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 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...
Hermès NIB Roddeo Sm Mauve Sesame
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new rodeo grigi small charm in mauve sylvestre, craie and sesame . Comes with original box.
Hermès Birkin 30cm Tosca Epsom Leather Candy Collection Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful in concept yet executed with unmistakable precision, this Hermès Birkin 30cm from the limited-edition Candy Collection reimagines the house’s iconic silhouette through a more...
Hermès New Chain D Ancre 38 Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new sought after sandals . Super comfortable with arch support. Purple, orange and fuchsia leather combination. European size 38. Come with 2 dust covers and original box.
HERMES cream silk CIRQUE MOLIER 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Cirque Molier 90' scarf by Philippe Dumas in cream silk twill (100%) and multicolored details. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Widt...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
Hermes Twilly In the Pocket Noir Rose and Multicolore Set of 2
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two Hermes In the Pocket Twilly scarves in new, never worn condition. Featured in Noir and rose, this playful deisgn features fun accesoories that can be t...
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
Hermes Jypsiere 37 Bleu Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Crossbody Messenger Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Bleu Jean Clemence Leather exterior - Silver Palladium hardware - Comes with dustbag - Comes with crossbody strap - Stamped Square ( M ) 2006 Condition: The bag is in exc...
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...
New in Box Hermes Red Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes red guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
HERMES Joueuse Kelly Buckle grey etain silver turnlock heeled ankle boots
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Joueuse Kelly Buckle grey etain calfskin silver turnlock buckle block heeled ankle boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/G00095 Brand: Hermes Model: Joueuse Kelly Material: Leather Color...
Hermes Colliers de Chiens Cashmere / Silk Shawl - 140cm
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Multicoloured 'Colliers de Chiens" shawl from Hermes. First designed by Virginie Jamin in 2013. Predominantly shades of red, blue and ivory, the design features an array of Herm...
Hermès 2021 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier - Unworn
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Product Title: Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier Type: Top Handle, S...
$4,351
Hermès bag 'Piano'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) 'Piano' bag made of golden Courchevel leather and marled H canvas, with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a shoulder strap. A design circa 1950-1960. C...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Shoulder Bag, 2025
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1651 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: W Age: 2025 Accompanied ...
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 ...
Hermès 4 Mini Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
HERMES Kelly Classique Medium Wallet Epsom Leather France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good, Normal signs of use, corner wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:16cm,height:10cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly ...
New Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Palladium 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...
Hermès Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Vintage Hermès Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton A unique piece for collectors in the "California Size" Dimensions : 57.09" x 74.80" approx. 150 x 1...
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 Linen Cotton Tie Della Cavalleria
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Tie Print: Della Cavalleria Made in France Made of 57% linen and 43% cotton Colorway 01: BEIGE / MARRON / COBALT (beige, brown, blue) Colors va...
Hermes Sandal Flat Oran Gold Box Calfskin Shoes 37.5 / 7.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran exquisite Gold box calfskin slide. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Gold embossed calfskin insol...
Hermès By Martin Margiela A/W 1999 vintage Vareuse shirt black cotton 34 FR XS S
By Martin Margiella, Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMÈS BY MARTIN MARGIELA A/W 1999 VAREUSE SHIRT IN BLACK COTTON 34 FR Hermes by Martin Margiela iconic Vareuse shirt featuring a deep v neckline with classic collar and buttoned c...
Hermes Landscape Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Serviette / Drap / Tapis de plage Hermès "Paysage" dessinée par Jan Bajtlik, inspirée des peintures de Vincent van Gogh 100% Coton. Dimensions : H: 90 x L: 150 cm. Parfait état
Hermès "The Savana Dance" Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk and cashmere blend shawl, “the savana dance” with multicolor design. Hand rolled trim, design by Ardmore Artists.
Hermes, Piumino extra-light puffer coat in taupe
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Piumino extra-light puffer coat in taupe. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition SIZE: S MEASUREMENTS: length 55 cm, width 47 cm, waist 44 cm, ...
HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted from luxurious Lime (bright yellow) Veau Epsom leather, featuring elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in pr...
Hermes Twilly Les Cles Burgundy / Pink / White / Blue New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Les Cles single silk twilly featured in Burgundy, Pink, White and Blue. Designed by Cathy Latham. Comes with signature Her...
