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.
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...
Hermes mini Evelyne 16 Black
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes mini Evelyne 16 black bag with black strap. This very practical and stylish bag has a detachable strap and can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. Metallic finish:...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Navy Blue Box Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Made in France Vintage item (Z in circle, 1996) Made of box leather and yellow gold plated ...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
Exceptional Hermès Cashmere Plaid Throw Blanket Cover Felin Hug
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Throw Blanket Gorgeous, warm, soft, ideal partner for your cold evenings ! Print: "Câlin Felin" (feline hug) Shows 2 tigers, one fauve and one...
Hermès Vintage Kelly Bag 32 cm Horse Hair Crinoline New Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès KELLY bag Outside stitching for a rigid shape Made in France Stamp V in Square (1992) Made of Crinoline (Horse Hair) and smooth leather NEW Yellow g...
Hermès Sheriff Hat Leather Charm for Kelly or Birkin Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Charm Comes from the "petit h" collection In shape of a sheriff's hat, with a 6-pointed star cut out Can be used as Bag Charm for your Hermès Kelly or...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of yellow gold and silver "HERMES PARIS", serial number, craftman's hallmark and 75...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Bottom covered with...
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New W/T
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New With tags and box 90 cm .Made in France Final sale
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini dust bag and Hermès box. Width 6....
Hermès Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Bonheurs a Paris
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Plates From the "Bonheurs à Paris" collection (happiness in Paris) Plates number 3, 4, 5 and 6 Places: ...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
Hermès Birkin 40 Gold Togo PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown - Gold - Palladium hardware - Two rolled top handles - Front flap closure with twist-lock fastening - Comes with lock, clochette and keys - Stamp J square. Year 2006 - Condit...
Hermès Constance Slim Wallet Quebracho Evercolor PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown - Palladium hardware - PVC on hardware - Top-stitching - Interior zip pocket - Slim silhouette - Removable change purse with zip closure - Two credit card slots - Belt loop -...
Hermes Soies Volantes by Loic Dubigeon Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Light pink « Soies Volantes » by Loic Dubigeon by silk scarf featuring a red border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1991 In good/fair vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (9...
Hermès Carré 90 Grands Fonds Detail 2001 Navy Silk twill carre Scarf Hermes Box
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Grands Fonds print (detail) by Annie Faivre, first released in 2001 in shades of blue and camel beige, with hand-rolled navy blue edges. Approxim...
Hermès Silk Scarf Tea Time Jonathan Burton Hearts Valentine's Day
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TEA TIME" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: ORANGE / GRIS / BLANC (orange, grey, white) Lov...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Red Ostrich Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Made in France Vintage item (V in circle, 1992) Made of ostrich and yellow gold plated hard...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
Hermès Silk Pocket Square or Scarf Les Chevaux Se Rendent au Départ Jockey Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pocket Square or Scarf Print: "LES CHEVAUX SE RENDENT AU DEPART " (the horses are heading to the starting point) Pattern: Jockey suits Made in France M...
HERMES black Epsom leather MINI KELLY 20 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag in Noir is the epitome of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in structured Epsom leather, this mini version of...
Hermès Silver Micro Kelly Bag Pill Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Smallest "Kelly" bag ever made This baby kelly has nothing to envy of the grown-ups, because she opens up too Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pi...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 BELTED BUSTIER Top Shirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier bustier top is crafted in Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrast white stitching. Designed in a struct...
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 ...
Hermès 7 Drawers Chest Semainier in Wood for Scarves or Jewels
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Drawer To store scarves, but can be used for jewels as well Made of burl wood veneer Edges decorated with "H" marquetry Includes 7 drawers in w...
Hermès "Les Bassets" Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" scarf, is in 100% silk in the pink coral colorway with hand rolled edges, designed by the renowned animal artist Xavier de Poret. New ...
Hermes 1993 Luna Park Carousel Silk Scarf with Black Background
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in New Hope, PA
This Luna Park scarf was designed in 1993 by Joachim Metz who was inspired by early 20th century amusement parks. The black background has a woven pattern of fireworks exploding in t...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Corkscrew Golf Ball Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Corkscrew Each handle surrounds a reproduction of a golf ball Made of silver 800 Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved twice on the ball ...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse The purse is a vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of silver (crab hallmark) "HERMÈS" and crab hallmark enbraved on one...
Hermes Epsom Paris Bombay White Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Up for sale the perfect summer bag: Hermès Paris Bombay bag, 37 cm. White clemence leather with palladium hardware. Dated L for 2008. Excellent condition wi...
HERMES Terracotta red canvas ^ BRIDE-A-BRAC CABRIOLE LARGE Case Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bride-à-Brac GM vanity case in Terracotta cotton canvas with charming Cabriole embroidery by Alice Charbin. A playful yet refined essential, designed with a dur...
HERMES Gold tan Clemence leather EVELYNE 29 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 29 III crossbody bag in Gold Taurillon Clemence leather. An iconic everyday silhouette in classic camel brown, elevated by contrasting white stitching a...
