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 Birkin 35cm Black Togo Palladium Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35cm Black Togo Palladium Hardware Bag Store Fresh. Brand New in Box. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect holiday gift! Comes with lock, keys, cloche...
Hermès BNIB Reversible Leather Strap 32m
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new reversible leather strap for medium 32mm H belt. Curry swift and gold epsom leather.90cm. Comes with original box.
Hermès BNIB Cassis Mini Evelyne Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box cassis clemence leather cross body bag with gold tone hardware. Date stamp U for 2022. Comes with small and large dust cover, booklet, box.
Hermes LG Vintage Brown Croc Doctor Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare and collectible large doctor’s bag in brown shiny croc, lined in brown leather and caramel velvet, gold tone hardware. Dates back to the 50s , pre date stamp. Handle drop...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Black Togo Leather Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gorgeous Black Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured with the warm glow of Rose Gold hardware. This beautiful Birkin bag is a perfect combination to move from day to eve...
Hermès BNIB Le Marche Du Zambeze Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Le Marche Du Zambeze silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag featured in sublime Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, sho...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
BNIB Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow limited edition. The applique-stitch technique gives the effect of a rainbow casting the wa...
Hermes Constance Long To Go Wallet Bag Black Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a coveted Hermes Constance Long To Go featured in classic Black. Accentuated with Palladium hardware and Epsom leather. The consummate Wallet on a Chain! Detachable...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Verso Vert Verone / Rose Lipstick Novillo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Verso 25 bag featured in Vert Verone with Rose Lipstick interior. This beautiful clear green is accentuated in the gorgeous Novillo leather. A smal...
Hermes Vintage Silk Carre Scarf "Livrée Impériale" designed by Philippe Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silk carre scarf "Livrée Impériale" designed by PHILIPPE LEDOUX featuring a traditional French Napoleonian hunting party. Circa 1975. Collection scarf. Not re-issued....
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...
Hermès NIB Yellow Black Fish Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Fish Beach Towel. The pattern features several fish in different colors. The piece is new and comes in the original box.
Hermès Christmas Change Tray Small Dish Noel au 24 Faubourg Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as small dish From "Noël au 24 Faubourg" print Made in France in 2005 Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Blue, Red,...
Authentic HERMES In-The-Loop Belt Bag Sesame Silver Hardware Stmap Y 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Minor signs of everyday use. Minimal wear on a small area of the leather surface, scratches on the...
Hermes Mini Jypsiere Gold Evercolor Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
A rare gem from Hermès’ coveted lineup, this Gold Evercolor Mini Jypsiere embodies the Maison’s signature fusion of refined elegance and everyday versati...
Vintage Hermès “Jumping” Silk Scarf Philippe Ledoux Equestrian 35” Vintage 1970s
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Add an iconic equestrian touch to your collection with this authentic vintage Hermès “Jumping” silk scarf, designed by renowned artist Philippe Ledoux and first released in 1971. Cra...
$4,510
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...
Hermes Kelly 20 Teddy Pluch Gris Caillou Grizzly Shearling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Hermes limited edition Kelly 20 Pluch "Teddy" is a stunning creation, crafted in Gris Caillou Grizzly and Etoupe Swift leather, complimented by Mouton Merinos (Sh...
Hermès New Tropical Garden Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden grey and blue silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Birkin 25cm Bougainvillea Matte Alligator w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Electric in presence yet refined in execution, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Bougainvillea matte alligator delivers a striking interplay of color, texture, and scale. The hue is unapolo...
Auth. Hermès Scarf Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - NWST - 2504181229 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Jonathan Burton Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Rose Poudré (Pow...
Hermès Epsom Tarmac PM Passport Holder
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Epsom Tarmac PM Passport Holder in Vert. This passport holder is a simple case crafted of textured leather in green. The holder opens with a leather tab and a snap to a s...
Rare Hermès Air Balloons Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Air Balloons theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print on cream base Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy inclu...
Hermès "Echec au Roi" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Echec au Roi shawl , is in a Cashmere blend meaning "Checkmate" was designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery and features graphic, abstract representations of chess pieces.
Hermès Black Epsom Bearn Wallet PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Bearn Wallet PHW SKU: 153580 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condition with minor signs ...
Hermès "Splendeur des Maharajas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès, a 'Splendeur des Maharajas' twill silk scarf, was designed by Catherine Baschet in 1996. The scarf is 100% silk and features hand-rolled edges. Comes with no box.
