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 Parchemin cream OSTRICH KELLY POCHETTE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Parchemin ostrich with palladium hardware. Crafted from rare, full-quill ostrich leather in a luminous Parchemin cream, this Hermès Kel...
HERMES Swift Retourne Birkin 30 - Rose Dragee
By Hermès
Located in Atlanta, GA
Condition grade: Very Good Condition details: Minor creasing, marks and indentations on exterior. Minor wear and fading on corners. Minor wear on piping/trim. Minor wear and darkenin...
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 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 ...
1960s Hermes Brown Box Ring Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown Box leather “Ring” handbag featuring a top box leather handle ( length:39cm) gold-tone hardware, a claps fastening, inside compartments, an inside pocket, an inside gold...
Hermès "Tyger Tyger" 70 Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Tyger Tyger" Scarf is in a 100% silk with hand rolled edges, in the 70 cm size and features a Tiger sitting in a floral garden with pink background. Comes with new in the...
$50,285Sale 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 "La Danse" Rare Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "La Danse" scarf is sweet and lovely featuring ballerinas. Designed by Jean Louis Clerc in 1961. Made in France and from 100% Silk, with hand-rolled edges. Comes with no ...
Hermès NIB Evelyne 23 Gold Taurillon
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès NIB highly collectible evelyne 23 , new size introduced in 2025. Gold tone taurillon clemence leather and gold tone hardware. Date stamp G for 2026. ...
HERMES Naturel brown leather ENCENS 50 Sandals Shoes 39.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Encens 50 sandals in Naturel leather (100%). These luxury Hermès sandals are crafted from leather (100%) in a refined Naturel shade, showcasing the Maison’s und...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
Hermès Customised Bandana Jige Elan PM Yellow
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted bandana design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Comes with original box - Stamp M Square, Year 2009 - C...
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) ...
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...
1980's Hermes Brown Suede Rio Envelope Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Hermes brown suede Rio clutch circa 1980's. Envelope style, snap closure with wood and gold hardware button. In very lightly worn condition, no unusual signs of wear. Approx 10" x 7".
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 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 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 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 Sterling Silver Smallest Micro Kelly Bag Pill Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Smallest "Kelly" bag ever made This baby kelly has nothing to envy of the grown-ups, because it opens up too ! Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your p...
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 Fetes Venitiennes Silk Scarf Venice Carnival Venezia Italy
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Here is an opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful Hermès scarves Print: "FETES VENITIENNES" (Venetian festivals), also known as "Le Carnaval de Venise" Designed by Huber...
Hermès Constellation Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Carriage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Constallation Pattern: stars and shooting star, carriage and coachman (Hermès logo) and constellation drawn in dots Mad...
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...
2025 Hermès Rouge Radieux Swift Kelly Doll PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Kelly Doll • Size: 15cm • Color: Rouge Radieux • Leather: Swift • Hardware: Palladium Hardware • Year: 2025 • Accessories: Dustbag • Packaging: Blue Box. • C...
2019 Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Mini Kelly II 20 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Mini Kelly II • Size: 20cm • Color: Mauve Sylvestre (X9) • Leather: Epsom • Hardware: Palladium Hardware • Year: 2019 • Accessories: Strap, Lock, Keys, Cloch...
2016 Hermès Black Togo Retourne Birkin 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Retourne Birkin • Size: 30cm • Color: Noir (89) • Leather: Togo • Hardware: Gold Hardware • Year: 2016 • Accessories: Lock, Keys, Clochette, Dust Bag, Receip...
$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...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 AMAZONE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 Amazone TPM bag in Etoupe Taurillon Clemence leather (100%). This luxury Hermès crossbody bag is crafted from supple, richly grained Taurillon Clemen...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Horse Bit-Shaped Paperweight
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Paperweight In shape of a horse bit Vintage item Made in France A clover symbol remains on the hallmark (likely Ravinet d'Enfert) Made of meta...
Hermès Paris Scarf Ciels Byzantins by Julie Abadie
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf Ciels Byzantins by Julie Abadie - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; yelow/blue Vintage Very sough...
HERMES Special Order HSS JPG Birkin 42 Graphite matte palladium shoulder bag
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Special Order HSS JPG Birkin 42 Graphite matte palladium shoulder bag Reference: KELE/A00032 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: JPG Shoulder Birkin 42 (Horsesho...
2025 Hermès Noir HAC 50 en Selle PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Hac 50 en Selle • Size: 50cm • Color: Noir • Leather: Togo/Box/Swift • Hardware: Palladium Hardware • Year: 2025 • Accessories: Dust Bag, Clochette, Keys, Lo...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of yellow gold and silver "HERMES PARIS", serial number, craftman's hallmark and 75...
Hermes Neo Garden Party Denim 23 NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Neo Garden Party 23 is in a dark blue denim, with black leather trim. Comes new with original dust cover and box.
Exceptional Hermès Baikal Bag Black Doblis Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Among the rarest Hermès bag, here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional authentic Hermès Bag Called "Baikal" Its shape is inspired by the helmets of Mongolian horsemen (henc...
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 Ceinture T85 Constance 38 Unique Silver Tuareg H buckle Belt 30in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "mix-and-match" style belt (38 mm width) featuring a reversible strap in Sapphire Blue and Gold (or Camel) Epsom grained leather—dated 2022—and a solid silver "H" (or Constanc...
Hermès "Azulejos" Celeste Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Azulejos" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, and features a seascape.
Hermès Evelyne PM 29 Gold NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Evelyne PM 29 is New in a gold leather with palladium hardware, a perforated "H" at the front, and a detachable/adjustable canvas shoulder strap. date stamp G for 2026. Co...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
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...
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...
HERMES Gold camel Evercolor leather CONSTANCE 18 Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 18 shoulder bag in Gold Evercolor leather (100%). This luxury Hermès shoulder bag is expertly crafted from supple Evercolor leather (100%) in the Hous...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Pavement
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Pavement" This pattern was designed by Maurice Tranchant in 1970 The design is a breathtakingly beautiful micromosaic. T...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Book Shaped Telephone Repertory Keychain Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Charm or Key Ring In shape of a book, linking multiple address pages, whose edges are silvered The pages are bound together with a small nail, an "H" engraved...
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 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 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...
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 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, ...
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 ...
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,...
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...
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...
$22,290
Hermès Kelly 32 Handbag Navy
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful and Classy Hermes Kelly 32 sellier handbag strap in Navy Blue Epsom leather, gold metal hardware with white stitchings, blue leather handle, removable shoulder strap in blu...
Hermès "Carre Libre" Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Carre Libre" 100% silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Baptiste Virot Comes with ribbon and box.
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.