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 2016 Limited Edition Navy Ghillies Wallet in Alligator Leather
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Navy - Exotic alligator leather - Gold-tone hardware - Internal red lining - Partitioned smooth leather interior - Card slots, patch pockets - Inner zipper compartment - PVC still ...
Hermès New Yellow Flowers Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new yellow silk scarf with pink assorted flowers. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box
Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Orange Togo Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in Orange Veau Togo calfskin leather (100%). This iconic Hermès Kelly features the softly structured Retourne silhouette, crafted from sup...
Hermes Birkin 35 Blanc White Epsom Leather Gold Hardware RARE Top Handle Bags
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Blanc White Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Excellent Condition Plastic on Hardware. Bag has been Spa. Please keep i...
Hermès "Grands Fonds" Blue Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Grand Fonds" beach sarong in the blue and white color way. The luxurious sarong is made from 100% cotton and features a vibrant fish motif.
HERMÈS silk scarf EX-LIBRIS À CARREAUX
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk scarf Title: EX LIBRIS À CARREAUX Designed by Anamorphée Year: 2014 100% silk with hand-rolled edges cm. 90xcm.90 circa Made in France Blue dur/Fuchsia/ Violet Conditio...
Hermès Black Birkin 30 Bag in Togo Leather with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Gold hardware. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Looks like new. Interior clean. Highly desired combination. Classic bag and most wanted size 30. Include...
Rare Vintage Hermès Gaetan de Percin Silver Keys Holder or Charm
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Porte-Clés Hermès vintage par Gaetan de Percin, datant des années 60. Avec boite et pochon. Chaine en argent avec une médaille de l'époque Louis XV "Les Ecuries du Roy" signée ...
Hermès Black Togo Leather Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo Leather Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML070 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By: Hermè...
Hermès Set of 2 Matching Ashtrays Russian Ballets Russia Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Set of 2 Matching Hermès Ashtrays Print: Dancers These patterns come from the Silk Collection Scarf called "Les Ballets Russes" (the russian ballets); desinged by...
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new pastel Tropical Garden silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Picotin Lock 22 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Clemence Picotin Lock 22 GHW SKU: 157856 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown in...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Birkin 30 Handbag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
100% Authentic This Birkin 30 is crafted in structured black Epsom leather that holds its crisp, architectural silhouette, a hallmark of Epsom's textured, saffiano-like grain that r...
Exceptional Hermès Evening Clutch Bag Minaudière Shagreen Grey Silver Tone Metal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Evening Bag Made in France No stamp Made of Shagreen (Galuchat) and Silver Tone Metal, Doblis Shoulder Strap In...
Hermès Lion Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Lion Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: ivory, green, yellow, brown Bei...
HERMES Space Derby 90 Twill Scarf Jaune VIF Vert Fluo Multi
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Space Derby 90 scarf by Ugo Bienvenu in Jaune Vif (bright yellow) twill silk (100%) with a vibrant multicolor print, a luxury collector's piece that launches th...
Hermès Pink Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible pink Kachinas silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. very good condition, minor stain.
Hermes NIB Birkin 30 Gold Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Plastic on hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box...
$592Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hermès Robert Dallet Animal-Print Cotton Shirt with Buttons
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Pure cotton shirt with an animal print, featuring mother-of-pearl buttons bearing the Hermès Paris logo. Measurements: Length 66 cm, ch...
Hermès Sesame Swift Leather & Toile Canvas Cargo Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sesame Swift Leather & Toile Canvas Cargo Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Product Title: Sesame Swift Leather & Toile Canvas Cargo Birki...
Hermès Malachite Kelly 28 Matte Alligator Gold Hardware, 2016
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Hermès Kelly Retourne 28 crafted in luxurious matte alligator and finished with classic gold hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives the iconic Kelly silhouet...
ERMES ivory 100% double face cashmere open cap sleeve belted robe coat FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ERMES ivory 100% double face cashmere open cap sleeve belted robe coat FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00239 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Self Tie Li...
Hermès Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: 24/24 29cm Product Title: Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm Type: Shoulder, Top...
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf A true statement piece, this Hermès shawl showcases an elaborate paisley and floral-inspired design in rich s...
Hermès Silk Scarf Vintage Roue Arriere du Carosse Imperial Vauzelles 1983 1B
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Roue Arrière du Carosse Impérial de la Cour de Vienne" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles in 1983 This is a rare Vintage scarf, rated 1B in the Hermès Scarves Book...
HERMES Nata cream Swift leather MINI ROULIS Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Roulis shoulder bag in Nata Swift calfskin leather (100%). This luxury Hermès shoulder bag is crafted from supple Swift c...
Hermès Mustard Texas Wildlife Scarf By Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Mustard and purple color combination. Excellent condition. Hand-rolled edges. care tag attached.
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Swift Rose Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 cm retournè is in new condition, rose etè swift leather with tonal stitching and palladium hardware. Date stamp Y. comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Co...
