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.
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch in Brown Crocodile Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel Made in France Stamp A in square (1997) Made of shiny niloticus croco...
Hermes 1997 Vinyl Souvenir De L Exposition Jelly Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Transparent Plastic Bag-Shaped Kelly featuring hardware in gilt silver tone metal, a slogan print to the front, a flip-lock fastening, a simple handle in transparent vinyl all...
Hermès Promenades de Paris Silk Scarf Ledoux Noir Bleu Nuit 70 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Promenades de Paris" (Paris walks) Designed by Philippe Ledoux and firstly issued in 1962 , this 70 cm version is from 2014 Made in France "Carré vintage...
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 Rodeo Pegase Leather Bag Charm Horse Etoupe Biscuit PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm "Rodeo Pegase" in the most thought after colorway Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of milo lambskin and swift calfskin leathers (smooth and...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf Hermès Story Pink Blue Jonathan Burton 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "HERMÈS STORY" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 09: ROSE NACRE / BLEU / BEIGE (mother-of-pearl...
Hermès Tigre Royal Bucket Bag Chevrons Toile Canvas Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bucket Bag Print: "Tigre Royal" (Royal Tiger) Made in France Stamp N in Square, 2010, Year of the Tiger in the...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Lovely Hermès Silk Scarf Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus C. Henry White 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Poetic Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus" ("Fabric Flowers and Butterflies") Designed by Christine Henry in ...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf La Vallee de Cristal Blue Ugo Bienvenu 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Vallée de Cristal" (the crystal valley) Designed by Ugo Bienvenu, 2023 collection Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: B...
HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Bag in Marron is exquisitely crafted from shiny porosus crocodile leather, showcasing a rich, deep brown hue with a luminous finish. Const...
$32,881Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
$5,636Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "GLIKA" Made in France Vintage item Outside made of Box Smooth Leather, Inside lined with finely grained leather Colorway: Rouge H (Hermè...
HERMES Blanc white Swift leather KELLY 35 FLAT Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gautier Kelly Flat 35 Bag in Blanc is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, offering a clean, minimalist expression of the iconic Kelly d...
Hermès Silk Scarf De Madras A Zakynthos Turtle Pink Beige 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Rare colorway ! Print: "De Madras A Zakynthos" Pattern: turtle and tortoiseshell Designed by Dominik. A. Jarlégant in 2009 Made in Fr...
Hermes Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : Dimensions : 57.09" x 74.80" approx. Condition : Pristine
Hermès Duck Shaped Change Tray Ashtray Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptonal and Rare Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a Duck The 2 wings open and reveal a storage space. Wings are removable. Can also be us...
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
Auth. Silk Scarf Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange New S Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange - NWSTS - 2604131904 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print Name Design: Guepards Bandana, Guepards Ba...
HERMÈS scarf TIBET
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf TIBET Designed by Cathy Latham 1999 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Dark brown orange red green blue Measures approx. cm. 90 x...
Rare Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Scotland Red Green Philippe Ledoux 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "SCOTLAND" Pattern: emblems of Scotland Vintage scarf designed by Philippe Ledoux in 1963 Made of silk Colorways: Red, Green, Yellow golden ...
Hermès Curiosity Kelly Bag Charm Pendant Necklace Guilloche Permabrass
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Pendant In shape of a "Kelly" Bag The smallest version ever of the Iconic Kelly Bag It even has the padlock and clochette-tirette ! Made in France Made...
Cute Hermès Silk Scarf Brides de Gala Bandana Navy White 55 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "BRIDES DE GALA" in Bandana Version Pattern: Brides de Gala on polka dot and stars background, paisley print borders Most iconic and sold, ...
HERMES Cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Cream (new color) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H" ...
Hermès Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin features rolled leather top handles, a short flap in rose pourpre togo leather with tonal stitching. Palladium hardware including the turn lock, padlock and keys w...
Auth. Hermès Scarf - Nous Sommes Inseparables - Bleu Ciel Marine - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Nous Sommes Inseparables - Bleu Ciel Marine - NWSTS - 2604131722 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Nous Sommes Inséparables, We Are Inseparable Artist: Flor...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Padlock Purse Clutch Bag Shiny Brown Crocodile Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "Padlock" Purse Very rare ! Asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and elegant rendering Made in France Stamp N in a circle (1984) Pu...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf EVA Philippe Dumas 90 cm RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "EVA" Pattern: 2 hair seen from above adorned with flowers in a crown Designed by Philippe DUMAS in 1976 This one is a reissue fr...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel and God of Love in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm In shape of Cupid From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: burgundy This charm adorned the packaging of a small h item, so it has on...
Hermès Shawl 140 "Tigre Royal"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Tigre Royal" en Cachemire et Soie, dessiné par Christiane Vauzelles, avec boite et ficelle. 65% Cachemire 35% Soie Etiquette de composition manquante Fil ...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Swift Rose Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 cm retournè is in new condition, rose etè swift leather with tonal stitching and palladium hardware. Date stamp Y. comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Co...
