Hermes Silk Printed Cap
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167218586622
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Gianni Versace Faux Leopard Medusa Hat, 1990sBy Versace, Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZA true collectors piece, this 1992 Versace baseball cap style is covered in faux Leopard fur, leather belt hat band with gold medusa heads and sil...Category
1990s Italian Hats
- Christian Dior 1960's Feather and Tulle TurbanBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZAmp up your accessory collection with this incredible vintage 1960's Christian Dior turban head piece! This wonderfully elegant and rare Christia...Category
1960s French Hats
- Dolce & Gabbana Leather Cheetah Print Fisherman's CapBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Dolce and Gabbana Hat is a perfect addition to any outfit. Adding a fun print to upgrade any outfit, this hat does just that. The D&G leather cheetah print fisherman's cap is a great item to incorporate in your wardrobe. Stylishly pair with your favorite Dior boots...Category
2010s Italian Hats
- Gianni Versace 1990s Black Leather Medusa HatBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd a touch of 90s Versace to your look with this amazing Gianni Versace hat! Circa early 1990s, this hat is crafted from ultra soft black leather and feat...Category
1990s Italian Hats
- Frank Oliver Leopard Print Trim HatBy Frank OliveLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd to your collection with this adorable Frank Oliver hat! Circa late 20th century, this hat features a black felt top and a leopard print cowhide bri...Category
Late 20th Century American Hats
- Saint Laurent 1980s Color Block Straw CapBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis hat is serving all the 80s vibes! Circa 1980s, this YSL glossy straw hat features a contrasting vibrant green cap and a large deep pink brim. Perfect fo...Category
1980s French Hats
- Vintage Emillio Pucci Woven Straw Tan Hat with BowBy Emilio PucciLocated in Boca Raton, FLA 1960s Pucci hat. Excellent condition. Measurements: Hat: 11 inch circle Brim: 2 inches Crown: 2 inches Inner circumference: 21 inches Bow: 7 inche...Category
1960s Italian Hats
- 1960s Bronze Satin Turban Hat W/ Large Amber Cabochon BroochLocated in Gresham, ORAn unmarked 1960s bronze satin turban hat with large cabochon rhinestone brooch.Category
1960s American Hats
- Jeanne Lanvin Labeled Bonnet Hat VintageBy Jeanne LanvinLocated in New York, NYPossibly modified Jeanne Lanvin labeled vintage hat. Excellent vintage condition. FINAL SALE.Category
20th Century French Hats
- Original 1920's Flapper Cloche Hat With Metal Raffia Weave and Feather TrimLocated in London, GBThis exquisite 1920s flapper cloche hat with metallic raffia weave is in excellent vintage condition. The hat is molded in soft red felt, with a gross-grain band on in the interior so that the hat easily retains its position when worn. The exterior is an elaborately textured weave of coral cotton thread and gunmetal raffia sculpted to form stylish folds and culminates with a starburst arrangement at the crown. The reverse of the piece is beautifully embellished with a spray of fabric styled to look like thistles, with coral coloured feather trim to finish. The designer is unknown, however the label holds the signature of the famous John Wannamaker...Category
1920s American Cloche Hats
- Birger Christensen Broadtail and Sable HatBy Birger ChristensenLocated in Alford, MABlack broadtail hat in cap style featuring a deep border of sable in light reddish brown - two luxury furs in one by noted furrier Birger Christensen of Denmark. Size S.Category
Late 20th Century Danish Hats
- Elegant Straw Hat with Faux Tortoise BandLocated in New York, NYElegant, and finely woven straw hat by "Marcelle Originals" from the 1970's. Large brim with attached grosgrain ribbon and faux tortoise acetate decorative band. Cool high shape. Br...Category
1970s Italian Hats
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.