Hermés reversible trench from "Les Printemps de Thera" collection
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermés reversible trench from "Les Printemps de Thera" collection totally made in italy size S
Hermes BNIB Celeste Epsom Oran Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new celeste epsom oran sandals with rhinestones H design. Size European N. 38 , come with dust cover and original box.
2022 Hermès Birkin 25 Orange Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermès 2022 Hermès Birkin 25 Orange Togo Leather Gold Tone Hardware New Never used. Rest of Boutique Stock. Width: 25 cm Height: 20 cm Depth: 13 cm ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Blue Cobalt Togo Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Partial plastic on hardware, worn a few times. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, 2 dust b...
Hermes Mini Lindy Etoupe Togo BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy etoupe togo leather with palladium hardware. Date stamp Z, 2021. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cross...
Hermès Birkin 25 5P Bubblegum Pink Togo Leather Palladium Hardware N Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Birkin 25 in 5P Bubblegum Pink Togo leather with Palladium Hardware is a captivating expression of playful elegance and refined luxury. Its vivid pink hue brings a vibrant...
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...
NIB Hermès Blue Royal Cargo Picotin 18
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box blue royal Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18, palladium hardware . This chic and lovely tote is crafted of sturdy canvas in blue royal. The bag features...
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...
New in Box Hermes Rare Mini Evelyne Black Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare mini Evelyne shoulder bag in black taurillon clemence leather with gold tone hardware. Never used. Date stamp B. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Comes with booklet, original duster,...
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...
HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the fro...
HERMES Craie ivory Epsom leather & Lime EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (ivory) Veau Epsom leather with lime wool sanglestrap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and Palladium hardware....
Hermès Birkin HSS 25 Bleu Zellige/Capucine Novillo Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25cm is executed in a Verso configuration, pairing Bleu Zellige with Capucine across a Taurillon Novillo construction that highlights contrast through both color a...
Rare Hermès Circus Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Circus theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print on black base Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in...
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 !
Hermes, brown fringed cape
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, brown fringed cape. The item has a few holes, overall in good condition.
HERMES Oran H logo signature brown leopard print leather sandals EU37
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Oran H logo signature brown leopard print leather sandals EU37 Reference: LNKO/A02092 Brand: Hermes Model: Oran Material: Leather Color: Brown Pattern: Animal Print Closure: S...
Hermes Lim.Ed. Black Rhinestones Oran BN
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition black goatskin suede flat sandals with rhinestones H design. Size European N. 38, come with dust cover and original box. Brand new.
Hermès BNIB Bleu Royal Gold 18 Picotin
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès picotin 18cm in blue royal taurillon clemence leather and gold tone hardware. Handle drop 5”. Date stamp U for 2022. Comes with booklet, or...
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...
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 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.
Hermes Birkin 35 Ebene Barenia Faubourg Bag Palladium Hardware Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin bag featured in Ebene Barenia Faubourg. Beyond chic the finish and texture to this exquisite Barenia leather requires a highly s...
Hermès “Claire De Lune” Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a Hermès Silk Cashmere Clair De Lune Shawl in Black and White. This stunning scarf is composed of 70% cashmere and 30% silk, and features a beautiful motif on a black and whi...
Hermes Vintage Black Box Calf Leather Mangeoire Bucket Bag
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes Vintage Black Box Calf Leather Mangeoire Bucket Bag in fair condition. Black box calf leather trimmed with golden brass hardware in classic mangeoire holey bucket bag style. T...
Hermes Mini Lindy Etoupe Togo BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy etoupe togo leather with palladium hardware. Date stamp Z, 2021. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cross...
Hermès 1961 Carre Cachemire Soie 90 Les Fusils Cashmere Silk Carre Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square scarf in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the "Les Fusils" motif by Henri de Linares, a one-off design from 1961, in shades of burgundy and dark green, with hand...
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...
Discontinued Hermes Wallpaper 2 Boxes NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Discontinued wall paper by Hermes. 2 rolls or boxes included.Booth same design and same colors 10m roll 68.5 cm width each roll. Made in England This wall paper should be applied h...
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 Pink Tiger Cubs Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Tigers Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Pink background with red border featuring large bounding tigers. Rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Cabasellier 31cm Etoupe Taurillon Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Understated and impeccably functional, the Hermès Cabasellier 31cm offers a refined interpretation of the everyday tote through the lens of the house’s equestrian heritage. The silho...
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.