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 Silver Keychain Key Holder Charm Heart Shaped Valentine's Day
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Keychain Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of sterling silver Colorway: silvery Each side is engraved with a multitude of ...
Hermès Horse Sculpture
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Magnificent Sculpture In shape of a horse's head Back signed "HERMES PARIS FRANCE" This sculpture was not made by Hermès, but for Hermès. It was intended either to...
Hermès Chale Triangle a franges 1990s Cashmere and Leather Fringes Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle shawl with fringe in dark brown cashmere and long knotted fringes in matching leather. Approximately 200 cm wide x 100 cm high (excluding the 45 cm fringe). The ...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
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...
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 Giant Silk Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Shawl Photos does not make justice to this extremely rare and lovely scarf Print: Oriental Drawings Colorways are so bright ! It is an...
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 and painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Carame...
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 1990s Sac Kelly 25 Sellier Brown Crocodile Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 25, in dark brown Niloticus Crocodile exotic leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features one zipped pocket a...
Hermès Horse Leg Bottle Opener Horseshoe
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Shaped like a horse's leg, the hoof concealing a horseshoe-shaped bottle opener Made in France Vintage Item Made of silver-ton...
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
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 ...
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 at their end Made in Franc...
HERMES taupe leather & cashmere Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès by Martin Margiela reversible shawl in khaki green lambskin leather and cashmere. Features an effortless, fluid silhouette with an open front, softly rounded sh...
Hermès 1960s 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 with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (not zippered). It incl...
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 1999 Sac Reteint Noir Birkin 35 Dyed Black Epsom Leather Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Birkin bag, size 35, in beige Epsom leather re-dyed in black and gold metal, keys, padlock, zipper, bell, dust bag, year 1999. Width 35 cm x height 25 cm x depth 18 cm, handle...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Bag in Marron is exquisitely crafted from shiny porosus crocodile leather, showcasing a rich, deep brown hue with a luminous finish. Const...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a golf ball Made in France Made of inox (stainless steel) and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS" engraved on one side of the opener / "INO...
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 Craie white Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Epsom leather with gold-plated hardware. Features a refined, structured Sellier silhouette with crisp edges and...
Hermès Silk Scarf Twilly Au Bloc Liste Vernie 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Twilly Au Bloc Liste Vernie" Some small red squares on the border are decorated with clear varnish, which bring a lot of light and pretty r...
Hermès Smocking Pipe Wood B-46
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pipe Made in France Vintage item Stummel made of heather wood / Stem made of resin Colorways: brown, black "HERMÈS PARIS" / "MADE IN FRANCE" / "B-46...
HERMES Hydra blue Togo leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Bleu Hydra Taurillon Clémence leather. Designed in the house’s iconic, relaxed saddle silhouette, it features gold-plated hardware, ...
HERMES Potiron orange Clemence leather BIRKIN 30 Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Bag in Potiron is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Clemence leather, showcasing a rich orange hue that highlights the bag’s iconic s...
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...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather & Indigo EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Etoupe Taurillon Clemence leather with a indigo blue wool sangle strap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and gold-ton...
HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag is a timeless icon crafted in a refined combination of Naturelle Vache leather and Khaki Toile canvas. The Retourne style features so...
Hermès Sac Constance 24 Beige circa 1985 Precious Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance bag in camel beige exotic leather (Porosus), 24 cm double gusset, soft leather interior with a matching slip pocket and a zipped pocket, clasp with the famous H moti...
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 Horseshoe Birkin 25 cm Sellier Biscuit Craie Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Birkin Bag "Sellier Version" Made in France Stamp K Made of epsom leather and permabrass hardware (yellow gold tone but less bright) Colorway: Ouside i...
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 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 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Sellier Burgundy Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 32, in burgundy box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (...
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...
HERMES Rouge Grenat suede ANJOU PLATFROM ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Anjou platform sandals are crafted in Rouge Grenat red, burgundy, nude, and hot pink suede for a bold, multi-tonal finish. They feature peep toes, high blo...
HERMES Blanc white Swift leather KELLY 35 FLAT Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gautier Kelly Flat 35 Bag in Blanc is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, offering a clean, minimalist expression of the iconic Kelly d...
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 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 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...
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...
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 Cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Cream (new color) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H" ...
HERMÈS scarf PÉKINOIS
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PÉKINOIS Very rare Designed by Xavier De Poret 1965 100% silk Hand rolled hem Made in France Pink, grey, ivory Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Ve...
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
HERMES black grained leather CAP Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier cap is crafted in black grained calfskin leather. It features a relaxed, slouchy crown paired with a structured visor for a chic, mod...
Hermès 1980's Blue Ostrich Leather Vest, Rare
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisitely luxurious Hermès ostrich leather vest in a beautiful shade of faded wedgewood blue. The vest is lined in blue with logo etched horn ...
Hermès 1969 Vide Poche Cendrier Equitation Japonaise Ashtray Trinket Bowl Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès porcelain ashtray or trinket tray, featuring a motif from the "Japanese Riding" scarf by Françoise de la Perrière, published in 1969 and never reissued, in gold and orange ton...
HERMÈS shawl AUX PORTES DU PALAIS
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS mousseline silk shawl Aux portes du Palais Designed by Christine Henry 2008 100% silk - mousseline silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care M...
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 Birkin 35 Diamond Blanc Himalaya Matte Crocodile Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Diamond Blanc Himalaya Birkin 35 representing the ultimate expression of rarity and refined craftsmanship. It unites artistry and nature through meticulo...
Hermes Roule Shopping Cart Roler Matte Havane Porosus Crocodile & Printed Toile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This extraordinary limited edition Hermès Roule Birkin bag is a rare Petit h creation that reimagines the iconic Birkin in a functional rolling form. Originally conceived within the ...
HERMES Etoupe & black leather 32MM CLASSIC H REVERSIBLE Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Classic H 32mm reversible belt offers exceptional versatility with its dual-sided design in Etoupe Togo leather on one side and black Box leather on the ot...
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.
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.
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