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 Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather Bag with Gold Tone Hardware is a bold expression of timeless luxury and collector appeal. Crafted from structured Epsom leather, th...
Hermès Puffer Down Jacket (silk content) — size 38
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Down Jacket (silk content) — size 38 Condition: Excellent. No defects, stains, or snags. Fabric composition: Contains natural silk. The out...
Hermès BN Dresscode Edition Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermès Dresscode Edition twilly. The scarf is made out of silk and comes in a vibrant orange. The print shows different characters for example the statue of liberty. The piece co...
Hermes Lindy Mini Rose Confetti Pink Swift Leather Palladium HW Bag 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good condition, slight usage marks, slight scratches on hardware, clean inside Accessories: No Access...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - La Vallee De Cristal - Bleu Blanc Parme - New Tag Rare
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Vallee De Cristal - Bleu Blanc Parme - NWSTS - 2604231656 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La Vallée de Cristal, The Crystal Valley Artist: Ugo Bienvenu...
HERMES c.1995 Vtg Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES c.1995 Gold Brown Leather Buckle Strap Structured Bucket Shoulder Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Hermes Circa: 1995 Designer: Hermes Style: Shoulder Bag Color(s): Shades of brown...
Hermes Men's Chypre Black Calfskin Leather Sandal 43 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Noir. Black calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across fo...
Hermes Chypre Black Calfskin Leather Men's Sandal 45 / 12
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Noir. Black calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across fo...
Hermes Oran Flat Sandal Jaune Pollen Epsom Leather 38 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran sandels shoes featured in fresh Jaune Pollen Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide in Epsom. Matching emb...
Hermes Izmir Sandal Bleu Bleuet and Orange Epsom Leather Men's Shoes 42 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Men's Izmir sandal featured in Bleu Bleuet with orange insole calfskin leather lining. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Epsom leather. Sophisticated colours in a silhouette that works for every wardrobe. Naturel calfskin insole. Black heel with leather sole. Comes with sleepers. Please our extensive selection of Hermes Homme...
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...
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 22
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 22 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6108 Brand: Hermès Model: Picotin Lock 22 Type: Tote Serial Number: C Age: 2018 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Etoupe Togo Leather and Gold Hardware Neutral Perfection
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in coveted neutral Etoupe. Signature bone top stitch detail. Lush Togo leather is supple and scratch resistant. Rich with gold ha...
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...
HERMES Etoupe Epsom black Swift leather GAMMA 24mm Reversible Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Gamma 24mm reversible belt in Etoupe (taupe) Epsom and black Veau Epsom swift leather with palladium buckle. Has been worn and is in...
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...
Hermes Himalaya Oran Sandal Matte Alligator Flat Shoes 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Himalaya matte alligator Oran sandals. These stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandals are a rare find. The ico...
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 Cut Braise Crocodile Clutch Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Cut bag featured in vivid Braise Niloticus Crocodile. This exquisite lipstick red Hermes clutch i...
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...
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.
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Vert Jade Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in coveted Vert Jade. Lush with Gold hardware. This exquisite bag is modern and min...
Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack Men's Bag Vert de Gris Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack featured in Vert de Gris Togo calfskin. Vert de Gris is a fabulous year round neutral whic...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Blue Frida Bag Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier bag featured in richly saturated Bleu Frida. This exotic Hermes Kelly bag colour is a beautiful ...
Cream Hermes Leather Platform Mary Janes Size 38
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Cream leather platform Mary Janes by Hermes. Lug soles. Silver-tone buckle closures at straps. 2" platform height, 2.5" heel height.
Hermes Birkin Verso 25 Magnolia Capucine Bag Togo Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Verso 25 bag featured in striking Magnolia. This gorgeous pink colour is no longer produced - a collectors find. Absolu...
Hermes Kelly Wallet Blue Epsom Palladium HW R Stamp Leather Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition:Slight signs of wear, clean inside and out. Accessories: Box size: Width:21cm,height:11.5cm Designe...
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 Birkin 25 Bag Chai Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in warm Chai. This neutral Hermes Birkin is the all time perfect neutral statement. Softer and creamier than Gold, this fabulous co...
Hermès Black Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Black Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt is a striking high-end accessory that exemplifies luxury craftsmanship and bold design. Crafted from black leather, it features distinct...
Hermès Set of 2 Placemats Formula One Paddock Club GP F1 Car Race
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Placemats Made by Hermès for the Formula 1 Paddock Club This is a private club that we can find at Formula 1 Grand Pri...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Black Wool Chaine D'Ancre Zip Jacket, FR34
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Superbly chic Hermes Chaine D'Ancre wool jacket. Bought for £5750 and unworn. Made from incredibly soft and smooth black wool with 5% poly/elastane with silvertone zips and Chaine D...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 II Red Chevre Leather Silver HW PHW Stamp T France Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermès Kelly Mini20 Chevre Women Red shoulderbag France，There is wear on the corners, scratches on the hardware, and local spray color care. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Red
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in red leather. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features a rear exterior zi...
HERMES Orange Mecano Fauve Toile & Hunter leather HERBAG ZIP 31 RETROUNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip 31 Retourné bag is crafted in Orange Mécano Toile Militaire canvas with Fauve Vache Hunter leat...
