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 Kelly II Sellier 32 Toile H Berline Toile H Plume Swift Leather Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly II Sellier 32 bag. This striking bag is featured in Toile H Berline, a coated canvas, and Toile H Plume. Finished in Black Swift le...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse The purse is a vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of silver (crab hallmark) "HERMÈS" and crab hallmark enbraved on one...
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 Silk Scarf Christophe Colomb Decouvre l'Amerique 12 Oct 1492
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Christophe Colomb découvre l'Amérique 12 Octobre 1492" Designed by Carl de Parcevaux in 1992 A true collector scarf ! Made in Fra...
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...
Hermes Medor 23 Clutch Bag Black Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Médor 23 in Black alligator with Gold hardware. This striking limited edition Médor clutch represents one of the house’s most distinctive and bold designs...
Hermes Black Floride Box Belt Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Floride” Box belt clutch bag featuring a gold-tone hardware, front pitted logo snap fastening, an adjustable belt, an inside gold-tone logo stamp, a “A” pitted in a squ...
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 Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
Hermès 1990s Kelly 32 Black Box Leather Unisex Top Handle Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
The Hermes Kelly 32 in black Box leather captivates with its structured lines and iconic look. Its Box leather, emblematic of the House of Hermes, offers a smooth feel and a refined ...
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 scarf PÉKINOIS Xavier De Poret 1965
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PÉKINOIS Very rare Designed by Xavier De Poret 1965 100% silk Hand rolled hem Made in France Pink, grey, ivory Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Ve...
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 Shawl 140 "Robe du Soir"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Robe du Soir" en Cachemire et Soie Neuf Jamais Porté, dessiné par Florence Manlik Il s'agit d'un modèle collector.
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in 1 in Gold Togo Leather with Gold hardware.
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in- in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware. This exceptional limited edition Birkin features a rare 3-in-1 configuration, offering both classic structure and mo...
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...
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...
Brand New Hermes Black Mini Kelly 20 HSS verso Gold
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Mini Kelly 20 Hermès Neuf Jamais porté, HSS Commande Spéciale en cuir Epsom Noir verso Gold - stamp K de 2025. Tous les plastiques de protection sont présents sur les parties métalli...
Hermes top by Jean Paul Gaultier Summer 2010
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 2010 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Jean Paul Gaultier. Transparent white silk and cotton top. Size 40FR indicated. Made in France...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
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 ...
Sac Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu Saphir Swift leather
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Découvrez ce magnifique Birkin 25 en cuir Swift Bleu Saphir datant de 2015. Son cuir souple, sa couleur profonde et ses finitions Gold en font un modèle particulièrement recherché pa...
2014 Rare Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Birkin 35 bag Togo leather beautiful and easy to wear blue jean color Palladium hardware Year 2014 R series Double handle Keys and locker 2 Internal pockets (one ...
$15,772Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Vintage Black 32 Kelly Bag 1990s with Gold Tone Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black 32 Kelly gold tone hardware shoulder strap inside
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
HERMES black Epsom leather MINI KELLY 20 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag in Noir is the epitome of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in structured Epsom leather, this mini version of...
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 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
Hermès Spinning Top Toopy Leather Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Spinning Top "TOOPY" Rare item Made of smooth young bull leather and mahogany wood (cuir de taurillon lisse et bois d'acajou) "HERMÈS" engraved on th...
2026 Rare Hermès "Jige" Elan Mauve Sylvestre
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Brand new and beautiful Hermès Jige 29 Rare mauve sylvestre color, pink Purchased at the end of may 2026 Unique owner The bag comes with dustbag, box and copy of invoice Cm 29 x 15,...
HERMES Nuit blue Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Bag in Nuit is a timeless icon of refined luxury and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted from supple Togo leather, the Retourne construction ...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Hermes Yellow Togo Leather Tsako Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Tsako” Yellow togo leather shoulder bag featuring a cotton shoulder handle, a logo fastening strap with a fastening snap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1988 In good vintage co...
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...
Hermès Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Bonheurs a Paris
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Plates From the "Bonheurs à Paris" collection (happiness in Paris) Plates number 3, 4, 5 and 6 Places: ...
Hermès Shawl 140 "Les Jardins de Soie"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès "Jardins de Soie" 140 x 140 cm Cachemire et Soie Neuf Jamais Porté, dessiné par Christine Henry. Avec boite. Il s'agit d'un modèle collector. Un fil tiré qu...
Hermes Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : Dimensions : 57.09" x 74.80" approx. Condition : Pristine
2026 As New Hermès Herbag 20 Viking
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Splendid and classy Hermès bag Brand new, purchased in may 2026 ! Herbag in Viking canvas and black leather External zip pocket Metal As new conditions, with dustbag, box and bills C...
Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Carré 90 Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" dessiné par Christine Henry Parfait état 100% Soie En 1883, Claude Monet, l'un des plus grands peintres impressionnistes, s'installe à Giverny,...
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 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 Cuivre Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 MAXI QUADRILLE Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Cuivre Taurillon Clemence leather. A timeless icon in a rich copper-brown hue, featuring the signature perforated H and refined gold...
Hermès Sac Bolide Courchevel Bandouliere 1971 Red Leather Hand Bag Strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide bag, size 35, in lightly grained leather (Epsom, formerly Courchevel) in "Braise" red. The interior is lined in supple leather and features a large slip pocket. It has ...
HERMÈS scarf TIBET
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf TIBET Designed by Cathy Latham 1999 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Dark brown orange red green blue Measures approx. cm. 90 x...
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 Shawl 140 "Jungle Love"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Jungle Love" en Cachemire et Soie, dessiné par Robert Dallet, dans sa boite. Modèle collector.
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermès 1990s Ceinture Chaine d Ancre T80 Adjustable M Black Leather Belt Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre belt, circa 1990, featuring a reversible smooth box leather strap in black on one side and camel or gold on the other, and a gold-tone metal clasp inspired by t...
Hermès German shepherd Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: an adorable german shepherd on a terrace with vegetation in the background Drawings are stunning ! Made in France Vintage ite...
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 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 black leather MEDOR LOAFER Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Medor loafer-style platform pumps are crafted from black brushed leather, offering a refined blend of sophistication and modern edge. The design features ...
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 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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch in Brown Crocodile Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel Made in France Stamp A in square (1997) Made of shiny niloticus croco...
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 ...
Auth. Hermès silk Scarf Les Folies du Ciel - Rouge Vert Jaune Violet - EXC
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Folies du Ciel - Rouge Vert Jaune Violet - EXCWCT - 2606281509 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Folies du Ciel, Follies of the Sky Artist: Loïc Dub...
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.