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 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 ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00079 Brand: Hermes Material: Viscose, Silk Color: Beige, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip ...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag in Etain Togo Leather with Gold Trim, 2021
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 handbag strap in Etain Togo calf leather Gold metal trim, single grey leather handle, a removable grey leather shoulder strap allowing a h...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
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...
Hermes pleated foulard 'tous en selle' by Daiske Nomura 2025
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Tous en Selle" theme designed by Daiske Nomura. Produced in 2025. Pleated silk twill foulard in pink, orange, and gray tones. Made in France. Condition: Very good condit...
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...
$5,496Sale 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...
Hermès Puzzle 140 Pieces
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Hermès Puzzle 140 pieces Colorways: Bue, Pink, Black No photo of the drawing inside Measurements: 42 x 30 cm (16,53 x 11,81 inches) Condition: New condition. Done once...
Porte Huile & Vinaigre Hermès circa 1960-70
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare porte huile vinaigre Hermès en métal argenté, datant des années 1960-1970. Son élégant décor en mors de cheval rappelle directement l’héritage équestre de la Maison. Mesuran...
Hermes Paris Black Wool Leather Trim Hat Labeled Motsch Chapeaux Pour Hermes
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Black felt wool leather trim hat labeled Motsch Chapeaux Pour Hermes Size 56 Small The stylish black felt wool hat is juxtaposed with brown leather border trim Makes ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Bateau Fleuri Ljubomir Milinkov Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Bateau Fleuri" (flowered boat) Designed by Ljubomir Milinkov in 2015 Made in France Made of 100% twill Silk Colorways: White, ...
Hermès "Carre Libre" Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Carre Libre" 100% silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Baptiste Virot Comes with ribbon and box.
Hermès 2023 Constance 24 Black Alligator Limited Edition Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Sublime Hermès Constance 24 Marquete limited edition shoulder bag in black Mat Mississippi Alligator Gold metal trim, a black Alligator leather shoulder strap allowing for shoulder ...
Hermès La Bonne Fortune Françoise Heron Silk Scarf 1968 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Bonne Fortune" (Good fortune, in terms of Gallantry, is said of the favors of a woman) Designed by Françoise Héron, only one issue...
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag Gris Misty Togo Leather Women's 2025 Mint
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermès Birkin 25 handbag retourné in Gris Misty Togo leather. Gold metal hardware, double grey leather handles for a hand carry Flap closure Grey leather interior lin...
Hermès 2026 Sac Evelyne TPM Amazone Black Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes NIB
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Evelyne bag (size 16 or TPM) in black Clemence leather, featuring a cotton webbing and black leather shoulder strap and silver-tone (palladium) hardware; snap-button closure o...
Rare Vintage Hermès Gaetan de Percin Silver Keys Holder or Charm
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Porte-Clés Hermès vintage par Gaetan de Percin, datant des années 60. Avec boite et pochon. Chaine en argent avec une médaille de l'époque Louis XV "Les Ecuries du Roy" signée ...
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 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...
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...
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 Double Ring Navy Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Navy box leather “Double Ring” featuring a gold-tone “Double Ring” buckle, inside gold-tone stamp. Circa 2000s. Size estimated:80 In good vintage condition. Made in France. B...
HERMES black leather CHYPRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Chypre sandals in smooth black calfskin leather, defined by the house’s iconic minimalist silhouette and bold H-cut straps. Designed with a rounded toe and ergo...
Hermès 1987 Sac a depeches 41 Hermes Black Leather Brief Case Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès briefcase, Sac à Dépêches model, in smooth black box leather and gold-tone metal, 41 cm wide with two gussets, interior with two compartments plus a large front pocket under t...
HERMES 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS Reference: KYCG/A00076 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Butto...
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 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...
Hermès Birkin 25 Griolet Tadelakt Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Hermès Gender: Ladies Length: 10.00 inches Height: 7.50 inches Depth: 5.00 inches Weight: 530.00 grams Hermès Birkin 25 Griolet Tadelakt Palladium Top Handle Bag. Engrav...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Lion and Lioness Kenya Africa R Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: lion and lioness in a savannah setting Ashtray "KENYA" from 1988, year of Africa Drawing from Robert Dallet Made in France Made of : - p...
