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 Small 24/24 Black Leather, Gold Hardware, C Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Title: Hermès Small 24/24 Black Leather, Gold Hardware, C Stamp Inclusions: Dust bag, shoulder strap Condition: Slight panel tilt, minor scratches on hardware, overall light wear. Si...
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...
HERMES Nuit blue Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Bag in Nuit is a timeless icon of refined luxury and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted from supple Togo leather, the Retourne construction ...
Hermès 1990s Sac Kelly 25 Sellier Brown Crocodile Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 25, in dark brown Niloticus Crocodile exotic leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features one zipped pocket a...
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...
Hermes Vintage 90's Parrots Beach / Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermes Vintage Parrots beach ban in cotton canvas. Good condition, it presents some signs of use normal to its age but no major defect. Iconic designs "Les perroquets" Inner brand...
HERMES Craie white Epsom leather KELLY 28 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Epsom leather with gold-plated hardware. Features a refined, structured Sellier silhouette with crisp edges and...
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...
Hermes Toilette Annes MM Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach set up for sale: yellow and white striped bag with matching sarong. Mint condition. Beach sarong is in mint condition, - 28” x 58” 100% cotton
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...
Hermes 1970s Haut À Courroies HAC 50 Black Gold Veau Grènè Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black grained leather exterior - New handles ( Fresh from the Hermes spa ) - Stamped " Circle G " - 1977 - Comes with dust bag lock & key Base Of the Bag: 19.5 x 10.5 Height: ...
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...
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...
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 Belt Buckle Elephants in Golden Metal for 32 mm Belt
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Belt Buckle In shape of 2 elephants Made of Golden Metal "HERMÈS" engraved at back For 32 mm belt (1,26 inches) Measurements: - 9 cm at long...
$32,719Sale 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...
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 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Bandouliere Black Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 32, in black box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (not zippered). It incl...
Collection of Vintage Hermes and Gucci Designer Skirts, France & Italy, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
An elegant collection of three vintage designer skirts from two of Europe's most celebrated luxury houses, Hermès Paris and Gucci, dating from the 1980s. Together they offer a sophis...
$5,616Sale 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 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...
Hermès Carré 140 Ronde des Jockeys Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 140cm square scarf in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, featuring the "Ronde des Jockeys" motif by Françoise de la Pettière, originally published in 1969 and reissued in 2004 (an...
$1,980Sale Price|31% 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...
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 1999 Sac Reteint Noir Birkin 35 Dyed Black Epsom Leather Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Birkin bag, size 35, in beige Epsom leather re-dyed in black and gold metal, keys, padlock, zipper, bell, dust bag, year 1999. Width 35 cm x height 25 cm x depth 18 cm, handle...
Hermes Constance Elan 25 Swift Leather Gemstone Red Stamp N Silver HW
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermes Constance Elan Gemstone Red swift stamp N shoulderbag France handbag，The hardware shows signs of normal use, with minor wear on the edges and slight scratches insid...
$4,680Sale 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...
Hermes Garden Party 30 Pink Canvas TPM Top Handle Shopping Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, scratches on the hardware, a broken button, small stains on the interior and surface, and scuffing on the four corners. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermes Rouge Cornaline Double Faced Cashmere Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly coloured Hermes double faced cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality double faced cashmere in the richest orangey red - official colours i...
HERMES Victoria II 35 Fourre-Tout Purple Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, interior with yellowing oxidation and stains, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35cm,height:23cm Designer: Herm...
Hermes Birkin 35 Handbag Togo Leather Pourpre PHW
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Normal signs of wear, clean interior, scratches on hardware, slight corner wear. Accessories: Key,Lock,Dust bag size: Width:35cm Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin 35 Handb...
HERMES Constance Kiwi Green Leather Shoulder Bag Y Stamp France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES CONSTANCE Kiwi Green shoulder bag stamp Y France Accessories: Dust bag. size: Width:18cm,height:14cm Designer: Hermes Model: CONSTANCE 18 MINi Exterior Materia...
Hermès X Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2007 Silk chiffon ensemble printed
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermès X Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2007 Collection Ecru silk crepe chiffon ensemble with a red floral and landscape print, consisting of a loose blouse and a skirt. Size 42/36.
Exceptional Hermès Shoulder Bag Purse Green-Grey Lizard Gold Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and rare Authentic Hermès Bag Made in France Vintage bag, no stamp Made of Lizard and Golden Hardware Lined with smooth lambsink Leather Colorway: green-grey 1 main co...
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 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) ...
