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.
HERMÈS Vintage Les Perroquets Printed Canvas XL Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Vintage Les Perroquets printed canvas XL tote bag. This bag features : - Les Perroquets print on coated canvas, showcasing an opulent composition of parrots and foliage in vi...
Hermès "Pani La Shar Pawnee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Pani La Shar Pawnee" Scarf in 100% washed silk blue features hand-rolled edges. Original design by Kermit Oliver depicting the Pawnee chief, native american tribe from N...
Hermès 2 Mini Guepards Ashtrays Leopard
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Set of Mini Ashtrays are part of "Les Leopards" collection and can be used as change trays or organizers. Suede protection on bottom of trays. Comes with original box.
Hermès Large Terry Towel Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball at their end Made in France Vintage ite...
Hermès Birkin 40cm Togo Blue Jean w/ Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Relaxed in tone yet commanding in scale, this Hermès Birkin 40cm in Blue Jean captures the effortless sophistication that defines the house’s larger travel-oriented silhouettes. The ...
2008 Hermes Offrandes d Un Jour by D Rybaltchenko Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Offrandes d Un Jour by Dimitri Rybaltchenko featuring an indian floral print and a top logo signature. Circa 2008 This scarf was created for ONG Child Rights and yo...
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 Kelly Retourne 28 Rose Extreme Matte Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 28 bag featured in rich jewel toned Rose Extreme matte alligator. This iconic vibrant pink Hermes bag is timeless and...
Hermès 2010s Cartes à Nouer Scarf Knotting Cards Set No. 6 in Box
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 6. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautifully photogr...
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Craie Lime Swift Leather Clutch for Women, 2022
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
THE STORY BEHIND: A wedding gift from Jean Guerrand, Émile Hermès’ son-in-law, to one of his future daughters-in-law, this day-to-night clutch has a full-grained leather H heart. Nam...
Hermes Le Sac Neo Evelyne Brand New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Le Sac Neo Evelyne is a stylish and functional bag for women. It features a brown leather exterior with palladium hardware, a white handle/strap, and a small size of 6.5”...
Hermes Carre Pocket Pouch Couverture Novelle Swift Leather New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Carre Pocket Pouch featured in Couverture Novelle printed Swift calfskin leather. Interior has one credit card sl...
Hermes "Cheval Turc" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes "Cheval Turc" Scarf is 100% silk and designed by Christiane Vauzelles. Comes with no box.
Hermes Birkin 25 Sable Tan Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag, 2025
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Naturel Sable Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New , Plastic on all Hardware. K Stamp 2025. Dimensions: 9.75 W x 5 D x 8 H in Tha...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, wear on the four corners, small area of wear at the bottom, leather wear and darkening at the handle, clean interior, and scratches on the hardware. ...
Hermes Birkin 35cm Himalayan Niloticus Crocodile Matte Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Hermes Birkin 35 Himalayan Niloticus Crocodile with Matte Palladium Hardware. T...
Hermès Evelyne GM Rose Tyrien Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Rose Tyrien - Epsom leather - Signature perforated H logo - Adjustable detachable shoulder strap - Button fastening - Main compartment - Stamp Q Square, Year 2013 - Comes with orig...
Hermes Birkin 35cm Vert D'Eau Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Hermes Birkin 35 Vert D'Eau Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware handbag. Crafted in 2021, this iconic handbag is a testament ...
Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware handbag. Crafted in 2018, this i...
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather 2019 Collection Crafted in supple Swift leather of a vivid red hue, this elegant Hermès Jige Elan 29 features the iconic H-logo, wi...
HERMES sand beige wool 2020 VOYAGE KNIT Coat Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pre-Fall 2020 voyage long oversized knit coat in sand wool (100%). Features long raglan sleeves (sleeve measurements taken from the neck) and a deep v-neck. Ope...
Hermes Belt Cape Cod 32mm Black Matte Porosus Crocodile Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cape Cod 32 mm belt featured in Black Matte Porosus Crocodile. We owe this beautiful buckle to the inspiration of Henri d'Origny, the famed Hermes designer...
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 "Guepards Bandana" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Guepards Bandana" Twilly is made from 100% silk can be tied infinite ways. Designed by Robert Dallet.
Hermes "Chapeau !" Silk Plisse Scarf, 1990
By Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed by Annie Faivre and issued in 1990, “Chapeau !” is a rare Hermès scarf, even more in its accordion version ! Such version is a classic Hermè...
Hermes "Dies et Hore" Astrological Sun Print Silk Blouse circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Dies et Hore" Astrological Sun Print Silk Blouse from the circa 1980s is a striking vintage piece that exudes both elegance and cosmic allure. Crafted from luxurious silk...
Hermes Carnets D'Equateur Tea Box Hand Painted Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes rare Carnet d'Equateur Tea Box. Features hand painted lacquered wood with the exotic jungle design by Robert Dallet. Hermetic cover and inox interior. Bow...
Hermés Kelly II Retourne 25 Gold Veau Togo Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Hermès Kelly II Retourne 25cm handbag. The exterior of this Kelly features the Retourne style in Gold Veau Togo leather and is complemented by gold hardware and tonal stitc...
Red Epsom Sellier Kelly 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag. Epsom sellier leather. Palladium silver hardware. Good condition. Interior clean. O stamp from 2011. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed...
