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 Crocodile Porosus Palladium Plated 'H' Buckle Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Crocodile Porosus Palladium Plated 'H' Buckle Belt Burgundy belt crafted from Crocodile Porosus in Rouge H and designed with a signature palladium plated 'H' buckl...
Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag Made in: France Year of Production: 2013 Color: Rose tyrein Materials: Epsom leather Lining: Tosca chevre leather Hardwa...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Black 37.5
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Black Sandal with contrast white stitching is in calfskin with iconic "H" cut-out.This silhouette is an essential piece in every wardrobe. Italian number 37....
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 Black Leather Diane Bag 1989
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Black Leather Diane Bag 1989. Iconic bag made in the 1989, Hermès has since stopped the production of this bag making it collectible, really sought after collectors and brands...
Hermes scarf / foulard 'Tourbillons'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill scarf entitled "Tourbillons" and designed by Christiane Vauzelles. Produced in 1968, and reproduced in 1985. Condition: Very good condition Dim...
Hermes Bombay 27 Bag Marron Fonce Ostrich Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Bombay 27 bag in Marron Fonce Ostrich. No longer produced this gorgeous Hermes bag is a collectors treasure. This soft rich deep brown is totally neut...
Brown wool skirt HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown wool skirt . Main fabric composition: 92% wool, 5% nylon, 3% lycra. Lining composition: 60% acetate, 40% bemberg. Pocket on the front with zip closure and leather zip-puller. ...
Hermès Ashanti Silk Scarf Annie Faivre 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Ashanti" Designed by Annie Faivre in 1997 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: creamy beige background, ochre beige drawing...
Hermes Kelly 25 Bubblegum Purple Two-Tone Swift Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Wonderful Hermes Kelly 25 cm handbag in Bubblegum / Purple Swift leather, hardware in Palladium, simple handle in Bubblegum Swift leather, one removable strap in Bubblegum Swift leat...
Hermes Burgundy Large Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Burgundy Large Box leather notebook cover featuring contrasted stitching, internal logo stamp, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Len...
HERMÈS - 1995 Joachim Metz Limited Edition Silk Scarf "En Vol" 1995
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Silk Carrè Limited Edition year 1995 "En Vol" design by master Joachim Metz, created for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Th...
Hermès Silver Money Clip Paper Clip ORTF
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Designed in the shape of the ORTF, Office de radiodiffusion-télévision française (French Broadcasting and Television Office) Can be used as money clip or...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Palladium Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. New, W Stamp 2024. Additional Information: Condition: New without tag...
Hermès Orange BN Collectible Kachinas Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermès twilly from the Kachinas edition. The piece is made out of silk and has a multicolor print with different characters shown. It comes in the original box closed with the He...
Hermès Enamel Printed Scarf Ring Brazil Feathers with Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Ring Print: "BRAZIL" Pattern: feathers Made in France Stamp Q (2013) Made of Printed Enamel and Gold Plated Hardware Colorways: Coral, Pink, Red, Black Measurements: 2,5 cm Diameter / 2,5 cm Height (0,98 inch) Condition: New Condition. No signs of use. Would make a great gift ! Will come in a Hermès packaging...
HERMES Etain grey leather JUMPING RIDING Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Jumping Leather Riding Boots in Etain are the embodiment of timeless equestrian elegance. Expertly crafted in smooth calfskin leather, the boots feature a...
$8,479Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: Fair condition. Cut on side of handle base (small) Discoloration on handle (large) Cracks (medium) Wear on edge of handle (large) Scratches and scratches on outside (larg...
Hermès 1982 Kelly Bag 32 cm Gold Courchevel Leather with Strap
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermés 2 way Kelly bag, Retourne, 32 cm, Curchevel leather in gold, Collection L in circle = 1982 with long autentic Strap, Lock and Key and Hermes dustbag included. MADE IN FRANCE ...
Hermès New Tropical Garden Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden pastels silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Noir/Black Box Calf Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance 18 in noir and box calf leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
HERMES Cavalleria Favolosa Silk Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Virginie Jamin Split Pegasus double face silk twill scarf Reference: TGAS/F00961 Brand: Hermes Model: Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Material: Sil...
HERMES black Epsom leather BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in black Veau Epsom leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes with a leat...
Hermès Shoe Shaped Lacquered Wood Key Ring Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Chain Great gift for shoes lovers ! This little mule has nothing to envy the big ones! Identical reproduction, ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Black Epsom Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Black Epsom leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, with lock and two keys, rolled hand...
Hermès Rare Kachinas Tribal Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Kachinas scarf by designer, Oliver. Small defects. Signature 35" square. Dry-clean only.
$24,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Sellier Kelly has structure. White contrast stitching. Interior clean. Plastic on hardware. Looks like new, excellent con...
Super Cute Hermès Silk Tie Kala's Family Monkeys Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Funny Authentic Hermès Tie From the "KALA'S FAMILY" collection Prints: Dangling Monkeys Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: CIEL / VERT / BLEU CLAIR ( Sky B...
