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...
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptionally Rare Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel The entire bag is rigid (leather and hardware), so chic ! Made in France Stamp R (no circle nor square - the...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather. Features a sculptural top handle, elegant gold-tone hardware and a matching Vert Vertigo ...
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
HERMES Grenat Saphire Naturelle HERBAG ZIP 39 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag 39 is crafted from a sophisticated combination of Natural Vache Hunter leather and Rouge Grenat and Bleu Saphir toil...
Hermès 1975s Sac Kelly 35 Bandouliere H Red Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 35, in Hermès red box leather (almost burgundy) and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket ...
Exceptional Hermès Exclusif Giant Shawl Silk Scarf Oriental Drawings
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Scarf Extremely rare, this scarf is from the vintage "HERMÈS EXCLUSIF" collection Pattern: oriental-inspired designs Made in France M...
Hermes Birkin 35 RED SILVER HARDWARE
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes Birkin 35 in Excellent Condition. Red with silvertone hardware. Top handle. Togo leather exterior. Togo leather interior. Interior on zip pocket & one slip pocket. Date Co...
Hermes Jypsiere 28 IN GOLD MINT!
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes Jypsiere 28 Crossbody Bag in mint condition. GOLD Clemence Leather. Palladium plate hardware. Single adjustable shoulder strap. Chevre goatskin. Three interior pockets. Turn l...
Hermès Destier Bolo Tie Necklace Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Necklace Tie From the "Destrier" Collection "Boho Tie", perfect mix between tie and necklace Theme: Equestrian, Horse, Cow bow, Western, Texas ...
Printed cotton pareo HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cotton paréo. SIZE 88cm X 170cm
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Platinum Horse Print
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)...
HERMES black Togo leather HAC 50 Travel Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès HAC 50 travel bag in black is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Togo leather, offering a refined balance of structure and softness. Inspired by...
$56,000
Kelly 32 Vert Anglaise
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Hermès Kelly 32 in Vert Anglaise Alligator Mississippiensis with gold hardware. This exquisite exotic Kelly showcases beautifully matched scales and a deep jewel-toned green tha...
Hermès Birkin 30 Vert Chartreuse PH
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Expertly crafted Hermes Birkin made from exotic Crocodile porosus leather in Vert Chartreuse - Embellished with palladium hardware and has a zipped compartment inside to keep you...
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 ...
Printed swimsuit HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed swimsuit. Fabric composition: 62% nylon, 38% elastane. Lining: polyester & elastane. SIZE : 44
Hermès Evelyne TPM 16 Amazone Taurillon Etoupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp K. Year 2025. Condition: Pr...
Hermes Scarf Exposition Universelle Silk 90cm Orange Jaune Multi New
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Exposition Universelle Silk 90cm Orange Jaune Multi New with tags and box Final sale
$13,200
Hermès Constance Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Colvert Alligator Mississipiensis leather Enamel H buckle on palladium hardware Interior card slot panel on each side and zipper Comes with original box. Condition: Very Good This pr...
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...
HERMES Mangrove Green Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Clutch Bag PBhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Vert Mangrove is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, showcasing a rich deep dark green hue that enhances its elegant, compa...
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...
HERMES Abysse blue crocodile CONSTANCE COMPACT Wallet RGhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance Compact wallet in dark blue shiny alligator leather probably Abysse. Features a structured, compact silhouette...
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...
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...
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...
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bottle Opener Orfevrerie Ercuis
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener From the "Chaine d'Ancre" collection (anchor chain) Made in France Designed by "Orfevrerie Ercuis" (OE and centaur hallmark) Made of metal Co...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Exceptional Hermès Secret Watch Pendant in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Watch A beautiful blend of craftsmanship, elegance, design and functionality, and above all, an exceptional collector's item The pulley-shaped penda...
Hermes Scarf Cavalier en Formes – Bleu Moyen – Orange - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalier en Formes – Bleu Moyen – Orange – NWSTS - 2508161548B Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Cavalier en Formes, Rider in Shapes Artist: Gianpaolo Pagni...
Hermès 1965s Sac Kelly 32 Bandouliere Black Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 32, in black box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather and features two slip pockets and one large zipped pocket. It includes ...
Hermès Medium Raisin Evelyne Poche 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Evelyne PM bag in raisin taurillon clemence with Palladium hardware. The bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body bag. Date stamp R for 2014. Excellent condition, minor...
Hermès 1987 Sac a depeches 41 Hermes Black Leather Brief Case Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès briefcase, Sac à Dépêches model, in smooth black box leather and gold-tone metal, 41 cm wide with two gussets, interior with two compartments plus a large front pocket under t...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
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 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...
Auth. Hermès Bag Garden Party 38cm – Blue – Country Leather & Canvas - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermès Garden Party 38 – Blue – Country Leather & Canvas – NWOCTS – 2503020941 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Garden Party 38 Tote Bag Color: Blue with White Stitching Material: Country ...
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW A new Hermes Kelly in special order in two colours still with box and invoice. Modello:Kelly Clutch Me...
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...
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...
2026 As New Hermès Herbag 20 Viking
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Splendid and classy Hermès bag Brand new, purchased in may 2026 ! Herbag in Viking canvas and black leather External zip pocket Metal As new conditions, with dustbag, box and bills C...
$15,827Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Vintage Black 32 Kelly Bag 1990s with Gold Tone Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black 32 Kelly gold tone hardware shoulder strap inside
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. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
2026 Rare Hermès "Jige" Elan Mauve Sylvestre
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Brand new and beautiful Hermès Jige 29 Rare mauve sylvestre color, pink Purchased at the end of may 2026 Unique owner The bag comes with dustbag, box and copy of invoice Cm 29 x 15,...
Hermès 2019 Mini Verrou Ombre Lizard Leather Unisex Shoulder Bag SHW
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Mini Verrou 18 Chain Ombre Lizard Palladium Hardware Collection: 2019, D Condition: 1 - Pristine Measures: 8" width x 4.5" width x 1" depth The Verrou's bolt-lock closure; in...
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...
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...
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 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...
$9,332Sale 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 Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Mediterranean Sea Coasts
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the coasts of the Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea): France, Egypt (Giza Pyramids), Spain (bull, the arenas), Italy (Rialto Bridge) ...
Hermès Foulard Carré 90 Mors et Gourmettes Pink Silk Twill Scarf Carre Hermes
By Hermès, Henri D'Origny
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Mors et Gourmettes motif by Henri d'Origny, first produced in 1961 and reissued (like this one) in 2005 and 2008. The scarf features ecru...
$51,327Sale 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...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Green Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Dark green Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp W. Year 2024 Condition...
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 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...
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
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.
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.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
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.
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From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.
More than a fashion statement, this iconic style continually appreciates in value.