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Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin

Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Top Handle Bags

Hermes Vintage Tan Leather Shoulder Strap for Kelly Bag 33 cm
Hermes Vintage Tan Leather Shoulder Strap for Kelly Bag 33 cm

Hermes Vintage Tan Leather Shoulder Strap for Kelly Bag 33 cm

By Hermès

Located in Rome, Rome

Enhance your iconic Kelly Bag with this authentic Hermes vintage shoulder strap, a rare find for any dedicated second-hand connoisseur.

Category

2010s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw
HERMES Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw

HERMES Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag is crafted from luxurious Rouge Grenat (Pomegranate Red) Taurillon Clemence leather and features elegant palladium-tone hardware.

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted from luxurious Lime (bright yellow) Veau Epsom leather, featuring elegant gold-plated hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw

HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in Potiron (pumpkin orange) Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-tone hardware.

Category

2010s French Tote Bags

HERMES Poussin yellow Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw
HERMES Poussin yellow Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw

HERMES Poussin yellow Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier bag in Jaune Poussin (vanilla) Veau Epsom leather is a timeless classic.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW

HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag is a timeless icon crafted in a refined combination of Naturelle Vache leather and Khaki Toile canvas.

Category

2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag
Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag

Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Ottawa, CA

Hermes Kelly Bag - Red - Togo Leather 35cm - New - NWOCTS 2409141505 Type : Hermes Kelly Base Size: 35cm Height: 27cm Depth: 13cm Weight: Material: Togo Cow Calf Leather - White Sti...

Category

2010s French Briefcases and Attachés

Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024
Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024

Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024

By Hermès

Located in Forest Park, GA

 Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024 The Hermès Kelly Jump in Beige Marfa presents a refined dialogue between modern design and timeless elegance.

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw

HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather with gold plated hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware.

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware
Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware

Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Berlin, DE

Hermès Kelly sellier mini 20 in tri-color: rouge de coeur/rose extreme/bleu zanzibar and epsom leather with palladium hardware.

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW
Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW

Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW

By Hermès

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A lovely Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm bag. The exterior of this Kelly is crafted in Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence leather and is detailed with palladium hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware with Strap
Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware with Strap

Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware with Strap

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

  Cracks and paint on handle (medium) Outside edge scraped (small) Outside scuffs and dirt (medium) Dark stains (medium) Dark stains on shoulder (medium) Removable Outside scra...

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware

Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap
HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap

HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès shoulder strap for your Kelly or Evelyne bag in Brique (brick red) canvas and Box leather.

Category

1990s French Wallets and Small Accessories

Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware
Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware

Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

The Retourne construction lends a softer silhouette to the classic Kelly shape, while the warm color combination highlights the craftsmanship for which Hermès is known.

Category

Early 2000s Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Orange Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Orange Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag

Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Orange Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

The Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware is one of the most coveted handbags in the world, combining rarity, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Top Handle Bags

HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap

HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Vintage HERMES Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Black GHW Circl U 1991
Vintage HERMES Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Black GHW Circl U 1991

Vintage HERMES Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Black GHW Circl U 1991

By Hermès

Located in Guangzhou, CN

Accessories: Dust Bag,Shoulder Strap size: Width:28cm,height:22cm Designer:HERMES Model: Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black Interior Mat...

Category

Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag
Hermes Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag

Hermes Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag

By Hermès

Located in Guangzhou, CN

Condition: HERMES Kelly 28 Togo Leather gray shoulder bag handbag France r,Local care of the corners and edges of the body Accessories: Dust bag, shoulder strap, lock, key.

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Limited edition Vintage Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Sellier bag featured in Black Heritage Box leather accentuated with Gold hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès 1997 Souvenir De L'exposition Clear Kelly Translucent 241117
Hermès 1997 Souvenir De L'exposition Clear Kelly Translucent 241117

Hermès 1997 Souvenir De L'exposition Clear Kelly Translucent 241117

By Hermès

Located in Dix hills, NY

Hermès 1997 Souvenir De L'exposition Clear Kelly Translucent 241117 Measurements: Length: 15.5 " Width: 4.5 " Height: 11.5 " Handle drop: 2.5 " OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or B...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011

By Hermès

Located in Guangzhou, CN

Accessories:Detachable Strap, Key, Lock, Original Dust Bag size: Width:32cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly 32 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color:Brown Interior Material...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw

HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

HERMES Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold
HERMES Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold

HERMES Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 soulder bag in Bleu Encre Togo leather with gold-tone hardware.

Category

Early 2000s French Tote Bags

Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RARE
Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RARE

Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RARE

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Stunning and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bag "KELLY II" retourné Special Edition for the Year of India, also called "Gange" A must-have for any Hermès Lover !

Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Vintage Natural Leather and Canvas Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Vintage Natural Leather and Canvas Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Vintage Natural Leather and Canvas Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

DETAILS Brand: Hermes Kelly 32 Stamp: Stamp A Exterior Color: Brown / Beige Exterior Material: Natural leather, canvas Hardware Color: Gold Dimensions: Width 32cm, Height 23cm, Dept...

Category

1990s French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 28 Vintage Retourne Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware 1998
Hermes Kelly 28 Vintage Retourne Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware 1998

Hermes Kelly 28 Vintage Retourne Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware 1998

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Scuffs around the corners, edges of the flap, handle.  DETAILS Hermes Kelly 28 Stamp: Box B Year of manufacture: 1998 Exterior Color: Black Exterior Material: Swift Leather Hardwar...

