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 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...
Hermes Chypre Black Calfskin Sandal 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Chypre sandals featured in Black. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adju...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 32 Tri-Colour Poussiere Poudre Ficelle Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier bag featured in a rare tri-colour Porosus Crocodile. The perfect neutral palette of Poussiere, Poudre and Ficelle. No longer produced thi...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Umbrella Zebras Print 1988 Exotic Year RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Umbrella Print: Zebras Vintage Item from 1988, "Exotic Year" Made in France Made of 100% cotton water repellent cl...
HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shoulder strap for your Kelly or Evelyne bag in Brique (brick red) canvas and Box leather. Has been carried and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5...
Hermes Sandal Flat Oran Gold Box Calfskin Shoes 42 / 12
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Oran exquisite Gold box calfskin slide. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Gold embossed c...
Rare Hermès Kaleidoscope Game
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Kaleidoscope From 2001 "Quelques idées Hermès pour les fêtes..." (Some Hermès ideas for the holidays...) Made of cardboard...
Hermes Birkin 35 Etain Bag Palladium Hardware Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 Etain bag is the most perfect medium gray and is utterly neutral. This beauty is absolutely stunning with pallad...
Hermès Sac Birkin 35 Vibrato/Swift Moka
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Hermès signature bag, Sac Birkin model in size 35. Made of swif leather in mocha color enhanced by vibrato fabric inserts with silver hardware. Features the classic flap with interlo...
Hermes Limited Edition Bolide Barenia Picnic Osier (Wicker) Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare to find Limited Edition Hermes Picnic Bolide. Light weight wicker and with the warmth of Barenia leather. The ultimate chic bag...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Pourpre Bag Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier bag featured in rich Rose Pourpre. Chevre leather accentuated with Palladium hardware. Comes with signature Hermes box, shoulder st...
Hermes Airsilk Duffle Bag Cavalcadour 38 Orange Silk Limited Edition New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Airsilk Duffle Cavalcadour 38 featured in Orange Blue, White, Green and Black. Same size bag is also a...
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...
$23,210
Hermes Kelly 32 Toile Rouge
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier is an old time favourite. Meticulously made entirely by hand from natural Toile it is lined with evenly-grained Courchevel ...
HERMES beige orange cashmere 2023 BRIDES DE GALA Sweater Vest 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Brides de Gala sweater in Tatami light beige and bright orange jacquard knit cashmere (63%), cotton (35%) and polyamide (2%), presenting one of the house's most...
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.
$441Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 bag featured in fresh Vert Criquet. Stunning Hermes light green that is absolutely neutral. Epsom leather accentuates colours beautiful...
Hermès Birkin 30 Capucine Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Capucine togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and doub...
Hermès "H" Reversible Etoupe Belt NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "H" Belt features a large, iconic silver-tone "H" buckle and a reversible leather strap. Comes with original box and dust cover.
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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Golf Ball Letter Opener Paper Cutter Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Can be used as paper cutter One end is adorned with a golf ball, the other end is pointed Made of silvery metal Designed by Ravinet ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Aubergine Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in rich, saturated Aubergine crocodile. Rarely produced this exquisite jewel toned beauty is a ...
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 Evelyne TPM Bag Etoupe Crossbody Clemence Palladium Hardware New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM bag featured in neutral Etoupe. Plush clemence leather and matching Etoupe canvas sport strap. Signature perforated H on front of bag. Fresh with palladium hardware. Fabulous shoulder or crossbody bag. Sport strap in textile with leather and palladium hardware details. Comes with sleepers and signature Hermes box. NEW or NEVER WORN The Hermes mini bag...
HERMES Rouge Grenat suede ANJOU PLATFROM ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Anjou platform sandals are crafted in Rouge Grenat red, burgundy, nude, and hot pink suede for a bold, multi-tonal finish. They feature peep toes, high blo...
Hermes Birkin 25 Tri Color Etoupe Gris Pale Ebene Epsom Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning As New Hermes Birkin 25 Tri-Color Etoupe, Gris Pale & Ebene Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New W Stamp 2024. Additional Informat...
Hermes Birkin 35 Plomb Limited Edition Bag Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 bag featured in rare limited edition Plomb (Off Black). SO chic! Simply a perfect neutral bag that is just shy of the Black which reveals as ...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 37 / 7
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...
Hermès Silk Scarf Rêverie Solitaire Florence Manlik 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "REVERIE SOLITAIRE" (solitary reverie) Designed by Florence Manlik Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorway 06: BLANC / ORANGE / SOLEIL (w...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Exotic Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25 is presented here in Rouge Exotique lizard, a softened red tone that balances vibrancy with restraint. The color offers presence while remaining versatile, makin...
