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 Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Orange Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Capucine Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware is one of the most coveted handbags in the world, combining rarity, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Crafted f...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - Bagage a Main - Turquoise Rose Pal - New with Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bagage a Main - Turquoise Rose Pal - NWST - 2604131745 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Bagage à Main, Hand Luggage Artist: Rosa Maria Unda Souki Size: 90 ...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier jacket is crafted in rich Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrasting white saddle stitching. Designed i...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Grey Virgin Wool Ensemble (1997-2003)
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A steel-grey virgin wool shirt and trouser ensemble from Martin Margiela's tenure at Hermès (1997–2003). Runway piece. The sleeveless shirt features an asymmetric hem and a front but...
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...
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...
HERMES black leather LOAFER STYLE Pumps Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès loafer-style pumps are crafted from smooth black leather, blending timeless sophistication with everyday versatility. The design features a classic almond...
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...
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML053 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Fantaisie D Etriers - CS140 - Orange Blanc Beige - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Fantaisie D Etriers - CS140 - Orange Blanc Beige - NWCTS - 2511041858 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Fantaisie d'Étriers, Stirrup Fantasy Artist: Vir...
Hermès Mountain Zebra Multicolor Scarf New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible Mountain Zebra silk scarf. Multicolor, hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Birkin 30cm Bleu Izmir Croc w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Izmir Crocodile with palladium hardware is a striking expression of exotic craftsmanship, pairing one of Hermès’ most coveted blue tones with the extra...
Hermes Paris Vintage Red Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of 1990s Parisian chic with the iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model celebrated for its perfect blend of utility and effortless style. This PM tote, expertly crafte...
Hermès New Rodeo Pegase Gold Black
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box limited edition rodeo Pegase small charm. Gold, black, nata. Comes with original box .
Hermès Two Mugs Chateau Épopée New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 mugs in porcelain. Unicorns and dragons design. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
Hermès Birkin 30 Etoupe Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Etoupe Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware is one of the most sought-after luxury handbags in the world, combining timeless elegance...
$15,053Sale Price|20% Off
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 Blue Les Eperons by Francoise de la Perriere Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Les Eperons" by Francoise de la Perriere featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. In good vintage condition. Made in France. First issue: 1976 35,4in. (90...
Hermès "Parade en Fanfare" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Twilly Scarf on orange with a fun and vibrant, Parade en Fanfare Motif. Comes with original box and silver tone mendor.
Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag Nata NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Evelyne Mini with gold hardware and features tonal stitching stitching, pull tab top closure and a quadrille removable canvas and leather shoulder/cross body strap. Comes with a...
$752Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage men's silk vest "Carpe Diem" by Joachim Metz, 1994
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk vest featuring the iconic "Carpe Diem" Carré pattern by Joachim Metz, 1994 - Wooden hanger missing.
Hermès Tied Up In Knots Silk Scarf Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TIED UP IN KNOTS" Designed by Jonathan Burton First edition of 2022 Made in France Made of 100% "vintage" silk Colorways: BLEU / ORANGE ...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
Hermès Tressage De Cuir Picotin Jaune
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Tressage De Cuir Picotin Lock Bag in Jaune Ambre Brique Blanc with palladium hardware, a woven red and white esom leather detail handle and a yellow suede interior. Date ...
Hermès Black Texas Wildlife Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible "Texas wildlife" silk scarf by Kermit Oliver in black. Hand rolled edges. Excellent condition. No care tag attached .
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Gold Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier Gold Hardware. This Kelly Sellier bag in the color Gold is made of durable Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware. A lock...
2003 Hermes "Boogie Woogie" Silk Twill Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Shades of blue and turquoise for this "Boogie Woogie" silk twill Carré scarf by Sophie Koechlin. Original Hermes box not included. Dimensions : approx. 90 x 90 cm (35.4 x 35.4 in...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bleu Du Nord Swift Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 in Bleu du Nord Swift leather with Palladium hardware is a stunning expression of soft sophistication and refined craftsmanship. The smooth, supple texture of S...
Hermès Bleu Zanzibar Kelly Long Wallet Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An iconic expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly Long Wallet is crafted in vibrant Bleu Zanzibar Chevre leather and finished with elegant palladium hardware. Inspired by the...
Hermès By Xavier de Poret Ashtray Change Tray Magpie Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Xavier de Poret is known for his animal drawings. He collaborated with Hermès to create silk scarves that are now highly sought-after. It is very rar...
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 "Zebra Pegasus" Maxi Twilly NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Zebra Pegasus Maxi Twilly, features Greek mythological steed Pegasus with a zebra's striped coat and vibrant, parrot-bright wings. Designed by artist Alice Shirley.
Hermès Swift Twill H Fray Fray Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Swift Twill H Fray Fray Birkin 35 is crafted of white and pink canvas, with matching fringe and framboise leather trim. The handbag features signature closure straps and ...
