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 Women's Spring 2021 Black Leather Zip Front Coat, Size FR38
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxest Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2021 collection - Look 15 on the runway. Bought for £14000 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft and smooth black lamb leather with sil...
Exceptional Hermès Spats Mini Chaps Brown Suede Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Spats Made of suede leather and silver-tone buckles Inside is lined with brown leather Colorway: Brown Please note: The color variations com...
HERMES pink leather ORAN LIZARD Slides Sandals Shoes 40 fit 39
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in vibrant pink lizard leather, showcasing the house’s instantly recognizable minimalist elegance. Defined by the iconic “H” cut-out upper an...
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 Brandebourgs Red Silk Waist Coat
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brandebourgs Silk Waist Coat is 100% silk with sleeves and back in black cashmere, the front features Brandebourgs motif silk twill. The buttons are branded Hermes in gold col...
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 ...
1970s Hermès Small Size Black Panther Cotton Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Small Size Multicolor “Black Panther” terry beach towel from Hermès Pre-Owned featuring a graphic “Black Panther” print, a blue border and a Hermès signature. 100% cotton. Ci...
Hermès Swimsuit One piece Swimwear Bibliothèque Bookshelf Print Size M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Swimsuit One piece Print "Bibliothèque" (Bookshelf) Pattern: Books Made in France Colorways: White, Yellow, Grey, Black Size: 40 FR / M Condition: New condition. Washed then never worn. No Hermès Packaging This swimsuit is garanteed authentic and will be shipped immediately Thank you for watching...
$1,980Sale Price|31% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
HERMES black leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in black grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels, a che...
Hermes Rouge Cornaline Double Faced Cashmere Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly coloured Hermes double faced cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality double faced cashmere in the richest orangey red - official colours i...
HERMES beige orange cashmere 2023 BRIDES DE GALA Sweater Vest 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Brides de Gala sweater in Tatami light beige and bright orange jacquard knit cashmere (63%), cotton (35%) and polyamide (2%), presenting one of the house's most...
Hermès – Camicia Vintage in Cotone “Écuries / Scuderie” – Anni ’80
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Camicia Hermès Paris autentica, realizzata in Francia, in morbido 100% cotone con l’iconica stampa equestre della Maison. Il motivo raffigura una scena di scuderie, con cavalli sella...
HERMES black leather FAUBOURG Loafers Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Faubourg loafers are crafted in black glazed calfskin, offering a sleek balance of elegance and versatility. Designed with a notched sole for a modern edg...
Hermès Wrap Skirt in Woll and Cashmere Size 36 Small
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Skirt "Wrap Skirt" Made in France Probably vintage Made of 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere Top is lined with a beige canvas made of Acetate and Bemberg Colo...
Hermès 1990s Veste Soie Insectes FR38 Ecru Silk Twill Jacket UK10 US8 Hermes
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès long jacket circa 1990 in ecru silk twill with the Insectes print by Hugo Grygkar & La Torre (first produced in 1958), notched collar fastened with three mother-of-pearl butto...
Vintage HERMES Paris Mink Jacket with printed Scarf Silk Lining
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage unique jacket 1980's is made of brown mink with silk Hermes lining Rare to find Look at our storefront for more luxurious vintage items. Details: Lined with Hermes sil...
HERMES checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES blue white checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M Reference: LACG/A00478 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: White, Blue Pattern: Checkered Cl...
HERMES Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
Hermès by Martin Margiela SS 2001, Shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Martin Margiela – Spring/Summer 2001 Shirt Minimalist and refined, this Hermès shirt from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection—designed under Martin Margiela’s direction—perf...
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES black viscose OPEN BACK HALTER SLEEVELESS CREPE Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès halter neck wide leg open back jumpsuit in black viscose (100%). Closes with a concealed zipper and one hook in the back. Unlined. ...
Hermes wool coat circa 1990
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1990 under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Brown coat made of merino wool and camel hairs. Size M, it can fit a 40FR/42FR. Made in Fran...
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 - Vintage Cotton Bathrobe "Les Leopards" by Christiane Vauzelles
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare soft cotton terry bathrobe the motif and the iconic one of the Carrè "Les Leopards" designed by master Christiane Vauzelles - This ...
Hermès by Martin Margiela, lambskin skirt, Spring 1999
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès skirt by Martin Margiela, Collection Spring 1999 Composition: 100% lambskin - silk lining Made in France Marked size: 40 (large) Measurements: Waist width: 38 cm Length: 61...
Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
HERMES black leather 2023 FRENCHIE 50 Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5 fit 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Frenchie 50 ankle boots in black calfskin leather blend classic craftsmanship with a modern edge. Featuring rounded toes, block heels, and thicker soles, t...
Vintage Hermes Cotton Trousers - Stone Colour
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A chic and very wearable pair of vintage pants/trousers by Hermes. In a heavy cotton and attractive stone colour, the trousers have two pockets on the front and a zip fly. Size 36 M...
Hermes "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk Twill Women's Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hermes "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk vest. This vintage "Raconte Moi le Cheval" (Tell Me About the Horse) vest has an equestrian theme, with colorful rocking ho...
HERMES beige 2015 MINK FUR Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès collarless jacket in beige mink fur (100%). Fall/winter 2015. Features raglan sleeves (sleeve measurements taken from the neck) and two slit pockets on the fron...
