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 Etain Clemence Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Etain Clemence Retourne Kelly 28 GHW SKU: Z149080 Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called the Sac à Dépêches (which translat...
Hermes foulard 'Caleche elastique' by Bali Barret
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A 2025-2026 Collection with the "Calèche élastique" theme designed for the first time by Bali Barret in 2004. Yellow silk muslin foulard. Made in France. Condition: Very ...
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG146 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [B] Ag...
Hermès Kachinas by Oliver Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Kachinas Hermès silk print scarf by artist Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Black and brown color way.
Hermès Pastel Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Scarf is silk and 90 cm with a Kachina motif in Blue and light green. It features hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf in black & yellow, featuring Hand-Rolled Edges. Famous Kermit Oliver design.
Hermès Garden Party 30 (TPM) in Grey Negonda Leather
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermès Garden Party 30 (TPM) in Grey Negonda Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Elevate your daily edit with the under...
Hermès Two Mugs Chateau Épopée New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 mugs in porcelain. Unicorns and dragons design. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
Valise Business Hermès Courchevel année 80-90
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold datant des années 80-90. Très bon état. Cette valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold, datant des années 1980-1990, illustre pa...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Veau Madame Vert Verone Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in vert verone and veau madame leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermès "Pani La Shar Pawnee" Pleated
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Pani La Shar Pawnee" is in the "plisse" style in red. Made with 100% silk and designed by Kermit Oliver. Comes with the original box.
Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Verone Togo Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Highly Coveted Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Verone Togo Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . Prisitne Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. D stamp 2019 Please keep in mind...
Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly 20 Rouge de Coeur Swift Osier Wicker Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly, crafted in 2020, is a delightful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and whimsical design. This exquisite bag combines Rouge de Coeur Swift leather wit...
Hermès Bleu Hydra Epsom Kelly Longue Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Hydra Epsom Kelly Longue Wallet GHW SKU: 155647 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has gro...
Hermès 2011 Barenia Leather Wicker Kelly 35cm Picnic Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Barenia Leather & Wicker Kelly 35cm Picnic Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG068 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By: He...
Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
Hermès Black Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW SKU: 159192 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Mosaic Seashells Twilly Orange Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès twilly Print: "Coquillages en Mosaïque" (Mosaic Seashells) This rare pattern was designed by Anne Gavarni...
Hermès Chinese Emperor Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chinese Emperor, China Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with fine gold Colorways: white...
HERMES Calya Slip On Leather Clogs - Black Size 39. With box. VG Condition
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: Calya slip on clogs by Hermes. Smooth black leather. Rounded toe. "H" cutout detail on upper. Palladium silver plated studs. Lined in goat leather. Black beech wooden pl...
Hermes Victoria Light Briefcase Black Togo Leather Document Bag 2022 PHW
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear from use, slight scuffs on the four corners, and scratches on the metal hardware. Size Width: 40cm, Height: 29cm Designer Hermes Model Victoria Light ...
Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle Scarf Marine Cashmere and Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle cashmere and silk shawl. Beautifully detailed multi colour wings. Designed by Alice Shirley. Marine colorway. ...
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...
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 La Folle Parade Silk Scarf Claire Fanjul White Orange 89 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Folle Parade" (the crazy parade) Designed by Claire Fanjul, first issue in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 03: Whit...
Excetional Hermès Lucky Charm Key Ring Horseshoe Green Crocodile Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring Please choose seller shipping for this item Can be used as key holder or bag charm In shape of a Horseshoe Horseshoe is a lucky charm symbol of luc...
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW SKU: 152582 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally calle...
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...
Hermès Blue Tempete Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Tempete Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG142 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm ...
Hermès NIB "Space Derby" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Space Derby" scarf 90, is in 1005 silk with hand rolled edges, desoigned by Ugo Bienvenu. New with original box.
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 Birkin 35cm Bleu Saphire Novillo Leather Sea Surf & Fun w/Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35cm Sea Surf & Fun Limited Edition in Bleu Saphir Novillo leather with palladium hardware is a rare 2018 seasonal release that reinterprets the iconic Birkin s...
Hermes scarf 'Caleche Elastique' by Bali Barret
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Calèche Élastique" theme designed by Bali Barret, produced in 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2014. Fringed silk twill scarf in red, burgundy, and white tones. Condition: Very goo...
