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 Chypre Naturel Safari Calfskin Sandal 42.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Naturel Safari. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Comfortable and neutral, this sand...
Hermes Ribbed Collared Top With Logo Engraved Buttons
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Ribbed Collared Top With Logo Engraved Buttons Black viscose top designed with a fitted silhouette and three-quarter sleeves. Adorned with a collared neckline detailed with ...
Hermes Mosaique 24 Gold Rice Bowl Set
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Looking to spice up your kitchen sets? Hermes has you covered with these gorgeous bowl sets! Hermes prooves even your kitchen cabinets could use a splash Hermes elegance with these p...
HERMES Muscat taupe Eversoft suede COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 belt is crafted in Muscat (taupe) Veau Eversoft unbuckle leather with contrasting white stitching and finished with palladium-plated Mé...
Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès introduced the playful Candy collection as a fresh interpretation of its iconic handbags, pairing vibrant exterior colors with contrasting interiors and hardware. This 2012 Ke...
Hermes Tie Fine H Gris Bleute / White / Ciel Silk Twill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Fine H featured in Gris Bleute Ciel and Blanc. Hand-sewn heavy silk twill. Logo tie Made in France NEW or NEVER WORN. final sale TIE MEASURES: WIDTH 8 cm...
HERMES silk RENCONTRE OCEANE Twilly Scarf Scarf Black
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermès Rencontre Oceane silk twilly in black, orange and yellow. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Length 86cm (33.5in...
Hermes Mangeoire Blue Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Rope Handle Bucket Bag
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
FABULOUS Hermes Blue Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Mangeoire Rope handle bucket bag in excellent condition. Blue jean clemence leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and laser cut holes throughout. Top twisted natural beige rope handle. Unlined interior sides, leather interior base. No stains, smells, or scuffs. Clean corners, edges and interior. Perfect for a variety of occasions and a must-have for Hermes lovers...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retournè Blue Izmir
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès kelly retournè 32cm taurillon clemence blue Izmir with gold tone hardware. Handle drop 3.5" and detachable shoulderstrap 17.5". Date stamp Q for 2011. Comes with felt, cloche...
Hermes Kelly Twilly Bag Charm Rubis Palladium Tadelakt Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Twilly Bag Charm featured in gorgeous Rubis. Shaped like a Kelly Bag crafted in richly s...
Hermès Egee Clutch Blue Niloticus Crocodile with Palladium Hardware (2013)
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted from highly coveted, glossy Niloticus Crocodile in a striking deep blue hue, this ultra-luxury Hermès Egee clutch exudes modern sophistication. The focal point is its bold, p...
Hermes Birkin 30 Shiny Porosus Purple Amethyst Crocodile Bag with Diamonds
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Shiny Porosus Crocodile. Purple amethyst Color. 18K white gold hardware with diamonds. Bag comes with dust bag and box. The bag is missing keys, diamond locker, an...
Hermès Black Togo Leather Vintage Kelly 35cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo Leather Vintage Kelly 35cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1538 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [G] Age: 2003 Accomp...
Hermes Stippled Gold-Toned Metal Belt Buckle
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Stippled Gold-Toned Metal Belt Buckle Textured finish, new with dust bag and box. Height 1.5 in., 4 cm., Width 2.5 in., 6 cm. Condition Report New.
Hermès Set of 5 Stirrups Shaped Prix De Diane Aluminium Sign Plates
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 5 Collectible Authentic Hermès Plates These plates were made to celebrate the equestrian "Prix de Diane" and was sponsored by Hermès Paris. This ...
Hermes Rose Pourpre Horse Bag Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of rose pourpre, celeste, and rust leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Date stamp A for 2017. Marke...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Vert D Eau Moreletti Matte White Gold Diamond Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Hermes Product: Birkin Retourne Size: 25 Cm (10" width x 7.5" height x 4.75" depth; 2.75" handle drop) Colour: Vert D Eau Material: Matte Moreletti Crocodile Hardware: 18k White Gold & 5.5ct Diamond Year: U 2023 Condition: Pristine: The product is in pristine condition, without any signs of wear or damage. It appears brand new and is in its original packaging. Accompanied By: Hermes Box...
