Skip to main content

Hermes 1972

Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag
Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag

Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

indicates the year of production as 1972, placing it firmly within Hermès's golden era of design innovation

Category

1970s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Recent Sales

Hermes 1972 Constance Bag Etoupe
Hermes 1972 Constance Bag Etoupe

Hermes 1972 Constance Bag Etoupe

Sold

H 2.76 in W 9.06 in D 1.58 in

Hermes 1972 Constance Bag Etoupe

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

This beautiful Hermes Constance bag comes in Etoupe with silver hardware. The adjustable strap

Category

1970s French Handbags and Purses

1972 Rare Hermes Regina Silk Scarf
1972 Rare Hermes Regina Silk Scarf

1972 Rare Hermes Regina Silk Scarf

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Floral And Fabulous! Circa 1972, this Hermes scarf designed by Leila Menchari, is called the Regina

Category

1970s French Scarves

1972 Hermes burgundy leather bag with gilt brushed hardware
1972 Hermes burgundy leather bag with gilt brushed hardware

1972 Hermes burgundy leather bag with gilt brushed hardware

By Hermès

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare burgundy smooth leather bag with brushed gilt hardware from Hermes dating to 1972. Bag

Category

20th Century French Handbags and Purses

Hermes Vintage Burgundy Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Julie Abadie
Hermes Vintage Burgundy Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Julie Abadie

Hermes Vintage Burgundy Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Julie Abadie

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

HERMES silk scarf named 'CLIQUETIS', designed by Julie Abadie and issued the first time in 1972. It

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag
Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag

Hermes Vintage 1972 Rare Brown Leather 2002 Shoulder Bag

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

indicates the year of production as 1972, placing it firmly within Hermès's golden era of design innovation

Category

Early 2000s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

1972 HERMES black box leather Constance bag with gold hardware

1972 HERMES black box leather Constance bag with gold hardware

By Hermès

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black box leather Constance from Hermes with gilt hardware dating to 1972. The Constance takes

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

1972 Hermès Chocolate Brown Box Calf Leather Vintage Constance 23
1972 Hermès Chocolate Brown Box Calf Leather Vintage Constance 23

1972 Hermès Chocolate Brown Box Calf Leather Vintage Constance 23

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: (B) Age (Circa): 1972 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in

Category

1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1972 Hermes Navy Blue Box Supple Leather 28cm Kelly Bag
1972 Hermes Navy Blue Box Supple Leather 28cm Kelly Bag

1972 Hermes Navy Blue Box Supple Leather 28cm Kelly Bag

By Hermès

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Vintage navy blue box supple leather 28 cm Kelly bag with gold hardware. Dates from 1972, as told

Category

1970s French Top Handle Bags

1972 Hermes Brown Box Calf Leather & Beige Canvas Vintage Ring Flap Bag
1972 Hermes Brown Box Calf Leather & Beige Canvas Vintage Ring Flap Bag

1972 Hermes Brown Box Calf Leather & Beige Canvas Vintage Ring Flap Bag

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Brown Box Calf Leather & Beige Canvas Vintage Ring Flap Bag Xupes Reference: CB380 Serial

Category

1970s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Cendrillon by Karin Swildens Silk Scarf
Hermes Cendrillon by Karin Swildens Silk Scarf

Hermes Cendrillon by Karin Swildens Silk Scarf

By Hermès

Located in Paris, FR

Hermes silk scarf "Cendrillon" by Karin Swildens featuring a red border and a Hermès signature

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Vintage "Key Escutcheons" Black Leather Belt, 1972
Hermes Vintage "Key Escutcheons" Black Leather Belt, 1972

Hermes Vintage "Key Escutcheons" Black Leather Belt, 1972

By Hermès

Located in Nice, FR

HERMES Paris vintage 1972 rare "Key Escutcheon" belt. This belt consists of black leather

Category

20th Century French Belts

1972 Hermes brown leather bag with gilt hardware
1972 Hermes brown leather bag with gilt hardware

1972 Hermes brown leather bag with gilt hardware

By Hermès

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare chocolate brown smooth leather bag with gilt hardware from Hermes dating to 1972. Very

