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 Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag. Excellent condition. Red togo leather. Unique strap. Navy and red. Interior clean. Silver palladium hardware. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and d...
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf designed by Pierre Marie Made In: France Color: Craie/ Juane Soleil Materials: 100% Silk Overall Condition: Excel...
Hermes Lock 18 Mauve Sylvestre Tote Bag Palladium Hardware Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Lock 18 tote bag featured in coveted Mauve Sylvestre. Beautiful soft neutral colour. This charming Hermes Picotin tote is a perfect everyday go to...
Auth. Hermès La France - Bordeaux, Blanc - Excellent - Rare Collector!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La France – Bordeaux – EXCWOCT – Rare Collector – 2001101528 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La France, France Artist: Françoise de la Perrière Size: 90 c...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Striped Silk Trousers
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptionally fluid pinstriped silk trousers from Martin Margiela’s collections during his tenure as creative director at Hermès from 1997 to 2003. The trousers feature front pleats,...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal shoes featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. W...
Hermes Kelly 25 Quadrille Viking Toile Black White Sellier Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite Hermes Kelly Quadrille 25 Sellier bag featured in crisp Black and White Viking toile. Very rare to find in the 25 cm si...
Hermes Herbag 31 Black Canvas Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Herbag 31 Black Canvas Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT This...
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML038 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial N...
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW The Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier in Graphite Alligator Mississippiensis captures an aura of refined strength and...
Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026 The Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini in Silver Chamkilight goatskin captures the quiet sophistication of one of the ...
Hermes Double Sens 35 Reversible Tote Bag, P Square Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use. Wear along the top opening and corners, minor stains on the body. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:35cm Designer: Hermès Model: Double Sens 35 ...
Hermès “Jungle Love" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès “Jungle Love" Silk Scarf designed by Robert Dallet features two leopards amongst a blue border. The scarf is 100% silk and has hand rolled edges. Comes with original box a...
Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Verso Mushroom with Biscuit Bag Gold Hardware Evercolor
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 1923 Bolide Mini Verso bag featured in Mushroom and Biscuit interior. Beautiful in size and detail! Mushroom exterior with a Bi...
Hermes Togo Kelly 35 Retourne Chocolate Brown Silver PDH
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes Brown Togo Kelly 35 Retourne Silver PDH in excellent condition. Chocolate brown togo leather exterior trimmed with silver palladium hardware. Signature double strap twist lock...
Hermes Constance H Camel Large Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Camel large “Constance” leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a large “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted B in a square. Belt Size fr:80 Circa 1998 (B in a square.) M...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Rose Mexico Porosus Crocodile w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Rose Mexico Shiny Porosus Crocodile with palladium hardware is a bold and highly coveted statement piece, combining one of Hermès’ most prized exotic leathe...
Haute A Courroies Hac 50 Red Rouge H Crinoline Buffalo Duffle Travel Bag Vtg
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This bag is absolutely magnififenct
Hermès Birkin 30 Capucine Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Capucine togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and doub...
$32,000
Hermes Birkin 50cm HAC
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous, authentic Hermes 50cm HAC Birkin. Dark brown leather with chrome finish hardware, dual-belt turnstile lock closure. Embossed above the closure is...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Pivoine Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Rouge Pivoine. This stunning Birkin handbag is crafted of luxurious red togo leather. The luxurious handbag features looping leather top...
auth HERMES black cashmere SKINNY Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes skinny scarf in black cashmere jersey (100%) with fringed ends. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 200cm (78in)
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag Reference: KYCG/A00038 Brand: Hermes Model: Twins Collection: SS 2019 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Flap Lining: Blue Leather Extra Details: Hermes Twin...
$5,424
Hermès bag 'Pallonnier'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Black porosus-crocodile leather 'Pallonnier' bag. Piece from the 1960s-1970s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 14 cm - Width: 26 cm - De...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Yucca Green Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Yucca Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New W Stamp 2024. Additional Information: Condition: New without tags ...
Hermès Kelly Elan Deep Blue Madame Leather Gold Hardware Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
As New Rare Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Elan Deep Blue Madame Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. As new B stamp 2023. Additional Information: Condition: New without tags: This i...
Hermès Mini Kelly Havane Sellier Alligator Mississippiensis Lisse PHW G Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Havane Sellier Alligator Mississippiensis Lisse PHW G Stamp The unmistakable elegance of this Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier is elevated by the rich Havane shade, offer...
Hermès Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print, effortless yet unmistakably steeped in heritage, this Hermès beach bag in H canvas with the “Quadrige” print captures the house’s equestr...
Hermès La Danse Horse Charm in Sterling Silver
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
A rare limited edition piece. Featuring Hermès’ iconic equestrian design, this collectible luxury charm showcases exceptional craftsmanship and timeless appeal. A sought-after Hermès...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Epsom Bleu Royal Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in bleu royal and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
HERMES Halzan 31 Gold Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag PHW 2015
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of wear, small stains on the surface, scratches on the hardware.. Size Width: 31cm Designer HERMES Model Halzan 31 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color Bro...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Jaipur Bag with Gold Hardware in Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 30 bag in soft pretty pink Rose Jaipur. This rare to find this retired beautiful soft pink colour is a blend of orange, pink and red and evokes the sunset. Epsom leather reveals the world of Hermes...