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...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Etoupe Togo Leather GHW Gold Hardware Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, minor scratches on hardware, clean inside and out. Accessories: Dust Bag,lock,key,shoulder Strap size: Width:32cm,height:23cm Designer: Hermes Mod...
New Hermès 30cm Black Epsom Gold Birkin Bag in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin in black epsom leather with gold tone metal hardware. Handle drop, 3.75"L. Date stamp X for 2016. Brand new in box with full set: clochette, tirette, lock, two key...
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...
Auth. Hermès silk Scarf - Decoupages - Rouge Brique Vert Blanc Cassé - Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Decoupages - Rouge Brique Vert Blanc Cassé - EXCWCT - 2606131622 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Découpages, Cutouts Artist: Anne Rosat Size: 90 cm x 90 c...
Hermès Helsinki Women Gloves in Cashmere and Leather Size 6, 5
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Gloves "HELSINKI BI POLAIRE" Made of Cashmere and Calfskin Leather, lined with Silk Colorways: Craie (Chalk) / Caramel Strap around the wrist to be fixe...
Rare Authentic Hermès 'Les Printemps de Thera' 90cm Silk Scarf by J. Abadie 2003
By Hermès
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An Exceptional and Rare 2003 Hermès "Les Printemps de Thera" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf Designed by the renowned artist Julie Abadie for the 2003 spring/summer collection, this exquisite...
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club grey leather top handle bag
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
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...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - Harnais De Coeur - Gris Perle Rose Bonbon - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Harnais De Coeur - Gris Perle Rose Bonbon - NWSTS - 2604131741 Brand: Hermès. Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill. Name Design: Harnais de Cœur, Not verified. Artist: Daiske Nomura. Siz...
Hermes Vintage Herbag 50 Toile Ecru Natural Tan Leather Shoulder Carry On Duffle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Beige coated canvas exterior - The exterior is toile and has been coated to prevent water stains. The exterior has a glazing water protectant to preserve the longevity of the bag. ...
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, ...
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 Blue Evercolor Leather Toolbox 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Evercolor Leather Toolbox 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6109 Brand: Hermès Model: Toolbox 20cm Type: Tote, Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompani...
Kelly 25 Rouge Tomate Red Swift Leather PHW Y Stamp 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Slight signs of use, clean inside and out. Accessories: shoulder strap,key,lock,dust bag size: Width:25cm Designer: Hermes Model: kelly25 Exterior Material: Leather E...
Hermès Beige Veau Doblis Suede & Natural Salvator Lizard Leather Paris Bombay 27
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Beige Veau Doblis Suede & Natural Salvator Lizard Leather Paris Bombay 27 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1683 Brand: Hermès Model: Paris Bombay 27 Type: Tote Serial Number: [N]...
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1685 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: W Age: 2025 Ac...
Hermès Hermès celebrates its 150th anniversary Figurine Rider Horse 1837-1987
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Figurine Created to celebrate 150th anniversary of Hermès Design comes from the Hermès scarf called "Feux d'Artifice", whi...
Hermès Kelly 28 Rose Confetti, Anemone and Blue Aztec Sellier Epsom w/Brushed GH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Horseshoe Kelly 28 Sellier in Rose Confetti, Anemone, and Blue Aztec Epsom leather with brushed gold hardware is a striking example of the creativity and exclusivity reser...
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...
Hermes 1980s Haut À Courroies HAC 60 Black Natural Tan Vache Fjord Box Calf Gold
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Circa late 1980. - Discontinued size " 60 " - Brand new handles & singles ( Straps ) with ORIGINAL HARDWARE - Noir Fjord & Tan box leather exterior - The bag will c...
Hermes Paris Vintage Blue and Brown Cotton Fourre Tout MM Tote
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the golden era of 1990s French utility with this authentic Hermes Fourre-Tout MM tote. A masterpiece of functional luxury, this medium-sized icon is crafted from durable na...
Hermès New Fuchsia Bride-a-Brac Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Bride-a-Brac Case in small features 100% cotton, lining in herringbone canvas, strap in polycotton, embroidered "H" motif, and three interior pockets. Includes a handle for ha...
Hermes Paris Vintage Red Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of 1990s Parisian chic with the iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model celebrated for its perfect blend of utility and effortless style. This PM tote, expertly crafte...
Hermes Birkin 30cm Bleu Izmir Croc w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Izmir Crocodile with palladium hardware is a striking expression of exotic craftsmanship, pairing one of Hermès’ most coveted blue tones with the extra...
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.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags 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.
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.