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Maison Hermes Paris Vintage Silk Blue Cliquetis Scarf 90 by Julia Abadie, 1972
Maison Hermes Paris Vintage Silk Blue Cliquetis Scarf 90 by Julia Abadie, 1972

Maison Hermes Paris Vintage Silk Blue Cliquetis Scarf 90 by Julia Abadie, 1972

By Hermès

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Cliquetis was designed by Julia Abadie for the Maison Hermès and first issued in 1972. Cliquetis, meaning

Category

Vintage 1970s French Belle Époque Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silk

Hermes Vintage Yellow Silk Scarf Aladin 1972 Francoise Heron
Hermes Vintage Yellow Silk Scarf Aladin 1972 Francoise Heron

Hermes Vintage Yellow Silk Scarf Aladin 1972 Francoise Heron

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

"ALADIN" - Rare Hermès Silk Scarf by Françoise Héron (1972, Never Reissued) A hidden gem from the

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermès Vintage Automobile Valise Suitcase Travel Luggage, circa 1972.
Hermès Vintage Automobile Valise Suitcase Travel Luggage, circa 1972.

Hermès Vintage Automobile Valise Suitcase Travel Luggage, circa 1972.

By Hermès

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Extremely Rare Hermès Vintage Automobile Valise Suitcase Travel Luggage, circa 1972. Originally

Category

1970s French Suitcases and Trunks

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie
Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

HERMES silk scarf named 'CLIQUETIS', designed by Julie Abadie and issued the first time in 1972. It

Category

20th Century French Scarves

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie
Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Scarf Cliquetis 1972 Juliae Abadie

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

HERMES silk scarf named 'CLIQUETIS', designed by Julie Abadie and issued the first time in 1972. It

Category

20th Century French Scarves

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Hourvari Scarf 1972 Henry d'Origny
Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Hourvari Scarf 1972 Henry d'Origny

Hermes Vintage Brown Silk Hourvari Scarf 1972 Henry d'Origny

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

Vintage Hermès Scarf by Henry d'Origny - Issued 1972 Rediscover the timeless charm of the Hermès

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Vintage Red Silk Scarf Diane 1972 Henry De Linares
Hermes Vintage Red Silk Scarf Diane 1972 Henry De Linares

Hermes Vintage Red Silk Scarf Diane 1972 Henry De Linares

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

HERMES scarf 'Diane' by Henry De Linares honoring Diana, the Roman goddess of hunting and

Category

1970s French Scarves

HERMES VINTAGE Taupe Silk Scarf ALADIN 1972 Francoise Heron w/ BOX
HERMES VINTAGE Taupe Silk Scarf ALADIN 1972 Francoise Heron w/ BOX

HERMES VINTAGE Taupe Silk Scarf ALADIN 1972 Francoise Heron w/ BOX

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

Stunning & rare Hermes 'ALADIN' silk scarf designed by Francoise Heron and originally issued in

Category

20th Century French Scarves

Hermes Paris Blue Silk Scarf "Ali Baba" by Pierre Peron
Hermes Paris Blue Silk Scarf "Ali Baba" by Pierre Peron

Hermes Paris Blue Silk Scarf "Ali Baba" by Pierre Peron

By Hermès

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Collectors Item Hermes Ali-Baba Vintage Hermes Scarf (100% silk) Designed by Pierre Peron in 1972

Category

20th Century French Scarves

Hermes Burgundy Crocodile HAC travel Birkin Bag, 1972
Hermes Burgundy Crocodile HAC travel Birkin Bag, 1972

Hermes Burgundy Crocodile HAC travel Birkin Bag, 1972

By Hermès

Located in Los Angeles, CA

HAC travel Birkin by Hermes from 1972 Burgundy croc skin with gold hardware Dimensions: 17.5"W x

Category

1970s Top Handle Bags

Vintage 1972 Dark Brown Hermes Constance 23 Bag
Vintage 1972 Dark Brown Hermes Constance 23 Bag

Vintage 1972 Dark Brown Hermes Constance 23 Bag

By Hermès

Located in Paris, FR

Nice vintage Hermes Constance bag in brown box leathe. Vintage bag in good vintage coondition

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Collectable "Diane" Hermès scarf 1972
Collectable "Diane" Hermès scarf 1972

Collectable "Diane" Hermès scarf 1972

By Hermès

Located in Verviers, BE

& Vauzelle. 1st Ed. 1972. Excellent vintage condition. Size: 90 cm

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black Crocodile with gold hardware !
Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black Crocodile with gold hardware !

Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black Crocodile with gold hardware !

By Hermès

Located in Paris, IDF

pocket, a patch pocket. Signature: "Hermès Paris". Stamp: B circle (1972). Dimensions: 18 * 23 * 5 cm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

VERY RARE Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black suede and gold hardware!
VERY RARE Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black suede and gold hardware!

VERY RARE Hermes Constance 23 shoulder bag in black suede and gold hardware!

By Hermès

Located in Paris, IDF

leather, a zipped pocket, a patch pocket. Signature: "Hermès Paris". Stamp: B circle (1972). Dimensions

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Red Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent
Hermes Red Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent

Hermes Red Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent

By Julia Abadie, Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Introduced in 1972, Hermes Red Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie has become a highly desired

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972
Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972

Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972

Sold

H 16 in W 19 in D 10.5 in

Hermes Black Leather HAC Bag, 1972

By Hermès

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large travel Birkin by Hermes from 1972 Gold hardware Dimensions: 19" x 16" x 10.5" Condition

Category

1970s Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags

Rare Hermes "Diane" scarf 1972 Excellent condition
Rare Hermes "Diane" scarf 1972 Excellent condition

Rare Hermes "Diane" scarf 1972 Excellent condition

By Hermès

Located in Verviers, BE

Rare and gorgeous colors for this Hermès Vintage scarf of 1972. Called "Diane" and designed by

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermès Ali Baba Silk Twill Scarf by Pierre Peron, 1972
Hermès Ali Baba Silk Twill Scarf by Pierre Peron, 1972

Hermès Ali Baba Silk Twill Scarf by Pierre Peron, 1972

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Designed by Pierre Peron in 1972, unique "Ali Baba" has become highly desired by

Category

1970s French Scarves

Gorgeous Hermès Diane Scarf 1972
Gorgeous Hermès Diane Scarf 1972

Gorgeous Hermès Diane Scarf 1972

By Hermès

Located in Verviers, BE

Gorgeous Hermès Diane scarf, designed by Hallo & Vauzelle, 1972. excellent vintage condition

Category

1970s French Scarves

Hermes Black Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent
Hermes Black Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent

Hermes Black Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie Above Excellent

By Hermès, Julia Abadie

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Introduced in 1972, Hermes Red Cliquetis Silk Carre by Julie Abadie has become a highly desired

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scarves

People Also Browsed

Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG146 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [B] Ag...

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Sellier Burgundy Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Sellier Burgundy Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes

Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Sellier Burgundy Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes

By Hermès

Located in PARIS, FR

Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 32, in burgundy box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (...

Category

1960s French Top Handle Bags

Gucci Vintage Exotic Leather Crossbody Bag - '80s
Gucci Vintage Exotic Leather Crossbody Bag - '80s

Gucci Vintage Exotic Leather Crossbody Bag - '80s

By Gucci

Located in Milano, IT

This Gucci Vintage Exotic Leather Crossbody Bag is crafted with an ultra-luxe crocodile leather construction and features a glossy finish. Detailed with signature gold-tone hardware ...

Category

1980s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer Trunk
1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer Trunk

1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer Trunk

$26,620

H 22.84 in W 35.44 in D 20.87 in

1910s Louis Vuitton Monogram Courier Steamer Trunk

By Louis Vuitton

Located in London, GB

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the luxury and elegance of the early 20th century with this stunning 1910s Louis Vuitton Trunk. This exquisite piece is a testament to the t...

