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 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 Mini Roulis 18 Gold Barenia Leather Flap Crossbody Purse
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Mini Roulis 18 Shoulder Crossbody Bag gold faubourg barenia France，Corner scratches have turned black, showing signs of use. Interior scratches present. Metal compo...
Hermès Rouge H Vintage Grooming Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage grooming travel set is composed by 1 bifold leather case with: 1 wood shoe horn, a silver metal razor, a blade holder, 1 leather pouch with a comb, manicure set. Comes w...
Hermes Roulis 18 Mini Evercolor Leather Gold Shoulder Bag Original France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermes Roulis 18 Mini Evercolor Leather in Gold shoulderbag original France Y，There is slight blackening and wear on the edges, and there are scratches on the metal compon...
Hermès Old Car Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: a couple traveling in an old hand-cranked car, edges decorated with a drive chain design. A refined gift, ideal for all lovers of vi...
HERMES Mini Roulis Shoulder Crossbody Bag Evercolor Blue A Stamp France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Mini Roulis Shoulder Crossbody Bag Evercolor Blue A Stamp France，Minor color correction on the edges, slight scratches on the metal fittings, and minor scratches on...
Hermes Black Swift Calfskin Kelly Glove Clip
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Black Swift Calfskin Kelly Glove Clip is a sophisticated accessory that exemplifies elegance and practicality. Crafted from black Swift calfskin leather, this glove clip f...
HERMÈS HARNAIS de CÉRÉMONIE 1959 silk Scarf designed by Grygkar Hugo
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Ceremonial Harness Silk Scarf This scarf is a testament to the House of Hermès, both for its age (67 years) and its equestrian theme. The design is finely traced with arabesqu...
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...
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Alligator Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG129 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1991 ...
Hermes MC2 Euclide Card Holder Gold Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes MC2 Euclid Card Case featured in Gold. The card holder has 4 slots for business/credit cards and 2 pockets. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store ...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Grands Fonds" 1992
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Grands Fonds" 1992. Beautiful silk scarf designed by Annie Faivre in 1992, with only one reedition this scarf can be considered a collectible and is really sought ...
2005 Hermès Fuchsia Pink Ostrich Birkin 28
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A rare, collectable and highly sought-after 21st century (2005) Hermès fuchsia pink ostrich Birkin 28, comprising of one compartment with one self-...
$1,034Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Spirit roller horse made of natural beech wood
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Spirit wheeled horse in natural solid beech wood, made in Germany ( L 29 x H 15 cm ) . The leather cord is missing and has been replaced...
Hermès Ceinture A composer T80 Tuareg Silver Buckle New Leather Belt US32 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A series belt composed of a reversible leather link in black box leather and almost black brown grained leather, dated 2007, and an H or Constance buckle in solid silver decor...
$29,260
Hermes Birkin 25 bag lime
By Hermès
Located in London, England
HERMÈS Birkin 25 bag Lime colour with Swift Leather with Palladium Hardware U Stamp / 2023. Comes with original receipt, box, dustbag, ribbon, felt, c...
Hermes Constance Wallet Black Epsom Leather Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
The Hermes Constance Wallet in Black Epsom Leather with Rose Gold Hardware is a stylish and refined accessory. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this wallet showcases the ...
New in Box Hermes Birkin 25 Togo Gold/Palladium Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible 25cm Birkin in gold togo leather with palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Date stamp Z fro 2025. Brand new in box with full set: lock, two keys, clochet...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage 6 Tobacco Pipes Stand Rack Holder RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Stand Rack for 6 Tobacco Pipes Rare vintage item Can be used for anything else Made of non precious metal Colorway: Silvery "HERMÈS PARIS" and craftman hallmark engraved at back 2 animal heads at top of the stand Measurements: - 15 cm high (5,91 inches) - 16 cm at longest (6,3 inches) - 11,5 cm at widest (4,53 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape. No missing part. Clean and shiny. Scratches on the base No Hermès packaging...
Hermes Margiela sleeveless linen shirt
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Margiela Sleeveless Linen Shirt. mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Shoulders: 39 cm / 15.35 in Underarm Width: 47 cm / 18.50 in Le...
Hermès Bunch of Grapes Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Bunch of grapes, grape, vine leaves Theme: vine, harvest, grape, wine Beautiful in a cellar. Would make a great gift for a wine ...
Hermes Brides de Gala by Hugo Grygkar Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf " Brides de Gala" by Hugo Grygkar featuring a blue border, a Hermès signature (with a C of copyright). Designed in 1957. In good vintage condition. Made in France....
Hermès Les Haras Nationaux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint "Les haras Nationaux" black , white, cream silk scarf. Deisgned by Hubert de Watrigant. Hand rolled edges and care tag attached.
Hermes Kelly 28 Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This bag, defined as “simple and perfectly made”, exists in many combinations of leathers (around 20) and countless colors. Created in eight different sizes ranging from 15 to 50cm, ...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel God of Love and Heart in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please note: Cupid may appear blue. It is in fact lawn green Shapes: Cupid and Heart From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: lawn g...
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...
Hermès Kelly So Black 35 Noir Boxcalf
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly So Black 35 in noir and boxcalf leather with black hardware. The bag had already been in the Hermès Spa and is in a good condition with small marks on the front and back...
Hermès Birkin HSS 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Honey Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin HSS 35 in honey and shiny crocodile porosus leather with gold hardware. The bag is in very good condition, has a small mark on one corner as pictured. Comes as full set...
Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 Noir/Black Canvas Swift Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 in noir and canvas swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set. Stamp U (2022)
Hermès Birkin 30 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Noir/Black Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 30 in noir and shiny crocodile porosus leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp D (2019)
HERMES black leather LOAFER STYLE Pumps Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès loafer-style pumps are crafted from smooth black leather, blending timeless sophistication with everyday versatility. The design features a classic almond...
Hermès Birkin 30 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Cassis Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 30 in cassis and shiny crocodile porosus leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y (2020)
Hermès Limited Edition Kelly 22cm Wood Perspective Cavalière
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
This extremely rare and limited edition "Kelly Wood" is composed of natural wood, with leather inlay and fauve barenia leather with palladium hardware. Com...
Hermès Gold Mini Kelly 20 Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Gold Epsom leather, a timeless icon in one of Hermès' most iconic neutrals. The warm caramel brown hue with contrast stit...
Hermès Set of four Small Ashtrays Porcelain and Gold Animals Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtray", these small objects can be placed near the plates, or be used as change tray Prints: Dog, Eaggle, Goat, Giraffe M...
Hermès Kelly Picnic 20 Vert Verone Osier Swift Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Picnic in vert verone and osier wicker/swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is in excellent and unworn condition with minima...
Hermès New Taupe Red Kachina Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kachina 100% Silk Scarf is designed by Kermit Oliver. Unusual and collectible colo combination taupe and red. Hand rolled edges, new condition.
Hermès New Pearl Grey Picotin 18 Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Picotin Lock is in pearl grey togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching with two top handles. The interior is lined with natural leather, has no interior pock...
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 ...
$19,710
Hermès Kelly 32 Purple Iris
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic PHW Kelly bag by Hermès. Crafted with Togo leather, this exquisite piece features palladium hardware, was crafted in 2010 and has been kept in...
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Colvert Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 35 in colvert and shiny crocodile porosus leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn but has minimal scratches on the hardware and comes as full set including the or...
$1,080
Hermès Scarf "Siam" 1978
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Siam, designed by Vladimir Rybaltchenko in 1978, is a distinguished piece. The Siam scarf has intricate motifs inspired by Thai art and culture, featuring elaborate ...
Hermes Cuivreries by F.de la Perriere Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Cuivreries" by F. de la Perriere featuring a bordeaux border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1985. First issue 1963 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4i...
Chanel Medium Double Classic Flap Bag Coral Pink Matte Crocodile Leather Silver
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
This Chanel Medium Double Classic Flap Bag is truly a rare gem. This model is no longer produced, making it a must-have item for any bag collector. Constructed from coral pink matte ...
Hermes Chypre black leather sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Chypre sandal Black size 42 -Techno-sandal in suede goatskin with rubber sole and adjustable strap -H logo strap -Open toe & heel
Hermès Birkin 35 Ghillies Anemone Bag with Palladium hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Limited Edition Hermès Birkin Ghillies bag is extraordinarily rare and beautiful. As a Ghillies handbag, contour stitching details set ...
Hermès Graphite Madam Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Graphite Madam Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1666 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: U Age: 2022 Accomp...
Hermes Evelyne III 31 8F Crossbody Bag Handbag Stamp X France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermes Evelyne III 31 8f Crossbody bag handbag stamp X France，There are normal wear marks on the edges, minor scratches on the hardware, and some signs of use inside. See ...
Hermès Constance Brown and Gold 23 cm
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brown and gold Hermès Constance. Brown leather with gold hardware in excellent shape, with no odor or discoloration. One outside and one inner pocket. Collection from 1972.
Hermès Birkin 35 Alligator Matte Bleu de Malte Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 35 in bleu de malte and matte alligator leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn but has a small scratch on one foot and a small ...
$808Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Beige felt and wool beret by Hermès France, tote bag
By Hermès
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Gorgous and unique beige felt and wool beret from Hermès France, along with its box and a matching fabric bag. The beret is the Saint-Honoré Point Avalon model by Hermès. It is made...
Hermès Orange Printed Silk Scarf Top Styled Multiple Ways
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Elevate your summer styling with this vibrant Hermès silk scarf, creatively worn as a top. Rendered in a striking orange palette with contrasting navy and turquoise, the print celebr...
Hermès Rouge H Canvas & Gold Swift Leather Aline Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Rouge H Canvas & Gold Swift Leather Aline Grooming Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6033 Brand: Hermès Model: Aline Grooming Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number: W Age: 1997 ...
Hermès Keychain Key Holder Horse Charm in Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Key Holder Can be used as charm for your Kelly, Birkin or any other Hermès bag Round in shape, printed with a cute horse's head Made of barenia smooth ...
Hermès Birkin HSS 35 Bleu Electric Zelige Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin HSS 35 in bleu electric/zelige and togo leather with palladium hardware. The bag is in very good condition, with only one slight mark as pictured and comes with Hermès ...
$1,469
Hermes 'Medor' belt 1987
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1987 ready-to-wear Collection. Ink-blue box leather belt with gold-plated jewelry, Medor design. Size 60 Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size ...
Hermès Mythologie Des Hommes Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Hermès Scarf "Jungle Love" 2000
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Jungle Love" 2000. Designed in 2000 by Robert Dallet this scarf was reissued in 2007 due to its popularity. The design is unique and beautiful. It can be worn in severa...
HERMES PARIS “Les Cles” Printed Silk Scarf Wool Sweater, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your wardrobe with this striking 1980s Hermes Paris wool sweater featuring the iconic "Les Cles" silk scarf design. The distinctive black and yellow gold colorway showcases t...
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.