Hermes by Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2007 Metallic Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hertfordshire, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2765222336482
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: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Dries Van Noten Spring 1999 Runway Black Silk Bustle DressBy Dries van NotenLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Dries Van Noten Spring 1999 - seen on the runway Black silk full length gown Three button pick-up bustle detail on back - can be worn up or left down to be a long train at ...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci Fall 2006 Runway Gold Beaded Halter Gown DressBy GucciLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Gucci Fall 2006 - seen on the runway, and on Keira Knightley Gold halter neck full length beaded gown Cowl neckline Low back Size IT...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chanel Fall 1995 Black Silk Satin Gown DressBy ChanelLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Fall 1995 Black silk satin full length dress Slightly flared A line skirt Fully lined Zip up back 100% silk Size EU 42 / UK 14 / US 10 Clipped back...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dior Fall 2006 Black Silk Chiffon Ruffle DressBy Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVintage Dior Fall 2006 by John Galliano Black silk chiffon ruffle detail dress Midi length Can be worn on or off shoulder Double layered - slip dress under ruffle dress, attached ...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli 2005 Blue Print Silk DressBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Hertfordshire, GBRoberto Cavalli 2005 Navy blue & beige pattern silk maxi dress Cross back straps Slight train at the back 100% silk Bias cut Size IT 42 / UK 10 / US 6 Measurements - Waist 27-3...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace Spring 2015 Beaded Embellished Geometric Pink Gown DressBy Donatella Versace, VersaceLocated in Hertfordshire, GBVersace Spring 2015 Highly embellished full length gown Geometric cube pattern Ombre gold to pink Mesh bust and lower skirt Open back with embellished strap Cross back straps Plunge...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white striped trainBy Roland KleinLocated in Austin, TX1980s Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white train. Acetate fabric. 34" bust, 26" waist, 40" hips, 48" front length - 54 1/2" ba...Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood Nude Satin, Black Lace and Velvet Corset and Skirt, FW 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Brand: Vivienne Westwood Gold Label ▪ Creative Director: Vivienne Westwood ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1996 ▪ Fabric: Black Lace, Nude Satin ▪ Details: One-shoulder corset top adorn...Category
1990s English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Galanos Creme Long Sleeve Dress with Green Rhinestones EmbellishmentBy Galanos for Amelia Gray, James GalanosLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s James Galanos from Amelia Gray Boutique Creme silk crinkle long sleeve dress embellished in green rhinestones and white beads. Dress has some issues on the arm pit . ( see imag...Category
1960s American Wedding Dresses
- 1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w RoseBy Jacqueline de RibesLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Jacqueline de Ribes Deep Purple Taffeta One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress w Roses: This documented Jacqueline de Ribes heavily boned, ruched, asymmetrical, ingeniously designed mi...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Geoffrey Beene Red, Black, and Green Plaid Maxi DressBy Geoffrey Beene, Geoffrey Been BoutiqueLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Geoffrey Beene Plaid maxi long sleeve dress with beautiful collar and large belt. color : red, black, green and white paten leather belt po...Category
1970s American Wedding Dresses
- Blue sequin dress with white star sequins pattern JC/DCBy JC DE CASTELBAJACLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlue sequin dress with white star sequins pattern . Fabric composition: 100% polyester. The back is plain polyester satin. Orange cotton ribbing on the neck-line,on the bottom edge a...Category
Early 2000s Indian 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.