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Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag
Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag

Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag

By Hermès

Located in Athens, GA

Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag. Epsom sellier Kelly bag. Rare size in sellier. Palladium silver hardware

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Feu Togo Kelly 35 PHW
Hermes Feu Togo Kelly 35 PHW

Hermes Feu Togo Kelly 35 PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

lining. Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35 Origin Country: France Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag;Top Handle

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Black Swift Kelly Moove PHW
Hermès Black Swift Kelly Moove PHW

Hermès Black Swift Kelly Moove PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Black Swift Kelly Moove PHW SKU: Z149364 Condition: Pre-owned Condition

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Gold Madame Kelly Elan GHW
Hermès Gold Madame Kelly Elan GHW

Hermès Gold Madame Kelly Elan GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Gold Madame Kelly Elan GHW SKU: 141338 Condition: Pre-owned Condition

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Gold Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
Hermès Gold Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW

Hermès Gold Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

. Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28 Origin Country: France Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag;Top Handle

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Ardoise Box Sellier Kelly 32 GHW
Hermès Ardoise Box Sellier Kelly 32 GHW

Hermès Ardoise Box Sellier Kelly 32 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

loose. Brand: Hermès Model: Sellier Kelly 32 Origin Country: France Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag;Top

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermes Gold Kelly 20 Mini Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag New in Box
Hermes Gold Kelly 20 Mini Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag New in Box

Hermes Gold Kelly 20 Mini Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag New in Box

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Mini Gold Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Black Chevre Chamkila Kelly Elan PHW
Hermès Black Chevre Chamkila Kelly Elan PHW

Hermès Black Chevre Chamkila Kelly Elan PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Black Chevre Chamkila Kelly Elan PHW SKU: 140237 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Blue Frida Epsom Sellier Kelly 25 GHW
Hermès Blue Frida Epsom Sellier Kelly 25 GHW

Hermès Blue Frida Epsom Sellier Kelly 25 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Blue Frida Epsom Sellier Kelly 25 GHW SKU: Z151201 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW

Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW SKU: Z151491 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Etoupe Evercolor Kelly Wallet To Go PHW
Hermès Etoupe Evercolor Kelly Wallet To Go PHW

Hermès Etoupe Evercolor Kelly Wallet To Go PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Evercolor Etoupe Kelly Wallet To Go PHW SKU: 149829 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW
Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW

Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW SKU: Z151291 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermès White Togo Retourne Kelly 35
Hermès White Togo Retourne Kelly 35

Hermès White Togo Retourne Kelly 35

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès White Togo Retourne Kelly 35 SKU: 119805 Handbag Condition: Very Good

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW
Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW

Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW SKU: 121538 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Anemone Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW
Hermès Anemone Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW

Hermès Anemone Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Anemone Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW SKU: Z149960 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Black Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW
Hermès Black Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW

Hermès Black Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW SKU: Z149959 Condition: Pre-owned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Hermès Craie Epsom Leather Kelly 20cm Désordre
Hermès Craie Epsom Leather Kelly 20cm Désordre

Hermès Craie Epsom Leather Kelly 20cm Désordre

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Model: Kelly 20cm Désordre Type: Shoulder Serial Number: W Age: 2024 Accompanied By: Hermès Blue Box

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Jaune Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
Hermès Jaune Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier

Hermès Jaune Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (V) Age: 1992 Accompanied By: Hermès

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the

Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 28 Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 28 Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 28 Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

requires 20 hours of work. As is the case for other Hermes products, the Kelly bag is handmade by a unique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 25 Bamboo Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
Hermes Kelly 25 Bamboo Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag

Hermes Kelly 25 Bamboo Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

A stunning example of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 handbag is crafted from Bamboo green Togo

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

dirt inside (medium) DETAILS Brand: Hermes Kelly 35 Stamp: Circle Y Year of manufacture: 1995

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Kelly Danse Verso Vert Fonce Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
Hermès Kelly Danse Verso Vert Fonce Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag

Hermès Kelly Danse Verso Vert Fonce Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

hierarchy. Details: Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly Danse Verso Exterior Material: Vert Fonce leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

dirt inside (medium) DETAILS Brand: Hermes Kelly 35 Stamp: Circle Y Year of manufacture: 1995

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (W) Age: 1993 Accompanied By: Hermès

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier

Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG105 Brand

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Rose Pourpre Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Palladium
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Rose Pourpre Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Palladium

Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Rose Pourpre Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Palladium

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

opposite side. Details: Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly Sellier Size: 25 Color: Rose Pourpre Material

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 20 Teddy Pluch Gris Caillou Grizzly Shearling
Hermes Kelly 20 Teddy Pluch Gris Caillou Grizzly Shearling

Hermes Kelly 20 Teddy Pluch Gris Caillou Grizzly Shearling

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a Hermes limited edition Kelly 20 Pluch "Teddy" is a stunning creation, crafted

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Noisette Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Retourne
Hermès Noisette Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Retourne

Hermès Noisette Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Retourne

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (H) Age: 1978 Accompanied By

Category

1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 35 Togo Leather Etain Retourne Palladium Hardware Bag
Hermes Kelly 35 Togo Leather Etain Retourne Palladium Hardware Bag

Hermes Kelly 35 Togo Leather Etain Retourne Palladium Hardware Bag

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

Kelly bag from Hermes, designed in a gorgeous trapezoid shape and made with the most luxurious leathers

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag

Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

Hermès engraved pull and one open pocket on the opposite side. Details: Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermès Rouge H Shiny Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

Hermès Rouge H Shiny Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1991 Accompanied By: Hermès

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier

Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (X) Age: 1994 Accompanied By

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium

HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag
Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag

Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag Craie with Palladium Hardware is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly 35 in black Chevre with gold hardware 2003
Hermes Kelly 35 in black Chevre with gold hardware 2003

Hermes Kelly 35 in black Chevre with gold hardware 2003

By Hermès

Located in Sewickley, PA

Rare Collector’s Kelly ✨2003 Hermes Kelly 35 Sellier Chèvre GHW ✨ Our all time favorite Hermes

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Palladium
HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Palladium

HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Palladium

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES orange Togo leather KELLY 35 Retourne Bag w Gold
HERMES orange Togo leather KELLY 35 Retourne Bag w Gold

HERMES orange Togo leather KELLY 35 Retourne Bag w Gold

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne bag is crafted from supple orange Veau Togo leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured 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. Considered to

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES black Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag w Gold
HERMES black Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag w Gold

HERMES black Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag w Gold

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted in Noir (black) Veau Epsom leather and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
Hermès Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier

Hermès Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: JJLG036 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (Y) Age: 1995

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Vintage 1995 Hermes Black Box Leather Kelly Sport MM Bag
Vintage 1995 Hermes Black Box Leather Kelly Sport MM Bag

Vintage 1995 Hermes Black Box Leather Kelly Sport MM Bag

By Hermès

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Very coveted vintage kelly sport MM in black box leather with gold hardware. In original condition

Category

1990s Hobo 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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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

Category

Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags

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Hermes Shoulder Kelly For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary hermes shoulder kelly for your needs in our varied inventory. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Red, Blue and more in stock now. If you’re looking for a hermes shoulder kelly 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. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a Hermes Shoulder Kelly?

Prices for a hermes shoulder kelly can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $730 and can go as high as $170,750, while, on average they fetch $13,797.

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 Shoulder-bags for You

Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions. And while lovers of luxury handbags and purses are savvier now and have a wider range of shopping options, classics created by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.

Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.

While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.

The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.

A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.

Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.

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.