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.
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:...
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...
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.
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...
Sac Hermès Kelly 35 Box Rouge H 1981
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Exceptionnel Kelly 35 Box Rouge H datant de 1981, conservé dans un excellent état. Son cuir Box lisse met parfaitement en valeur la profondeur du mythique Rouge H, l’une des teintes ...
HERMES blue silk LE PERMIER CHANT 90 Scarf Aqua Vert Grenadine
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Le Premier Chant 90 scarf by Sophie Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud in Aqua blue and white twill silk (100%) with a grey ...
Hermès "Three Graces" cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Three graces" 100% silk scarf. Multicolor deign with hand rolled edges. Collectible Alice Shirley design. Comes with original box.
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...
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...
Porte Huile & Vinaigre Hermès circa 1960-70
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare porte huile vinaigre Hermès en métal argenté, datant des années 1960-1970. Son élégant décor en mors de cheval rappelle directement l’héritage équestre de la Maison. Mesuran...
Hermès "Panthera Pardus" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Panthera Pardus" Scarf is in 100% silk with blue hand rolled edges, and features a leopard roaming in the grass.
Hermès "Fox Laying" Porcelaine Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Fox Laying" Ashtray is in 100% porcelain, stamped, with an orange border and gold trim. The bottom has a protective felt.
Hermès 1992 Vintage "Grands Fonds" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Hermès, Annie Faivre
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed by Annie Faivre and first issued in 1992 during Hermès’ “Year by the Sea”, this magnificent tribute to the underwater world was so successful that it was reissued in 1993, 1...
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...
HERMES mauve purple suede 2022 Slingback Flats Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 2022 suede slingback ballet flat in mauve is a refined expression of understated elegance and modern femininity. Crafted from soft suede in a sophisticated...
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 Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Oranges Lemons
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Citrus fruits and foliage, oranges and lemons Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with platinum (s...
Exceptional Hermès Nutcracker Horse Bit Shaped Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Nutcracker Horse Bit Shaped Can also be used to unscrew a cap Vintage item Made in France Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert Made of metal Colorway: silvery ...
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 Birkin 35 Cargo Noir Toile Goéland and Swift PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This authentic Hermès Birkin 35 Cargo in Noir Toile Goéland and Swift leather is a rare limited-edition interpretation of the house’s iconic Bir...
Hermès Set of 4 Mini Ashtrays Bull Horses Birds Porcelain Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Bull, Horses, Pink Flamingos and other birds Drawings inspired by the fauna of the French area of Camargue Also called "guest ashtray",...
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...
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 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 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...
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 Pristine Birkin 25 Lime Swift
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 25cm Birkin in lime swift leather with palladium hardware. Rare and collectible. Handle drop, 3"L. Date stamp D fro 2019. Pristine condition. Comes in box with full set: lock,...
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 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 Linen Fibranne Grommet Studded Hat
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Navy Linen Fibranne Grommet Studded Summer Hat from the 1950's. Bias border, on the brims edge Gilt brass grommets of different sizes sizes. Brim 4.5", crown heig...
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 silk blue on white "les pivoines" pants
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk pants "Les pivoines" (the peonies) blue and white high-waisted pants Two side pockets and two back pockets White double stitching Bronze metal button with logo Size F...
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 Gold camel Swift leather KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag in Gold Swift calfskin leather (100%). This luxury Hermès handbag is crafted from supple Swift calfskin leather (100%) in the Maison’s ico...
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 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...
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...
Vintage Hermes Army Green Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
A sophisticated everyday classic, this vintage Hermès Fourre Tout PM tote is expertly crafted from durable cotton canvas in a versatile army green shade, complemented by sturdy woven...
Hermès Paris 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Sailboats Prints Navy Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: sailboats Theme: navy, sailor, sea, boats, sailboats, nautical, ships Also called "guest ashtray", these small ashtrays can be...
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 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...
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 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...
HERMES Poussin yellow Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Jaune Poussin Veau Swift leather with palladium hardware. Crafted from supple, fine-grained Veau Swift leather in a luminous Jaune Pous...
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 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...
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 Paris Black Wool Leather Trim Hat Labeled Motsch Chapeaux Pour Hermes
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Black felt wool leather trim hat labeled Motsch Chapeaux Pour Hermes Size 56 Small The stylish black felt wool hat is juxtaposed with brown leather border trim Makes ...
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...
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...
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00079 Brand: Hermes Material: Viscose, Silk Color: Beige, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip ...
Hermès Jean Paul Gaultier FW 2008 Runway Ad Campaign Orange Shearling Jacket
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
ULTRA RARE HERMÈS JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FALL WINTER 2008 RUNWAY & AD CAMPAIGN BURNT ORANGE SUEDE CURLY LAMB SHEARLING JACKET An exceptionally rare and highly collectable Hermès Autumn/...
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...
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...
Vintage Hermès "Toucans" Fine Limoges Porcelain Cigar Ashtray / Change Tray (GM)
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Vintage Hermès "Toucans" Fine Limoges Porcelain Cigar Ashtray / Change Tray (Grand Modèle) An exceptional and highly collectible rectangular white porcelain cigar ashtray / valet tr...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf Viny Record Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: Vinyl Record Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Made in France Colorways: navy blue, mustard yellow, turquoise blue "HERMÈS-PARIS...
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.