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 black Box leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50mm Belt 80
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 waist belt in black Box leather featuring gold-plated hardware. Has been worn and shows faint scratches to the hardware. Overall in excellen...
Hermes Birkin 30 Capucine Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Capucine Palladium Hardware. This Birkin 30 bag is handcrafted from Togo leather in Capucine color with Palladium hardware. An enduring icon in the world of hig...
Hermes Tournois et Carrousels by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Tournois et Carrousels" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring an beige/grey border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1960s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
Hermes Shawl La Danse des Amazones Cashmere Scarf 140 Vieux Rose Gris Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes La Danse des Amazones featured in Vieux Rose, Gris and Blanc. Cashmere and Silk scarf by Edourd Baribeaud. A tribute ...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware New Never used. Rest of Boutique Stock. Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm D...
Hermes So Kelly 26 Shoulder Bag White Togo Leather Silver Hardware PHW 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal wear, minor scuffs on four corners, scratches on metal hardware, clean interior lining. Size Width: 26cm Designer Hermes Model So kelly 26 Exterior Material...
Hermès Qu' Importe Le Flaçon Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Qu' Importe Le Flacon scarf. Hand rolled edges. Minor wear and staining. Does not include box.
Hermès Birkin 25cm Bougainvillea Matte Alligator w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Electric in presence yet refined in execution, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Bougainvillea matte alligator delivers a striking interplay of color, texture, and scale. The hue is unapolo...
HERMES navy blue cashmere LEATHER TRIM CROPPED Jacket XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cropped bolero jacket in navy blue and ochre cashmere (assumed cause tag is missing). Comes with leather embellishments on the neck, ...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Box Leather Palladium Hardware Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in Black Box leather that represents one of the most timeless and collectible expressions of the iconic Kelly. Black Box is one of the g...
Hermès Set of Hair Brush and Mirror Inlaid Lacquered Wood H Lift
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and beautiful Authentic Hermès Set Hair Brush and matching mirror Both made of "H Lift" inlaid lacquered wood " HERMÈS PARIS" engraved on the handle of each item Measurem...
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...
Sac Hermès Victoria 40 toile et cuir
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Victoria 40 en toile beige et cuir marron clair. Grand format élégant, idéal pour une utilisation quotidienne. Authentifié, en très bon état. Le sac Hermès Victoria 40 es...
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...
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 Etoupe Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW SKU: Z158665 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown int...
Hermès Birkin Club 35cm White/Gris Perle Clemence Leather & Sanguine Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Graphic, modern, and exceptionally rare, this Hermès Birkin Club 35cm reimagines the iconic silhouette through bold color-blocking and exotic detailing. The design departs from the t...
Hermès Bleu France Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 31 PM
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu France Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 31 PM SKU: 158125 MSRP: 3525.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Pa...
Hermes Birkin 35 Bag Etain Veau Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermes Birkin 35 bag featured in Etain. Etain is the most perfect medium gray and is utterly neutral. Crisp with palladium hardware. Togo leather is textured and scratch-resistant. T...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Golf Ball Letter Opener Paper Cutter Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Can be used as paper cutter One end is adorned with a golf ball, the other end is pointed Made of silvery metal Designed by Ravinet ...
Hermès Bengal Tiger Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Cendrier Hermès "Tigre du Bengale" en porcelaine, doré à l'or fin 24 carats. 16 x 20 cm
Hermes GR24 Black Evercolor Leather France Silver Tone HW Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Accessories size: long:23cm,height:30cm Designer: hermes Model: GR24 Backpack Exterior Mat...
Hermès "Les Danses Des Indiens" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Danses Des Indiens" Hermes scarf features the ritual dances of various Indian tribes. The scarf was designed by American artist Kermit Oliver in 1999. Brand new cond...
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...
Hermes Chypre Brun Fume Woolskin / Shearling Men's Sandal 44
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Men's Brun Fume and Ecru Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin sandals featured in suede. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Doblis with...
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Ex Libris Edition 1946 Green Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "Carré 90" silk twill scarf featuring the *Ex Libris* design by Hugo Grygkar—originally issued in 1946 (and subsequently reissued in 1998, 2004, and 2007)—in shades of green. ...
HERMES Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala brown white print silk scarf 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala brown white print silk scarf 90cm Reference: AEMA/A00075 Brand: Hermes Model: Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala Material: Silk Color: Brown, White CONDI...
HERMES Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans 2004
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans original France，In good condition, p...
Hermès Sellier Fly Bonnet Rouge Crocheted Cotton Horse Size
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Sellier fly bonnet is crafted in Rouge crocheted cotton, offering a bold and refined equestrian look. The vibrant red tone adds a striking accent while ma...
Hermes Collectible Mozart Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible Amadeus Mozart 100 % silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. No care tag.
Hermes Gold Togo Leather 25cm Birkin Bag Gold Hardware w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Gold Togo Leather 25cm Birkin Bag w/ Gold Hardware Made In: France Year of Production: 2019 Color: Gold- tan Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Togo leather Lining: Chevre leather...
