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.
Hermès NIB Grey Pearl Mini Evelyne Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag in grey pearl leather features perforated logo detail, an adjustable shoulder strap, snap fastening, main compartment. Palladium hardware. Comes with boo...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Jaune Ambre GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
$15,157Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
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 1969 Vide Poche Cendrier Equitation Japonaise Ashtray Trinket Bowl Hermes
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès porcelain ashtray or trinket tray, featuring a motif from the "Japanese Riding" scarf by Françoise de la Perrière, published in 1969 and never reissued, in gold and orange ton...
$2,960
HERMÈS scarf PÉKINOIS
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 Helicopter Key Ring Leather for Eurocopter
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Rectangular in shape, hot-stamped with a helicopter "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" hot-stamped on the front "eurocpter an EADS Company HERMÈS PARIS" h...
Hermès – Camicia Vintage in Cotone “Écuries / Scuderie” – Anni ’80
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Camicia Hermès Paris autentica, realizzata in Francia, in morbido 100% cotone con l’iconica stampa equestre della Maison. Il motivo raffigura una scena di scuderie, con cavalli sella...
HERMES Hydra blue Togo leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Bleu Hydra Taurillon Clémence leather. Designed in the house’s iconic, relaxed saddle silhouette, it features gold-plated hardware, ...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
Hermès 1980's Blue Ostrich Leather Vest, Rare
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisitely luxurious Hermès ostrich leather vest in a beautiful shade of faded wedgewood blue. The vest is lined in blue with logo etched horn ...
HERMES cream silk TERRES PRECIEUSES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Terres Précieuses 90 scarf by Annie Faivre in cream twill silk (100%). Features a refined, fluid square silhouette showcasing an int...
Hermès Teke Statuette Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Africa
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: wood statuettes Theme: Teke, Africa, African Spirit Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand pain...
Hermes Vintage Ulysse Toile Barenia Trunk Carry On Suitcase Gold Hardware 1950s
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Special order ulysse exterior HH logo throughout - Brass hardware - Estimated to be from the early 1950's - Dual front buckle strap with functioning snap closure - Linen lined...
HERMES black grained leather CAP Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier cap is crafted in black grained calfskin leather. It features a relaxed, slouchy crown paired with a structured visor for a chic, mod...
Hermès Horse Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horse Theme: horse riding, rodeo Made in France Made of printed porcelain, notches covered with platinum (silver-tone)...
Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Sellier Burgundy Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 32, in burgundy box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (...
Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a golf ball Made in France Made of inox (stainless steel) and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS" engraved on one side of the opener / "INO...
HERMES orange Swift leather MINI JYPSIERE 22 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Jypsière 22 crossbody bag in classic Hermès Orange Veau Swift leather. A refined, modern icon blending equestrian herit...
HERMES Blanc white Swift leather KELLY 35 FLAT Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gautier Kelly Flat 35 Bag in Blanc is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, offering a clean, minimalist expression of the iconic Kelly d...
Hermès Long Ghillies Gloves Leather Silk Size 7
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves The top beautifully adorned with a band decorated with holes and nicely cut on the edge in the ghillies style Made in France Made of s...
Hermes 'Le Sacre du Printemps' Spring Pink & White Silk Scarf, 1986
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with the Hermes 1986 'Le Sacre du Printemps' Spring Pink & White Silk Scarf. Crafted from high-quality silk with hand rolled edges, this s...
Hermès "Jour de Casting" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jour de Casting scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by artist Liz Stirling. This whimsical design, features seven well-groomed dogs dressed in collars and a...
Hermès Sac Constance 24 Beige circa 1985 Precious Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance bag in camel beige exotic leather (Porosus), 24 cm double gusset, soft leather interior with a matching slip pocket and a zipped pocket, clasp with the famous H moti...
New Hermes Birkin 35 / 40 Number 5 Rain Cover Jacket Protector
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
An authentic Hermès Birkin 35 Rain Cover, still sealed in its original plastic sleeve. Designed to fit the 35 or 40 cm Birkin, this waterproof protector keeps your treasured bag saf...
HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag is a timeless icon crafted in a refined combination of Naturelle Vache leather and Khaki Toile canvas. The Retourne style features so...
Auth. HErmes Scarf Chevaloscope – Blanc Bleu Multicolore – NEw Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Chevaloscope – Blanc Bleu Multicolore – NWST – 2505081635 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Elias Kafouros Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Blanc (Whit...
Hermès Gardener Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Vegetable Garden
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: gardener's hat, flower pots, basket with roses, rake, shovel, watering can, clogs, cauliflower, garden strings Theme: Garden, Garden...
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox cube 37 Chamois Capucine. This tote is crafted of durable calfskin leather in grey. The bag features a smooth tall ...
Hermès Perpetuel Calendar Ephemeris Robot Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Rare Hermès Perpetual Calendar Perpetual version The day and date change automatically by pressing the push button The years can be set to a 4-year cycle. Currently se...
