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.
$9,270Sale 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 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 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 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...
HERMES Nuit blue orange Evercolor leather MINI ROULIS VERSO Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Roulis 18 Verso shoulder bag in Bleu Nuit Evercolor leather (100%). This luxury Hermès shoulder bag is expertly crafted from supple Evercolor leather (100%...
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 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 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/...
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 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) ...
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 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 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 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 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 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 "La Danse" Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Danse" Silk Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, and features a pattern of ballerinas against a red background.
Hermès Micro Kelly 15 cm Sellier Red Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Adorable Authentic Hermès Micro Kelly Rare item, a must-have for any Hermès lovers Sellier Version (outside stitching) for a rigid shape...
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...
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 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...
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 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 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 Vintage 1950's Haut à Courroies Hac 40 Birkin Natural Toile Travel Duffle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Tan toile and barenia leather exterior - Comes with lock and key - Brass Hardware Condition: The bag presents very well considering its age. It features a rich, well-deve...
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 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...
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 "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 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 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 En attendant Ulysse Silk Gavroche NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès En attendant Ulysse pink silk gavroche. Comes with original box.
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 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...
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 ...
Hermes foulard/scarf 'Della Cavalleria' by Virginie Jamin 2020
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Della Cavalleria" theme designed by Virginie Jamin. 2020 Edition. Dual-sided silk twill foulard topstitched by hand. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
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...
New Unworn Hermès Silk Ascot, Rope, Buckle and Chain in Yellow with Original Box
By Hermès
Located in valatie, NY
New and Unworn Hermès Silk Ascot Scarf with Rope, Buckle and Chain Design in Yellow with Original Box. Hermès ascots are a premium, traditional neck acces...
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...
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New W/T
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New With tags and box 90 cm .Made in France Final sale
$450Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Hermès “Jumping” Silk Scarf Philippe Ledoux Equestrian 35” Vintage 1970s
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Add an iconic equestrian touch to your collection with this authentic vintage Hermès “Jumping” silk scarf, designed by renowned artist Philippe Ledoux and first released in 1971. Cra...
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...
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 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, ...
$556Sale 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 ...
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 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 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...
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...
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...
$5,562Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "GLIKA" Made in France Vintage item Outside made of Box Smooth Leather, Inside lined with finely grained leather Colorway: Rouge H (Hermè...
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) ...
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 Kelly Skirt by Jean Paul Gaultier, Fall/Winter 2004–2005.
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Skirt by Jean Paul Gaultier, Fall/Winter 2004–2005. 100% virgin wool, with lambskin leather trim and metal buckles. Size 38 FR (Medium) Measurements: Waist: 38 cm / 1...
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 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 Curiosity Kelly Bag Charm Pendant Necklace Guilloche Permabrass
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Pendant In shape of a "Kelly" Bag The smallest version ever of the Iconic Kelly Bag It even has the padlock and clochette-tirette ! Made in France Made...
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...
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.