Hermes Kelly 28 Cactus Matte Niloticus Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Cactus Matte Niloticus Bag GHW. Bag is in great pre owned condition. Minor wear. R stamp. Plastic on the metal. Comes with dust bag, box, strap, Clochette,keys and lo...
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.
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes 1994 "Astres et Soleil" Rare Silk 16.5"x16.5" Scarf by A. Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This a collector's Hermes scarf! The 1994 silk scarf designed by Anne Faivre is an hommage to ancient Inca civilization. The scarf predominantly features people in traditional dress ...
Hermès Toile Canvas & Natural Peau Porc Leather Trim II 31cm Bag, 1992.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Toile Canvas & Natural Peau Porc Leather Trim II 30cm Bag, 1992. Originally introduced in 1958, the Trim bag design pays homage to the brands long running equestrian roots dra...
Hermès Smooth Leather Jaune Milton Kellyfestival Kelly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Bag Charm "KELLYFESTIVAL" A cute small bag with the famous "Kelly Clasp" Perfect to quickly find your keys or your makeup if you hang it to your bag Ma...
Hermès 1965 Foulard Carre 90 Les Fiacres Blue Dip Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Philippe Ledoux, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Les Fiacres pattern by Philippe Ledoux, published in 1965 and never reissued, patterns in shades of blue on an ecru background with a green edge...
Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in Brown Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in brown Clemence leather combines timeless elegance with practical design, featuring a slouchy silhouette and signature perforated H logo. Its ...
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. The Herme...
Hermès NIB Shoulder Birkin Light 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès authentic brand new in box birkin shoulder light 29 in black evercolor leather and sits comfortably on the shoulder. Black evercolor leather, tonal stitching, multicolor stipe...
Hermès Etoupe & Nata Chèvre Mysore Leather HSS Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe & Nata Chèvre Mysore Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1691 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
$14,360Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Bamboo Clemence Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Bamboo Kelly 32 Bag. Gold hardware. Clemence leather. Interior clean. Vibrant green color. Good conditio Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authentic.
Hermes Caramel L Hiver by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « L’Hiver » by Philippe Ledoux featuring a caramel border and an Hermès signature. 100% silk. Circa 1970 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm)...
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" 100% cotton scarf in green and yellow, and features hand-rolled edges.
Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu De Prusse Togo Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès' Blue de Prusse is a captivating, deep navy blue hue that made its first appearance in the brand's color palette in 2003. Recognized for its elegance, this color has become a ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès authentic birkin 30 cm in black Togo leather and palladium hardware. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. First letter X. Comes with rain protection, booklet, ori...
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1685 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Se...
Hermes Plaid Hand Woven Avalon 100%Cashmere Cyan / Carmin 140x185CM Blanket NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Blanket in hand-woven cashmere 100% cashmere Color Cyan / Carmin Retail over $4500 Finished with blanket stitch.Made in Nepal Designed by Gianpaolo Pagni Measures 72.8" x 55.1" FINAL...
Hermès Picotin Lock 18 Rose Jaipur T5 Pink Silver HW Tote Bag 2017
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition General signs of wear, slight scuffs on four corners, minor stains and pen marks on exterior, light stains inside the bag, scratches on metal hardware. Size Width:18cm Desi...
Hermes Constance H Black Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Constance” box leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted I in a round. Estimated Belt Si...
BNIB Hermès Mini Constance 18 Miroir Cloute Cream Calfskin So PHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermès Mini Constance 18 Miroir Cloute Cream Calfskin So PHW G Stamp 2026 Unveil an object of purest serenity, a symphony in alabaster calfskin. This Mini Constance 18 is sculp...
$19,000Sale Price|24% Off
Hermes Orange Togo 35cm Birkin - 2016 - GHW - NEW NEVER CARRIED
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Orange Togo 35cm Birkin - 2016 - GHW - NEW This Birkin is new and never carried although it was purchased in 2016. The 35cm iconic Birkin is in Hermes signature Orange Togo le...
Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Zellige Togo Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare and highly coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Zellige Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Please be mindful t...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . As New Plastic on all Hardware. 2019 D Stamp. Please keep in mind that this is not a st...
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 Silk Pocket Square or Scarf Les Chevaux Se Rendent au Départ Jockey Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pocket Square or Scarf Print: "LES CHEVAUX SE RENDENT AU DEPART " (the horses are heading to the starting point) Pattern: Jockey suits Made in France M...
HERMES white & beige d'or 2022 ESCAPE TWILL & SUEDE Sneakers Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Escape sneakers in white technical twill with Beige Dor suede trims. These luxury Hermès sneakers feature a sleek, low-top silhouette with a clean round toe, th...
Hermès Kelly 32 Pink Magnolia PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic Kelly bag by Hermès. Adorned in a delicate pink magnolia hue, the Kelly 32 is a timeless classic. Perfect for any occasion, its luxurious des...
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.