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag

HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel.

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 25cm Rose Jaipur Madame Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
Hermes Kelly 25cm Rose Jaipur Madame Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

Hermes Kelly 25cm Rose Jaipur Madame Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Radiant and sharply defined, this Hermès Kelly 25cm in Rose Jaipur captures the house’s mastery of color within one of its most precise constructions.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermès Three Russian Dolls Kelly Birkin Leather Charm Matryochkas Russia
Hermès Three Russian Dolls Kelly Birkin Leather Charm Matryochkas Russia

Hermès Three Russian Dolls Kelly Birkin Leather Charm Matryochkas Russia

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Charm In the shape of russian dolls, called Matryoshkas in russian 3 Russian dolls of different sizes connected by a silk link The link can be rem...

Category

2010s French Wallets

Hermes Kelly 32 Limited Edition Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Leather Palladium
Hermes Kelly 32 Limited Edition Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Leather Palladium

Hermes Kelly 32 Limited Edition Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Leather Palladium

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Relaxed and sporty with a unique twist to the classic Kelly bag. First released in 2004 the Kelly Laikis a rare find.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 28 Jaune de Naples Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
Hermès Kelly 28 Jaune de Naples Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

Hermès Kelly 28 Jaune de Naples Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Kelly 28cm Sellier in Jaune de Naples Epsom, rendered in a soft, sunlit yellow that carries a gentle creamy undertone like pale citrus mixed with warm morning light.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm in Mauve Sylvestre Epsom, a soft, muted mauve that sits between dusty pink and lavender, with a cool undertone that shifts subtly depending on lighting.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes
Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes

Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes

By Hermès

Located in PARIS, FR

Hermès Kelly model wallet in black leather (Epsom) and silver metal (palladium), 2 large interior compartments separated by a zipped coin purse with pull tab in the Kelly padlock mot...

Category

2010s French Wallets

Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop D'Hermes Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop D'Hermes Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop D'Hermes Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Black very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28

Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1475 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Epsom Leather Gold Tone HW Top Handle Bag 2017
Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Epsom Leather Gold Tone HW Top Handle Bag 2017

Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Epsom Leather Gold Tone HW Top Handle Bag 2017

By Hermès

Located in Guangzhou, CN

Accessories: Key,Lock,Shoulder Strap size: Width:32cm,height:24cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly 32 2way Shoulder Bag Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: blue Interior M...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

HERMÉS black Tadelakt Leather Twilly mini Kelly bag charm, gold hardware,  2021s
HERMÉS black Tadelakt Leather Twilly mini Kelly bag charm, gold hardware,  2021s

HERMÉS black Tadelakt Leather Twilly mini Kelly bag charm, gold hardware, 2021s

By Hermès

Located in Stuttgart, DE

About HERMÈS black Tadelakt leather and multicolored silk ribbon Twill Mini Kelly bag Charm, gold tone Hardware. It is a bag charm "KELLY" (Twilly) that faithfully express the Kelly...

Category

2010s French Wallets and Small Accessories

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Vintage Hermès Kelly Bags

Vintage Hermès Kelly bags are among the most desired handbags in the world — a symbol of luxury and elegance, this design has a storied past and a legion of devoted collectors.

Is it any surprise that Hermès's description of the Kelly bag (with some quick reformatting) reads like poetry?

“thirty-six leather pieces / assembled by a craftsman / devoted to beautiful, noble gestures, / six hundred and eighty hand stitches, / sixteen small studs, / a padlock, / a swivel clasp / and a leather key cover or clochette.”

For devotees, the Hermès classic has a visual poetry and meaning that transcends the bag itself.

Founded in 1837 as a crafter of equestrian gear for aristocrats, Hermès was nicely aligned with actress Grace Kelly’s classic style and blue blood lineage. Like most of the storied house’s pieces, the iconic design of the Kelly bag boasts an evolution that reads like a timeline of good living.

The Haut à courroies, Hermès's original top-handled bag, was created in 1892 to carry boots and a harness. In 1923, it was modified for the wife of automobile magnate Ettore Bugatti to fit into a car’s side pocket. This design was called Torpedo No 1. Robert Dumas-Hermès redesigned it again in 1935, making it smaller, adding a belt and naming it the Sac à dépêches.

“In the age of travel, women needed a bag that was easy and safe to carry,” says Graham Wetzbarger, certified appraiser and authenticator. The Sac à dépêches fit the bill.

From 1955 onward, Grace Kelly was frequently spotted carrying her Sac à dépêches. Had Instagram been around in those days, #Kellysac would have included images of the star and her bag at the Cannes Film Festival and during the 1955 announcement of her engagement to Prince Rainier of Monaco. It would have included pics of Kelly and her bag on her royal honeymoon, and, yes, it would even have included images of the new princess using her bag to hide an emerging baby bump. She was a superstar marrying a prince, and her photo was everywhere.

By 1956, replicas of the “Grace Kelly handbag” were best sellers in America and Britain. By 1960, the Sac à dépêches had become a status symbol and was better known as the Kelly.

Find the perfect vintage Kelly bag for you on 1stDibs today.

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 bagBirkin, 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.