HERMES Cuivre Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 MAXI QUADRILLE Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Cuivre Taurillon Clemence leather. A timeless icon in a rich copper-brown hue, featuring the signature perforated H and refined gold...
HERMES Craie cream Epsom leather BIRKIN 25 SELLIER Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 Sellier bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Epsom leather, a crisp and architectural expression of the house’s most coveted icon. Crafted in the structure...
Hermès Vintage 2010 Unisex Gold White Bag Charm Excellent Condition
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermes gold and white tone charms for your bag
Hermès Micro Kelly 15 cm Sellier Red Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Adorable Authentic Hermès Micro Kelly Rare item, a must-have for any Hermès lovers Sellier Version (outside stitching) for a rigid shape...
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather and canvas “Victoria” travel Large Bag 50
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence leather and beige canvas “Victoria” travel Large Bag 50 featuring tarnish gold plated hardware, a top zipper closure, set clochette and address tag sta...
Hermès Sterling Silver Pill Box Micro Bolide Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Cute Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a "Bolide" Hermès Bag Made in England Made of sterling silver (925 and Minerva hallmarks engraved) Vintage Item Opens at th...
Hermès Bag Constance 18 cm Metallic Silver Leather Phw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Constance" Made in France Stamp H in square (2004) Made of chèvre leather (Goatskin) and palladium plated hardware (silver-tone) ...
$52,490Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Bag Shiny Red Lizard Gold Hdw Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Among the most coveted Hermès bags Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Will come with its matching pencil case and ring scarf cl...
$9,578Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Fox Terrier Dog Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "FOX -TERRIER" dog Made in France Made of porcelain Beige Leather at bottom, "HH" in golden letters in middle Colorways: white, ora...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
Hermès Carré 90 "Neige d'Antan" Silk Twill Winter Novelty Scarf C. 1984
By Hermès
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Hermès silk twill scarf titled "Neige d'Antan." Designed in 1984 by Philippe Ledoux, one of Hermès' most important illustrators and creator of many iconic equestrian and hist...
Hermès Silk Scarf Noel au 24 Faubourg Christmas Snow Ball Orange
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Absolutely gorgeous, worn or framed, perfect for the holiday season. Print: "Noël au 24 Faubourg" Pattern: Hermès store of the 24 Faubourg Paris F...
Hermès 2019 Carre 90 Lazy Leopardesses Khaki Brown Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Lazy Leopardesses print by Arlette Hess, released in 2019 in shades of khaki, brown, and black-grey, with hand-rolled edges. Approximately 90cm w...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray 2 Dogs by Cecil Aldin Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 2 dogs napping on an armchair Designed Cecil Aldin Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 cm Sellier Bag Satin Doblis Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Kelly" Sellier version, rigid, so Chic ! Collector piece ! Only a few in the world. A true collector bag Made in France Stamp U in a circ...
Hermes "Astrologie Forever" Blue Horoscope Print Silk Twill Scarf, 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hermes 1990's "Astrologie Forever" horoscope scarf features a print by F. Faconnet on silk twill with hand rolled edges. Astrology themed, this scarf is perfect for any occasion...
HERMES black leather MEDOR LOAFER Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Medor loafer-style platform pumps are crafted from black brushed leather, offering a refined blend of sophistication and modern edge. The design features ...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...
Hermes Rose Quartz Double Faced Cashmere Cape Fit Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Rose Quartz pink double faced cashmere with burgundy leather trims. It has a loose,...
Hermès Carré 140 Ronde des Jockeys Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 140cm square scarf in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, featuring the "Ronde des Jockeys" motif by Françoise de la Pettière, originally published in 1969 and reissued in 2004 (an...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag featured in the highly sought after Bai Brun and Toile combination. This refined pairing blends rich saddle-inspired b...
Hermès Horse Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horse Theme: horse riding, rodeo Made in France Made of printed porcelain, notches covered with platinum (silver-tone)...
Hermès Scarf Jardin Enchanté Celebrating 150 Years of Central Park 2003
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "JARDIN ENCHANTE" (enchanted garden) Special and Limited Edition "Celebrating 150 years of Central Park 2003" Designed by ...
Epsom is a stamped or embossed calf leather (as opposed to being a grained leather like Togo or Clemence, or a smooth leather like Swift or Box). It is lightweight and stiff; thus Epsom is known for its ability to retain structure over time. Epsom is the primary leather used to make Sellier Kelly and Birkin bags which feature outside stitching on its edges which result in a crisp and sharp line. Epsom is more rain-resistant than other calf leathers.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.
Hermes bags have blindstamps, placed under the plaques or on the interior. Usually they are placed close to the date stamps denoting the year of production. Recently, in a small % of receipts, the blind stamp is also printed on the store receipt which can be matched to the blind stamp inside the bag.
It is virtually impossible to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Birkin for purchase. Most Birkins are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.
What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.
Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.
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Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
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.
The beloved Bolide, one of the luxury house’s classic travel pieces, gets a playful spin in this 2018 special edition.
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More than a fashion statement, this iconic style continually appreciates in value.