We are pleased to have two HERMES carres, Les Bolides and Virages that were purchased in 2003 and 2004 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans car races in France which take place every June.

In unworn condition with original boxes and bolduc ribbons, both would make the perfect gift for the car enthusiast.

The Les Bolides Hermès carré was designed by Rena Dumas, the mother of the current artistic director of the Fashion House, Pierre-Alexis Dumas. Madama Dumas was married to Jean-Luis Dumas, who was at the helm of Hermes from the late 1970s until 2006.

To my knowledge this is the only scarf that Madame Dumas, an accoplished artichect by trade, ever designed.

Hermès also issued a Les Bolides, which sports the number “24” in each corner and also on the scarf box. This was most likely either a Special Issue or a Limited Edition. [More Information on those terms].

The Virages, with its twists and turns so representative of a race track,  was designed by Pierre Peron.  Signed by the artist, this design was first introduced as a 90cm carre in 1976 and reissued as a 70cm square in 2004.

Both scarves celebrate the art of car racing.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans.  This world-famous car race began as an endurance race for both man and machine in 1923 near the French town,  Le Mans, west of Paris. Also coined the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, it takes place over a 24 hour period in which teams compete not just for speed, but also efficiency and ultimately completion of the race without any glitches, mechanical or otherwise.

This race is one if not the most prestigious car race in the world and its format has inspired many other races, such as the Indy 500 and others worldwide.

I would like to point out that the American Corvette Racing has won their class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times – CONGRATULATIONS!