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 25 Bougainvillea Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Capucine Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on Hardware. Please keep in mind that this is a pre ow...
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jungle Love" giant triangle in cashmere and silk with hand-rolled edges (70% cashmere, 30% silk). Designed by Robert Dallet Comes with ribbon and original box.
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.
Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Limited edition Vintage Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Sellier bag featured in Black Heritage Box leather accentuated with Gold hardware. D...
HERMES Mykonos blue Epsom leather EVELYNE lll 29 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 29 crossbody bag in Bleu Izmir Epsom leather is a timeless classic that blends function with effortless elegance. Crafted from luxurious Clemence l...
Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW SKU: Z153832 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed...
HERMES Constance 18 Rose Texas Pink Chevre Goatskin Silver Hardware Bag 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Slight signs of wear, clean inside and out.. Size Width: 18cm Designer Hermes Model Constance 18 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color Pink Interior Material Leather Int...
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 black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zipper p...
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
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 Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026 The Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini in Silver Chamkilight goatskin captures the quiet sophistication of one of the ...
HERMES Garden party 36 Tote Hand Bag Negonda leather red
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Garden party 36 Tote Hand Bag Negonda leather red T stamp france，There is minor wear on the edges, and there are scratches on the metal components. Accessories: NO...
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...
$22,950
Hermes Trench Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Trench Kelly 28 Bag. Stunning neutral color with gold hardware. Gold hardware. Interior clean. Looks like new condition. Most wanted size retourne Kelly. Includes clochette, l...
Hermès "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf is in silk twill with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). It symbolizes the boundless freedom of constantly renewed creation, unlimited emotion,...
Hermès “Au Coeur de l‘Eté“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Au Coeur de l 'Ete" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a blue, coral, orange back and a zebra print on the...
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...
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...
Hermès New Red Guepards Sarong Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new gueapards cotton beach sarong/shawl. Comes with original box.
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 Limited Edition Blue Epsom Constance 24 Red Enamel H Clasp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès Limited Edition Blue Epsom Constance 24 Red Enamel H Clasp
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 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...
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...
Hermès Swift Twill H Fray Fray Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Swift Twill H Fray Fray Birkin 35 is crafted of white and pink canvas, with matching fringe and framboise leather trim. The handbag features signature closure straps and ...
Hermès New Pink Bandana Small Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new cyclamen bandana silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm in Mauve Sylvestre Epsom, a soft, muted mauve that sits between dusty pink and lavender, with a cool undertone that shifts subtly depending on lighting. It has...
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Bag Braise with Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a fabulous Hermes Birkin HSS 35 bag featured in Braise and Black porosus crocodile. This exceptional special-order Hermes Birkin is nothing short of breathtaking T...
HERMES navy blue silk VERSAILLES LE PAVE DU ROY 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Le Pavé Du Roy 90' scarf beige silk twill (100%) with navy blue border and details in antique gold, green and gray. Has been worn with faint marks through-out....
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
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...
New in Box Hermes Black Orange Unisex H Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes BNIB reversible unisex H belt, black box calf leather and orange togo. Black enamel and palladium H buckle. Date stamp A for 2017. European s...
Rare Hermès Vintage Black Leather Sac 404 Top Handle Doctor's Bag
By Hermès
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Hermes Sac 404 in black box calf leather with top handle and gold-plated metal hardware including a push-lock closure and key attached to the handle and protected by a leathe...
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 Constance 24cm Gold Epsom GHW 2025
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Constance 24cm handbag. The exterior of this Sac Constance is crafted in Gold Epsom leather with tonal stitching, a gold-tone hardware "H" snap lock closure and an ad...
New Hermès Blue Red Giraffes Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermes blue and red "three giraffes" in box silk scarf. Design by Alice Shirley. In original box.
HERMES Ebene brown MATTE CROCODILE 32MM H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm belt is crafted from Ebene (ebony brown) matte alligator crocodile leather and finished with the iconic H buckle in pa...
Hermès La Danse Horse Charm in Sterling Silver
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
A rare limited edition piece. Featuring Hermès’ iconic equestrian design, this collectible luxury charm showcases exceptional craftsmanship and timeless appeal. A sought-after Hermès...
Hermès Navy Fish Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 54" square navy and white shawl or sarong with fish design. little spots on the edge, please refer to photo. no label. Comes without box.
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf La Comédie 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 ...
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 1990s Ceinture Chaine d Ancre T80 Adjustable M Black Leather Belt Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre belt, circa 1990, featuring a reversible smooth box leather strap in black on one side and camel or gold on the other, and a gold-tone metal clasp inspired by t...
HERMES Vert Criquet green Epsom & Swift SANGLE KELLY POCKET 50mm Bag Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pocket bag strap in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Swift leather is a striking blend of style and utility. It features a bold flap pocket crafted i...
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 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...
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 Dogon Duo green togo leather PHW loop through long wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Dogon Duo green togo leather PHW loop through long wallet Reference: NILI/A00105 Brand: Hermes Model: Dugon Duo Material: Leather, Metal Color: Green, Silver Pattern: Solid Cl...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - NWST - 2606290824 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Chorus Stellarum, Chorus of the Stars Artist: Daisk...
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 2020s Sac Kelly II Sellier 32 Unique 2 tones Canvas Kelly Bag NIB Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier model bag, size 32, in black grained leather and natural-colored Hermès canvas (on the flap) or black (body of the bag) and silver metal (palladium), interior...
Hermès Centered Rhyme Pink Orange Navy Silk Scarf Elaine Lustig Cohen 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Centered Rhyme" Designed by Elaine Lustig Cohen Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: "ROSE PALE / ORANGE ...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal shoes featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. W...
HERMES Herbag Zip 31 Canvas Leather Pink Shoulder Tote Handbag 2016
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of regular use, scratches on metal hardware, slight whitening on the bag body, split stitching near the zipper, and damaged leather on the shoulder strap.. Size...
Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau Alligator & Barénia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau alligator with Barénia leather is a rare, highly sculptural piece that blends equestrian heritag...
Hermes foulard 'En attendant Ulysse'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill foulard entitled "En attendant Ulysse" designed by Florence Manlik. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 130 cm x 130 cm SKU:FFH61
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag Cuivre with Rose Mexico Toile Strap
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 mini bag featured in Cuivre (Copper). A stunning colour inspired by the metal, Cuivre is a saturated coppery brown. Crisp with Palladium hardware...
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...
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. ...
Hermès Multicolor Silk Etriers Remix by Françoise de La Perrière Scarf 90, 2021
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Multicolor Silk Etriers Remix by Françoise de La Perrière Scarf 90, 2021 Made in silk twill with hand-rolled edges Includes box Year 2021 Dimensions Height: 35.43 inches ...
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.