Hermès 1990s Grey Cashmere Cardigan with Leather Belt, Size FR 36
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès grey cachemire cardigan embellished witn leather belt size fr 36
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...
Hermès Set of 3 Small Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Print Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Anchor Desk Clock in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Anchor Shaped Clock A fantastic gift for nautical enthusiasts, for your boat, or for admirers of beautiful, rare, and vintage items. Made of gil...
Vintage Hermes Army Green Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
A sophisticated everyday classic, this vintage Hermès Fourre Tout PM tote is expertly crafted from durable cotton canvas in a versatile army green shade, complemented by sturdy woven...
HERMES black leather MEDOR LOAFER Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Medor loafer-style platform pumps are crafted from black brushed leather, offering a refined blend of sophistication and modern edge. The design features ...
Hermès Jean Paul Gaultier FW 2008 Runway Ad Campaign Orange Shearling Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès
Located in London, GB
ULTRA RARE HERMÈS JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FALL WINTER 2008 RUNWAY & AD CAMPAIGN BURNT ORANGE SUEDE CURLY LAMB SHEARLING JACKET An exceptionally rare and highly collectable Hermès Autumn/...
Hermès Poussière Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Poussière Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Product Title: Poussière Shiny Mississippiensis ...
Hermès Sac Bolide Courchevel Bandouliere 1971 Red Leather Hand Bag Strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide bag, size 35, in lightly grained leather (Epsom, formerly Courchevel) in "Braise" red. The interior is lined in supple leather and features a large slip pocket. It has ...
Hermès 1996 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Product Title: Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Ke...
Hermès 2001 Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Product Title: Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage ...
Hermes Yellow Togo Leather Tsako Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Tsako” Yellow togo leather shoulder bag featuring a cotton shoulder handle, a logo fastening strap with a fastening snap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1988 In good vintage co...
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...
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold HW 1989
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold HW 1989 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: VERY GOOD CONDITION Overall signs of use. Scratc...
HERMES Poussin yellow Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Jaune Poussin Veau Swift leather with palladium hardware. Crafted from supple, fine-grained Veau Swift leather in a luminous Jaune Pous...
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 NIB Mystère Au 24 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mystère au 24 Scarf 90 in silk twill with hand-rolled edges, featuring an intricate illustrative interior scene designed by Jonathan Burton. Brand new with original box.
Hermès Le Premier Chant Silk Scarf Orange Blanc Bleu 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "LE PREMIER CHANT" (the first song) Designed by Sophia Andreotti et Édouard Baribeaud Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 04: "O...
2020 Hermès Gold Epsom Sellier Birkin 25 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Sellier Birkin • Size: 25cm • Color: Gold (37) • Leather: Epsom • Hardware: Gold Hardware • Year: 2020 • Accessories: Lock, Keys, Clochette, Dust Bag • Condi...
Hermès "La Danse" Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Danse" Silk Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, and features a pattern of ballerinas against a red background.
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermès Micro Kelly 15 cm Sellier Red Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Adorable Authentic Hermès Micro Kelly Rare item, a must-have for any Hermès lovers Sellier Version (outside stitching) for a rigid shape...
HERMES Etoupe Clemence leather ETRIVIERE DOUBLE TOUR Belt 80
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etrivière 24mm Double Tour belt is crafted in Etoupe (taupe) Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting white saddle stitching. Finished with a palladium ...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench from the 2000's. Classic cut with interesting details reminiscent of Margiela's tenure at the house. Each detail is extremely well thought ...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
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 scarf PÉKINOIS Xavier De Poret 1965
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PÉKINOIS Very rare Designed by Xavier De Poret 1965 100% silk Hand rolled hem Made in France Pink, grey, ivory Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Ve...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Cavalcadour Morning CS140 Caban Bordeaux Vert - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalcadour Morning - CS140 - Caban Bordeaux Vert - NWCT - 2604231619 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Cavalcadour Morning, Cavalcadour Morning Artist:...
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.