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 Fjord Sac a Depeche Mini Briefcase Bag 27 PHW 68802
By Hermès
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68802 This Hermès Fjord Sac a Depeche Mini Briefcase Bag 27 PHW is not your typical briefcase - it's a mini brief, at just under 11 inches wid...
HERMES Victoria II 35 Fourre-Tout Purple Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, interior with yellowing oxidation and stains, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35cm,height:23cm Designer: Herm...
Hermes Garden Party 30 Pink Canvas TPM Top Handle Shopping Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, scratches on the hardware, a broken button, small stains on the interior and surface, and scuffing on the four corners. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermes Oran Sandal Jaune Ambre Alligator Flat Slide 39
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in Jaune Ambre Alligator. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandal is a warm honeyed yellow. The iconic H cutout ove...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 7199 UA red grey signature H chain lock print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7199 UA red grey signature H chain lock print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00706 Brand: Hermes Model: 7199 UA Material: Silk Color: Red, Grey Pattern: Monogram Lining: Red Silk E...
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.
Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Kelly Bag - Red - Togo Leather 35cm - New - NWOCTS 2409141505 Type : Hermes Kelly Base Size: 35cm Height: 27cm Depth: 13cm Weight: Material: Togo Cow Calf Leather - White Sti...
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20 is a stunning and luxurious handbag that exemplifies elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from exquisite shiny rose-colored alli...
Hermes Small 24/24 Black Leather, Gold Hardware, C Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Title: Hermès Small 24/24 Black Leather, Gold Hardware, C Stamp Inclusions: Dust bag, shoulder strap Condition: Slight panel tilt, minor scratches on hardware, overall light wear. Si...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Noir Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition with Plastic on all hardware and feet. ...
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 Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z155430 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop,...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Black Epsom Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Black Epsom leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, with lock and two keys, rolled hand...
Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) 50 Navy Blue Fjord Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Haut à Courroies 50cm in Navy Blue Fjord leather with gold hardware represents the origins of Hermès travel craftsmanship, embodying a silhouette that predates the Birkin ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Biscuit Tan Beige Togo Leather Gold Hardware New Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Highly coveted Hermes Birkin 25 Biscuit Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Plastic on all Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. Ple...
Hermes BNIB Kelly 28 Retournè Gold Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Brand new in box Hermes Kelly Bag 28 retourne gold togo leather with palladium tone hardware. Contrast white stitching. Detachable leather strap. Date stamp W for 2025. Comes with cl...
A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970. France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès Pa...
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag. Epsom leather. Palladium silver hardware. N stamp from 2010. Good to very fair condition. Has some wear on corners. Please see photos. Light wear on...
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan Product Details MML064 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermè...
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS Reference: NKLL/A00650 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Ext...
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain Reference: TGAS/F00301 Brand: Hermes Model: Breloque Olga Cadena Material: Metal Color: Silver Patter...
Hermès NIB "Jour de Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour de Casting" scarf, silk with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). The 70 scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed by...
1970 Hermes Black Supple Box Leather Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage black box leather 32cm supple Kelly bag with gold hardware. Dates from 1970, as told by the Z blind stamp. Top handle, lock and key fob. Very minor scuffing on surface on majority of bag. One larger scratch near bottom left corner. In very good vintage condition with a clean interior. A timeless classic. Original shoulder strap included. The front hardware has been recently replaced by Hermes. First designed in 1932, the Kelly was introduced as a travel bag that was referred to as the sac à dépêches. It was then renamed to the Kelly after actress Grace Kelly was photographed numerous times with the bag (most notably, while she was pregnant and using it to cover her baby bump). The impeccable craftsmanship, classic silhouette, scarcity, and unique history make the Kelly a must-have for any handbag collector. It can take a single Hermès craftsman...
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Unisex Animal-Print Cotton Shopper Bag
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - This is an extraordinary product in terms of concept, style, material quality, and craftsmanship. This beach tote with handles is made o...
Sac Hermès Evelyne Pm Toile & Cuir Barenia
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Evelyne PM en toile et cuir Barenia. Modèle rare en très bon état. Ce sac Hermès Evelyne PM en toile et cuir Barenia est une version particulièrement recherchée du célèbr...
Hermes Birkin 25 Black Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Black togo leather with palladium hardware, has tonal stitching, a front flap, two straps with a center toggle closure, a clochette with lock and two keys, and doub...
Auth. Hermès La France - Bordeaux, Blanc - Excellent - Rare Collector!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La France – Bordeaux – EXCWOCT – Rare Collector – 2001101528 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La France, France Artist: Françoise de la Perrière Size: 90 c...
Hermès Birkin 25 Brique Lizard Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Birkin 25 in brique lizard leather with palladium hardware, having contrast stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, tiret...
Hermes Oseraie wicker tray
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Rectangular wicker tray, Oseraie Color tray, color terre battue - Strips in hand-braided Swift calfskin - Handles in Swift calfskin - Glass sheet insert to protect the wicker...
