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 Silk Scarf On The Beach Ugo Bienvenu Pink Green 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "ON the BEACH Designed by Ugo Bienvenu in 2021 / 2022 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: ROSE / VERT / ROUGE (Pink / Green ...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 Napkin Rings Stirrups Shaped in Silver-Gilt Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 In shape of Stirrups, horse riding theme Vintage items Made of silver-gilt (silver covered...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Bai Brun and Toile offers a refined interpretation of the classic silhouette through a combination of rich leather and textured canvas. This pairing introduces...
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 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...
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...
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 Silver Cigar Cutter Keychain Louis XV Guillotine
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter The main part is a coin made of silver, called "Louis XV, demi-écu aux rameaux d’olivier, 1729" (Loui...
Hermès Per Astra Ad Astra Silk Scarf Pink Green Sandra Laroche 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Per Astra Ad Astra" Designed by Sandra Laroche and firstly issued in 2009 Made in France Made of 100% twil...
Hermes Bleau Atoll Kelly 25 with Palladium Hardware 2015
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted by hand, this Hermès Kelly 25 in Bleu Atoll showcases the house’s signature precision, from its structured silhouette and saddle stitching to the smooth Swift le...
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...
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 2025 Carré 140 Couvertures et Tenues Cashmere Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, 140 cm, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, "Couvertures et Tenues de jour" (Coverages and Daywear) print by Jacques Eudel, originally published in 1974 and ...
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 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...
$33,496Sale 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...
Hermès Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Bonheurs a Paris
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Plates From the "Bonheurs à Paris" collection (happiness in Paris) Plates number 3, 4, 5 and 6 Places: ...
Hermès Tan Alligator Belt with Gold Constance Belt Buckle, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Constance 'H' logo belt buckle in yellow gold plated metal 38mm. Leather strap in a tan, glossy Mississippiensis alligator leather. Constance buckle shows light surface scrat...
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...
$5,742Sale 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 Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Saddles Equestrian Riding Horse Texas Themes "Amazone / Dressage / Course / Chasse / Randonnée / Jumping" (Amazon / Training / R...
Hermes Gold Gulliver Leather Plume 32 Hand Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold "Gulliver" leather "Plume 32" handbag featuring gold plated hardware, leather lining with slip pocket. You could fit a laptop inside. Circa 1996 (Z in a round) In good ...
Hermès 1990s Veste Soie Insectes FR38 Ecru Silk Twill Jacket UK10 US8 Hermes
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès long jacket circa 1990 in ecru silk twill with the Insectes print by Hugo Grygkar & La Torre (first produced in 1958), notched collar fastened with three mother-of-pearl butto...
Hermès 1988 Top Soie Pierres d Orient et d Occident FR40 Silk Twill Top Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès top blouse in silk twill with the "Stones of the East and West" print by Zoé Pauwels in ecru, brown, and green tones on a beige-pink (nude) background. It features a draped hi...
$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...
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 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...
$4,785Sale 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 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Sceau Horse Head in Vallauris Ceramic
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Called "cendrier sceau à tête de cheval" (horse head seal ashtray), because this gives the impression that the ceramic has been hot marked wi...
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 Tied Up In Knots Silk Scarf Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TIED UP IN KNOTS" Designed by Jonathan Burton First edition of 2022 Made in France Made of 100% "vintage" silk Colorways: BLEU / ORANGE ...
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 Orange Minium & Fauv HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Cabine 50 Bag is a refined travel companion that fuses functionality with timeless style. Crafted from vibrant Orange Minium Toile Militaire can...
Hermès Cotton Scarf Carré Le Boubou H Blue Grey Horse Pattern Texas 65 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Le Boubou H" Horse riding theme: horseshoe, spur, stirrup, boots, saddle, whip, horse, but also watch, "clou de selle", padlock From the...
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich ...
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20 is a stunning and luxurious handbag that exemplifies elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from exquisite shiny rose-colored alli...