Hermes Burgundy Taurillon Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Burgundy Pink Taurillon Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Crossbody Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2014 Color: Pink Hardware: Silvertone palladium Materials: Clemence lea...
Hermes Herbag Zip 39 GM Rose Sakura Canvas Vache Hunter Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rose Sakura Canvas and Vache Hunter Hermes GM Herbag Zip. The epitome of casual chic! Beautiful soft pink Rose Sakura canvas and ...
HERMES pale blue silk FRONTAUX ET COCARDES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Frontaux Et Cocardes 90' scarf by Caty Latham in ivory silk twill (100%) with pale teal border and details in gold, yellow and gray. Has been worn with stains ...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Agate Epsom Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Agate Epsom, presented in a structured mid-size silhouette that offers a balanced blend of everyday usability and refined presence, making it a versatile e...
HERMES Craie ivory Epsom leather & Lime EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (ivory) Veau Epsom leather with lime wool sanglestrap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and Palladium hardware....
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal and Crystal Evening Clutch, Prototype Signed
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal and Crystal Evening Clutch, Prototype Signed. A prototype, the upper portion fitted with crystals to create a grayscale ombre effect. Width 7.5 in. Conditio...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Cavalcadour - CS140 - Orange Green Marine Blue - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalcadour - CS140 - Orange Green Marine Blue - NWCTS - 2404291643 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Cavalcadour, Equerry Artist: Henri d’Origny Size: ...
Hermès Constance To Go Wallet on Strap Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A masterpiece of refined elegance and practical luxury, this authentic Hermès Constance To Go wallet-on-strap is beautifully crafted from durable and structured Epsom leather.
1990 Hermes Les Sangles by J.Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Les Sangles by J.Metz featuring an ochre border, a logo signature. Circa 1990 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) ...
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Nata Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in nata and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
Hermès Black Swift Leather & Toile Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Swift Leather & Toile Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: BB002 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: W Age: 2024 Accompanied By: Hermè...
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Rouge Vif Red Courchevel Leather Gold HW 2003
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: VERY Good condition. Overall signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Light stains on the inside. Original condition. Crafted from Courchevel leather which was ...
Hermès Constance 18 Silver Argent Chevre Chamkilight Palladium Hardware New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
The Hermes Constance was first created back in 1959, and was constructed by in-house designer Catherine Chaillet who named the bag after her daughter. Since then, the Constance has b...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG087 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1...
Hermès Carré en Carrés Silk Jersey Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Carré en Carrés" is in 100% silk jersey with contrast white trim edges, designed by artist Bali Barret.
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Bag GHW. C stamp. Comes with dust bag, keys, clochette, locker and long strap. Bag is in mint pristine condition and plastic still on the metal.
Hermès "Kachinas" Giant Triangle Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Kachinas Giant Triangle scarf, a highly collectible piece designed by, Kermit Oliver. Featuring illustrations of Kachina dolls and dancers. Comes with original box.
Hermes Ostrich Skin Constance Long Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Ostrich Skin Constance Long Wallet Sapphire blue Ostrich skin with large 'H' closure in palladium hardware. Front flap opens to tonal, partitio...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 PM Brown Clemence Leather PHW Silver HW Stamp K
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good,Minor signs of use, light scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Key,lock,dust bag. size: Width:18cm,height:19cm Designer: Hermes Model:Picotin Lock...
Vintage Hermes Scarf Passimenterie in Blue
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage silk scarf by Hermes . The design is Passimenterie by Francoise Heron in a royal blue. The silk is of excellent quality and measures 35'' x 35'' It comes with ...
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG058 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, S...
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Turkish Horse motif by Christiane Vauzelles, first produced in 1970 and reissued in 1989, 1991, and 2002. The original motifs are in Herm...
Hermès Birkin 30 Blue Cobalt Togo Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Partial plastic on hardware, worn a few times. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, 2 dust b...
HERMES white Swift leather & Twill SOIE COOL 22 FLAMINGO PARTY Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Silk Swift Flamingo Party Small Soie Cool bag in Mykonos and white is a rare and ultra-chic collector’s piece. Crafted from luxurious Flamingo Party printe...
Hermès Bunch of Grapes Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Bunch of grapes, grape, vine leaves Theme: vine, harvest, grape, wine Beautiful in a cellar. Would make a great gift for a wine ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Noir Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in noir and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
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 Rose D'eté & Terre Battue Evercolor Leather Verso Constance 18
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose D'eté & Terre Battue Evercolor Leather Verso Constance 18 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1464 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance 18 Type: Crossbody, Shoulder Serial Number...
Hermès Bleu Glacier & Bleu Indigo Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Kelly 20cm II
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bleu Glacier & Bleu Indigo Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: BB032 Brand: Hermès Model: Kell...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Etain togo phw
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Bag in Etain colour, togo Leather with Palladium Hardware. K stamp 2025 production. Detachable wristlet strap. Brand new with box, dust bag and receipt
Hermès Red Birkin Bag 35 Togo Leather 2009
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Red Birkin Bag 35 Togo Leather. Beautiful Birkin bag is in good condition and perfect to elevate any outfit, the color is elegant and will be perfect for any summer or spring ...
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.