Category

1910s French Suitcases and Trunks

Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles
Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles

Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles

By Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

A limited edition bag by Gucci From the early 2000s years A signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Beautiful beaded Gucci bag in golden color Gucci Bamboo design handles and closu...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

1960's Hermes Brown Crocodile Skin Top Handle Bag
1960's Hermes Brown Crocodile Skin Top Handle Bag

1960's Hermes Brown Crocodile Skin Top Handle Bag

By Hermès

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Stunning and rare Hermes bag from the 1960s. Crafted from a structured glossy toffee brown colour crocodile skin with contrasting warm gold tone metal hardware. Interesting square cl...

Category

1960s French Top Handle Bags

Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold Hardware
Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold Hardware

Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold Hardware

By Gucci

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold-tone Hardware Handbag Exceptional Gucci handbag of the 60s. The best quality of Burgundy shiny alligator leath...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather SAC A DEPECHES 26 Shoulder Bag w Gold
HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather SAC A DEPECHES 26 Shoulder Bag w Gold

HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather SAC A DEPECHES 26 Shoulder Bag w Gold

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Sac à Dépêches 26 shoulder bag is crafted in Rouge H Veau Box leather with gold-plated hardware. A timeless silhouette, it features the iconic Sac à Dépêch...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Shiny black iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC' turn-lock clos...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE

Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE

$33,362Sale Price|20% Off

H 7.49 in W 3.08 in L 9.26 in

Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Noir/Black Niloticus Crocodile Gold Hardware
Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Noir/Black Niloticus Crocodile Gold Hardware

Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Noir/Black Niloticus Crocodile Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Berlin, DE

Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 in noir and niloticus crocodile leather with gold hardware. The bag has been worn but still in very good condition: small scratches on the hardware, small spo...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector
Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector

Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector

$8,792Sale Price|20% Off

H 5.91 in D 6.3 in L 10.83 in

Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector

By Hermès

Located in Ottawa, CA

Hermès Pallonnier Clutch Bag – Black Porosus Crocodile – EXVC – 2410121651 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pallonnier Clutch Bag Color: Black Material: Porosus Crocodile (Exterior), Calf ...

Category

1970s French Clutches

Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag
Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag

Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag

$39,900

H 6.3 in D 2.76 in L 10.24 in

Chanel Teal Double Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

- Circa 2016/17 - Teal - Exotic leather (Alligator) - Silver-tone hardware - Leather and chain-link shoulder strap - Front flap closure - Signature interlocking CC turn-lock fastenin...

Category

2010s European Shoulder Bags

HERMES c.1995 Vtg Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag
HERMES c.1995 Vtg Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag

HERMES c.1995 Vtg Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag

By Hermès

Located in Thiensville, WI

HERMES c.1995 Gold Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Hermes Circa: 1995 Designer: Hermes Style: Shoulder Bag Color(s): Shades of brown...

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard

Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag
Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag

Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Banbury, GB

Investment Piece and Great Deal SKU 33301488 Comes With Hermès Dust Bag, Keys,Padlock,Clochette Date 2007 Model Birkin 35 Serial Number [K] Metal Palladium Materials Crocodile Leath...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Hermes 1972", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Hermes 1972 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary hermes 1972 you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Beige, Gray and more. If you’re looking for a hermes 1972 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding a hermes 1972 for sale for women should be easy, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Hermes 1972?

The price for a hermes 1972 starts at $230 and tops out at $110,000, and on average, selling for $698.

Hermès for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Questions About Hermès
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Hermès is so special for a few reasons. The French luxury house is one of the most storied fashion labels in the world and has a rich heritage that dates back to 1837.

    Hermès began in Paris as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen. The house later 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 jewelry to pillows and handbags.

    Hermès artisans spend years honing their craft as apprentices before they produce Hermès pieces in premium materials. For example, the Kelly bag, which was named in tribute to one of its biggest fans, Grace Kelly, takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches are made by one Hermès artisan. Each Birkin tote is also hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and its exotic leathers, a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile, are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France.

    On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Hermès handbags and accessories.