Hermes Kelly Classique To Go Wallet Epsom Etoupe Grey Palladium Hardware 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, with creases and scratches on the hardware. Accessories Box&Shoulder Strap Size Width: 21cm, Height: 12cm Designer HERMES Model Kelly to go Exterior ...
Hermès "Sun" Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Serviette / Drap / Tapis de plage Hermès vintage "Gloria Soli" 100% Coton. Dimensions : H: 90 x L: 150 cm
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
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 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...
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Epsom Constance Elan 25 White Leather Shoulder Bag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Epsom Constance Elan 25 Leather Shoulder Bag. Features epsom calfskin leather in white, front flap closure with Hermes buckle snap closure, extra-long double loop s...
Hermès Contemporary Mini Verrou Lizard Chain Shoulder Bag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès mini verrou lizard chain shoulder bag Measurements: width 14 cm height 17 cm depth 4 cm
Hermès "Filou" Gold Glove Clip
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Filou" Glove Clip is in gold plated metal. Hook this clip onto your handbag strap to keep your gloves together and add a stylish flair to your handbag. Handbag and gloves not...
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Silk Shirt 'Les Cheyennes', Excellent Condition
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare men's silk shirt with iconic Carrè "Les Cheyennes" pattern designed by master Oliver Kermit. This is a rare product made by the Mai...
Hermes H Casaque Blanket Carbone / Ecru Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes H Casaque blanket featured in Ecru and Carbone. A modern expression of the classic H blanket inspired by the horse racing world. Originall...
Hermes Birkin 25 Mushroom White Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Mushroom Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh bag. It has...
HERMES Jypsiere 28 Shoulder Bag Taurillon Clemence Leather Pink R Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Jypsiere 28 Shoulder Bag Taurillon Clemence leather orange r stamp france，There is localized cleaning and color restoration on the back, with minor signs of normal ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Masan & Masan Special Limited Edition Saut Hermès 2022 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "MASAN & MASAN" Designed by Terawat Teankaprasith This scarf was printed in this colorway in a limited edition for the "Saut Hermès...
HERMES blue silk TRESSES H TWILLY Scarf Jean Pearl Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tresse H Twilly scarf by Gianpaolo Pagni in Blue Jean blue, Gris Perle grey and Vert green twill silk (100%). This refined design d...
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag Green tote bag crafted from Hermes' signature Swift leather in with palladium hardware. Featuring leather shoulder strap and zipped top leading to sp...
Hermès Birkin 35cm Purple Togo Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rich in tone and timeless in form, this Hermès Birkin 35cm in purple Togo leather offers a striking interpretation of the house’s most iconic silhouette. The saturated purple hue bri...
Hermes Green Medor Suede Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Green suede leather “Medor/ Collier de chien” belt featuring a collier de chien gold plated hardware, an adjustable length, inside gold-tone stamp. inside logo stamp. Circa...
$19,988Sale Price|20% Off
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: ...
Hermes Men's Chypre Vert Toundra Suede Sandal 43 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Men's Chypre Sandals featured in Vert Toundra. Suede goatskin with Vert Toundra anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adju...
Hermès "H" Reversible Etoupe Belt NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "H" Belt features a large, iconic silver-tone "H" buckle and a reversible leather strap. Comes with original box and dust cover.
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 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...
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...
$485Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Brown Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous brown lamb box leather Hermès belt featuring plated gold hook buckle, and plated gold details, and an inside gold tone HERMES Paris stamp Length:...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Jaune de Naples Novillo Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Softly radiant and unmistakably refined, this Hermès Birkin 30 is presented in Jaune de Naples a nuanced yellow that leans toward a creamy, sun-washed tone rather than overt brightne...
Hermès Birkin 25 Vert Amande Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Vert Amande is a shade of green offered by the luxury French fashion house Hermès. Translated to "Green Almond" in English, this color is inspired by the delicate hues of fres...
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 Kelly Mini 20 Rose Tyrien Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitne Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Includes all Accessor...
Hermes Constance Havane Matte Porosus Crocodile 42 Belt Brushed Gold Buckle 85
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in Matte Havane Porosus Crocodile. Fabulous over sized brushed gold signature H buckle. Now a ...
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 Bicolore Epsom Bandoulière
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolore en cuir Epsom bleu nuit et Light Gold, finitions dorées. Excellent état avec bandoulière. Ce sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolo...
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.