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 Airsilk Duffle Bag Cavalcadour 50 Blue Silk Limited Edition New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Airsilk Duffle Cavalcadour 50 featured in Blue, Orange, White and Black. Beautiful Cavalcadour silk sc...
HERMES dark brown & black leather 2010 PLATFORMBoots Shoes 40.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès bi-color platform boots in black and espresso brown smooth calfskin. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2010 Fall/Winter Measurements Imprinted S...
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...
Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau Alligator & Barénia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau alligator with Barénia leather is a rare, highly sculptural piece that blends equestrian heritag...
Hermès Cornucopia Vintage Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès 50s cigarette box features a decorated a horn of abundance, known as cornucopia. Outer leather black cover shows some signs of wear, removable interior in excellent condit...
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 Toolbox 20 Grey Leather Top Handle Bag 2015
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès Toolbox 20 Grey Leather Top Handle Bag 2015
Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe Blue de Prusse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe featured in Blue de Prusse. Created from 12 sheathed pieces of printed leather the leather marquet...
Hermès Vert Comics Togo Birkin 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vert Comics Togo Birkin 25 PHW SKU: Z154323 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic dir...
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 Kelly 32 Bag Matte Fauve Barenia Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Kelly 32 in exceptionally rare matte Fauve Barenia Porosus crocodile, finished with Gold hardware. A remarkable process of oiling and detail emerge into the skin for the Baren...
Hermes Emerald Oran Sandal Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 37 / 7 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers limited edition Hermes Oran Emerald sandals. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandal is featured in Epsom leather. T...
Hermes 1980's Haut à Courroies Hac 55 Birkin Veau Courchevel Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Steamped Circle P ( 1986 ) - Brass Hardware - Comes With Lock & Key - Natural Tan Leather Exterior - Discontinued 55 Size - The bag holds it shape when empty Condition: The...
Hermès Toffee Epsom Constance-To-Go Gold Hardware Wallet Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Toffee Epsom Constance-To-Go Crossbody Wallet in brown color leather with gold tone hardware on the front. Comes with a crossbody leather shoulder...
HERMES Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Black GHW Circl U
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good,Minor signs of use, clean interior, light scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag,Shoulder Strap size: Width:28cm,height:22cm Designer:HERMES Model: Kelly 28...
Rare Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray in Porcelain Pear and Pear Blossoms
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pear and Pear Blossoms Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: White, Beige, Green Golden edges "HERMÈS-PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19,9 cm Length / 16,3 cm Width / 4 cm Height (7,83 x 6,41 x 1,5 inches) Condition: Excellent. No chip, no break, no burn mark. Golden is a little erased at the notches No Hermès Packaging...
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 2003 Herbag Cabas PM Tote in Brown Vibrato Leather & Khaki
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Hermès Herbag Cabas PM tote from 2003, a highly sought-after and versatile classic from Hermès. Crafted in rich Ebene (deep brown) leather with gold-tone hardware...
Hermes Blue "Les Leopards" Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Blue "Les Leopards" Silk Twilly is a striking accessory that exemplifies elegance and playful sophistication. Crafted from luxurious silk, this twilly features a deep, ric...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron - NWST - 2604131912 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Trois Grâces, The Three Graces Artist: Alice Shir...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Azalee Azalea Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Rare Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Rose Azalee Epsom leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Almost Like New Prisitne with Plastic on Hardware and Feet. Please keep in mind the bag...
Hermes Blue Fleurs de l Opera by Julia Abadie Long Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Blue floral “Fleurs de l’Opera” by Julia Abadie long silk scarf featuring a floral print and a top logo signature. Circa: 2000s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Wi...
Hermès 'Voitures à Transformation' Silk Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and rare Hermès scarf 'Hermès Period: Vintage, 1960s design Materials: Silk Color: Burgundy, cream, black and gold Dimensions: approx. 90 x 90 cm Conditions: Good Notes: He...
Hermes La Rosee - Silk Shawl 140 - Silk Crepe - Pink - MWOCT - Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Rosee Silk Shawl 140 Crepe Pink - MWOCT - 2411111745 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Mousseline (Silk Crêpe/Georgette) Name Design: La Rosée, Dew Artist: Anne Gavarni Size: 1...
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 Birkin 30cm Vert Bosphore Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm in Vert Bosphore Epsom, presented in a structured mid-size silhouette that offers a clean balance between everyday usability and refined presence, with proportions...
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
Hermes purple GEOMETRIE CRETOISE 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Geometrie Cretoise 90' scarf by Julia Abadie in dark blue silk twill (100%) with details in yellow, orange and purple. Has been worn and is in excellent condit...
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
Hermès BNIB Kelly 35 Verso Black/Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès kelly 35 retourne' verso in black togo leather with blue agate chevre interior. Palladium hardware . Date stamp C for 2018. Handle drop 4", shoulder drop 17.5". Comes with : c...
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...
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 Kelly Mini 20 Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Gold Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. Includes all Accessories and Box. Minor pressure mark on bottom i...
