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 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...
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket RARE CUSTOM MADE
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket in like-new excellent condition. This is a very rare find from Hermes as it was custom made for a Royal in Dubai. You won't find anything like it online on in stores. Black semi matte crocodile leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware. Full front zipper closure. Two zippered side pockets. Zipper slits upon bottom hem of each arm. Black bemberg lining with small Hermes logo woven throughout. Interior breast pockets with button closures. This piece exudes classic Hermes style with flawless lines, body shape and of course impeccable construction utilizing the most luxurious crocodile leather available. Very subtle sheen to the crocodile skin which only contributes to the timeless design of this piece. Perfect for men & women. Excellent condition. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Hermes history with this custom made crocodile jacket...
Hermès Silk Scarf Faubourg Tropical Orange Kaki Saumon 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Faubourg Tropical" Designed by Octave Marsal et Théo de Gueltzl in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorway 05: ORANGE / KAK...
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...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf La Comedie Italienne - Jacquard - Jaune Or - Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Comédie Italienne - Jacquard - Jaune d'Or Écru Taupe - EXCWOCT - 2604131748 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Jacquard Name Design: La Comédie Italienne, The Italian ...
$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 New Passport Holder Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Passport holder in chevre (goatskin) calfskin features a snap closure that is palladium plated. Classic rouhe H color. The slim desi...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Shocking Swift Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Rose Shocking swift leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, an...
Hermes HAC 40 Flag Limited Edition Haut a Courroies Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes HAC 40 Flag bag featured in H Toile and Black. Black Evercalf leather and signature Hermes Toile H in Bla...
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 New Blue "Baobab" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible blue and yellow "Baobab" silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. No box included.
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 Gold Mini Evelyne Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features, Clemence leather, contrast stitching, palladium hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo ...
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...
Hermes Faubourg Love Hat Black Fedora Size 57 Rabbit Felt Cou de Coueur
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Tagged size 57 - Comes with box Condition: The hat is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ) ...
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...
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)...
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 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...
$19,710
Hermès Kelly 32 Purple Iris
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic PHW Kelly bag by Hermès. Crafted with Togo leather, this exquisite piece features palladium hardware, was crafted in 2010 and has been kept in...
Hermès Ceinture A composer 24 mm T95 Black Leather adjustable Belt 38 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A Composer belt, composed of a 2.4 cm wide reversible leather strap with one side in smooth black box calf leather and the other in finely grained Epsom (or Courchevel) leathe...
Collectible Hermès Les Cheyennes Silk Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès yellow collectible Les Cheyennes silk scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. New condition.
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.
Hermès New Gold Chain d'Ancre Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès goldtone metal Chain d'Ancre scarf ring. Scarf not included. Comes with original dustcover and original box.
Hermès Savana Dance Skateboard
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès made their foray into the world of skate culture with a line of skateboards that featured archival designs from the house. Fantastically curated in the multi-colour 'Savana Dance...
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. ...
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,...
Hermès Porcelain Blue Geometric Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès signature ashtray with geometric design in blue, white and gold. Suede stamped underneath. Made in France. Excellent condition.
Hermès Leopards Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Vintage Never Used Hermès "Leopards" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton. Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1".
Hermès Mini Constance 18cm Craie Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Constance Handbag with its versatile look, is the combination of elegance and movement. It can be effortlessly worn against the hip or on the shoulder due to its ingenious...
$4,127
Hermes Vintage H Box
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare silver tone metal box featuring a large gold plated H design on top. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER - RD - hallmark. Made in France. I...
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...
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...
Hermès Tressage De Cuir Picotin Lock 22
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Epsom Tressage De Cuir Picotin Lock 22 PM in Magnolia, Bleu Saphir and Craie is crafted of epsom leather in pink. The braided handles feature an inlay leather design in blue and...
Hermès BNIB Birkin 30 3 in 1 Bag Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The HERMÈS Birkin 3 in 1 bag is one of the most valuable and collectible bags there is. It is absolutely stunning. This piece is in brand new cond...
Hermes Exhibition Japan Limited Voyage En Terre D'Etoiles Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s Blue Exhibition Japan Limited "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" backpack bag featuring blue nylon fabric, "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" print, front flap closure, shoulder strap...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Oranges Lemons
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Citrus fruits and foliage, oranges and lemons Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with platinum (s...
Hermès Geegee Iroquois Camail Horse Bag Charm in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee Iroquois" Charm In the shape of a horse's head with a tousled mane, covered with a pretty camail Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of mi...
Hermès Birkin 35 Etoupe Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Etoupe togo leather with palladium hardware and has contrast stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and dou...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Black Madame Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier in Black Madame Leather with Gold Hardware represents one of the most refined interpretations of the iconic Birkin silhouette. features the rare Sellier ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Rose Tyrien Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitne Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Includes all Accessor...
Hermès BNIB Multicolor Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new multicolor pattern silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
HERMES Picotin Lock 18 Havane Togo Leather Palladium HW Bag Stamp Y
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, worn corners, scratched hardware, clean inside and out. size: Width:18cm Designer: Hermes Model: Picotin Lock 18 Exterior Material: Leather Exte...
Hermes Kelly Depeche 25 Pouch Blue Nuit Togo Palladium Wrist Strap Sac Travel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Blue exterior - Made in France - Palladium hardware - Comes with dustbag Condition: The pouch is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( ...
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch Reference: JACG/A00161 Brand: Hermes Model: Goodlock Material: Leather Color: Green Pattern: Animal Prin...
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Iris Clemence Palladio
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin in iris taurillon clemence leather with palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3.75"L. Date stamp T for 2015. Comes with: clochette, tirette, lock, two keys, dust cover ...
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.
Hermès Les Perroquets Parrots Metz Cashmere Silk 90 cm Scarf Wrap Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Les Perroquets" (Parrots) Designed by Joachim Metz in 1984 Made in France Made of 65% Cashmere and 35% Si...
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 ...
New Hermès 30cm Black Epsom Gold Birkin Bag in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin in black epsom leather with gold tone metal hardware. Handle drop, 3.75"L. Date stamp X for 2016. Brand new in box with full set: clochette, tirette, lock, two key...
Hermes Birkin 25 Beige Marfa Togo Leather Gold Hardware New Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 25 Beige Marfa Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Plastic on all Hardware. B Stamp 2023. Please keep in mind that this isn't a ...
HERMES Gris Claire Feutre / Gold Swift leather PICOTIN 22 Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin 22 bag in Gris Claire (light grey) wool felt exudes understated elegance. Featuring Gold (camel) Veau Swift leather trims with contrasting white st...
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 "Costumes des Départements de la Seine..." by Z. Pauwels Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès “Costumes des Départements de la Seine Inferieure du Calvados de la Manche et de l’Orne » by Z. Pauwels silk scarf featuring a pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1991 In ...
Hermes NIB Birkin 30 Gold Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Plastic on hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box...
Hermes Orange Hot Pink Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès orange Chevre leather eco silky pop tote bag in hot pink Indian pattern. Stamped: Paris - Made in France. Drop: 9"L. Comes with original dust co...
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 ...
HERMES Jypsiere 28 Shoulder Bag Taurillon Clemence Leather Pink R Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Jypsiere 28 Shoulder Bag Taurillon Clemence leather orange r stamp france，There is localized cleaning and color restoration on the back, with minor signs of normal ...
Hermes Garden Party 49 Teddy H 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...
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.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.