$4,697Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Hermès Vintage Sumac Travel Riding or Picnic Bag Canvas Leather 50 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
RARE Authentic Hermès Bag "SUMAC" Made in France Stamp X in circle (1994) Made of : Canvas (Toile), grained and smooth leathers, golden hardware Colorways: Beige, White, Naturel...
Hermès Vintage Hat Head Scarf in Silk Les Coupés
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Head Scarf / Hat Pattern: "Les Coupés" Designed by Fançoise de la Perrière in 1970 Vintage item Outside made of Silk Inside line...
Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
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 Black Box Calfskin Constance 18 Shoulder Bag - '80s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Hermès Constance 18 is a timeless expression of the Maison's understated elegance. Crafted in smooth black Box calf leather and finished with signature gold-plated hardware, it ...
$1,775Sale Price|28% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
Vintage HERMES Paris Mink Jacket with printed Scarf Silk Lining
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage unique jacket 1980's is made of brown mink with silk Hermes lining Rare to find Look at our storefront for more luxurious vintage items. Details: Lined with Hermes sil...
Hermès Paris 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Sailboats Prints Navy Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: sailboats Theme: navy, sailor, sea, boats, sailboats, nautical, ships Also called "guest ashtray", these small ashtrays can be...
Hermès dress by Robert Dumas circa 1968
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Ready-to-wear collection circa 1968 under the artistic direction of Robert Dumas. Mini dress in brown and gold silk, lined with jersey. Marked size 44FR, it fits more like ...
Rare Hermès Tie Baby Foot Table Soccer Print in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Print: Baby Foot Players, Table Soccer A goal and a small ball are hidden in the lining on the back Made in France ...
HERMES Hydra blue Togo leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Bleu Hydra Taurillon Clémence leather. Designed in the house’s iconic, relaxed saddle silhouette, it features gold-plated hardware, ...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Green Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Dark green Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp W. Year 2024 Condition...
HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag is a timeless icon crafted in a refined combination of Naturelle Vache leather and Khaki Toile canvas. The Retourne style features so...
Hermes Paris Women's Constance Silver Buckle Ivory Leather Italian Loafers 1990s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Women's Constance brushed silver buckle bone leather Italian loafers Size 38 The bone color leather loafers are adorned with Hermes' ic...
HERMES Kelly 35 Sellier Plush Shearling Suede Barenia Leather Brown Top Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2005 Collection Suede Shearling Barenia Leather Measures 14.25" W x 10.5" H x 5" D Handle Drop 4" Shoulder Strap Drop 19" Includes Clochette, Padlock...
Hermès Kelly Cut clutch bag in black box calf leather
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A stunning Hermès Kelly Cut clutch in black box calf leather, with palladium-plated metal hardware and a black box calf leather handle, designed to be carried by hand. Flap closure....
Hermès Shawl 140 "Les Jardins de Soie"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès "Jardins de Soie" 140 x 140 cm Cachemire et Soie Neuf Jamais Porté, dessiné par Christine Henry. Avec boite. Il s'agit d'un modèle collector. Un fil tiré qu...
Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Carré 90 Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" dessiné par Christine Henry Parfait état 100% Soie En 1883, Claude Monet, l'un des plus grands peintres impressionnistes, s'installe à Giverny,...
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club grey leather top handle bag
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club etain grey clemence leather top handle bag Reference: TGAS/F01045 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Birkin 30 Club Colle...
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf - Stately Wheels - Bleu Ardoise Blanc - New With Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Stately Wheels - Bleu Ardoise Blanc - NWSTS - 2604131738 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Stately Wheels, Stately Wheels Artist: Stuart Patience Size: 88.5...
HERMES black leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in black grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels, a che...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Linen Blazer Circa 1997-2003 Size 38
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A sand-coloured linen coat from Martin Margiela's tenure at Hermès (1997–2003). The coat features two patch pockets, a breast pocket, and a single interior pocket. Its open front ext...
Hermès Shawl 140 "Jungle Love"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Jungle Love" en Cachemire et Soie, dessiné par Robert Dallet, dans sa boite. Modèle collector.
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 Sac Cabas Herline Toto PM Black Navy Cotton Canvas Hand Bag Tote Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Toto bag (formerly Herline), small size, in black cotton canvas with navy and black cotton strap. The interior features a large zipped pocket and a silver-tone metal Clou de S...
Hermes Khaki Cotton Toto PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Khaki cotton “Toto” PM (small size) tote bag featuring navy stripy details, top handles, top logo snap opening, inside zipped pocket. 100% cotton. Circa 1990s In good vintage ...
Vintage HERMÈS Fourre Tout Black Toile Tote PM
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMES Fourre Tout PM tote is crafted of cotton in black featuring sturdy handles of stripe canvas. Wide top with snap closure opens to an interior of the same cotton fa...
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.