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 Jige Elan 29 Clutch Bag Rouge Red Epsom Leather H Slot Closure 2013
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal use, with minor stains on the surface and interior. Size Width: 30cm, Height: 16cm Designer HERMES Model Jige Elan 29 Exterior Material Leather Exterior C...
1980's Vintage Hermes Rare Black Porcelain Fan Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare and collectible black porcelain ashtray with beige suede bottom, Fan and flowers design. Mint condition.
$960Sale Price|26% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl Ciels Bizentins - CS140 - Black Or White - MINT Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Ciels Byzantins – CS140 – Black Or White – MWCT – 2404291632 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Artist: Julie Abadie Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55 in Color: Black, Gold, White...
Hermès Black Multicolor Statue of Liberty Centennial Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Multicolor Statue of Liberty Centennial Silk Scarf 90 SKU: 156463 Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condition with minor signs of we...
Hermès Chinchilla Fur Coat (size 8) ~no duties
By Hermès
Located in Champlain, NY
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...
Hermes Chypre Brun Fume Woolskin / Shearling Men's Sandal 43
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 1986 Vintage Silk Scarf 'Sauvagines en Vol' 90cm Brown Gold
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: Silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by Carl de Parcevaux in 1986, the 'Sauvagines en Vol' scarf depicts a flock of birds in flight. In tones of khaki, grey, brown, gold and...
Hermès Geegee Iroquois Camail Horse Bag Charm in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee Iroquois" Charm In the shape of a horse's head with a tousled mane, covered with a pretty camail Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of mi...
HERMES Garden party 36 Tote Hand Bag Negonda leather red
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Garden party 36 Tote Hand Bag Negonda leather red T stamp france，There is minor wear on the edges, and there are scratches on the metal components. Accessories: NO...
Hermès “Au Coeur de l‘Eté“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Au Coeur de l 'Ete" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a blue, coral, orange back and a zebra print on the...
$1,673Sale Price|30% Off
Hermès Black Point De Milan Bomber Jacket Size FR38/UK10
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Effortlessly cool Hermes Bomber Jacket in 02 Noir. Made from finely textured black Point De Milan cotton with a striking black and with H motif j...
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...
Hermès 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
Hermes Stippled Gold-Toned Metal Belt Buckle
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Stippled Gold-Toned Metal Belt Buckle Textured finish, new with dust bag and box. Height 1.5 in., 4 cm., Width 2.5 in., 6 cm. Condition Report New.
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...
Hermès "Minuit au Faubourg" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Minuit au Faubourg" Silk Scarf in orange and grey. The pattern shows the city of Paris in a comic drawing. The piece is in new condition with original box.
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Noir/Black Alligator Mississippi Lizard Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in noir and matte alligator mississippi lisse with lizard hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y...
Hermès NIB Mini Evelyne Rose Azalee
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Evelyne is in Clemence leather in Rose azalee with palladium hardware, a removable shoulder strap, and a pull tab closure and perforated "H" at front. Date stamp A. Comes wit dou...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Gold Hardware handbag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Gold Hardware, K Stamp 2025, all sealed. A classic combo, iconic. Hermes understated sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. New with box, dustbag,...
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...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Rose Pourpre Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Rose Pourpre Shiny Niloticus Crocodile leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle clos...
HERMES black Box leather CONSTANCE 40 Belt 70
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic vintage Hermès Constance waist belt is crafted from black Veau Box leather and finished with the iconic gold-plated “H” buckle. A timeless Hermès classic, it comb...
Hermès Keychain Key Holder Alligator
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Key Holder 5 sides geometric figure shaped Made in 2020 Made of Alligator Mississippiensis Colorway: Beige / Silvery Silver-tone rings "HERMÈS" and "...
Hermès Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: 24/24 29cm Product Title: Black Togo & Swift Leather Leather 24/24 29cm Type: Shoulder, Top...
Hermès Silk scarf JAGUAR QUETZAL 2021
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
HERMES JAGUAR QUETZAL 2021 by Alice Shirley This silk scarf depicts a jaguar sleeping amidst lush, abundant nature. The feline's black and blue s...
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 Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf, circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
TIMELESS Hermes Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1992 by Caty Latham features an artistic rendition of portrait of Hermes founder...
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...
$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...
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Green Bouncing Low-top Sneakers
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Green Bouncing Low-top Sneakers. Technical jersey and suede goatskin. Light sole with contrasting design for a versatile and modern look. Made in Italy. Sole Height: 1.6” R...
Hermès Orange Printed Silk Scarf Top Styled Multiple Ways
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Elevate your summer styling with this vibrant Hermès silk scarf, creatively worn as a top. Rendered in a striking orange palette with contrasting navy and turquoise, the print celebr...
$1,250
Hermes Paris Loafers
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on these timeless every day Hermes loafers! The most classic style loafer in goatskin with signature Hermes "H" detail as the focal point....
Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Extreme Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Rose Extreme togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and ...
$870Sale Price|25% Off
Hermès Spring 2022 Women's Black Cotton Studded Shirt Dress, Size UK8
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe chic Hermes studded shirt dress from the Spring 2022 collection. Worn once and has been dry cleaned. Made from crisp black cotton with subtle studded detailing, it has oversized...
Hermès Clemence Mangeoire Bucket PM Bag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Clemence Mangeoire Bucket PM Bag - In good condition, shows slight signs of wear - Brown grained leather Hermès handbag, ideal for daytime use - Brown leather han...
Hermes St. Louis Paperweight Dahlia Noir 2015 Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saint-Louis Crystal 50 piece Limited Edition Dahlia Noir 2015 paperweight. This exquisite crystal paperweight is #17 of 50. Exquisite detail and craftsman...
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...
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NEW Craie/ Juane Soleil Le Sacre Des Saisons 90cm Silk Scarf designed by Pierre Marie Made In: France Color: Craie/ Juane Soleil Materials: 100% Silk Overall Condition: Excel...
Hermès scarf PRESENTATION HERMES de CHEVAUX 1980 Ledoux Philippe Foulard en soie
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
PRESENTATION HERMES DES CHEVAUX 1980 Silk square Ledoux Philippe This elegant scarf represents the musketeers and their horses. The musketeers were the guard of King Louis XIII and ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Additional Information: Material: Leather Condition: New wi...
HERMES pistachio green silk AMAZONIA 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Amazonia 90' scarf by Laurence Bourthoumieux in pistachio green silk twill (100%) with darker border and details in beige, pink, violet and grey. Has been worn...
HERMES Indigo blue & ecru HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile Criss Viking / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Retourne Cabine 50 travel bag is crafted in cream and black Toile Criss Viking canvas with Indigo blue Vache Hunter leather trim, combining dura...
Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket Hand Embroidered Beaded Cashmere New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition exceptional Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket featured in Naturel and Dore. Hand embroidered Miyuki baguette micro beads...
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Ex Libris Edition 1946 Green Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Hugo Grygkar
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 Black Ex-Libris Fringed 80cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Black Ex-Libris Fringed 80cm Silk Scarf designed by Hugo Grygkar Made In: France Color: Noir, ecru Materials: 100% Silk Overall Condition: Excellent Please note that this it...
HERMES black leather Band Collar Quilted Shoulder BIKER Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès band-collar biker jacket in midnight blue lambskin with knit waistband on the back in midnight blue viscose (75%) and nylon (25%). Features a quilted storm flap on the left sh...
Hermes "Costumes des Départements de la Seine..." by Z. Pauwels Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès “Costumes des Départements de la Seine Inferieure du Calvados de la Manche et de l’Orne » by Z. Pauwels silk scarf featuring a pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1991 In ...
HERMES Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Constance To Go Long Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Constance To Go Long Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1449 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance To Go Long Wallet Type: Shoulder, Crossbody, Clutch Serial Nu...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in Rose Pourpre is featured in a classic togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and palladium hardware.The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
Hermès New Kelly 25 Retournè Gold Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Kelly 25 Retournè in gold Togo leather with white stitching and gold tone hardware. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Matching detachable shoulder strap. ...
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...
Superb Museum Worthy HERMÈS Ruff Wrist Cuff Leather Gloves - Circa 1930
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb, Rare Hermès Gloves crafted from Suede featuring the most unusual ruff style wrist cuff detailing. Circa 1920/1930. The Hermes losange shape ‘ca...
Hermes Mini Evelyne 18 Etoupe PHW bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Mini Evelyne 18 Etoupe PHW, K stamp brand new full set with box, dutsbags, strap and receipt. Excellent gift for a chic everyday look!
Hermes Black Togo Leather Sac A Depeches Briefcase, Hermes Briefcase, Hermes bag
By Hermès
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This Hermes black togo leather Sac A Depeches 39 briefcase is very elegant and convenient for an every day use. It features Hermès engraved golden plated brass hardware . It has no ...
1970 Hermes Reprise by Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Reprise » by Ledoux featuring ared border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1993 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guara...
Set of 2 Framed Carriages Engravings from the Hermès Collection RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get 2 drawings from the Hermès Collection Prints: Carriages First one: "n°.118. Calèche bas de berline derrière col de cigne de...
Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt Burgundy calfskin leather belt in Rouge H designed with a signature sterling silver 'H' buckle detailed with in...
HERMES Vintage Clé de Sellette Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Clé de Sellette (saddle key) bottle opener. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 12.5 cm (4.92 inches) / diameter of the ring a...
Hermès Birkin 25 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Rose Mexiko Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Birkin 25 in rose mexiko and shiny crocodile porosus leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Z...
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.