Hermes Birkin 25 Beige Marfa Togo Leather Gold Hardware New Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 25 Beige Marfa Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Plastic on all Hardware. B Stamp 2023. Please keep in mind that this isn't a ...
Hermes 1990s Biblotheque by Hugo Grygkar Green Silk 90s Bodysuit
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and collectible vintage F/W 96 HERMÈS silk jersey bodysuit ! Artist Hugo Grygkar designed this print, naming it “Biblotheque” Vibrant hues of ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Christophe Colomb Decouvre l'Amerique 12 Oct 1492
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Christophe Colomb découvre l'Amérique 12 Octobre 1492" Designed by Carl de Parcevaux in 1992 A true collector scarf ! Made in Fra...
Hermès Tiny Silver Minaudiere Purse
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Tiny silver minaudiere. It could have been used as a powder compact. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 9 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm ...
Hermès 'Martell Grand National' Silk Carré Scarf Special Edition
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
HERMÈS 'Martell Grand National' silk square scarf, special edition Period: Vintage, 1993 Materials: Silk Color: Blue, red, green, multicolored Dimensions: Approx. 90 x 90 cm Conditi...
Hermès 'Les Voitures Nouvelles' Silk Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
HERMÈS 'Les Voitures Nouvelles' silk square scarf Period: Vintage, design from the 1960s Materials: Silk Color: Green, blue, multicolored Dimensions: Approx. 88 x 86 cm Condition: E...
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 'Les Rubans du Cheval' Silk Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
HERMÈS 'Les Rubans du Cheval' silk square scarf Period: Vintage, 1989 design Materials: Silk Color: White, garnet red, multicolored Dimensions: Approx. 90 x 90 cm Condition: Excelle...
Hermes Rare Mini Evelyne Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare mini Evelyne shoulder bag in black taurillon clemence leather with gold tone hardware. Gently used. Date stamp Y, 2020. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Comes with booklet, original ...
Gucci GG Blue Wool Stole
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Perfect for a beautiful present Wool stole with GG motif Period: Contemporary Materials: Wool Color: Blue Dimensions: 135 x 135 cm Condition: Excellent, fabric tag missing Notes: Guc...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retournè Orange Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Kelly 25 retorunè in orange togo leather and gold tone hardware. Mint condition, plastic removed from straps, used twice. First letter W. Clochette , tirett, lock and two keys...
Hermès New Mountain Zebra Ashtray New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Mountain Zebra Ashtray, features a beautiful hand-applied printing technique with a gold trim and a velvet goatskin base. Designed by Alice Shirley . Brand new. HHH stamp ...
Hermès Steve Light Messenger Bag Black Togo Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Steve Light Messenger Bag in Black Togo with Palladium hardware takes a more utilitarian direction, where the silhouette is designed for ease and function while still carrying...
Hermès Wooden Box Chest to Store Scarves or Jewelry RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Box To store scarves, but can be used for anything else Made of Wood Coloway: Beige Opens with 2 push butto...
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Etoupe Negonda Garden Party 36 PM Palladium Hardware, 2015 with box
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The interior is lined in toile material Includes dust bag Length 11.5” Width 5.5” Height 8” BOX 15” x 15” x 8” Good overall condition - there is wear to the leather on the bottom i...
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...
Hermes Cashmere and Silk Les Perroquets Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Les Perroquets” by Joachim Metz cashmere and silk scarf featuring a grey border and a Hermès signature. Cashmere 65%, Silk 35%. Circa 1990s Made in France. In good vintage c...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Black Epsom leather, palladium silver metal hardware, single leather black handle, removable leather black shoulder st...
Hermès Kelly 28 Handbag Orange
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier handbag strap in Orange H Epsom calf leather, gold metal hardware, orange leather handle, and removable orange leather shoulder strap allowing for ha...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Tricolor Gris Vert Fizz Graphite Epsom w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Tricolor Gris, Vert Fizz, and Graphite Epsom leather delivers a highly graphic interpretation of the Birkin silhouette, where contrast and segmentation defi...
Hermès "Kachinas" scarf by Olivier Kermit
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Kachinas" motif designed by Olivier Kermit, first released in 1992, reissued in 1997, 2004, and 2012. Hand-rolled silk twill scarf. Kachinas are ritual dolls for Hopi chi...
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 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
Hermes Les Cheyennes Silk Scarf Oliver Red
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Collectible Hermes Les Cheyennes fuchsia silk ornate Kermit Oliver designed scarf. Hand rolled edges. Excellent condition.
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...
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)
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag White
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 retourné handbag strap in Craie Togo calf leather, gold metal hardware, single Craie leather handle, a removable Craie leather shoulder strap a...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag Green
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Rare Hermès Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap HSS (Horseshoe Special Order) in Vert Mangrove Epsom leather with Beige Marfa interior lining, permabrass metal hardware(cham...
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.