Why is Hermès so special?

Hermès is so special for a few reasons. The French luxury house is one of the most storied fashion labels in the world and has a rich heritage that dates back to 1837.Hermès began in Paris as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen. The house later extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and jewelry to pillows and handbags .Hermès artisans spend years honing their craft as apprentices before they produce Hermès pieces in premium materials. For example, the Kelly bag , which was named in tribute to one of its biggest fans, Grace Kelly, takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce , and its 680 hand stitches are made by one Hermès artisan. Each Birkin tote is also hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and its exotic leathers , a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile , are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France.On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Hermès handbags and accessories.

Kelly Retourne

Hermes 28cm

Togo Leather

Kelly 28cm

Hermes Kelly Bag Serial Number

Hermes Kelly Bag 25 In Iris Or Dark Green

Togo Brown

Hermes Box Leather Kelly Shoulder Strap

Kelly Bag With Shoulder Strap

Unavailable

Hermès Kelly 32 retourne handbag strap in Red Courchevel leather, GHW

By Hermès

Located in Paris, IDF

Amazing Hermes Kelly 32 retourné handbag strap in Red Courchevel leather, gold plated metal hardware, red leather handle, removable shoulder strap in red leather for a hand or should...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes 35cm White Clemence Leather Retourne Kelly Bag with Palladium Hardware

Unavailable

Unavailable

Size: 32 cm

Herms Kelly 32 cm Prune Evercolor Leather with Gold HDW VERY RARE Leather

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

This Kelly is a Retourne shape, which has a more relaxed shape.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Sold

Black Vintage Hermes Kelly Retourne 28 Bag

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Product details: Vintage black Kelly Retourne 28cm leather satchel by Hermes. Top carry handle.

Category

Late 20th Century French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Kelly Retourne 32cm Gold Togo

Sold

Sold

Size: 32

Hermes Epsom Leather Gold Kelly Retourne 32 GHW - D 2000

By Hermès

Located in London, England

Hermes Kelly Retourne 32 - Gold Epsom Leather with white contrast stitching, Gold hardware.

Category

Early 2000s Top Handle Bags

Hermès 25cm Kelly Retourne Bleu Navy Togo Leather Palladium Hardware

Sold

Hermès 25cm Kelly Retourne Bleu Navy Togo Leather Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Brand: Hermès Style: Kelly Retourne Size: 25cm Color: Bleu Navy Material: Togo Leather Hardware: Palladium Hardware (PHW) Dimensions: 9.8" W x 7.5" H x 3.5" D Handle Drop: 4" Strap D...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 12.6 in

Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

Collectors Item - Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag True investment piece - Beautiful example, Kelly bag crafted from Hermes's iconic Togo leather in Noir with gold hardwa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermes Raisin Box Kelly Retourne 32cm Gold Hardware GHW Shoulder Bag

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Raisin Box Kelly Retourne 32cm Gold Hardware GHW Shoulder Bag Raisin in Box Leather is a very sought-after color A fabulous purple that is bright but very versatile The Bo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

2003 Hermes Chocolate Clemence Leather Kelly Retourne 32cm

Sold

H 9.06 in W 12.6 in D 4.14 in

2003 Hermes Chocolate Clemence Leather Kelly Retourne 32cm

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Chocolate Clemence Leather Kelly Retourne 32cm This HERMÈS Kelly 32cm is in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition accompanied by Hermes Dust Bag, Box, Lock, Keys, Clochette, Rain Cov...

Category

Early 2000s French Tote Bags

$15,950

Natural Kelly 32 Unisex Structured Shoulder Bag - Excellent Condition

By Hermès

Located in Athens, GA

Hermes Natural Kelly 32 Swift Leather Bag. Light tan color. Smooth leather. Good condition. Restored at Hermes spa treatment. Gold hardware. Vintage Kelly bag. Interior clean. Includ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermes Birkin 25 Malachite Togo Leather Gold Hardware Handbag

$25,850

By Gucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

New Gucci Crocodile Bamboo Top Handle Bag with Shoulder Strap F/W 2017 Collection, Size Medium. Dusty Turquoise Crocodile Leather, Top Handle Bag with Removable Crocodile Shoulder St...

Category

2010s Italian Top Handle Bags

Off-white see-through crochet dress with flower embroideries CHANEL

$2,522

Size: 40

Off-white see-through crochet dress with flower embroideries CHANEL

By Chanel

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Off-white silk see-through crochet dress with flower embroideries . SIZE 40

Category

2010s Italian Informal Dresses

Christian Dior dress by John Galliano circa 2000

$11,237

Christian Dior dress by John Galliano circa 2000

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

DIOR - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2000 under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Geometrical-pattern silk muslin dress with flounces, in red, pink, and yellow tones. Red ...

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Magnificent Silk Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Stole Jacket Cape 2006

$2,995Sale Price|39% Off

Size: One Size

Magnificent Silk Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Stole Jacket Cape 2006

By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Yves Saint Laurent Store Display Stunning Fuchsia Silk Evening Cape/Overcoat Size: One Size Hand Sewn and Limited Edition Fall 2006 A rare Find The black sash tie on the runway i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Coats and Outerwear

Chanel Iridescent Python Snake Mini Crossbody Bag

$2,159Sale Price|20% Off

H 3 in W 1.5 in L 6 in

Chanel Iridescent Python Snake Mini Crossbody Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel limited edition iridescent python mini cross body bag. Shoulder strap 23". Comes with hologram and dust cover. This item does not ship to California due to wildlife regulations.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

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Kelly Retourne For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary kelly retourne you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Brown, Blue, Red and more in stock now. If you’re looking for a kelly retourne 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. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Kelly Retourne?

Prices for a kelly retourne can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,490 and can go as high as $77,750, while, on average they fetch $12,894.

Hermès for sale on 1stDibs

For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.

The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.

As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.

In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.

In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.

Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.

Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.

In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.

Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.

While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.

Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.

Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Handbags And Purses for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions About Hermès

Why is Hermès so special?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
Hermès is so special for a few reasons. The French luxury house is one of the most storied fashion labels in the world and has a rich heritage that dates back to 1837.

Hermès began in Paris as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen. The house later extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and jewelry to pillows and handbags.

Hermès artisans spend years honing their craft as apprentices before they produce Hermès pieces in premium materials. For example, the Kelly bag, which was named in tribute to one of its biggest fans, Grace Kelly, takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches are made by one Hermès artisan. Each Birkin tote is also hand-sewn according to Hermès’s centuries-old saddle-stitching technique, and its exotic leathers, a variety that includes ostrich and crocodile, are subsequently painted and polished by house craftsmen in France.

On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Hermès handbags and accessories.

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

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

Dress Like Your Favorite NFL Player with an Hermès HAC Bag

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

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

Does wicker get more high-end than this?

The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic

Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.

How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag

The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.