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...
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 New Blue "Baobab" Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible blue and yellow "Baobab" silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges.
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...
Hermes Lindy 26 Blue Swift Leather Silver HW PHW D Stamp Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: hermes lindy 26 handbag blue stamp d France swift，The corners are worn, and there are scratches on the hardware. Accessories: Dust bag. size: Width:26cm Designer: Herme...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles – NWCTS - 2604231648 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio. Cabriole design, where applicable, is by Alice Charbin. Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37.4 inches Color: Rose Airelles (Lingonberry Pink), Blanc (White) Fabric: 90% Merino Wool - 10% Cashmere Approx. Issue Date: Avalon design originally created in 1988; Rose Airelles / Blanc baby blanket version is a modern 2020s issue. Condition: New With Care Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made In Great Britain Story about the Design: Avalon is one of the most recognisable Hermès home designs. Inspired by traditional horse blankets and heraldic coats of arms, the design presents the iconic Hermès H motif in a timeless graphic style. The name Avalon refers to the mythical British island associated with Excalibur. In the baby range, the classic Avalon look is softened through delicate pastel colours, making it especially suited to a nursery or luxury baby gift. Artist's Story: The Avalon design is credited to Hermès Studio. If the Cabriole wording is retained in the listing, Hermès identifies the Cabriole design story as the work of Alice Charbin, a French illustrator known for her poetic and whimsical drawings for Hermès. Her Cabriole world celebrates childhood, movement, imagination, and the joyful relationship between a child and a faithful companion. Craftsmanship Note: This Hermès baby blanket...
Hermes Birkin 35 HSS Braise Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Special Order Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an extraordinary Hermes Birkin 35 HSS Special Order in a dramatic pairing of Braise and Black Porosus crocodile. The brilliant lipstick red of Braise meets deep je...
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 ...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Chain Motif Bottle Coaster
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plated metal bottle coaster featuring an iconic chain motif to the rim. Embossed HERMES Paris. Hallmark of silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER (RD). Numbered 27709. I...
Hermes Vintage Mont Saint Michel Printed Silk Vest Top
By Hermès
Located in Concord, NC
An extraordinary vintage Hermès 100% silk vest featuring the celebrated Mont Saint-Michel design. The intricately illustrated scenic print depicts the famed Mont Saint-Michel, its me...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Bag Black Galop D'Hermes Leather with Palladium H
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Black very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless with a flat grain, this lea...
Hermès Bi-Color Lime Nata Picotin Lock 18 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bi-Color Lime Nata Picotin Lock 18 PHW SKU: 153816 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Hermès has a long history of ties with the equestrian world, whi...
Hermès 2009 Carré 45 Gavroche Sulfures Silk Twill Carre 45 Scarf Hermes
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 45cm square gavroche scarf in silk twill, featuring the Sulfures & Presse Papier print by Cathy Latham, first released in 1979 and reissued in 2002 (Détails version) and again...
Hermes Shawl Clic Clac a Pois - CS140 - Ardoise Aubergine Fuchsia New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Clic Clac a Pois - CS140 - Ardoise Aubergine Fuchsia - NWSTS - 1703011404 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Clic-Clac à Pois, Clic-Clac with Dots Artist...
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag presented in classic Black Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, showcas...
Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag Indigo Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag in indigo blue taurillon clemence leather with palladium hardware and a wool bicolor shoulder strap. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with bo...
Hermes Birkin 30 Gold Bag Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 30 bag featured in iconic Gold. Fresh and crisp with difficult to find Palladium hardware. Accentuated with signature bone top stitch. Epsom leathe...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Blue Jean Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Kelly 20 in Blue Jean offers a distinctive interpretation of the classic silhouette through one of the house’s most beloved archival colors. With its sof...
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 ...
Hermès Customised Bandana Print Kelly 28 Black Box GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Hermès Kelly in Box Leather features a white intricate bandana print . The bag is customised and the stencil is not original to the piece. Its black leather facade...
Hermes Limited Edition Tote Bag Fauve Leather Removeable Toile Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Tote featured in Fauve. Tote has a detachable Toile insert with canvas shoulder strap. The bag has Fauve leather handles and Palladium...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne White Clemence
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès White clemence Retourne Kelly 32 with Palladium Hardware. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Outer leather had been professionally touched up, while in...
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...
Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z155617 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown ...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Gold, Blue Celeste, Indigo Epsom Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare Limited Edition "Kellygraphie" Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier Gold Epsom, Blue Celeste Chèvre & Blue Indigo Togo Leather Combination. Complemented by Palladium Hard...
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...
Hermes Orange Oran Sandal Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in Orange. Thirst quenching classic cult Orange epsom leather Hermes Oran slide sandal. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot. ...
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 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.
Hermes Chypre Himalaya Crocodile Limited Edition Men's Sandal 42 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Men's sandal featured in Himalaya crocodile. Exquisite Himalaya with black anatomical insole and H embosse...
