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 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...
$5,725Sale 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 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...
HERMES Cuivre Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 MAXI QUADRILLE Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Cuivre Taurillon Clemence leather. A timeless icon in a rich copper-brown hue, featuring the signature perforated H and refined gold...
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, ...
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 ...
$16,184Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Vintage Black 32 Kelly Bag 1990s with Gold Tone Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black 32 Kelly gold tone hardware shoulder strap inside
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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
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 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...
Exceptional Set of 4 Hermès Ties from The Fables of La Fontaine in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Les Fables de La Fontaine From left to right: 1. The Hare and the Tortoise in green, grey, orange, blue. 100% Silk. Lined with plain gr...
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...
Hermes Black Floride Box Belt Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Floride” Box belt clutch bag featuring a gold-tone hardware, front pitted logo snap fastening, an adjustable belt, an inside gold-tone logo stamp, a “A” pitted in a squ...
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...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
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 Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
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 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...
HERMES cream silk CIRQUE MOLIER 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Cirque Molier 90' scarf by Philippe Dumas in cream silk twill (100%) and multicolored details. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Widt...
Hermès Corkscrew Bottle Opener Bottle Coaster Matching Set Cordage Rope D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Matching Set of 3 pieces - Corkscrew - Bottle Opener - Bottle Coaster Absolutely perfect for decorating the table in your seaside home or on your boat ...
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 Haut A Courroies Hac 40 Black Porosus Crocodile Travel Duffle Bag Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black Shinny Porosus Crocodile Exterior - Gold Hardware - Stamped Squared G ( 2003) - Come With Lock/Key & Clochette Measurements (approximately in inches) : 16" W x 16" ...
Hermès Delage Cabriolet Print Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Delage D6 or D8 (sorry for my ignorance :) Delage is a famous french luxury cars brand, founded in 1905 by Louis Delage Delage was re...
Sac Hermès Birkin 35 Taurillon Clémence Bleu Jean 2009
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Hermès Birkin 35 en cuir taurillon Clémence bleu jean, finitions palladium. Daté de 2009, bon état avec léger défaut au fermoir. Élégant et authentique. Ce Birkin 35 Hermès en cuir ...
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...
Hermes Kelly II Sellier 32 Toile H Berline Toile H Plume Swift Leather Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly II Sellier 32 bag. This striking bag is featured in Toile H Berline, a coated canvas, and Toile H Plume. Finished in Black Swift le...
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...
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 New Toile Clutch Traffic Jam
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès flat case in H canvas with "Traffic Jam" print, 100% cotton, screen print, made in France and designed by Katie Scott. Brand new in unused condition.
Hermès Horse Leg Bottle Opener Horseshoe
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Shaped like a horse's leg, the hoof concealing a horseshoe-shaped bottle opener Made in France Vintage Item Made of silver-ton...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Gold. This classic handbag is beautifully crafted of Togo calfskin leather in golden brown. The bag features rolled leather top handles ...
Hermès “Les Pivoines” Silk Scarf with Original Box
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Hermès “Les Pivoines” carré, one of the French fashion house’s most iconic floral patterns. The scarf features a striking arrangement of large peo...
Hermes Birkin 25 Cote A Cote Tuffetage Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 Côte à Côte Tuffetage in Black Swift with Permabrass hardware. This rare limited edition Birkin introduces Hermès’ Côte à Côte tuffetage techniq...
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...
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 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...
Sac Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu Saphir Swift leather
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Découvrez ce magnifique Birkin 25 en cuir Swift Bleu Saphir datant de 2015. Son cuir souple, sa couleur profonde et ses finitions Gold en font un modèle particulièrement recherché pa...
Hermès Medium Raisin Evelyne Poche 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Evelyne PM bag in raisin taurillon clemence with Palladium hardware. The bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body bag. Date stamp R for 2014. Excellent condition, minor...
2014 Rare Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Birkin 35 bag Togo leather beautiful and easy to wear blue jean color Palladium hardware Year 2014 R series Double handle Keys and locker 2 Internal pockets (one ...
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 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 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 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 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...
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...
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...
Hermès Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
Exceptional Hermès Decorative Sculpture from a store
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Scuplture coming from a Hermès Store Used to decorate a shop Represents a stone opening with a zip and revealing a fossil fish We do not have any details about it, but...
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...
Hermes Medor 23 Clutch Bag Black Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Médor 23 in Black alligator with Gold hardware. This striking limited edition Médor clutch represents one of the house’s most distinctive and bold designs...
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 Bicolore Epsom Bandoulière
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolore en cuir Epsom bleu nuit et Light Gold, finitions dorées. Excellent état avec bandoulière. Ce sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolo...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Hermès Birkin 30 Gris Meyer Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 30 in Gris Meyer Togo leather is a sophisticated and contemporary interpretation of one of the house's most iconic handbags. Gris Meyer—a refined medium grey with ...
Hermès 18K Gold Diamond Belt Buckle for 32mm Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
18K rose gold Signature "H" logo 112 diamonds Set with an outline of circular-cut diamonds Fits a 32mm belt Includes dust bag Weight: 71g Excellent Please kindly note all items have...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
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.