I have decided to write about one of the most recognizable vintage Hermes scarves, Springs, by none other than Philippe Ledoux.
I must admit, that I was surprised to learn that at the center of this popular scarf is a children’s carriage.
Commissioned by Carolina Bonaparte for the birth of her son to Napoleon, this miniature luxury coach was built by the famous coach builder J. Fr. Tremblay. Dating back to the early 19th century, it is considered a masterpiece of French coach building.
The coach can be seen at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna today and a link to the website Habsburger.net is provided, where a photo of the actual coach can be viewed.
Originally equipped with a sunshade or removable “roof”, this coach was sometimes pulled by two merino rams trained to trot like ponies, that belonged to the Franconi Brothers Circus, famous during the Empire.
The coach was decorated with plaques embossed in copper and gold, all representing the symbols of the Bonaparte family. Due to its overwhelming popularity, a much simplified version could be seen on the streets of Paris.
Today, this carre, just like its inspiration, can be seen not just on the streets of Paris, but all around the world.
Merci Monsieur Ledoux…
