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.
$51,779Sale 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...
$9,414Sale 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) ...
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. ...
Hermès Kelly To Go Wallet Orange Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Unisex
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This authentic Hermès Kelly To Go Wallet in orange Epsom leather with gold hardware is a refined wallet-on-chain inspired by the house’s iconic Kelly silhouette. Crafted from structu...
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...
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...
1990s Hermès Green “Plumes” Silk Scarf by Henri de Linares
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Hermès “Plumes” Silk Scarf by Henri de Linares features beautifully illustrated array of colourful feathers scattered across an ivory background and framed by a solid olive green bo...
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 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 Spring 2023 Ring Detail Beige Goatskin Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra chic Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2023 collection. Bought for £16000 and worn once. Made from super malleable rich beige goat leather...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
HERMES Grenat Saphire Naturelle HERBAG ZIP 39 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag 39 is crafted from a sophisticated combination of Natural Vache Hunter leather and Rouge Grenat and Bleu Saphir toil...
$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 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 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...
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 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...
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 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...
Hermes Black Leather Cover Diary
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black leather cover diary featuring a lizard effect, foldover rectangular shape, inside pockets, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made i...
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...
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 ...
Hermes Kelly Classique To Go Wallet Argent Metallic Chevre Chamkilight Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Classique To Go Wallet in metallic Argent Chèvre Chamkilight offers a rare and luminous interpretation of the iconic Kelly design. The striking Arg...
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 2017 Birkin 25 Handbag Vert Malachite Togo Leather Women's Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermès Birkin 25 handbag in Vert Malachite Togo leather Silver palladium metal hardware, double green leather handles for hand carry Flap closure Interior lining in gr...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag in Gold Leather with Beige Handles, 2026
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermès Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Gold Madame leather White stitching, gold metal hardware, double beige leather handles for hand carry Flap closure Interior lin...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
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...
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 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...
HERMES Mangrove Green Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Clutch Bag PBhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Vert Mangrove is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, showcasing a rich deep dark green hue that enhances its elegant, compa...
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf A true statement piece, this Hermès shawl showcases an elaborate paisley and floral-inspired design in rich shades of blue, purple, lavender, a...
Sac Hermès Evelyne PM Cuir Barenia année 2000
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare Hermès Evelyne PM en cuir Barenia, datant de 2000 et mesurant 29 × 31 cm. Ce cuir emblématique est particulièrement apprécié pour son toucher, sa souplesse et surtout pour la pa...
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...
$564Sale 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 Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
Hermès "La Charmante aux Animaux" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Charmante aux Animaux" scarf, is inm 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Features vignettes of people and various animals, set against a background of interweaving patterns ...
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) ...
Hermes Paris Women's Constance Silver Buckle Ivory Leather Italian Loafers 1990s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Women's Constance brushed silver buckle bone leather Italian loafers Size 38 The bone color leather loafers are adorned with Hermes' ic...
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 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 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 Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring make it an easy way to update your fashion statement. Crafted in gold-tone metal, this Hermes ring comes detailed with Jumbo Hook pattern. Scarf in pic...
Auth. Silk Scarf Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - NWSTS - 2511041812 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill – Double-Sided Print Name Design: Les Mustangs II, The Mustangs II A...
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...
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...
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...
Hermès 2023 Constance 24 Black Alligator Limited Edition Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Sublime Hermès Constance 24 Marquete limited edition shoulder bag in black Mat Mississippi Alligator Gold metal trim, a black Alligator leather shoulder strap allowing for shoulder ...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Cavalcadour Morning CS140 Caban Bordeaux Vert - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalcadour Morning - CS140 - Caban Bordeaux Vert - NWCT - 2604231619 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Cavalcadour Morning, Cavalcadour Morning Artist:...
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 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...
Hermes Birkin 35 White Clemence Palladium Hardware Rare New Never Carried
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermes Birkin 35 in White Clemence leather which is an exceptionally elegant collector classic, defined by purity, rarity, and timeless appeal. White remains o...
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.