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 New Black Porcelain H Deco Mug
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès H Art Deco Mug, features the Hermès 24 Faubourg and rue de Sèvres stores, inspired H Déco collection including the mug. The service is stamped with the initials HH, around...
Hermès Chinchilla Fur Coat (size 8) ~no duties
By Hermès
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Hermes natural Grey Chinchilla Fur full length coat Short collar, straight sleeves, dual seam pockets at hips and German hook-and-eye closures at front Made in France SIZE 8 (eq...
Hermès "Qu'importe Le Flacon" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Catherine Baschet, 2000.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès "Qu'importe Le Flacon" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Catherine Baschet, 1988. "Qu' Importe le Flacon", is a reference to the classic 19th Century poem by Alfred de Musset and depic...
Hermès Ecru Beige Naturel Sable Toile Criss Viking Herbag Messenger 39 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ecru Beige Naturel Sable Toile Criss Viking Herbag Messenger 39 PHW SKU: 151170 MSRP: 4550.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Co...
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf designed by Pierre Marie Made In: France Color: Craie/ Juane Soleil Materials: 100% Silk Overall Condition: Excel...
Limited Edition 2018 Hermes "Carré Club Ex-Libris" Bandana 55 Silk Twill Scarf
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
After its first edition in New York, the "Hermès Carré Club" pop-up stopped off for three days in Singapore in October 2018. On that occasion, the House of Hermès launched a special ...
Rare Hermès Swans Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Swans theme 100% Silk Made in France Green and grey color Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
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 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 Scarf - Nous Sommes Inseparable - Blanc Gold Violet - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Nous Sommes Inseparable - Blanc Gold Violet - NWST - 2511041738 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Nous Sommes Inséparables, We Are Inseparable Artist: Flore...
Hermes Navy Calf Pan Clutch with Sterling Silver Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes classic vintage navy calf leather "Pan" clutch featuring a fold over top with Art-deco push-lock closure of sterling silver signed Hermes and is made around 1930-1940's. Attr...
$1,804Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Pleated Silk Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare "FEUX D'ARTIFICE" print pleated silk skirt. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversary of the founding of HERMES (1837-1987)...
Superb Museum Worthy HERMÈS Ruff Wrist Cuff Leather Gloves - Circa 1930
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, Rare Hermès Gloves crafted from Suede featuring the most unusual ruff style wrist cuff detailing. Circa 1920/1930. The Hermes losange shape ‘ca...
Hermes Gold Horse Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Classic white and gold combination. Made in France. Comes with original box.
Hermès Starfish Leather Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Charm In the shape of a starfish Limited edition for Cannes from 2003, Year of the Méditerranée Sea Perfect gift if you have a souvenir from Cannes, Franc...
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf
By Dimitri Rybaltchenko, Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf Brand/Manufacturer: Hermes Collection: A/W 2017 Designer: ...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange. Epsom Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware.
Exceptional Hermès Keychain Saint Christopher Patron Saint of Travelers Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" of travelers. Can be used as charm or key holder Made of Silver (80% - Crab hallmark) Probably Vintage Item Colorway: Silver-tone "HERMES" engraved at back Hallmarks on the chain Measurements: - Total Length: 16 cm (6,3 inches) - The medal part is 2,2 Long 4,5 High (0,87 / 1,77 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape, no missing part. Clean and shiny. Closure system perfectly works. May show micro scratches not seen unless close inspection. Will come in its original vintage Hermès case...
Hermès 2017 Shiny Alligator Medor 23 Clutch - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès Medor 23 clutch in black alligator leather. Features gold-tone hardware and tonal stitching. The wrap-around strap fastens with the signature pull-through closure. Leather-lin...
Hermès New Birkin 30 Gris Grizzly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible and rare Birkin bag, 30cm, grizzly limited edition. Gris caillou grizzly and gris meyer swift, palladium hardware. New unworn condition.. Handle drop, 4"L. Comes w...
Hermès Kelly 35 So Black Box Calfskin with Black PVD Hardware Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Kelly 35 So Black is a study in quiet power and refined presence. Rendered in luminous black Box calf leather, its sleek surface reflects light with a subtle gloss that en...
Hermes Garden Party 49 Voyage Bag Ecru Beige Navy and Indigo
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Garden Party 49 Voyage bag featured in Ecru, Beige, multicolore Indigo. H Plume canvas in Ecru with an ad...
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1628 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: X Age: 2016 Accompan...
Hermès Dolphins Print Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and so rare authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 jumping Dolphins Made in France Made in 1979 for the first flight of Boeing 747 for UTA (Union de Transports Aériens - Air T...
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 So Black 35 Noir Boxcalf
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin So Black 35 in boxcalf leather with black hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Stamp (2011)
Hermes Kelly 35 in black Chevre with gold hardware 2003
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
Rare Collector’s Kelly ✨2003 Hermes Kelly 35 Sellier Chèvre GHW ✨ Our all time favorite Hermes leather Chèvre (goatskin) has a gorgeous brilliant shine , is waterproof and pretty muc...
Hermes HSS Birkin 25 Classic Orange and Gold Tan VIP Order Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes HSS Birkin 25 Classic Orange and Gold Tan VIP Order Bag VIP World Exclusive Special Order Bi-Color Birkin in the most coveted classic colors Hermes Orange and Hermes Gold! VI...
Hermès Bleu Nuit Togo Birkin 25 Retourne GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Nuit Togo Birkin 25 Retourne GHW SKU: Z152301 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artis...