Hermes Constance Mini 18 Bag Rose Extreme Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance mini 18 bag in richly saturated Rose Extreme Matte Alligator. All grown up pink that is like a jewel in your hand. Accentuated with Palladium hardware. The effect is understated and fresh. Hermes Paris Made in France is stamped on front under flap. Comes with Hermes sleeper...
Hermès "La Pâtisserie Française" Silk Scarf by Pierre Marie 45*45
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Indulge in a whimsical culinary dream with this authentic and highly collectible Hermès "La Pâtisserie Française" silk scarf. Beautifully designed by the renowned French artist Pierr...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Alezan Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Alezan Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New with Plastic on all hardware and feet. 2021 Z St...
Hermes Cushion Avalon III Soleil / Gris Small Model Throw Pillow Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers set of two (2) Hermes classic Small Model Avalon signature H pillow featured in Soleil and Gris. The removable covers are created from 90% Wool and 10% cashmere and...
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 Samarcande Paperweight Natural Mahogany Horsehead
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcande Natural Mahogany paperweight. Crafted in solid mahogany wood. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. Etoupe leather base stampe...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Les Chevaux Dechaines - CS140 - Noir Naturel Rouge - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Chevaux Dechaines - CS140 - Noir Naturel Rouge - NWSTS - 2604231614 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Chevaux Déchaînés, The Unleashed Horses Ar...
Hermès Cravate Twilly 1974 Lift profile Brown Silk Twill Scarf Tie Knot Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès silk twill tie titled "Profilé" by Shan Merry, originally released in 1974 and reissued in 2026 as "Lift Profile," with a light brown background and gold motifs. This vintage ...
Hermes Shawl L’Instruction du Roy – CS140 – Bleu Ardoise - New Store Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
L’Instruction du Roy – CS140 – Bleu Ardoise – Marine – NWST - 2508211507 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere & Silk (CS140) Name Design: L’Instruction du Roy, The King’...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Umbrella Zebras Print 1988 Exotic Year RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Umbrella Print: Zebras Vintage Item from 1988, "Exotic Year" Made in France Made of 100% cotton water repellent cl...
Hermès Birkin 25 5P Bubblegum Pink Togo Leather Palladium Hardware N Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Birkin 25 in 5P Bubblegum Pink Togo leather with Palladium Hardware is a captivating expression of playful elegance and refined luxury. Its vivid pink hue brings a vibrant...
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1628 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: X Age: 2016 Accompan...
Hermès Black Epsom Kelly Sellier 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Kelly Sellier 28 GHW SKU: Z152638 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called th...
HERMÈS - 1995 Joachim Metz Limited Edition Silk Scarf "En Vol" 1995
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Silk Carrè Limited Edition year 1995 "En Vol" design by master Joachim Metz, created for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Th...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Glacier Gray Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
One of the most coveted colors. Rare Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Glacier Epsom Leather Gold Hardware . X Stamp 2016. Pristine Like New Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Electric Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Electric Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition with Plastic on Hardware. 2018 C Stamp. Dimensions: 12 W...
Hermès "Carré en Carrés" Rare Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Carré En Carrés Patchwork Motif scarf is 100% silk, features multi prints, and rolled edges. Designed by Bali Barret, first edition ...
Hermès Rouge Grenat Chevre de Coromandel Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Grenat Chevre de Coromandel Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z152939 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after ...
Hermès Valise R.M.S III Cabine Cargo Toile Goéland/Régate Vert Mangrove/Noir
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès R.M.S III Cabine Cargo is a refined expression of modern travel, designed for those who value discretion and precision in every detail. Rendered in Toile Goéland and Régat...
Hermes Trail Sneaker Gold Calfskin 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Trail Sneakers featured in Gold calfskin. Accentuated with orange topstitch and rear detail. H logo on the side of sne...
Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer Porcelain Set of 2 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer set of 2. Exquisite in Porcelain. Rich color and print combination ...
Hermès Black Halzan 31 Caban
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Halzan 31 is crafted of black Taurillon Clemence leather and features an optional, adjustable leather shoulder strap, looping top handles...
Hermes 24/24 29 Bag Blue Nuit / Indigo / Bordeaux / Kraft Togo / Swift Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 24/24 29 bag featured in Blue Nuit, Indigo, Bordeaux and Kraft. Slouchy, chic as has style whether worn as a top handle, shoulder or crossbody bag. Acce...
Hermès Tigre Royal Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold Royal Tiger
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Vintage item Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand pa...
Hermes Solid Silver Handcrafted Touareg Belt Buckle
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
The Touareg collection incorporates intricate, hand carved details, creating one of a kind pieces designed by Nigerien artisans. Each piece is signed by the local artisan, and contai...
New in Box Hermès Rare Blue Paon Picnic Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès natural wicker Picnic clutch with palladium hardware, blue paon swift leather trim, single flat shoulder strap, tonal leather lining, dual interior compartments, dual slit poc...
Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set Let's Play! Blue Indigo Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set with a dash of luxury! Featured in sapodilla wood and solid cassia wood. A mini Chess game with magne...
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.