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
HERMES Izmir brown suede goatskin leather H cut out flat sandals EU41
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Izmir brown suede goatskin leather H cut out flat sandals EU41 Reference: CNLE/A00500 Brand: Hermes Model: Izmir Material: Suede Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On L...
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...
HERMES black silk 2020 PROJECTS CARRE AU CRAYON Belted Shift Dress 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Projects Carre au Crayon belted dress in black and gray silk (100%) and the knit part in black silk (85%) and cashmere (15%). Features a detachable belt and bel...
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway - Jean Paul Gaultier
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway, Jean Paul Gaultier OVERVIEW A rare and collectible Hermès runway-documented skirt from Fall/Winter 2005, designed under Jean Pau...
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Vintage Natural Leather and Canvas Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: Fair Condition Overall moderate to heavy signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Light cracks near the top of the flap. Light stains on the inside. The handle wa...
$4,330
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...
2023 Hermès Vermillion Togo Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Retourne Kelly • Size: 28cm • Color: Vermillon (5E) • Leather: Togo • Hardware: Gold Hardware • Year: 2023 • Accessories: Strap, Lock, Keys, Clochette, Dust ...
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 Multicolour Striped Toile Canvas Jumping Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Marron Fonce Swift Leather & Multicolour Striped Toile Canvas Jumping Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG140 Brand: Hermès...
Hermes Capucine Togo 35 Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Capucine Hermes Togo 35 Birkin Bag. The Togo 35 Birkin bag tote features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, dual rolled top handles, ...
Hermès Birkin 25 Vert De Gris Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Vert de Gris togo leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, a clochette with lock and two keys, and double rolled ha...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Scheherazade Shiny Crocodile Bag With Diamonds 18K Gold
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Birkin 30 in Rose Scheherazade Shiny Porosus Crocodile with Diamonds • Hardware: 18K White Gold with Original Hermès Diamonds (not aftermarket) • Condition: Pre-owned, excel...
Hermès Silk Scarf Gavroche Brides de Gala Love Pink Beige 42 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Brides de Gala Love" "Gavroche" Version, which can be used as scarf or pocket square, or knotted around the handle of your Hermès bag...
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...
Hermès Rouge H Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG008 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Numb...
Hermès Peony 20th Anniversary Tea Set
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Very rare limited edition Hermes Pivoines Tea Set for collectors. This Tea Set was lanched in 2004 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famous Hermes 'Pivoines' (peony) collectio...
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag Grey
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing Hermes Birkin 25 handbag in Gris Pantin Togo leather, palladium silver metal hardware, double handles in grey Togo leather allowing a hand carry Flap closure Inside lining in...
Hermès "The Pony Express" Pleated Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "The Pony Express" Scarf is in the "plisse" style. Featuring one of Kermit Oliver's famous designs. Comes with the original box.
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...
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...
HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shoulder strap for your Kelly or Evelyne bag in Brique (brick red) canvas and Box leather. Has been carried and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5...
Hermès Set of 2 Placemats Formula One Paddock Club GP F1 Car Race
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Placemats Made by Hermès for the Formula 1 Paddock Club This is a private club that we can find at Formula 1 Grand Pri...
Hermes Birkin 30 Touch Vert Jade Vert Comics Nilo Crocodile Togo Palladium Bag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is a Hermes Vert Jade and Vert Comics Birkin 30 Touch in Nilo crocodile and togo leather with palladium hardware. This stunning Birkin 30 features two 4-inch top handles, a lock and key, and a strap and turn lock closure. The front flap opens to a Vert Comics leather-lined interior that features a patch pocket and a zipper pocket. This is a stellar Birkin 30 to add to your handbag collection! Details: Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin Touch...
Hermes Kelly Moove Black Swift Calfskin Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly Moove Black swift calfskin leather with palladium hardware features tonal stitching, a round half-moon shape, pull straps attached to a toggle closure, and an adjustable f...
HERMÈS - Vintage Women's Silk Cotton Aloha Caftan by Laurence Bourthoumieux
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gorgeous pure silk caftan with cotton center back band - The pattern is that of the " Aloha " Carrè designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux -...
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.