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 Retourne 35 Sanguine Matte Alligator Bag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Retourne 35 Kelly bag featured in Sanguine Matte Alligator. Warm clay red with orange undertone makes this a fabulou...
Hermès 2021 Etoupe Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Etoupe Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1665 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Z Age: 2021 Accompanied B...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Traditional Medieval Outfit
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: traditional medieval outfit, adorned with hunting horns Made in France Made of printed porcelain, egdes and notches hand paint...
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...
Black leather riding boots with silver metal hardware Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather riding boots with silver metal hardware. Shoe size 38,5 (Fr) 7 (Us) Height: 40 cm
NEW Hermès Kelly 28 Bordeaux Matte Alligator Gold Hardware GHW RARE
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RARE Hermès Bordeaux Matte Alligator Kelly 28 with Gold Hardware GHW in NEW UNUSED condition. Absolutely gorgeous bordeaux burgundy Mississippi alligator exterior trimmed with shining gold hardware. Signature kelly style double strap twist top flap closure opens to a matching Bordeaux kidskin leather interior with 2 slit and 1 zipped side pockets. This is a NEW and UNUSED piece. Fresh from Hermes with original hardware protective covers still intact, box, dusters, raincoat, care booklet, protective felt and ORIGINAL CITES CERTIFICATE...
Hermès Tropical Garden Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden silk scarf. Hand-rolled edges.
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...
Hermès Rose Azalee Swift Kelly Pochette GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rose Azalee Swift Kelly Pochette GHW SKU: 156488 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown i...
Hermès Limited Edition Birkin 35cm "Fray Fray" Brown Swift Leather Beige Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition bag from Hermès featuring the Birkin 35 Fray Fray design. Crafted in Biscuit Swift leather with Toile canvas, the construction blends sm...
HERMES black MATTE CROC BEARN Wallet Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Soufflet wallet in black matte alligator is a timeless statement of luxury and refinement. Featuring an elegant silhouette, it closes with a leather ...
HERMES brown orange 32mm Reversible Belt Strap 80 SOMBRERO / Togo leather
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% auth Hermes 32mm reversible belt strap in Fusain (dark brown) Sombrero and Potiron (orange) Veau Togo leather. Brand new. Comes with ...
Hermès Birkin 25 Cognac Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Birkin 25 Cognac Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware G Stamp 2026 A timeless expression of understated luxury, this Hermès Birkin 25 arrives in rich Cognac Ostrich leather paired w...
Hermes Rodeo PM Pegase Bag Charm Menthe Blue Brume and Sesame
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Pegase Rodeo PM bag charm featured in Menthe, Sesame and Bleu Brume. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colours in your fabulous collecti...
Hermes Constance 18 Mini Black Epsom Leather Gold HW A Stamp Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES CONSTANCE 18 MINI BLACK EPSOM LEATHER BAG GOLD STAMP A shoulder bag FrancThere are minor signs of wear on the edges, scratches on the metal components, traces insid...
Hermes Black & Gold Des Tuileries Silk Print Vest circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Hermes Black & Gold Des Tuileries Silk Print Vest from the circa 1990s is a luxurious and timeless addition to any wardrobe. Crafted from high-quality silk, the vest fe...
HERMÈS - Vintage Women's Silk Cotton Aloha Caftan by Laurence Bourthoumieux
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gorgeous pure silk caftan with cotton center back band - The pattern is that of the " Aloha " Carrè designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux -...
Hermes Evelyne TPM Etain Bag Gold Hardware Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM Etain bag easily worn as a shoulder or crossbody. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Sign...
Hermes Birkin 25 White Blanc Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 White Blanc Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Plastic on Hardware D Stamp 2019. Please be m...
Hermès Vert Anis Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Anis Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette Product Details Xupes Ref: MML040 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Pochette Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [I] Age: 2005 Accompa...
Auth. Hermès silk Scarf - Les Poulains - Red - Xavier de Poret - Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Poulains - Red - EXCWOCT - 2606131615 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Poulains, The Foals Artist: Xavier de Poret Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bleu Atoll with gold hardware handbag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Birkin 25 in Blue Atoll colour swift leather with Gold hardware. One of the rare colors of Hermes. This item is in excellent condition with all stickers on. Comes with Dust B...
Hermès Tigre du Bengale 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermès "Tigre du Bengale" 90 Silk Scarf with box, designed by Robert Dallet. Condition : Pristine
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag Cuivre with Rose Mexico Toile Strap
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 mini bag featured in Cuivre (Copper). A stunning colour inspired by the metal, Cuivre is a saturated coppery brown. Crisp with Palladium hardware...
Hermès Mini Kelly Rose Extreme Porosus Crocodile w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Kelly in Rose Extreme Porosus Crocodile with palladium hardware is an extraordinary expression of color, rarity, and craftsmanship, bringing together one of the house...
Hermes Mini Kelly Touch Chamkila Chevre Leather Lizard Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Touch Black Noir Chamkila Chevre Leather and Black Ombre Lizard Handle Complimented by Palladium Hardware. New G Stamp 2026. Inclu...
Hermes Miles Sneaker Technical Canvas / Goatskin / Calfskin 37 /7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Miles Sneakers featured in Black and White. Accentuated with Brown rear detail. Technical canvas with goatskin suede toe and rear White calfskin. Almond toe and lightweight for great comfort. Comes with sleeper and signature Hermes orange box...