Hermès Silk Scarf Hilton McConnico Souvenirs de Paris 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Souvenirs de Paris" Designed by Joseph Hilton McConnico in 1989 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colo...
Hermes, rare vintage 50 Hermes Hac in black
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, rare Vintage 50 Hermes Hac in Black in rare Vache Noir leather. Combined with brass hardware. A true collector item. Comes with lock, keys and clochette.
Hermès 1986 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Chasse a vol Grey Ecru Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, "Chasse à Vol" (Hunting in Flight) motif by Henri de Linares, first produced in 1982, reissued in 1986 and 1989. The motif is in shades o...
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 Gold Leather Poche Cloche Vanity Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold leather “Poche Cloche” vanity clutch featuring a strap with gold-tone metal clips & zipper, gold-plated hardware, a nylon lining, a top zip opening, inside logo stamp.Cou...
Cute Hermès Budy Bag Charm Buddy Fox Terrier Dog Wool Sesame Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Bag Charm In shape of a Fox Terrier dog Made of Merinos Wool and Milo lambskin Leather Colorway: Sesame Stamp U for 2022 "HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE"...
Hermès Large Terry Towel Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball at their end Made in France Vintage ite...
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...
Hermès Shiny Orange Poppy Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Hermès Shiny Orange Poppy Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 is a true statement piece, exuding luxury and sophistication. The vibrant, glossy red-orange hue is complemented b...
Hermès Chapeau Bonnet T55 Ecru Wool Whipcord Miki Hat US6 7/8 or 21.5 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès hat or beanie in ecru and beige wool whipcord, with a wide brim and beige satin lining. Size FR 55, which is US 6 7/8 or 21.5 inches. The beanie is vintage but in very good co...
Hermès Birkin 35 Black De Coromandel Chevre Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35 in Black De Coromandel D Chevre with Gold hardware. Chevre goatskin is prized for its tight grain, color vibrancy, and exceptional durability. It's lighter than ...
Auth Hermes Scarf Della Cavalleria Double Face Blanc Orange Rose - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Della Cavalleria Double Face - Blanc Orange Rose - NWST - 2604131909 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print. Name Design: Della Cavalleria, Della Cavalle...
HERMES black MATTE CROCODILE 32MM H GUILLOCHE Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm belt is crafted from black matte alligator crocodile leather and finished with the iconic H Guilloché buckle in pallad...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pinwheel Windwhell Wood and Blue Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Pinwhell From the "Petit H" collection Made of Leather and Hackberry Wood Colorways: Blue Grained Leather, Navy B...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Red
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in red leather. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features a rear exterior zi...
Hermès Orange Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Orange Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette Product Details Xupes Ref: MML039 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Pochette Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [I] Age: 2005 Accompanie...
Hermès NIB Gavroche twill Baobab Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new "baobab" silk gavroche in blue. Comes with original box.
HERMES white & black leather 32MM REVERSIBLE H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm reversible belt in Blanc (white) Veau Epsom leather and Noir (black) Veau Swift leather showcases timeless versatility. Finished with a classic H buck...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6098 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: (N) Age: 1984 Accompanied ...
Hermès Fauve Barenia Leather & Beechwood Perspective Cavalière Kelly Wood 22cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Fauve Barenia Leather & Beechwood Perspective Cavalière Kelly Wood 22cm Product Details Xupes Ref: MML041 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Wood 22cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Seri...
Hermès Bleu Iris Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Bleu Iris Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML036 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: C Age: 2018 Ac...
Hermès Ebene Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Toile Interior Vintage Birkin 30c
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Ebene Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Toile Interior Vintage Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML030 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Numbe...
Hermès Smooth Leather Jaune Milton Kellyfestival Kelly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Bag Charm "KELLYFESTIVAL" A cute small bag with the famous "Kelly Clasp" Perfect to quickly find your keys or your makeup if you hang it to your bag Ma...
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.