Hermès Constance Elan in Rose Scheherazade Porosus Crocodile - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A statement of rarity, craftsmanship, and timeless desirability, this Hermès Constance Elan, crafted in 2016, is made in the most precious leather used by the Maison: Porosus Crocodile. Recognized for its exceptionally fine and symmetrical scales, the leather reveals a natural, luminous sheen that enhances the depth of the extraordinary Rose Scheherazade — a vivid, saturated pink that stands among the most iconic and collectible Hermès shades. The elongated silhouette of the Constance Elan offers a refined and contemporary interpretation of the classic Constance, designed for elegant day-to-evening wear. Its slim structure is perfectly balanced, maintaining a sharp profile while offering practicality through its thoughtfully organized interior. The signature gold-plated “H” clasp remains bright and well-defined, adding a striking contrast to the vibrant exotic leather. Subtle hairline marks are consistent with gentle use and do not detract from the overall brilliance of the hardware. The interior is lined in tonal Swift leather, soft and smooth to the touch, featuring well-preserved compartments with only minimal signs of wear. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail: precise saddle stitching, clean glazing, and the unmistakable Hermès heat stamp...
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 Kelly 28 Craie Sellier Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier in Craie Epsom leather with gold hardware is a masterclass in understated luxury, pairing one of the house’s most coveted neutral shades with the sharp, a...
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...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 25 Bag Blanc Casse Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage limited edition Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in rare Blanc Casse lizard. Exquisite pale buttery cream perfectly compli...
Hermes Birkin Size 30 Grimist Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Leather with Gold Hardware is the ultimate expression of timeless luxury and exclusivity. Crafted by expert artisans at Hermès, this iconic handbag blends s...
Hermes Birkin Special Order 35 Bag Rose Indien and Fuchsia Porosus Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin HSS 35 bag featured in exquisite unicorn rare Rose Indien and Fuschia Porosus Crocodile. Utterly extraordinary, th...
Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Fonce Matte Porosus Crocodile Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional Hermès Birkin 30 featured in deep Vert Foncé matte Porosus crocodile, one of the most coveted exotic leathers in the world. This rich, dark green ton...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Matte Black Lizard Palladium Hardware Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in Matte Black Varanus Salvator Lizard. This extremely rare Hermes Birkin bag is elegant, timeless and absolutely stunning. Accentuated with Palladium hardware. Very faint marks on the hardware - the body is like new. Comes with the lock, keys, and clochette and sleeper. As a purveyor of exceptional and unique Hermes luxury goods...
Hermes Birkin 35 Blue de France Bag Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 35 in Blue de France presenting one of the house’s most vibrant and recognizable blue tones. Its saturated color offers a confident presence while ...
Hermes Birkin Cargo Toile Goeland Sesame 35 Bag Swift Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cargo Birkin 35 bag featured in golden Sesame. This Hermes limited edition utility Birkin bag is created with Goeland canvas a...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Gold hardware adorned with 10.23 carats of ethically sourced Hermes diamonds, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. Comes lock and keys in the clochette, sleeper and rain protector. Plastic on hardware. Carried one time. Mightychic elevates online shopping as a premier destination for exceptional and unique Hermes luxury goods...
Hermes Birkin 30 Bag Vert Cypress Chevre de Coromandel Palladium Hardware New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 30 bag featured in rich Vert Cypress. Rare Chevre de Coromandel leather accentuates the beauty of this saturated deep color. Fresh with Palladium h...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML028 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied ...
Vintage Hermès "Les Tambours" Silk Foulard / Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and rare scarf from Hermès Foulard "Les Tambours" 100% Silk Wisteria color with golden graphics Cm 87 x 87 (34.25 x 34.25 inches) General good conditions, very light signs...
Hermes Kelly Messenger PM Bag Vert Yucca Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Messenger PM small model bag featured in Vert Yucca. A true unisex bag in a chic desert inspired green! Versat...
Hermes Birkin HSS 30 Rose Shocking & Gris Perle Bag Brushed Gold Hardware Chevre
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin HSS 30 bag featured in coveted rare Rose Shocking and Gris Perle. Vivid pop all grown up pink with clear Gris Perle in coveted Chevre leather. This...
Hermes Deers Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare vintage Hermès "Deers" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" appr. Condition : Pristine
Hermes Birkin Sellier 30 Casaque Noir Blue Indigo Blue Frida Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Birkin Sellier Casaque 30 tri-colour bag featured in Black and Bleu Indigo. Contrasted with a vivid Bleu Frida interior. Beautiful and exot...
Hermes Club Birkin 35 Bag Gris Perle Blanc and Mykonos Lizard Clemence Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Club bag featured in Gris Perle. Exquisite Gris Perle and White Clemence leather is accentuated with rich blue Mykonos ...
Hermès Watch or Jewelry Display Stand Holder in Felt and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Display Stand Perfect for presenting your watch, necklace, bracelet Composed of a swivel tray fixed on a wooden base The tray i...
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Blue Indigo Palladium Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 limited edition bag featured in chic Blue Indigo. Richly saturated and jewel toned, Hermes Bleu ...
Hermès Set of 3 Small Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Print Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
Hermès Toile H Vibration Herbag Zip Cabine Retourne 50 travel bag Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, worn corners, scratches on metal hardware, and clean interior. Accessories: Key ,Lock,Pouch size: Width:50cm,height:37cm Designer: Hermès Model: Toile...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Gold Epsom Leather, Complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitine Condition , Plastic on all Hardware. D Stamp 2019. Dimensions: 9.75 W x 4 D x ...
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.