunic
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 34 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Oakland, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU141212658022
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: Oakland, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Yohji Yamamoto Navy Blue Shoulder Cut Out DressBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in Oakland, CADark navy blue Yohji Yamamoto dress Loose a-line with stunning cut out shoulder kimono style sleeves. Large patch pockets. Refined wool/nylon blend. Tagged a size Small. Bust:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Day Dresses
- Comme des Garcons 2008 Ribbon Kiss DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Oakland, CAComme des Garcons wool dress with kiss print. The colors are black and magenta. This dress is in excellent pre-owned condition, lightly used with no issues. The dress is tagged a s...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Casual Dresses
- Chanel Black Silk Dress with Quilted BodiceBy ChanelLocated in Oakland, CAClassic lines on this Chanel dress. All over quilted bodice with darted bust. Dropped waist with a-line knife pleated skirt. Chanel button on hip. Back zipper. Lined. Tagged a ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses
- Courreges Hyperbole Classic Black DressBy André CourrègesLocated in Oakland, CAClassic black dress by Courreges Hyperbole. Constructed, heavier weight fabric gives shape. Stretch waistband with tie. Banded short sleeves. A...Category
1960s French Casual Dresses
- Marni Textured Zipper Front Dress CoatBy MarniLocated in Oakland, CATextured fabric dress/coat, with a full zipper front, in tones of indigo blue and seaweed green by Marni. Made in Italy. Unfinished seams. Knee length. Nylon, silk and polyester....Category
2010s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Ann Demeulemeester Asymmetrical Black Shirt DressBy Ann DemeulemeesterLocated in Oakland, CABlack Ann Demeulemeester shirt dress. Asymmetrical gathering at hip. Gathered into a pouch. Four button closures with golf over collar. Long straight sleeve. Unlined. Tagged a ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Casual Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Cutout Sheer Mesh Bodycon Black Maxi DressBy Jean Paul Gaultier SoleilLocated in Naples, FLJean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 1999 Cutout Sheer Mesh Bodycon Black Maxi Dress Size XS/M Please note size tag has been removed, due to stretch in the mesh material this dress will fi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
- Versace F/W 2012 Runway Unworn Gothic Cross Embroidered Leather Velvet DressBy VersaceLocated in Naples, FLVersace F/W 2012 Runway Unworn Gothic Cross Embroidered Leather Velvet Black Dress IT 44 Look 2 from the Spring 2012 Collection. New with TagsCategory
2010s Day Dresses
- 1980s Escada Green Pink Blue & Orange Plaid 2 pc Dress w/ Skirt & Linen TopBy EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThis is a beautiful ensemble from the 1980's designed by Margaretha Ley for Escada. The outfit has a pleated midi length skirt that buttons down the front. It is made of linen in an ...Category
1980s German Day Dresses
- 1970s Clovis Ruffin Black Keyhole DressBy Clovis Ruffin RuffinwearLocated in Toronto, Ontario1970s Clovis Ruffin "Ruffinwear" polyester black jersey dress with keyhole tie at neckline. The dress has a gathered neckline with cape style short sleeves and a tie at the top of th...Category
1970s American Casual Dresses
- S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford G Buckle Purple Knit Sleeveless Cutout DressBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting two-in-one, this dress can be worn with either an exposed back or a plunging neckline. Sexy and versatile, this dress represents one of Tom Ford's most popular and iconic ...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Strap Black Knit Runway DressBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a form-fitting knit Gucci dress, designed by Tom Ford. This dress debuted on the Spring/Summer 1998 runway as look 5. Constructed of black knit viscose, this long sleeve d...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail 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.