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.
HERMES black Epsom leather BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in black Veau Epsom leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes with a leat...
Hermès Silver Bottle Opener Ravinet d'Enfert Horse
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Openerand Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Horse head shaped Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Made in France Vintage item Answers sil...
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise New S/Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise – NWSTS – 2001281329 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere/Silk Artist: Pierre Marie Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55...
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Carpe Diem 1994 Joachim Metz Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Carpe Diem design by Joachim Metz, first produced in 1994 and reissued in 1997, in vibrant shades of yellow, red, blue, and green, with yellow ed...
Hermès Set of 2 Giraffes and Camels Prints Silk Ties Africa Wild Animals
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Giraffes and Camels Made in France Made of 100% silk 1. Giraffes print: - Beige background, yellow giraffes and grey palm trees. - Lined wit...
Hermès Farming Bucket Orange Bag Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful in concept yet executed with Hermès’ signature precision, the Farming Bucket bag offers a refreshing departure from the house’s more structured icons. The silhouette is relax...
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Kaki Fonce Anthracite Beige Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Kaki Fonce, Anthracite and Beige. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the graceful majesty of felines in rest. De...
Hermes Red Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès red silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over flower print, a red border and a center pleat. Circa 1990s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (114cm) X 6.7...
Hermès Birkin 30 Etoupe Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Etoupe togo leather with gold hardware, featuring contrast stitching, front flap with two straps, front toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and double...
$18,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag. Good condition. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Epsom sellier leather. Beautiful bag. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guara...
Hermès Grands Fonds Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Grands Fonds silk scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges,designed by Annie Faivre.
Hermes "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient... Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor porcelain mini square organizer "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident" featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 198...
Hermes Kelly 32cm Crevette Clemence Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Kelly 32cm in Crevette Clémence with Palladium hardware takes on a noticeably softer character, with the color doing more of the work than the structure. At this size, the Kel...
Hermès Black Evercolor Leather Amazone Kelly 50cm Voyage Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Evercolor Leather Amazone Kelly 50cm Voyage Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1625 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 50cm Voyage Type: Travel Serial Number: W Age: 2024 Ac...
HERMES Jean blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw NO STRAP
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Blue Jean Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s sign...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Rose Mexico Crocodile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 in Rose Mexico crocodile is a striking fusion of rarity and elegance. Rendered in one of Hermès’ most coveted jewel-toned pinks, this bag offers...
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...
Hermès Vintage Rouge H Bleu Marine Courchevel Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vintage Rouge H Bleu Marine Courchevel Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z153923 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed a...
Hermès NIB Regate Scarf 90 Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Regate Scarf 90 Ring is in rose gold-plated brass. Use the ring to try new ways to wear your scarf with this small accessory that glides right on. Suitable for 90 scarf f...
Hermès Ceinture A composer T80 Tuareg Silver Buckle New Leather Belt US32 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A series belt composed of a reversible leather link in black box leather and almost black brown grained leather, dated 2007, and an H or Constance buckle in solid silver decor...
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 ...
Hermes Vintage Kelly 50 Red Bordeaux Gold Hardware Travel Carry On Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Red Exterior - Gold Hardware - Should Strap - Lock & Key - Stamp D ( Year 2000 ) Condition: The bag is in great shape with no major imperfections, the bag has light p...
Hermès Kachinas by Oliver Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Kachinas Hermès silk print scarf by artist Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Black and brown color way.
Hermès Sac Epaule Constance 1970s Black Precious Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance model bag in black exotic leather (Porosus), interior in soft black leather with one patch pocket and one zipped pocket, clasp with the famous H motif in gold metal ...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW The Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier in Graphite Alligator Mississippiensis captures an aura of refined strength and...
Hermès Blue Gold Paris Knights Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Paris Knights Ashtray is made from 100% porcelain and features a knights motif, with gold tone border and a black suede bottom.
Hermès Mules Sabots Carlotta EU39 Black Leather Shearling Clogs UK6 US8.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès clogs mules Carlotta model in black leather and ecru "shearling" sheepskin, Kelly buckle and silver metal studs, wooden platform and black leather ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Green Bamboo Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Superb and rare handbag Hermes Birkin 30 cm in green bamboo togo leather, palladium metal trim, lined handle in green bamboo togo leather allowing a hand carry. Flap closure. Inner l...
Hermès NIB Barenia Faubourg Kelly 25 Retorunè Double Strap
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 retorunè barenia faubourg leather and gold tone hardware with contrast white stitching. Date stamp K for 2025. Unusual double strap option: leather an...
Hermès Leather Case Agenda Teal
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Teal blue - Internal card slots - Spiral-bound design - Planner inserts - Condition: Pristine, Unworn This pre-owned item is in pristine, unworn condition with no signs of use. Pl...
Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. Excellent condition, Plastic on Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. Please keep in mind that this ...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" scarf, is in the pink color way, and features a wildlife motif. Made from 100% silk and features hand rolled edges.
Hermes Birkin 35 Orange Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Orange Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Condition. Plastic on Hardware. Please keep in mind that this ...
Hermes Quicker Sneakers
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 Kelly 32 Retournè Black togo leather
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kelly 32 cm sellier is in black togo leather with tonal stitching and gold tone hardware. Date stamp R for 2014. Clochette, tirette, lock and 2 keys. Plastic on hardware,...
