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 green FEU2DOU Tote Vert Fonce Feutre & Gulliver leather
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Feu2dou Tote in Vert Fonce Feutre (felt) and Gulliver Leather. Perforated "H" at front and leather tab closure. Unlined with a p...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf La Vallee de Cristal Blue Ugo Bienvenu 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Vallée de Cristal" (the crystal valley) Designed by Ugo Bienvenu, 2023 collection Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: B...
Hermes Haut à Courroies Hac 60 Black Ardennes GoldCarry On Birkin Vintage 1991
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black Leather Exterior - Silver Hardware - Stamped circle U (1991) Measurements (approximately in inches) : L: 26.5 " H: 18.8 " W: '12 " Description: This bag is truly in...
HERMES black Maurice leather FLASH Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Flash backpack in black Taurillon Maurice leather and palladium hardware with side zipper poket. Lined in off-white canvas with one ...
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...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML028 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied ...
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...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 SHAWOD Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier Collier de Chien 50 Shadow belt is crafted in Fauve (cognac) Veau Barenia leather with contrasting white topstitching. A rare runway ...
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 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 Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
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 - Vintage 2004 "Tohu Bohu" Silk Gavroche by Claudia Stuhlhofer-Mayr
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rara Gavroche in pura seta motivo Carrè "TOHU BOHU" disegno del maestro Claudia Stuhlhofer-Mayr 2004 . Venduta con scatola originale.
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...
New Hermes Constance Elan Mauve Pale Epsom Leather Palladium Shoulder Bag, 2025
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
New 2025 Hermes Constance Elan Mauve Pale Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. New, K Stamp 2025.
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 L Hiver by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « L’Hiver » by Philippe Ledoux featuring a deep red border and an Hermès signature. 100% silk. Circa 1970 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm...
Hermès Sac 2020 Cityslide GM Blue Swift Leather Cross body Bag on Belt OS Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
XL belt pouch or Cityslide bag, Large Model version, in blue leather (probably Swift) and silver metal (palladium), a first front pocket closed by a zip with leather pull, a large in...
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.
Hermes Special Order Birkin 30cm Pink Rose Lipstick Anemone Epsom w/Brushed Gold
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm in Rose Lipstick and Anemone Epsom, designed as a custom two-tone configuration that brings together two highly saturated hues within a structured, m...
$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 Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3700 beautiful & elegant summer tote
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3,700 Bag is NEW Beach bag in water-repellent cotton with "Noeuds Marins" print and interior pouch Made in France Dimensions: L 49 x...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Perle Pearl Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Perle Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Condition, Plastic on Hardware. Z ...
Hermès Printemps Eté 69 Automne Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Printemps Ete 69 Automne" 100% silk small scarf in blue with Printemps Ete 69 Automne Hiver motif. Featuring hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
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 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...
HERMES ebony brown leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in ebony brown grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels,...
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...
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 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...
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 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Turkish Horse motif by Christiane Vauzelles, first produced in 1970 and reissued in 1989, 1991, and 2002. The original motifs are in Herm...
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...
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 "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.
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,...
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 ...
HERMES Paris Turquoise Long Double Face Silk Scarf "Petite Main"
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
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...
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...
Rare Hermès Silk Scarf Lavalliere Ascot Tie Flowers Ingrid Lenke Szechenzyl
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermes Scarf Lavallière, ascot tie Print: "Ingrid" Designed by Lenke Szechenzyl in 1969 Made in France Colorways: Blue, Navy Blue, White, Purple, Ye...
Faune et Flore du Texas Forever Scarf 90 NEW 2025
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Faune et Flore du Texas forever scarf 90 cm Jaune Vif / Bleu Azur / Multicolore Last piece ,sold out in stores and this is our last piece . New with tags and box. Final sale
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 Bamboo Swift Jige Elan Clutch
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Swift Jige Elan Clutch in Vert, features calfskin leather, a cross-over flap and a strap that tucks under a leather Hermes "H." This opens to a leather interior. Comes wi...
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 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 Toile H Swift Ecru Beige De Weimar In-The-Loop 18 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Toile H Swift Ecru Beige De Weimar In-The-Loop 18 PHW SKU: 153160 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent co...
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.
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...
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.
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...
1960's Hermes Brown Crocodile Skin Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning and rare Hermes bag from the 1960s. Crafted from a structured glossy toffee brown colour crocodile skin with contrasting warm gold tone metal hardware. Interesting square cl...
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...
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 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...
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...
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 .
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...
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...
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 ...
Hermes Kachinas White Silk Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Kachinas coveted print scarf by Us artist Kermit Oliver. Great condition, hand rolled edges.
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.