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Kaki Fonce Anthracite Beige Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Kaki Fonce, Anthracite and Beige. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the graceful majesty of felines in rest. De...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Tri-Color Etoupe Craie Trench Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Tri-color Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Etoupe, Craie, and Trench Epsom leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle c...
Hermes Belt Constance 42 mm Reversible Black Box Brown Togo Leather 80
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted 42 mm Constance reversible belt featured in Black Box leather and dark Brown Togo leather. Fabulous over sized brushed gold signature H buckle. ...
Hermès "Tigre Royal" Double Face Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Tigre Royal" Double face scarf designed by Christiane Vauzelles is made of 100% silk twill with hand-rolled edges. The first scarf is printed on...
HERMES pale pink ROSERAIE 140 MOUSSELINE silk Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Roseraie 140 Mousseline' shawl in pale pink silk chiffon (100%) with details in red, lilac, beige, and yellow. Has been worn and is in excellent, virtually new condition. Wi...
Hermes Story Abricot / Beige / Vert Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Story scarf, designed by Jonathan Burton, pokes fun at our obsessive social media era. In Abricot, Beige and Vert colorw...
Birkin 30 Rose Confetti Bleu Azteque Chevre Bi-Color Horseshoe Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Birkin 30 Rose Confetti Bleu Azteque Chevre Bi-Color Horseshoe Bag. Palladium hardware, This is an authentic HERMES Chevre Bi Color Horseshoe Birkin 30 i...
HERMES PIMENT red Swift leather KELLY 25 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag in Rouge Piment red Veau Swift leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open ...
Hermes Kelly 35 Togo Leather Etain Retourne Palladium Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Retourne style, is in Etain Togo leather with Palladium hardware, Today, the Kelly bag from Hermes, designed in a gorgeous trapezoid shape and made with the most l...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in rouge H, blue and vache naturel. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It feature...
Hermes Clic 16 Wallet Leather Red Silver Hardware w/Box Stamp C
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, clean inside and out. Accessories: Box size: Width:16cm,height:13.5cm Designer: Hermes Model: Clic 16 Wallet Exterior Material: Leather Exterior...
HERMES Beige Glasie cream leather 2022 FUJI QUILTED Boots Shoes 41
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Fuji boots in Beige Glasie white quilted leather, showcasing a distinctive rain- and snow-boot inspired silhouette with a refined, feminine outdoor aesthetic. D...
Hermès Lions Brown Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brown, gold, and white porcelain ashtray with lions design. excellent condition.
HERMES Paradis blue Epsom leather BEARN MINI Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Mini wallet in Bleu Paradis (blue) Veau Epsom leather embodies timeless sophistication. Designed with a sleek silhou...
Hermes Vintage Trim Bag Rare Amazonia / Leather 35 Very Chic
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rare Amazonia and brown leather Trim bag. Palladium hardware. Top zipper closure. Interior leather slot pocket. Lined in toile. Comes with Amazonia care balm....
Hermès New Large Feu Bride-a-Brac Pouch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new large orange bride-a-brac canvas toile case. Comes with original orange box.
Hermès Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z155430 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop,...
Hermes Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Kelly 28 Togo Leather gray shoulder bag handbag France r，Local care of the corners and edges of the body Accessories: Dust bag,...
HERMES Cinhetic Box Bag Bleu Brighton Chevre Leather PHW Stamp A
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, worn corners, scratches on hardware, worn chain, clean inside and out, very small indentations on the surface. size: Width:18.5cm,height:17cm Desig...
Hermes, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in red
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in red. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition MEASUREMENTS: length 140 cm, width 140 cm MATERIAL: 65% cashmer...
Raspberry leather gloves with "H" in silver metal Hermès (New with tag)
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Raspberry leather gloves with "H" in silver metal. Snap cover with leather under the hand. Hand-made top-stitching SIZE 7 1/2
Hermès Silk Blue Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Blue silk shirt. Size 42FR. To be mentioned, the color has bleeded in numerous spots. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Shoulde...