Hermès Birkin 25 Verso Epsom Rose d'Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 25 verso limited edition features a epsom leather in rose d'ete` with rolled leather handles, a front flap with turn-lock closure, gold hardware, and interior zip and sli...
Hermès Vintage Vanity Case
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Gold-tone hardware Single wooden top handle Adjustable detachable shoulder strap Adjustable shoulder strap Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal elasticated s...
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 2026 Mini Jypsiere Cuir Veau Swift Leather Shoulder Bag In Rose Sakura
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Full Set - Hermes 2026 Mini Jypsiere Cuir Veau Swift Leather Shoulder Bag - Full Set - Brand New Crossbody/shoulder bag crafted from high-quality Cuir Veau Swift leathe...
$6,377Sale 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...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Bleu Paon Sellier Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Kelly 28cm Sellier in Bleu Paon Epsom, featuring the structured, architectural silhouette the Kelly is known for, with a medium scale that sits between compact and everyday ca...
HERMES Paris Turquoise Long Double Face Silk Scarf "Petite Main"
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
Located in Amsterdam, NL
HERMES Paris Turquoise Circa 1987, this Hermés 100% Silk scarf features a motif designed by Cathy Latham called 'Petite Main". We offer more exclusive i...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Pink Rose Lipstick Gris Tourterelle Togo Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Rare Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Special Order Rose Lipstick & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Complimented by Brushed Gold Hardware. As New. Plastic on all Hardware. Please k...
Hermes Black Leather Sac A Depeches Briefcase, Hermes Briefcase, Hermes bag
By Hermès
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This Hermes black leather Sac A Depeches 39 briefcase is very elegant and convenient for an every day use. It features Hermès engraved palladium hardware . It has no initials. Its pi...
Hermes Birkin 25 Touch Vert Comics Green Togo Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare and Most Difficult to get! Brand New Hermes Birkin 25 Touch Vert Comics Togo Leather and Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware. New B Stamp 2023.
Hermès NIB "Jour De Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour De Casting" silk scarf in Bleu Jean, Caban, and Marron. This 100% silk scarf features various dogs portraits. Comes with ribbon and original box.
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Monsieur et Madame II - CS140 - orange Green Brown NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermès Monsieur et Madame II – CS140 – Orange Clair Vert Marron – NWSTS 1604191310 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Monsieur et Madame II, Monsieur and Madame II Artist: Bali Barret & Robert Dallet Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55 in Color: Orange Clair (Light Orange), Vert (Green), Marron (Brown) Fabric: 65% Cashmere, 35% Silk, hand-rolled edges Approx. Issue Date: 2013 (first issued) Condition: New With Store Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Monsieur et Madame II is a whimsical and iconic Hermès design inspired by an Art Deco-era Hermès advertisement from the 1920s. The scarf depicts the silhouetted figures of a gentleman and a lady, but look closely – each silhouette is filled with a collage of Hermès’s most beloved objects. For Madame, one can spot items like a Birkin handbag adorned with a Twilly, a Chaîne d’Ancre bracelet, and a Harnais watch, among others. Monsieur’s profile features treasures such as a Cape Cod watch...
Hermès Mini Kelly II 20cm Black Sellier Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier in Black Epsom, delivering a sharply defined, architectural silhouette where every edge feels deliberate and precise. The compact proportions intensify...
$976Sale Price|42% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier - CS140 - Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir – NWSTS – 2001211641 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Bouquets Sellier, Bouquets Sellier Artist: Pie...
Hermes Saddle Box Blue Recycled Kraft Paper Leather and Aluminum
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saddle Box featured in Blue. Recycled Kraft cardboard stamped with the Hermes Sellier Clou de Selle. Top and bottom rim a...
Hermès Birkin 30 Capucine Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Capucine togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and doub...
Hermes Kelly Mini Pochette Black Noir Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Black Noir Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Y Sta...
Hermes New Limited Edition Pegase Silk Gavroche Scarf Orange
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare silk scarf "Pegase Pop" designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko featuring an opulent equestrian design with vibrant pop colors in orange. Brand new with original box.
Hermes New Kelly 25 Gold Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 cm retournè Gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Date stamp W for 2024. Detachable strap. Handle drop 3". Comes with dust cover, clochette, tiret...
Hermès Silver Money Clip Paper Clip ORTF
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Designed in the shape of the ORTF, Office de radiodiffusion-télévision française (French Broadcasting and Television Office) Can be used as money clip or...
Hermès 4 Mini Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
2015 Hermès Birkin 30 Etoupe GHW
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and iconic Birkin 30 Togo leather Etoupe color Golden hardware Year 2015 T series Golden hardware Double handle Keys and locker 2 Internal pockets (one with zip) Cm 30 x 25...
Authentic Hermes Silk Scarf New Springs RYBALTCHENKO Blue 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
GORGEOUS AUTHENTIC HERMES SCARF Called "New Springs" Made in France in 2009 Design by Dimitri RYBALTCHENKO Made of 100% Silk Colors: Turquoise, Brown, Orange Measur...
Hermès " Pony Express" Green Silk Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès " Pony Express" Scarf is in green 100% silk with rolled edges. Collectible and rare design by Kermit Oliver. Care tag attached. Comes in original box .
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.