$6,306Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Cerulean Blue
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian leather jacket. Unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable cerulean blue deerskin with Her...
Hermes Camel Cashmere Jumper
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1980s camel cashmere jumper featuring a horse-head motif, a round turtle neck, long sleeves. Composition: 100% cashmere Label size 38fr/US6 /UK10 In good vintage condition. Ma...
HERMES brown suede EMBROIDERED CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high boots in dark brown featuring a stacked heel, black complementing zigzag embroidery and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn wit...
Hermès Set of 2 Towels Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Towels This rare set includes 2 towels embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Blazer "Mont Saint Michel" Pattern Size 40 FR
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk blazer iconic Carrè "Mont Saint Michel" motif the jacket is in excellent condition to report yellow stains due to storage all ...
HERMES black 2020 SHORT LEATHER Jacket 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black goatskin leather. Features a refined, straight-cut silhouette with a short, structured length that delivers a sleek, modern profile, complemente...
Hermès Large Terry Towel Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball at their end Made in France Vintage ite...
HERMES black leather Band Collar Quilted Shoulder BIKER Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès band-collar biker jacket in midnight blue lambskin with knit waistband on the back in midnight blue viscose (75%) and nylon (25%). Features a quilted storm flap on the left sh...
HERMES dark brown suede LOCK Knee High Boots Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high almond-toe boots in brown suede leather embellished with Palladium lock depeches. Open with a zipper on the inside. Have been worn and are in excelle...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress Martin Margiela served as Hermès’ creative director for women’s ready-to-wear, shaping 12 iconic and unforgettable coll...
Hermes Boats cotton Beach towel GM
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes terry beach towel GM “Boats” towel featuring a yellow ground and a top logo signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition Made in France. 37.4 in. (95cm) X 56.8 in. (145c...
HERMES red & pink leather LTD ED JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Limited Edition' boots in red and pink box leather. Brand new. Comes with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 38 Sh...
Hermes Paris Khaki Cotton Blend Womens Jacket Circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Khaki cotton blend women's jacket Size 42 The classic cotton blend jacket is designed with a single chest pocket & a pair of flap covered pockets on the lower front Adorned with a pair of burnished brass tone metal buttons on the front. Each sleeve cuff has a pair of small resin tortoise shell...
Hermes wool coat 1980s-1990s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1980s-1990s ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Long green wool coat. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 40FR-42FR. Made...
Hermes Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
HERMES black white cotton LEATHER TRIM FEATHER JACQUARD Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black, white and brown jacquard cotton (100%) featuring an intricate feather motif and refined black lambskin leather trims. Designed with a relaxed s...
Hermes, leather dress with belt
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, leather dress with belt. Comes with dustbag and hanger.
Hermès Caftan Dress by Jean-Paul Gaultier Summer 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter Printemps-Été 2008, sous la direction artistique de Jean-Paul Gaultier. Robe Caftan en soie à motif "Cavalcadour " dans tons de marron et de vert. ...
HERMÈS - Vintage Women's Silk Cotton Aloha Caftan by Laurence Bourthoumieux
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gorgeous pure silk caftan with cotton center back band - The pattern is that of the " Aloha " Carrè designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux -...
Hermès Women's H Cashmere Leather Coat, Size FR36/UK8, Excellent
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S Reference: DYTG/A00090 Brand: Hermes Collection: Spring/Summer 2022 Material: Cotton Color: White, Mul...
HERMES taupe leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in taupe-brown grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels,...
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket RARE CUSTOM MADE
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket in like-new excellent condition. This is a very rare find from Hermes as it was custom made for a Royal in Dubai. You won't find anything like it online on in stores. Black semi matte crocodile leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware. Full front zipper closure. Two zippered side pockets. Zipper slits upon bottom hem of each arm. Black bemberg lining with small Hermes logo woven throughout. Interior breast pockets with button closures. This piece exudes classic Hermes style with flawless lines, body shape and of course impeccable construction utilizing the most luxurious crocodile leather available. Very subtle sheen to the crocodile skin which only contributes to the timeless design of this piece. Perfect for men & women. Excellent condition. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Hermes history with this custom made crocodile jacket...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Avantage Sneakers White Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Avantage sneakers. Unworn with box and 2 x dustbags. Made from white leather with coloured H motif, think laces and chunky soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measure approx - 10.25”...
Hermès Veste Caban FR34 Black Wool Whipcord Oversized Pea Coat UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès oversized pea coat in thick black whipcord wool, notched collar with double-breasted button closure, Hermès logo buttons in blackened silver-tone metal and black leather, two ...
Hermès Women's Quicker Sneakers White Calf Leather Hot Pink Suede Trim
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Quicker sneakers. Unworn with 2 x dustbags. Made from white calf leather with hot pink suede trims, quilted H motifs, thick laces and white soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measur...
HERMÈS Paris Selvedge Worsted Black Wool and Lambskin Leather Button Down Dress
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
An elegant and understated Hermès Paris Black dress. Meticulously crafted in a super-fine Selvedge Worsted Pure Wool (by prestigious Huddersfield artisans from England, UK). With lam...
$1,775Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Pleated Silk Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare "FEUX D'ARTIFICE" print pleated silk skirt. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversary of the founding of HERMES (1837-1987)...
Hermès Oran Sandals Green Woolskin
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Oran Sandals in Green Woolskin. They're brand new and come with the original box and dustcovers. Size EU 38 US 7.
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.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.