Hermès Legging FR38 Thalassa Cotton Jersey Leggings Pants Intl M US28 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Thalassa leggings or long johns circa 1990 in soft cotton knit with multi-colored print (boats), elastic waist. No size label but the measurements (without stretching the knit...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Tri-Color Etoupe Craie Trench Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Tri-color Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Etoupe, Craie, and Trench Epsom leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle c...
HERMÉS SCARF, BONSAI, 100 % silk, 90x90 cm, hand rolled
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS SCARF (Made in France) , 100 % Silk, hand rolled, 90 x 90 cm, printed with 9 diverend bonsais . The Hermès scarf has a beautiful color combination, turquoise, blue and nature ...
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 Picotin Lock Cargo 18 Rose Texas Canvas Leather Bag Stamp U
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, slight darkening on the corners, minor scratches on the base, and slight storage marks inside. Accessories:Dust bag,Lock Designer: Hermes Model:Pi...
Hermès Birkin 25 Noir Black Lizard Lisse Exotic with Palladium Hardware K
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Birkin 25 in Noir Black Exotic Lizard is a rare expression of timeless luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from exquisite exotic lizard skin, this iconic handbag...
Hermès New Silk "Space Derby" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "space derby" Twilly. This small silk accessory can be used in many ways. It is a beautiful way to accessorize your handbag for example. The scarf i...
Hermès Silk Scarf Bateau Fleuri Ljubomir Milinkov Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Bateau Fleuri" (flowered boat) Designed by Ljubomir Milinkov in 2015 Made in France Made of 100% twill Silk Colorways: White, ...
Hermes foulard 'Coaching' by Julia Abadie
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Coaching" theme designed by Julia Abadie, first edition in 1976. Pleated silk twill foulard. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 141 cm ...
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.
Hermes Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on this rare Hermès Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline—an extraordinary and rare piece that epitomizes luxury, craftsmanship, and t...
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Carpe Diem 1994 Joachim Metz Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Carpe Diem design by Joachim Metz, first produced in 1994 and reissued in 1997, in vibrant shades of yellow, red, blue, and green, with yellow ed...
Hermès Ardoise Box Sellier Kelly 32 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ardoise Box Sellier Kelly 32 GHW SKU: Z150256 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called th...
Hermès New Lazy Leopardess Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Lazy Leopardess silk scarf . Pink color way. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Wicker Bottle Basket &Crystal Glasses in Hand-Braided w Taurillon Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Basketwork, or the art of weaving plant fibers, is an ancestral skill found in all four corners of the globe. Complex woven designs give a rhythmic pattern to archetypal forms. I In ...
1990s Hermes Parures des Sables Black Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A striking 1990s Hermes mix between a classic shirt and a cardigan. Contrasting black, gold and coral silk printed body featuring the Parures des Sables pattern that was first issued...
Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Pipe Holder Pipe Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as change tray or pipe holder Pipe-shaped Vintage item Made of glazed ceramic Colorways: Beige / Brown "HERMÈS" engraved on a side M...
$274Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Paris Vintage Silk Scarf Cheval Turc Christiane Vauzelles 1980s
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A rare and captivating piece from the 1980s, this Hermès silk scarf, Cheval Turc, was designed by Christiane Vauzelles. Inspired by the elegance of Turkish horses, it features intric...
Hermes foulard/top circa 2014
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2014. Silk twill foulard centered with a ring, printed with multicolored geometrical and leopard pattern. You can wear it as a bustier top....
Hermes Kelly 35 Gold togo with palladium hardware bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 35 gold togo with palladium hardware bag. A classic sophisticated bag for your everyday needs. This opulent accessory exudes luxury and elegance with its impeccable cr...
Hermès Vintage Blue Fish Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage blue and red fish cotton sarong. Few stains and a mended hole. Composition label only.
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware 2025 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware and features a front flap, two straps, a clochette with lock, and double-rolled handles. The interior is lined with tonal Chèvr...
New in Box Hermes Imperial Tiger Brown Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition "Imperial Tiger" small silk scarf in brown , silk and fuchsia trim. Brand new in original box.
HERMES red & white silk LTD ED MINI BRIDES DE GALA 20 Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Brides de Gala' mini scarf by Hugo Grykar in white and red silk twill (100%) with details in gold. Rare miniature size. Brand new in box. Width 20cm (7.8in) H...
Hermès Vintage Silk Sarf Cheval Turc Vauzelles Lovely and Rare Colorways 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Cheval Turc" (Turkish horse) Designed by Christiane Vauzelles in 1970 / This one is a reissue Super rare col...
Hermès foulard 'At the palace doors'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk foulard entitled "Aux portes du palais" ('At the palace doors') designed by Christine Henry, produced in 2008. Never reproduced. Condition: Very good ...
Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermes Bleu Electrique Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW SKU: Z151491 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally...
Vintage Hermes Cotton Trousers - Stone Colour
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A chic and very wearable pair of vintage pants/trousers by Hermes. In a heavy cotton and attractive stone colour, the trousers have two pockets on the front and a zip fly. Size 36 M...
Hermès Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès Caramel Toiletry Travel Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Vintage Hermès grooming travel set is composed by a leather luggage with 2 silver metal bottles, 1 silver metal box, 2 wood brushes, 1 leather jew...
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...
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.