Hermes New Silk + Leather Plomb Togo Brazil Soie Cool 22 Backpack Bucket Bag
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare brand new with box Hermes limited edition unisex silk and leather backpack ! From the 2014 collection. Features feather prints and Brazil printed throughout. Neutral colors of g...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
Hermes bag 'Ring' by Catherine de Károlyi 1975
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection from 1975, under the artistic direction of Catherine de Károlyi. 25cm coffee-colored Crocodylus Porosus 'Ring' bag with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a...
Hermès By Martin Margiela A/W 1999 vintage Vareuse shirt black cotton 34 FR XS S
By Martin Margiella, Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMÈS BY MARTIN MARGIELA A/W 1999 VAREUSE SHIRT IN BLACK COTTON 34 FR Hermes by Martin Margiela iconic Vareuse shirt featuring a deep v neckline with classic collar and buttoned c...
Hermès Birkin 25 Gris Meyer Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Gris Meyer is the medium-grey neutral Hermès. The pigment carries subtle warm yellow undertones that distinguish it from cooler greys like Étain and Gris Perle, reading as a softer m...
HERMES black leather CHYPRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Chypre sandals in smooth black calfskin leather, defined by the house’s iconic minimalist silhouette and bold H-cut straps. Designed with a rounded toe and ergo...
HERMES Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag is crafted from luxurious Rouge Grenat (Pomegranate Red) Taurillon Clemence leather and features elegant palladium-tone hardware. The...
Hermes Birkin 25 White Blanc Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 White Blanc Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Plastic on Hardware D Stamp 2019. Please be m...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35 Rare Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare, limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow. This exquisite bag is a collectors treasures and very rare to market in new, never...
Hermes Margiela sleeveless linen shirt
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Margiela Sleeveless Linen Shirt. mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Shoulders: 39 cm / 15.35 in Underarm Width: 47 cm / 18.50 in Le...
Hermès Reversible H Buckle Belt W/BOX
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès preowned reversible unisex belt, gold and nata. Gold and burgundy enamel buckle. Size 95 cm, date stamp T for 2015. Comes with original box.
HERMES dark brown & black leather 2010 PLATFORMBoots Shoes 40.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès bi-color platform boots in black and espresso brown smooth calfskin. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2010 Fall/Winter Measurements Imprinted S...
Vintage HERMES Hermès Aline Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMES Aline Grooming Bag is crafted of herringbone canvas and calfskin leather straps. It was created as a utilitarian grooming bag for riders to carry horse brushes, c...
HERMES Factory Suite Twilly Baptiste Virot 100% silk multi tie slim scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Factory Suite Twilly Baptiste Virot 100% silk multi tie slim scarf Reference: KYCG/A00181 Brand: Hermes Model: Twilly Collection: Factory Suite Material: Silk Pattern: Solid E...
Hermès Limited Edition Birkin 35cm "Fray Fray" Brown Swift Leather Beige Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition bag from Hermès featuring the Birkin 35 Fray Fray design. Crafted in Biscuit Swift leather with Toile canvas, the construction blends sm...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Black Hermes Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Black Hermes Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag. The Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, a single flat shoulder strap, and a front clasp closure. 10.75" L x 5.7...
HERMES Kelly Classique Medium Wallet Epsom Leather France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good, Normal signs of use, corner wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:16cm,height:10cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly ...
Hermès Reversible H Yellow Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès H belt is crafted of reversible leather with one side in black and the reverse in yellow leather. The belt is completed with polished yellow gold plated Hermes H buckle. ...
Rare Hermès Buckles Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Buckles theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Beton Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Beton Togo with Palladium hardware. Togo is the house's most popular grained calfskin, valued for its scratch resistance and ability to hold structure while de...
Hermès For Italy 1861-2011 Silk Tie Boots Print in the Flag's colors
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Made especially by Hermès for Italy, to celebrate 150 years of Italian unification Print: Boots, little nod to the shap...
Hermès 2021 Etoupe Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Etoupe Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1665 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Z Age: 2021 Accompanied B...
Hermès Birkin 25 Vert Amande Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Vert Amande is a shade of green offered by the luxury French fashion house Hermès. Translated to "Green Almond" in English, this color is inspired by the delicate hues of fres...
Hermès Turquoise Togo & Swift Leather Ghillies Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Turquoise Togo & Swift Leather Ghillies Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details JJLG147 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [R] Age: 2014 Accompanied ...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
Hermes Vintage Crocodile Miel Constance
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes classic and beautiful vintage crocodile miel constance bag. Pre stamp production. Crocodile leather is in excellent condition, metal front H has minor scuffs. Shoulder drop 8....
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Etoupe Togo Leather GHW Gold Hardware Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, minor scratches on hardware, clean inside and out. Accessories: Dust Bag,lock,key,shoulder Strap size: Width:32cm,height:23cm Designer: Hermes Mod...
Hermes New Orange Mini Constance Handbag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Constance Leather Handbag is your perfect small chic bag featuring orange epsom leather, shoulder strap, a front flap and palladium H logo hardware. Date stamp B. Comes with m...
Hermès Birkin 30 Clemence Orange Pallad
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in orange taurillon clemence leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys and original dust bag. Date stamp Q in a...
HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in Potiron (pumpkin orange) Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in orange goat skin leather with two open pockets ag...
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.