Hermès diamond-shaped stole 'Eperon d'or'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silk and cashmere diamond-shaped stole with topstitches and illustrated with the 'Eperon d'or' theme. Designed by Henri d'Origny. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions...
Hermès NIB Green Sellier Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Sellier Twilly brand new. This scarf is made out of silk and has never been worn. It is multicolor with green base. The piece comes in the original box and is wrapped with the...
Hermes Bearn Wallet With Gusset Etoupe Epsom Calfskin Leather Palladium Plated
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Béarn pays tribute to the South-West region of France and is part of a collection featuring the names of different French regions. A wallet or card holder with a sleek design, it...
Hermès Dolphins Print Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and so rare authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 jumping Dolphins Made in France Made in 1979 for the first flight of Boeing 747 for UTA (Union de Transports Aériens - Air T...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML028 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied ...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 PM Brown Clemence Leather PHW Silver HW Stamp K 2025
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good,Minor signs of use, light scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Key,lock,dust bag. size: Width:18cm,height:19cm Designer: Hermes Model:Picotin Lock...
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, a vert cru clémence leather picotin 18 bag
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, a vert cru clémence leather picotin 18 bag with palladium hardware. Corners have faded leather structure and feet and leather on the bottom show some very lights signs of wea...
HERMES black Epsom leather BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in black Veau Epsom leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes with a leat...
Hermès 2017 Shiny Alligator Medor 23 Clutch - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès Medor 23 clutch in black alligator leather. Features gold-tone hardware and tonal stitching. The wrap-around strap fastens with the signature pull-through closure. Leather-lin...
Hermès Lion Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Lion Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: ivory, green, yellow, brown Bei...
Hermes Constance 18 Epsom LeatherGray Gold Hardware 2022
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear. Exterior leather shows wear. Interior is clean. Accessories: Key,Lock,Box,Dust Bag size: Width:18cm,height:15cm Designer: Hermes Model: Constance...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Vert Menthe Swift w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fresh and delightfully expressive, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Vert Menthe offers a vibrant interpretation of the house’s iconic silhouette through a crisp, mint-infused green palette...
Hermès Kelly Pochette Gold Swift Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Pochette in gold and swift leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
$926Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Cotton Printed Dress with Panel Skirt and Bone Buttons
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - A dress made of ultra-lightweight printed cotton, featuring a skirt with a wide belt and a top with long strips of fabric that start at...
Hermès Collectible Niege D Antan Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès highly collectible “Niege d’Antan” silk and cashmere shawl. Grey and blue color way. Comes with original box.
Hermès New Les Cabanes Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Les Cabanes Case in bicolor wool twill features, lining in herringbone canvas, machine embroidered (96% polyester and 4% ceramic), zip closure with pull-tab in bicolor ...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf L'Indomptable Submarine 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "L''indomptable" Designed by Pierre Peron in 1977 The Indomptable (S613) is the fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN - SNLE ...
Hermes Orange Large square African Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Orange Large square African porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a square shape, an African animals design, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s Made in...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Etoupe taupe Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s s...
Hermès 2009 Carré 45 Gavroche Sulfures Silk Twill Carre 45 Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 45cm square gavroche scarf in silk twill, featuring the Sulfures & Presse Papier print by Cathy Latham, first released in 1979 and reissued in 2002 (Détails version) and again...
Hermes Constance 18 Bag Gold Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured in Gold Matte Alligator. Removeable mirror with alligator tab. Rich with Gold hardware. The effect is understated chic. Hermes ...
Hermès New B25 Rouge H Unisex Top Handle Bag - 21st Century Design
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge H Birkin 25 Bag. Brand new 2026 Birkin bag. Never used and stayed in the box. The most wanted color of the year. Dark red burgundy color. Great investment bag. Full set....
Super Cute Hermès Silk Tie Kala's Family Monkeys Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Funny Authentic Hermès Tie From the "KALA'S FAMILY" collection Prints: Dangling Monkeys Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: CIEL / VERT / BLEU CLAIR ( Sky B...
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Vintage Sterling Silver Novelty Decorative Object Pill Box Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Vintage Sterling Silver Novelty Decorative Object Jewelry Box Kelly Bag Pill Box Sterling silver Made in England Signed Measures 1.8" W x 1.8" L x 0.7" D 100% authenticity ...
Hermes Sandal Flat Oran Gold Box Calfskin 37 / 7 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Oran exquisite Gold box calfskin slide. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Gold embossed c...
Hermes New Kelly 28 Rose Mexico Clemence
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes BNIB Kelly 28 retourne in rose Mexico taurillon clemence leather, palladium hardware. Date stamp Y for 2020. Detachable strap. Comes with clochette,...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Chemisier Dress 'Rose des Vents' by Joachim Metz 1984
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Elegant silk georgette chemisier the motif is that of the Carrè " Rose des Vents " designed by master Joachim Metz in 1984. This is a ta...
Hermès Blue Tropical Garden Silk Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Tropical garden silk scarf. Black and pastel colors. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
HERMES Etoupe Epsom black Swift leather GAMMA 24mm Reversible Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Gamma 24mm reversible belt in Etoupe (taupe) Epsom and black Veau Epsom swift leather with palladium buckle. Has been worn and is in...
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.