Hermes Hac 50 Vintage Birkin Bag Black Fjord Leather Brass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage 50 Hermes Hac (Sac Haut a Courroies) featured in Black Fjord leather. This gorgeous matte leather is rare to find and...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
Hermes Birkin 35 Vermillion Bag Gold Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 bag featured in Vermillion. Unique warm red tone - is lush with gold hardware. Togo leather is scratch resistant. NEW or NEVER WORN. Comes with lock, keys, clochette, sleepers, raincoat and signature Hermes box with ribbon...
Hermes Black Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a black border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X ...
Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Sweater Algue (Seaweed) Cashmere M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Cashmere Crewneck sweater featured in Algue. Sweater has floral intarsia motif in front. Ribbing at cuf...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Women's Cotton Sleeveless Top
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A sleeveless cotton top by Hermès from the Martin Margiela era. Made in France from crisp cotton, it reflects the understated elegance and relaxed sophistication that defined Margiel...
Hermes "Cheval Turc" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes "Cheval Turc" Scarf is 100% silk and designed by Christiane Vauzelles. Comes with no box.
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Porosus Crocodile Black Red La Rosee One of a Kind Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an extraordinary one of a kind Hermes 35 Birkin HSS bag. Black porosus crocodile with the dewdrop detailed La Rosee red velvet ...
Hermes Kelly Retourne 35 Sanguine Matte Alligator Bag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Retourne 35 Kelly bag featured in Sanguine Matte Alligator. Warm clay red with orange undertone makes this a fabulou...
$32,595
Hermes Etain Kelly 25 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Etain Kelly 25 Bag. Epsom sellier leather. Gold hardware. Excellent like new condition. Interior clean. Most wanted size and color. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust ba...
Hermes Birkin 25 Black & Rose Azalee Epsom Leather Brushed Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and One The Most Coveted and Difficult to get Hermes Combos! 1 of 1 Special Order Hermes Birkin 25 Special Order Black & Rose Azalee Epsom Leather complimented by...
Hermes Black Leather Sac A Depeches Briefcase, Hermes Briefcase, Hermes bag
By Hermès
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This Hermes black leather Sac A Depeches 39 briefcase is very elegant and convenient for an every day use. It features Hermès engraved palladium hardware . It has no initials. Its pi...
Hermes Mini Lindy Magnolia Swift BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy magnolia swift leather with palladium hardware. Date stamp U, 2022. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cr...
New Hermès Etoupe & Blue Mini Evelyne in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mini Evelyne bag in Etoupe Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting blue strap and gold tone hardware. Date stamp K . Brand new in bo...
Hermes Men's Limited Edition Vest Sueded Porosus Crocodile and Leather 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's vest featured in grey sueded porosus Crocodile. This very rare and limited edition Hermes vest has a zip closure with two angled zip pockets with p...
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Dewdrop Roses One of a Kind Poussiere Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an extraordinary one of a kind Hermes Birkin 35 HSS bag featured in unicorn Poussiere. Exquisite neutral no longer produced Poussiere ...
HERMES Jige Elan 35 orange swift leather elongated envelope clutch bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Jige Elan 35 orange swift leather elongated envelope clutch bag Reference: MELK/A00394 Brand: Hermes Model: Jige Elan 35 Material: Leather Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure...
Hermes Hac 50 Birkin Bag Lime Evercolor and Ficelle Toile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Lime Evercolor leather. The body is warm Ficelle Toile. Complimented with Palladiu...
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Gris Tourterelle Tri Colour Special Order Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 HSS bag featured in coveted Gris Tourterelle accentuated with purple top stitch. Gorgeous Blue Paon interior compl...
Hermès Silk Scarf Vintage Roue Arriere du Carosse Imperial Vauzelles 1983 1B
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Roue Arrière du Carosse Impérial de la Cour de Vienne" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles in 1983 This is a rare Vintage scarf, rated 1B in the Hermès Scarves Book...
Hermes Oran Flat Sandal Jaune Pollen Epsom Leather 39 / 9
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 o...
Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Verso Mushroom with Biscuit Bag Gold Hardware Evercolor
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 1923 Bolide Mini Verso bag featured in Mushroom and Biscuit interior. Beautiful in size and detail! Mushroom exterior with a Bi...
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
Hermès Pani la Shar Pawnee Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès reissue Pani la Shar Pawnee scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Brand new with box.
Hermes Kelly 25 Quadrille Viking Toile Black White Sellier Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite Hermes Kelly Quadrille 25 Sellier bag featured in crisp Black and White Viking toile. Very rare to find in the 25 cm si...
Hermès Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print, effortless yet unmistakably steeped in heritage, this Hermès beach bag in H canvas with the “Quadrige” print captures the house’s equestr...
Hermes Silk Scarf Fleurs de Giverny Christine Henry Parme 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs de Giverny" / Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2017 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: Parme / Vert / Bleu...
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag. Excellent condition. Red togo leather. Unique strap. Navy and red. Interior clean. Silver palladium hardware. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and d...
Hermes Constance 18 Bag Gold Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured in Gold Matte Alligator. Removeable mirror with alligator tab. Rich with Gold hardware. The effect is understated chic. Hermes ...
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.