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.
Exceptional Hermès Secret Watch Pendant in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Watch A beautiful blend of craftsmanship, elegance, design and functionality, and above all, an exceptional collector's item The pulley-shaped penda...
Hermès Paris Silk Scarf Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf ; Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; blue/gold...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
Hermes 1997 Vinyl Souvenir De L Exposition Jelly Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Transparent Plastic Bag-Shaped Kelly featuring hardware in gilt silver tone metal, a slogan print to the front, a flip-lock fastening, a simple handle in transparent vinyl all...
Hermès 7 Drawers Chest Semainier in Wood for Scarves or Jewels
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Drawer To store scarves, but can be used for jewels as well Made of burl wood veneer Edges decorated with "H" marquetry Includes 7 drawers in w...
$51,491Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Bag Shiny Red Lizard Gold Hdw Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Among the most coveted Hermès bags Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Will come with its matching pencil case and ring scarf cl...
Hermès Sac Bolide Courchevel Bandouliere 1993 Gold Leather Hand Bag Strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide bag, size 35, in slightly grained leather (Epsom, formerly Courchevel) in camel or "gold" color, with a supple leather interior that coordinates with a large slip pocke...
HERMES black Togo leather HAC 50 Travel Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès HAC 50 travel bag in black is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Togo leather, offering a refined balance of structure and softness. Inspired by...
HERMES blue silk ISOLA DI PRIMAVERA Scarf Marine Brun Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Isola di Primavera 90 scarf by Matthieu Cossé in Marine blue silk twill (100%) with a contrasting Brun brown border. Th...
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...
$9,362Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
Hermès Bag Constance 18 cm Metallic Silver Leather Phw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Constance" Made in France Stamp H in square (2004) Made of chèvre leather (Goatskin) and palladium plated hardware (silver-tone) ...
Hermes Double Ring Navy Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Navy box leather “Double Ring” featuring a gold-tone “Double Ring” buckle, inside gold-tone stamp. Circa 2000s. Size estimated:80 In good vintage condition. Made in France. B...
Hermès En attendant Ulysse Silk Gavroche NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès En attendant Ulysse pink silk gavroche. Comes with original box.
HERMES Gold camel Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Gold Epsom calfskin leather (100%). This luxury Hermès handbag is crafted from finely grained Epsom calfskin leather (100%) in the Maiso...
HERMES Picotin 22 orange Clemence leather palladium hardware tote bag MM
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Picotin 22 orange Clemence leather palladium hardware tote bag MM Reference: VNWG/A00008 Brand: Hermes Model: Picotin Lock 22 (MM) Material: Leather Color: Orange, Silver Patt...
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame Ercuis Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
HERMES black crocodile BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in black shiny alligator leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes with a...
Hermès Les Jardins d'Arménie Cigar Ashtray Cgange Tray Porcelain Gold Armenia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Somptuous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Les Jardins d'Arménie" (The Gardens of Armenia) Pattern: animals, flowers, columns, musician in the center Made in France Made of prin...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Fox Terrier Dog Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "FOX -TERRIER" dog Made in France Made of porcelain Beige Leather at bottom, "HH" in golden letters in middle Colorways: white, ora...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 cm Sellier Bag Satin Doblis Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Kelly" Sellier version, rigid, so Chic ! Collector piece ! Only a few in the world. A true collector bag Made in France Stamp U in a circ...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
Hermès Baby Elephant Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: baby elephant Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: raspberry pink, gold, bla...
$1,775Sale Price|28% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...
Hermès 2026 Sac Evelyne TPM Amazone Black Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes NIB
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Evelyne bag (size 16 or TPM) in black Clemence leather, featuring a cotton webbing and black leather shoulder strap and silver-tone (palladium) hardware; snap-button closure o...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu - NWST - 2606290838 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Sous le Charme d’Orphée, Under the Spell of Orp...
Hermes 20cm Birkin Bag Navy Blue Nuit Togo Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
eBoutique is pleased to present this Hermes Birkin 30cm Navy Blue Nuit Togo Bag Gold Excellent Condition (with plastic on hardware) So stunning with luxurious gold hardware. ...
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 Tigre Royal Bucket Bag Chevrons Toile Canvas Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bucket Bag Print: "Tigre Royal" (Royal Tiger) Made in France Stamp N in Square, 2010, Year of the Tiger in the...
Hermès Set of 2 Matching Ashtrays Russian Ballets Russia Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Set of 2 Matching Hermès Ashtrays Print: Dancers These patterns come from the Silk Collection Scarf called "Les Ballets Russes" (the russian ballets); desinged by...
Hermes HAC 40 So Black Evergrain Black Hardware Jean Paul Gaultier Limited Editi
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès HAC 40 So Black represents one of the most dramatic and collectible interpretations of the historic Haut à Courroies. Created during Jean Paul Gaultier’s tenure as artist...
Hermès Malachite Kelly 28 Matte Alligator Gold Hardware, 2016
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Hermès Kelly Retourne 28 crafted in luxurious matte alligator and finished with classic gold hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives the iconic Kelly silhouet...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf Hermès Story Pink Blue Jonathan Burton 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "HERMÈS STORY" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 09: ROSE NACRE / BLEU / BEIGE (mother-of-pearl...