Rare Vintage Hermès "Poste et Cavalerie" Silk Scarf, 90cm Carré By J.Metz 1987
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in TETOUAN, MA
The Imperial Legacy of Hermès: "Poste et Cavalerie" (1987) In the world of elegance and luxury, true masterpieces are defined by their ability to tell a majestic story through pure s...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Rose Togo Retourne Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A timeless and highly desirable piece from the House of Hermès, this Kelly 28 Retourne is rendered in a refined rose-toned pink offering a soft yet sophisticated expression of color ...
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
Hermès Cabasellier 31cm Etoupe Taurillon Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Understated and impeccably functional, the Hermès Cabasellier 31cm offers a refined interpretation of the everyday tote through the lens of the hous...
$1,648
Hermes book case
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Burgundy-red calfskin book case. Pocket with a flap and pocket with a pleat, inside. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 27 cm - Height: 14.5 cm - Depth: 4 ...
Hermès Scarf "Alternateur" 1971
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Alternateur, designed by Pierre Péron in 1971. The almost transparent silk is beautiful and iconic. Vintage editions of Alternateur are sought after by collectors. I...
Hermès "Leopard" Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Leopard" sarong is in 100% cotton with hand rolled edges, features a classic all-over leopard print with a narrow contrasting border.
Hermes Scarf - Bride De Gala Quadri Tattoo - Jacquard Yellow White brown
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bride de Gala Quadri Tattoo – Yellow White Brown – NWCT (Rare) – 2404281450 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90, Jacquard Silk Twill Artist: Hugo Grygkar Size: 90 cm × 90 cm / 35 in ...
Hermes by H.d Origny Black Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès black silk scarf ascot by H.d' Origny featuring an all-over print, a yellow border and a center pleat. Circa 1970s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 42.1 in...
Borsa A Mano Hermès Birkin 35 Epsom Gold
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Birkin, misura 35, realizzata in pelle epson nella colorazione gold con hardware dorati. Dotata di una patta con chiusura a fascia orizzontale ad incast...
Hermes Evelyne 29 Large Crossbody Bag Grey with Strap
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Evelyne 29 Large Crossbody Bag Grey with Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Hermes Evelyne 29 Large Crossbody Bag offers a minimal...
Hermès 2012 Geranium Togo Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Geranium Togo Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1443 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [P] Age: 2012 Accompanie...
Hermes Cuivre Novillo Leather 30cm Birkin Bag with Goldtone Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Cuivre Novillo Leather 30cm Birkin Bag with Goldtone Hardware Made In: France Year of Production: 2019 Color: Cuivre Hardware: Goldtone hardware Materials: Novillo leather Li...
Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Crocodile Porosus white gold with diamonds bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Porosus Crocodile with diamonds and 18K white gold. Bag is in mint pristine condition. Comes with dust bag, box(little...
Hermes Slim-Fit 5-Pocket Denim Jeans
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes signature slim-fit five-pocket denim jeans made from 98% cotton denim combined with 2% spandex for a better fit is accented with detailed top-stitching and beautifully fi...
Hermès Horse Ledoux Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gold, red and white porcelain ashtray with horse design by Ledoux. Mint condition back suede. Highly collectible subject by Ledoux.
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silver Lipstick Holder and its Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare authentic Hermès Lipstick Holder Vintage Item Made of Silver Vintage Item A small mirror is included in the mechanism. It opens by opening the...
Hermes Park Picnic Basket A Walk in the Garden Plates and More New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic limited edition Hermes Park Picnic Basket for a most delightful outing with a dash of luxury. Hand braided wicker ...
Hermes Change Tray Etoupe NEW In Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes change tray with perforated Evelyn H. Beautifully crafted featuring Etoupe in Clemence leather. Nickeled clou de selle snaps. A beautiful des...
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermès Scarf "Mon Petit Cheval Mexicain" 2009
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Mon Petit Cheval Mexicain" 2009. Beautiful scarf designed by Wlodek Kaminski in 2009, with only one edition this item is a really sought after piece among collector and...
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.