Hermès Evelyne Coral Chèvre Coin Purse
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne Red Coin Purse is in chevrè goatskin leather in coral red. The purse has a frontal perforated Hermes H and a palladium zipper.
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
HERMES Etoupe & black leather 32MM CLASSIC H REVERSIBLE Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Classic H 32mm reversible belt offers exceptional versatility with its dual-sided design in Etoupe Togo leather on one side and black Box leather on the ot...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather & Indigo EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Etoupe Taurillon Clemence leather with a indigo blue wool sangle strap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and gold-ton...
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 ...
HERMES Potiron orange Clemence leather BIRKIN 30 Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Bag in Potiron is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Clemence leather, showcasing a rich orange hue that highlights the bag’s iconic s...
HERMÈS scarf PASSIFLORES
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PASSIFLORES Designed by Valerie Dawlat 1996 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Peach green multicolo...
Hermès 1986 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Chasse a vol Grey Ecru Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, "Chasse à Vol" (Hunting in Flight) motif by Henri de Linares, first produced in 1982, reissued in 1986 and 1989. The motif is in shades o...
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...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
Hermes Gold Gulliver Leather Plume 32 Hand Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold "Gulliver" leather "Plume 32" handbag featuring gold plated hardware, leather lining with slip pocket. You could fit a laptop inside. Circa 1996 (Z in a round) In good ...
Hermès Bunch of Grapes Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Bunch of grapes, grape, vine leaves Theme: vine, harvest, grape, wine Beautiful in a cellar. Would make a great gift for a wine ...
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 Smooth Leather Jaune Milton Kellyfestival Kelly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Bag Charm "KELLYFESTIVAL" A cute small bag with the famous "Kelly Clasp" Perfect to quickly find your keys or your makeup if you hang it to your bag Ma...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Les Edifices de Paris 1806 Grygkar RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this stunning authentic Hermès scarf Print: "Les Edifices de Paris 1806" Designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1957, never reissued Made in France Made of 100% Sil...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
New Hermes Kelly 20 Epsom Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 20, commonly known as the Mini Kelly II, in Etoupe Epsom leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is one of the most coveted and difficult-to-acquire pieces in the world of ...
Faune et Flore du Texas Forever Scarf 90 NEW 2025
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Faune et Flore du Texas forever scarf 90 cm Jaune Vif / Bleu Azur / Multicolore Last piece ,sold out. New with tags and box. Final sale
Hermès La Mare aux Canards Silk Scarf Duck Christiane Vauzelles 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf The colors are stunning. The most beautiful I have seen on a Hermès scarf. The photos don't do this amazing scarf justice. The colors are ...
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3700 beautiful & elegant summer tote
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3,700 Bag is NEW Beach bag in water-repellent cotton with "Noeuds Marins" print and interior pouch Made in France Dimensions: L 49 x...
Hermes Gold Leather Poche Cloche Vanity Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold leather “Poche Cloche” vanity clutch featuring a strap with gold-tone metal clips & zipper, gold-plated hardware, a nylon lining, a top zip opening, inside logo stamp.Cou...
Hermes Haut à Courroies Hac 60 Black Ardennes GoldCarry On Birkin Vintage 1991
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black Leather Exterior - Silver Hardware - Stamped circle U (1991) Measurements (approximately in inches) : L: 26.5 " H: 18.8 " W: '12 " Description: This bag is truly in...
Hermès Silk Scarf Rêverie Solitaire Florence Manlik 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "REVERIE SOLITAIRE" (solitary reverie) Designed by Florence Manlik Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorway 06: BLANC / ORANGE / SOLEIL (w...
Hermès Golden Tastevin Taste-Vin Wine Taster Cup
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Wine Taster Called also Taste-Vin in french A handle allows it to be worn as a necklace during a wine tasting tour (delivered without a necklace) Made of non...
HERMES black cashmere FUNKY LEATHER TRIM FEDORA Hat 58
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Funky fedora hat in black cashmere (100%) featuring a tonal deerskin band and a subtly quilted brim that adds structure and modern edge. Finished with an acetat...
Hermès Tan Alligator Belt with Gold Constance Belt Buckle, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Constance 'H' logo belt buckle in yellow gold plated metal 38mm. Leather strap in a tan, glossy Mississippiensis alligator leather. Constance buckle shows light surface scrat...
Hermès 2 Shotgun Shells Shot Glasses Bullets Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Set of Two Shooter Glasses In shape of shotgun cartridges Can be used as a shot glass or toothpick holder, or just as decoration Vintage Items The body is ...
Hermes Khaki Cotton Toto PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Khaki cotton “Toto” PM (small size) tote bag featuring navy stripy details, top handles, top logo snap opening, inside zipped pocket. 100% cotton. Circa 1990s In good vintage ...
Hermès 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
New Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch in Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in modern, streamlined luxury. This specific model, often refer...
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.