Why is Hermès so special?

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.

Hermes Kelly Red

Kelly Bag With Shoulder Strap

Kelly Togo

Kelly 32

Hermes Kelly28

Unavailable

H 8.25 in D 4.75 in L 11.25 in

Hermes 28cm Gold Hardware Tangerine Ostrich Sellier Kelly Bag

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Tangerine Sellier Kelly 28cm of Ostrich with gold hardware. This Kelly has tonal stitching, a front toggle closure, a clochette with lock and two keys and a single rolled han...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly Cut Orange Shiny Porosus Croc with Palladium

Unavailable

Hermes Kelly Cut Orange Shiny Porosus Croc with Palladium

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

This Kelly Cut has become increasingly popular. The signature Hermes orange makes it even more desirable being one of the fashion colours of the Summer.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermés Kelly Rouge Garance Leather Excellent Conditions

Unavailable

H 9.45 in L 12.6 in

Hermés Kelly Rouge Garance Leather Excellent Conditions

By Hermès

Located in Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Hemés Kelly in clemence taurillon Rouge garance colour Silver plated hardware Year: 2006 Very light signs on the corners. The bag comes with no set

Category

2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Hermes Fuchsia Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Kelly Cut Gold Hardware NEW

Unavailable

H 5 in D 1 in L 12.25 in

Hermes Fuchsia Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Kelly Cut Gold Hardware NEW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Fuchsia shiny niloticus crocodile Kelly Cut with gold hardware. This exotic Kelly Cut has tonal stitching, front straps with toggle closure and a top flat handle. The in...

Category

Unavailable

HSS Hermès Kelly 25 handbag strap in Rouge Casaque/Beton Togo leather , CHW

By Hermès

Located in Paris, IDF

Exceptional & Rare Hermes Kelly 25 handbag strap special order (HSS) in red casaque Togo leather and Beton grey, champagne gold metal trim...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 1998 Souvenir D'exposition Clear 230222 Orange Vinyl Messenger Bag

Unavailable

H 12 in W 2 in L 15.5 in

Hermès Kelly 1998 Souvenir D'exposition Clear 230222 Orange Vinyl Messenger Bag

By Hermès

Located in Forest Hills, NY

Made in China Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 5" Height: 12" Handle drop: 2" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: small scuffs, and scratches Inte...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Kelly 28 Sellier Rouge Tomate Epsom PHW

Unavailable

Size: 28

Kelly 28 Sellier Rouge Tomate Epsom PHW

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

We have this stunning Kelly Sellier bag for sale in size 28 made in vibrant red epsom leather and accentuated with silver hardware. Full BNIB set with original receipt. Unused cond...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 28 Red

Sold

Hermès Kelly 28 Red

By Hermès

Located in Capri, IT

Hermès Kelly 28 Red

Category

Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Red Clemence Kelly Backpack

Sold

H 9 in W 8.5 in D 4.5 in

Hermès Red Clemence Kelly Backpack

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Hermès Red Clemence Kelly Backpack is in pristine condition.

Category

2010s French Backpacks

Hermes Red Kelly 28 Bag

Sold

Hermes Red Kelly 28 Bag

By Hermès

Located in Athens, GA

Hermes Red Kelly 28 Bag. Gorgeous red color Kelly with palladium hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Geranium Red Kelly 35

Sold

Sold

H 10 in W 6.5 in L 16 in

Hermès 40cm Kelly Red & Gold Bag

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hermès 40cm Kelly bag in red Ardenne leather and goldtone hardware.

Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Red and White Kelly Bag

Sold

Hermes Red and White Kelly Bag

By Hermès

Located in Athens, GA

Hermes Limited Edition Kelly Bag. Red and white stripe bag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Sold

Hermes Kelly 32 red veau Calfskin

By Hermès

Located in Carnate, IT

Hermès Kelly 32 Smooth Red Veau Calfskin. Iconic and elegant bag.

Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Sold

Hermes Rouge Pivoine Red Kelly 28 Bag

By Hermès

Located in Athens, GA

Hermes Rouge Pivoine Kelly Sellier 28 Bag. Most wanted sellier Kelly.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

$34,500

HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 30' bag in Rouge Grenat (dark red) Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Birkin 35 Vermillion Bag Gold Hardware Togo Leather

$37,755

$37,545

Size: 20 cm

Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Pourpre Bag Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier bag featured in rich Rose Pourpre. Chevre leather accentuated with Palladium hardware. Comes with signature Hermes box, shoulder st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Pivoine Togo Gold

$21,999

H 8.5 in W 6 in L 12 in

Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Pivoine Togo Gold

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box. Date stamp P, 2012....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Kelly Sellier 32 GHW

$12,500

Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Kelly Sellier 32 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Kelly Sellier 32 GHW SKU: 156889 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has gr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

$3,899

$4,595

Size: S

Iconic Tom Ford for Gucci SS 2003 Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress S

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

Iconic Tom Ford for Gucci Japanese Cherry Blossoms Mini Stretch Dress S/S 2003 Runway Collection Designer size - S Measurements: Length - 37", Bust - 36", Waist - 28". Fabric is Ve...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

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Hermes Kelly Red For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary hermes kelly red you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for an option in Red and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Brown, Orange and more. If you’re looking for a hermes kelly red 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 21st Century. Finding a hermes kelly red for sale for women should be easy, but there are 90 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Hermes Kelly Red?

Prices for a hermes kelly red can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $350 and can go as high as $145,000, while, on average they fetch $14,797.

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.

Finding the Right Handbags And Purses for You

An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.

Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.

“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”

First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.

They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”

From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.

Questions About Hermès

Why is Hermès so special?
1 Answer
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.

Beyond the Birkin: 10 Hermès Bags with ‘If You Know, You Know’ Appeal

What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.

Dress Like Your Favorite NFL Player with an Hermès HAC Bag

Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.

This Hermès Picnic Garden Party Bag Is Elegant and Errand-Friendly

Does wicker get more high-end than this?

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.