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 Burgundy Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès burgundy leather and multipattern silk foldable bag. Excellent condition. Closed measurements 5"x5"1". Handle drop 10". Comes with original dust bag.
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...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Flora Marqueterie Francoise Heron 1960
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "FLORA MARQUETERIE" Pattern: flowers and butterflies Designed by Françoise Héron in 1960 Made of 100% Silk Col...
Hermès Constance 18cm Orange Epsom Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Scaled to a jewel-like proportion, this Hermès Constance 18cm distills bold color and precise structure into a compact, statement-making silhouette. Rendered in the house’s iconic or...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Palladium Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. New, W Stamp 2024. Additional Information: Condition: New without tag...
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...
$4,569
Hermès bag 'Piano'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) 'Piano' bag made of golden Courchevel leather and marled H canvas, with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a shoulder strap. A design circa 1950-1960. C...
Hermès Vintage Silk Necktie 90s Colorful Rope Print Luxury Accessory
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic preowned vintage Hermès silk necktie, made in France and dating most likely to the 1990s. Crafted from fine silk twill, this distinctive tie features an allover abstract ro...
Hermès Enamel Printed Scarf Ring Brazil Feathers with Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Ring Print: "BRAZIL" Pattern: feathers Made in France Stamp Q (2013) Made of Printed Enamel and Gold Plated Hardware Colorways: Coral, Pink, Red, Black Measurements: 2,5 cm Diameter / 2,5 cm Height (0,98 inch) Condition: New Condition. No signs of use. Would make a great gift ! Will come in a Hermès packaging...
Hermes H Cashmere & Leather Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
Auth. Hermes Scarf A vos Crayons - Green - Exc. Condition Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
A vos Crayons - Green - MWCT - 2511111936 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: À vos crayons !, To Your Pencils! Artist: Leigh P. Cooke Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 3...
Hermes Birkin 25 Sanguine Orange Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Sanguine Togo Leather complimented by Contrast White Stitching and Palladium Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware.
Hermès Delage Cabriolet Print Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Delage D6 or D8 (sorry for my ignorance :) Delage is a famous french luxury cars brand, founded in 1905 by Louis Delage Delage was re...
Hermes Kelly Cut Gris Asphalt Swift with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermes Model: Kelly Cut Size: 31 × 13 × 3 cm (12.25" × 5" × 1") Material: Swift leather Hardware: Gold Exterior / Interior Color: Gris Asphalt Year / Stamp: A stamp, 201...
Hermès Bolide Gold Osier Barenia Calfskin Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Bolide in gold and osier wicker/barenia calfskin leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn but has very minor marks almost not visible due to the sensitive Barenia le...
Hermès "Grand Uniforme" 90 cm Twill Silk Carre Scarf by Joachim Metz, 1985.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès "Grand Uniforme" 90 cm Twill Silk Carre Scarf by Joachim Metz, 1985. The "Grand Uniforme", is an iconic Hermès design and references the French military full dress uniform dur...
HERMES gold LTD ED 2001 L'HOMME PEUT EMBELLIR LA TERRE CADENA Lock Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 2001 L'Homme Peut Embellir la Terre Cadena lock in gold-tone metal. Has been carried and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 2.2cm (0.9in) Length 4c...
Hermès New Gold Scarf Ring W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new gold tone scarf ring. Comes with original dustcover and original box. Scarf in photos not included.
HERMES poppy orange leather 2011 BELTED PEPLUM WAIST Belt 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier waist belt is crafted in poppy orange lambskin leather and designed with a dramatic peplum silhouette. It features a sculpted, corset...
Hermès "Tendresse Feline" Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Silk Tendresse Feline scarf is 65% cashmere and 35% silk. This shawl features a bright exotic feline wildlife pattern on a red ground. This is a fabulous scarf to be used...
1999 Hermès Red “Amours” by Annie Faivre 90cm Silk Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès scarves, first introduced in 1937, have become iconic symbols of French luxury and craftsmanship, celebrated for their exquisite silk, hand-rolled edges, and artful prints tha...
Hermes Constance 18 Mini Black Noir Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare New Hermes Constance 18 Black Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware. 2021 Z Stamp. Prisitne Condition almost like ...
Hermès Vintage Cashmere Leather Fringe Black Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
1990s Hermès black cashmere-and-wool shawl with extra-long leather fringe. Minor wear.
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch Gris Perle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch in Gris Perle with gold hardware. This Hermes bag features a small top handle, a cross over flap, and a str...
1970 Hermes Reprise by Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Reprise » by Ledoux featuring ared border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1993 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guara...
Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...
Hermes Scarf 90 CM Carre Double Face Courvertures GB/BLEU/GOLD/NOIR NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf 90 CM Carre Double Face Courvertures Colors description GB/BLEU/GOLD/NOIR Please note:Colors in person might look slightly different due to flash camera NEW with ta...
Hermes Birkin 30 Classic Hermes Orange Birkin Gold Hardware RARE
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Classic Hermes Orange Birkin Ultra coveted and ultra rare combination- classic Hermes Orange has been out of production for many years! Brand New in Box in Store Fr...
Hermès New "Pani la Shar Pawnee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Omani La Shar Pawnee silk twill scarf originally issued in 1984. Designed by Kermit Oliver, the most famous painter of Texas natives images. Hand rolled edges. Comes with orig...
Hermes Macao Mahjong Board Game Fauve and Natural Mahogany
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited edition Hermes Macao Mahjong game featured in leather and natural Mahogany wood. Fauve Taurillon H leather lid with bi-colour handles in evercolor calfski...
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.