Collection of Vintage Hermes and Gucci Designer Skirts, France & Italy, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
An elegant collection of three vintage designer skirts from two of Europe's most celebrated luxury houses, Hermès Paris and Gucci, dating from the 1980s. Together they offer a sophis...
Hermès Qu' Importe Le Flaçon Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Qu' Importe Le Flacon scarf. Hand rolled edges. Minor wear and staining. Does not include box.
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 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...
New in Box Hermès Rare Blue Paon Picnic Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès natural wicker Picnic clutch with palladium hardware, blue paon swift leather trim, single flat shoulder strap, tonal leather lining, dual interior compartments, dual slit poc...
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...
HERMES c.1980's Burgundy Lizard Skin Leather Equestrian Ring Belt Gold Hardware
By Hermès, ERIC BERGERE
Located in Thiensville, WI
Hermes c.1980's Burgundy Lizard Skin Leather Equestrian Ring Belt Gold Hardware Brand / Manufacturer: Hermes Designer: Eric Bergere Circa: 1980's Sty...
Hermes Oran Gold Box Calfskin Sandal 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran Gold box calfskin slide sandals. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Gold embossed c...
HERMES eggplant silk UN SIECLE DE COURSES A DEAUVILLE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Un Siecle de Courses a Deauville 90' scarf by Hubert de Watrigant in beige and orange silk twill (100%) with eggplant border and details in lilac, blue and gre...
Hermes La Promenade de Longchamps by P Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "La Promenade de Longchamps" by Philippe Ledoux featuring a camel border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1986 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
Hermes Birkin 25 Graphite Crocodile Bag with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in rich Graphite crocodile. Lisse Crocodile has a lush shine with depth. This rich dark gray is highlighted with the lighter hue be...
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML048 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [Q] Age: 2013 Accomp...
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 Gris Bandouliere Kelly Pocket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermes Bandouliere Kelly gris meyer epsom leather shoulder strap with palladium metal closure. Comes with booklet, original box and dust cover. Pocket dimonsions: 4.30" L x 0.25"...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Iconic Neutral
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in classic Gold. This neutral Hermes Birkin is the all time perfect neutral statement. Signature bone top stitch detail. Lush Togo ...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Porosus Crocodile Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Porosus Crocodile. This pink crocodile Birkin bag is breathtaking in its depth of color and b...
Collectible Hermès Pink Kachinas 55" Cashmere Scarf Shawl, Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk and cashmere blend oversize 55" shawl in Kermit Oliver's coveted Kachinas print. Hand-rolled edges. Box included.
Exceptional Hermès Shoe Trees in Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Set of 2 shoe trees Made in France Vintage items Made of courchevel leather (ex epsom leather, grained leather) Colorways: yellow, brown "HERMÈS...
Hermes HAC 50 Birkin Bag Etoupe Togo Leather Brass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes HAC 50 bag featured in Etoupe. Accentuated with Brass hardware. Comes with lock, keys and clochette. This is the mom...
New in Box Hermes Small Silk Spaceship Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès blue, green and celeste silk gavroche with hand-rolled edges. Spaceship limited edition. New in box.
Hermès 1990 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Aux Champs Navy Silk Twill carre Scarf Hermes
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "Carré 90" silk twill scarf featuring the "Aux Champs" design by Cathy Latham; originally issued in 1970 and reissued in 1990 (this specific piece is from the 1990 reissue). I...
Hermès Tigre Royal Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold Royal Tiger
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Vintage item Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand pa...
NIB Hermès Orange Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box Orange Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18, gold tone hardware . This chic and lovely tote is crafted of sturdy canvas in orange. The bag features loopi...
Hermès Limited Edition Bi-Color Gris Meyer and Beton Mini Bolide Full Set 2023
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès Limited Edition Bi-Color Gris Meyer and Beton Mini Bolide 1923
HERMES 100% silk Sulfures Press Papier dark floral print scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk Sulfures Press Papier dark floral print scarf Reference: SNKO/A00356 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Purple, Multicolour Pattern: Floral Extra Details: Sulfure-p...
1992 Hermes Black 35cm Kelly Supple Box Bag with Thick Strap
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage black box leather 35cm supple Kelly bag with gold hardware. Dates from 1992, confirmed by the circle V blind stamp. Top handle, lock and key fob. Thick black cross body strap. Very minor scuffing on surface for the age of this bag. Interior zip compartment as well as two interior front slit pockets. In unused vintage condition with a clean interior. A timeless classic. The strap is a later addition and enhances the usefulness by enabling the owner to wear the bag cross body hands free. 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 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 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 Gao Etoupe Dark Grey Clemence Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag 2008
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Gao Étoupe Dark Grey Clemence Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag 2008 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved bag is in...
Hermès Kelly 28 Rose Confetti, Anemone and Blue Aztec Sellier Epsom w/Brushed GH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Horseshoe Kelly 28 Sellier in Rose Confetti, Anemone, and Blue Aztec Epsom leather with brushed gold hardware is a striking example of the creativity and exclusivity reser...
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.