Hermès Vintage Burgundy Box Kelly 28 Handbag, 1979, Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Burgundy/Red Gold-tone hardware Single top handle Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal patch pocket Detachable shoulder strap Comes with padlock, keys and clochett...
Exceptional Set of 4 Hermès Ties from The Fables of La Fontaine in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Les Fables de La Fontaine From left to right: 1. The Hare and the Tortoise in green, grey, orange, blue. 100% Silk. Lined with plain gr...
Hermès Tea Time Silk Scarf Pink Beige Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TEA TIME" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: rose pâle/beige/vieux rose (pale pink / beige / o...
Rare Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Scotland Red Green Philippe Ledoux 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "SCOTLAND" Pattern: emblems of Scotland Vintage scarf designed by Philippe Ledoux in 1963 Made of silk Colorways: Red, Green, Yellow golden ...
Hermès La Bonne Fortune Françoise Heron Silk Scarf 1968 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Bonne Fortune" (Good fortune, in terms of Gallantry, is said of the favors of a woman) Designed by Françoise Héron, only one issue...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Elephant India Asia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Elephant dressed in his finest jewels Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorway...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Wool & Silk Two-Piece Set (1997–2003)
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Martin Margiela Wool & Silk Two-Piece Set (1997–2003) Made in France Color: Navy blue Both the trousers and the top are size FR 40 (Large). Please note that the trousers ...
Hermès 1987 Sac a depeches 41 Hermes Black Leather Brief Case Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès briefcase, Sac à Dépêches model, in smooth black box leather and gold-tone metal, 41 cm wide with two gussets, interior with two compartments plus a large front pocket under t...
Hermès Silk Scarf De Madras A Zakynthos Turtle Pink Beige 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Rare colorway ! Print: "De Madras A Zakynthos" Pattern: turtle and tortoiseshell Designed by Dominik. A. Jarlégant in 2009 Made in Fr...
$561Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS scarf Soleil de soie
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf Soleil de soie Designed by Cathy Latham 1995 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Green blu ivory yellow Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 ...
Hermès Silk Scarf On The Beach Ugo Bienvenu Pink Green 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "ON the BEACH Designed by Ugo Bienvenu in 2021 / 2022 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: ROSE / VERT / ROUGE (Pink / Green ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Bateau Fleuri Ljubomir Milinkov Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Bateau Fleuri" (flowered boat) Designed by Ljubomir Milinkov in 2015 Made in France Made of 100% twill Silk Colorways: White, ...
Hermès 20th Century Silver Chainmail Coin Purse Spurs Shaped Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage Item from Mid-20th Century Made of silver flowing meshes (crab hallmark) Spurs shaped clasp "HERMÈS" and crab hallma...
Lovely Hermès Silk Scarf Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus C. Henry White 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Poetic Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus" ("Fabric Flowers and Butterflies") Designed by Christine Henry in ...
2010 Hermès Birkin 35 Handbag in Brown Grained Leather
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
2010 Hermès Birkin 35 Handbag in Brown Grained Leather Good condition, with light signs of wear Brown grained leather Two leather top handles Brown leather interior Interior zippere...
HERMES Craie cream Epsom leather BIRKIN 25 SELLIER Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 Sellier bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Epsom leather, a crisp and architectural expression of the house’s most coveted icon. Crafted in the structure...
Hermès Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf EVA Philippe Dumas 90 cm RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "EVA" Pattern: 2 hair seen from above adorned with flowers in a crown Designed by Philippe DUMAS in 1976 This one is a reissue fr...
Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 Rouge Vif Courchevel Toile Limited Edition Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 in Rouge Vif Courchevel leather and Toile which presents an exceptionally rare limited edition interpretation of the iconic Birkin. Bril...
Hermès Belt Buckle Elephants in Golden Metal for 32 mm Belt
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Belt Buckle In shape of 2 elephants Made of Golden Metal "HERMÈS" engraved at back For 32 mm belt (1,26 inches) Measurements: - 9 cm at long...
Hermès Promenades de Paris Silk Scarf Ledoux Noir Bleu Nuit 70 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Promenades de Paris" (Paris walks) Designed by Philippe Ledoux and firstly issued in 1962 , this 70 cm version is from 2014 Made in France "Carré vintage...
Hermès 2021 Birkin 30 Sellier Gold Epsom Leather Handbag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier handbag in Gold Epsom leather Gold metal hardware, double Gold leather handles for hand carry Flap closure Gold leather lining, one zip pocket, ...
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag in Rose Mexico Crocodile Leather, 2023 Mint
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Extremely rare Hermès Birkin 25 handbag Special Order (HSS) in Rose Mexico Crocodile Porosus (Crocodylus Porosus) leather Gold-plated metal hardware, double pink ...
Hermès Nata Togo 24/24 Handbag 29 Unisex PHW with Removable Strap
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The Hermès 24/24 is one of the house's more contemporary designs, blending the relaxed feel of a casual day bag with the refined craftsmanship of a classic Hermès handbag.The 24/24 2...
Hermès Rodeo Pegase Leather Bag Charm Horse Etoupe Biscuit PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm "Rodeo Pegase" in the most thought after colorway Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of milo lambskin and swift calfskin leathers (smooth and...
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.