Hermès Three Russian Dolls Kelly Birkin Leather Charm Matryochkas Russia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Charm In the shape of russian dolls, called Matryoshkas in russian 3 Russian dolls of different sizes connected by a silk link The link can be rem...
Hermès Pani la Shar Pawnee Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès reissue Pani la Shar Pawnee scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Brand new with box.
Hermès Black White Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black leather and multi pattern silk foldable bag. Black, white and grey. Excellent condition. Bag closed, 5"W x 5"L x 1"D. Handle drop, 10"L. Comes with original dust cover.
Hermes crocodile '404' bag circa 1960-1963
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 31cm black alligator '404' bag with gold-plated fastening on a ridig frame, a handle, and a key. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 25 cm ...
Hermès Duck Shaped Change Tray Ashtray Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptonal and Rare Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a Duck The 2 wings open and reveal a storage space. Wings are removable. Can also be us...
Hermès 2017 Birkin 35 Retourne Epsom Leather Unisex Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Epsom leather, a lightweight, embossed calfskin known for its rigid structure and high resistance to scratching Rose Jaipur/coral Epsom leather Palladium hardware Two top handles Fro...
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 Kelly 25 Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Epsom Black leather, gold metal hardware, single leather black handle, removable leather black shoulder strap allowing...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rouge Casaque Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware RARE Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep in mind that ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rouge De Coeur Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Rouge De Coeur Togo leather with palladium hardware, featuring tonal stitching and a front flap with two straps. The interior is lined with Rouge De Coeur chevre le...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
Hermès 1990s Vintage Brown Top Handle Vanity Case with Gold Hardware
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...
Hermès New Fuchsia Bride-a-Brac Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Bride-a-Brac Case in small features 100% cotton, lining in herringbone canvas, strap in polycotton, embroidered "H" motif, and three interior pockets. Includes a handle for ha...
Hermès 1984 Foulard Soie Carré 90 Jeu de Paille Straw Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 titled Le Géographe by Sandra Laroche (published in 1992, reissued in 1995) on a black background, in addition to the pattern, the silk is embroidered with anc...
Hermes NIB Videpoches Bag Gold Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted with Hermes' esteemed attention to quality and style, the Hermes Videpoches bag is a luxurious addition to any wardrobe. This compact crossbody is designed in a radiant gold ...
$5,871Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Quilted Taupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian quilted leather jacket. Bought for £7750 and unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable ta...
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather with GHW. Item has protective stickers on the hardware, one on the feet is missing. Corners show light discolouration. (production ye...
Hermes Brown Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown leather notebook cover featuring an inside small compartments, an internal logo stamp. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Length: 3.5in. (9cm) Hei...
HERMES taupe suede NEO Ankle Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Neo ankle boots in tan suede are a refined fusion of equestrian inspiration and timeless elegance. Designed with wrap-around ankle straps adorned with the...
New in Box Hermes Small Silk Graffiti Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and red silk Graffiti pochette scarf with hand-rolled edges. New in box.
Hermès Haut A Courroies HAC 50 Navy Blue Leather Travel Carry ON Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Stamp is square A " 1997 " - Navy Blue Leather Exterior - Gold Hardware Condition: The bag is in excellent condition, this is a true collectors condition bag, the cor...
Hermès Fauve Barenia Toile Birkin 30cm Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
**Hermès Fauve Barenia Toile Birkin 30cm Palladium Hardware** 100% Authentic A beautifully rustic take on Hermès' most coveted silhouette, this Birkin 30 pairs a beige-and-ecru Toi...
Hermes Blue Guepards Collectible Ashtray With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare navy blue ashtray with guepards collectible design . Missing suede in the back. Excellent condition. Comes with original box.
Hermès Evelyne TPM Sesame Brown Leather Crossbody Bag with Dust Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Sesame Brown - Signature perforated H logo - Detachable shoulder strap - Strap and press-stud fastening - Main compartment - Silver-tone hardware - This piece comes complete with a...
Hermes Steve Light Junior Messenger Bag Black Togo Leather Crossbody 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal wear, worn corners, hardware scratches Accessories Dust bag Size Width: 27cm, Height: 22cm Designer Hermes Model Steve Light Junior Exterior Material Leather Exteri...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Tyrien Pink Epsom Leather Palladium Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Tyrien Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Collectors Dream! Excellent Prisitine Condition, Plastic on all Hard...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Bai Brun and Toile offers a refined interpretation of the classic silhouette through a combination of rich leather and textured canvas. This pairing introduces...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
HERMES 100% silk Un Amour De Cheval print yellow purple scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk Un Amour De Cheval print yellow purple scarf Reference: SNKO/A00354 Brand: Hermes Collection: Un Amour De Cheval Material: Silk Color: Multicolour Pattern: Abstract ...
Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW is an exceptional expression of quiet ...
Hermès Duck Cotton Terry Bath Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Duck Cotton Bath Towel in Blue is made from 100% Terry Cotton, and features orange and white ducks.
Auth. Silk Scarf Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - NWSTS - 2511041812 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill – Double-Sided Print Name Design: Les Mustangs II, The Mustangs II A...
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.