Hermes Oran Sandal Black Calfskin White Top Stitch Flat Shoes 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran exquisite Black calfskin slides. The iconic bone top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Black embossed calfskin i...
Hermes Mini Jypsiere Gold Evercolor Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
A rare gem from Hermès’ coveted lineup, this Gold Evercolor Mini Jypsiere embodies the Maison’s signature fusion of refined elegance and everyday versati...
HERMES navy blue & grey silk KNOT 45 Twill GAVROCHE Pocket Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Knot 45 twill pocket scarf is crafted from luxurious silk (100%) and features an intricate knot motif in navy, light grey, and l...
Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Brown Caramel Togo Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Togo & Caramel Interior Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Like New Condition Plastic on all Hardware. ...
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...
Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm in Mauve Sylvestre Epsom, a soft, muted mauve that sits between dusty pink and lavender, with a cool undertone that shifts subtly depending on lighting. It has...
Hermes H' Diamant' Scarf Ring New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes H' Diamant' scarf ring in gold-tone metal, features engraved 'H' logo on the front. This beautiful scarf ring will allow you to wear your scarves in many ways while adding a c...
Hermès NIB Picotin 18 Rose Extreme Brown
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès picotin 18cm in rose extreme-brown taurillo clemence leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop 5”. Date stamp Z for 2021. Comes with booklet, ori...
Hermès Chinchilla Fur Coat (size 8) ~no duties
By Hermès
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Hermes natural Grey Chinchilla Fur full length coat Short collar, straight sleeves, dual seam pockets at hips and German hook-and-eye closures at front Made in France SIZE 8 (eq...
Hermès Saint Christopher Yellow Gold Key Holder Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Key Ring Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" o...
Hermès Turquoise Togo & Swift Leather Ghillies Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Turquoise Togo & Swift Leather Ghillies Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details JJLG147 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [R] Age: 2014 Accompanied ...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal shoes featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. W...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entrance of the 24 Fau...
Hermès Silk Scarf Boite Au Vol Bali Barret 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "boîte au vol" Pattern: Hermès box in front of the Eiffel Tower Designed by Bali Barret in 2005 Highly Sought After ! Extremely rare color...
$1,945Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Silk Hooded Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage extremely rare "FEUX D'ARTIFICE" print silk hooded blouse. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversar...
Hermès Burgundy Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès burgundy leather and multipattern silk foldable bag. Excellent condition. Closed measurements 5"x5"1". Handle drop 10". Comes with original dust bag.
Hermes "Tree of Song" Silk Print Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes "Tree of Song" Silk Print Twilly Scarf is a stunning accessory that embodies elegance and artistic craftsmanship. Crafted from luxurious silk, this twilly features a vibrant a...
Hermès “Tigre à l‘ananas“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Tigre a l'Ananas" print designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy is made from 100% cotton, featuring a multi-color design. Woven in Germany and ...
Hermès "Indiens Cote Pacifique" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An extremely rare and collectable Hermès silk scarf by African American artist Kermit Oliver from A/W 2002. The design is called “Tsitsika (“Time When Nothing Is Real”) or “Les Indie...
NIB Hermès Orange Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box Orange Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18, gold tone hardware . This chic and lovely tote is crafted of sturdy canvas in orange. The bag features loopi...
Hermes Birkin 30 Soufre Yellow Jaune Matte Alligator Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare & Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Jaune Soufre Yellow Mississippian Alligator Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware . Excellent Condition with Plastic on Hardware. Please ...
Hermes Vert Embrun Oran Sandal Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 35
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran flat sandals featured in Vert Embrun. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran slide sandal is in the softest sea foam hue - stunning. The iconic H cut...
Hermes Birkin 35cm Bleu Saphire Novillo Leather Sea Surf & Fun w/Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35cm Sea Surf & Fun Limited Edition in Bleu Saphir Novillo leather with palladium hardware is a rare 2018 seasonal release that reinterprets the iconic Birkin s...
HERMÈS Vintage 'Grands Fonds' Silk Carré Scarf by Annie Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMÈS vintage 'Grands Fonds' silk carré scarf by Annie Faivre. Created by renowned illustrator Annie Faivre, 'Grands Fonds' is one of Hermès' most celebrated carré designs, embodyi...
Hermès Women's Quicker Sneakers White Calf Leather Hot Pink Suede Trim
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Quicker sneakers. Unworn with 2 x dustbags. Made from white calf leather with hot pink suede trims, quilted H motifs, thick laces and white soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measur...
Hermès "Musee Bateau a Vapeu" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Musee Bateau a Vapeu" 100% silk scarf designed by Philippe Ledoux features a collection of antiques, like a ship's wheel, a carriage, and various other nautical and equestria...
Auth. Hermes Scarf Magic Kelly - Black Gold - Mint With Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Magic Kelly - Black Gold - MWCT - 2601231258 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Magic Kelly, Magic Kelly Artist: Dimitri Rybaltchenko Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 3...
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.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.