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 Kelly 20 Mini Noir/Black Alligator Matte Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly 20 mini in black and matte alligator leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and cites. Stamp Y (2020)
Hermès Birkin 30 Alligator Matte Amethyst Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Birkin 30 in amethyst and matte alligator leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the receipt and Cites. Stamp Y (2020)
Auth. Hermes Scarf A vos Crayons - Green - Exc. Condition Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
A vos Crayons - Green - MWCT - 2511111936 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: À vos crayons !, To Your Pencils! Artist: Leigh P. Cooke Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 3...
Hermès Bleu Azteque Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Azteque Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM PHW SKU: 153726 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent con...
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1475 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm CHEVRE LEATHER, black, collection B - 1998
By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 35 cm, black Chevre leather (Made in France), Collection B = 1998 and in very good condition! CHEVRE LEATHER - very insentive! Measurement: Width of the bag 35 cm...
Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & Spurs
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Say hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Electric Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Electric Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition with Plastic on Hardware. 2018 C Stamp. Dimensions: 12 W...
Hermes Bordeaux Box Leather Wallet “Azap”
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Bordeaux box leather wallet “Azap” featuring silver-tone hardware, an all-around zip fastening, internal card slots, internal note compartments, a zip pocket, a repertoire, a ...
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 P...
Hermes Birkin 30 Touch Vert Jade Vert Comics Nilo Crocodile Togo Palladium Bag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is a Hermes Vert Jade and Vert Comics Birkin 30 Touch in Nilo crocodile and togo leather with palladium hardware. This stunning Birkin 30 features two 4-inch top handles, a lock and key, and a strap and turn lock closure. The front flap opens to a Vert Comics leather-lined interior that features a patch pocket and a zipper pocket. This is a stellar Birkin 30 to add to your handbag collection! Details: Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin Touch...
Hermes Multicolour Large “La Siesta” Porcelain Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolour Large “La Siesta” porcelain organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a rectangular shape, a floral motive, a Hermes signature. Delivered in original box Circa 200...
Vintage HERMES Hermès Aline Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMES Aline Grooming Bag is crafted of herringbone canvas and calfskin leather straps. It was created as a utilitarian grooming bag for riders to carry horse brushes, c...
Vintage Hermes "Grand Tenue" Multicolor Print Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Hermes "Grand Tenue" Multicolor Print Silk Scarf is an exquisite piece that showcases the brand’s unparalleled craftsmanship and vibrant artistry. Featuring a kaleidoscop...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Epsom leather BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in Etoupe (taupe) Veau Epsom leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes wi...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Rose Tyrien Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitne Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Includes all Accessor...
Hermès Bleu Navy Feu Canvas The Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Navy Feu Canvas The Grooming Bag SKU: 154846 MSRP: 3225.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Bougainvillea Rouge Casaque Clemence Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35 Bougainvillea Rouge Casaque Clemence Handbag. Comes with Palladium hardware. Double rolled leather handles with front toggle closure, opening to lining with one zip ...
Hermes Grands Fonds Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Grands Fonds" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : Pristine
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Potiron Brun and Miel Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Potiron, Brun and Miel. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the g...
NEW Hermes Constance III Mini Mirror Ostrich Rose Bubblegum Pink W
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Constance III Mini Mirror Ostrich Rose Bubblegum with Palladium Hardware The Hermès Constance III Mini in Rose Bubblegum is a rare and refined statement of modern luxury. Cra...
Hermès Multicolour Striped Toile Canvas Jumping Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Marron Fonce Swift Leather & Multicolour Striped Toile Canvas Jumping Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG140 Brand: Hermès...
HERMES black silk 2020 PROJECTS CARRE AU CRAYON Belted Shift Dress 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Projects Carre au Crayon belted dress in black and gray silk (100%) and the knit part in black silk (85%) and cashmere (15%). Features a detachable belt and bel...
Hermès Birkin 30 Brique Sellier Boxcalf Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in brique with white stitching and boxcalf leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the o...
Hermès "Figures Libres" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Figures Libres" Twilly made from 100% silk in the blu, Figures Libres Motif colorway. Designed by Geoff McFetridge.
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Gris Pale Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Gris Pale togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and dou...
Hermès Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake measurements: 26.5 l * 8 h * 26. 5 d
Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt Burgundy calfskin leather belt in Rouge H designed with a signature sterling silver 'H' buckle detailed with in...
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared belted long leather coat FR34
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared formal belted long leather coat FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00665 Brand: Hermes Collection: 2024 Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver P...
Hermes Egee Clutch Bag In Tadelakt Leather
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Egee Clutch Bag In Tadelakt Leather Capucine orange clutch crafted from soft Tadelakt calfskin leather. Designed with a front flap featuring signature magnetic double pallad...
Hermès 1997 Foulard Carré 90 Persona Ecru Blue Silk Twill Scarf Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Persona print by Loïc Dubigeon, produced in 1997, brown and blue motifs, ecru edges and background, hand-rolled edges. Approximately 90cm wide x ...
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 Kelly Clemence Leather Retourne 40cm Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Kelly Clemence Leather Retourne 40cm Bag True investment piece - Kelly bag crafted from Hermes's iconic Clemence leathe...
Hermes Taurillon Novillo Opli 24 Chain Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Founded in 1837, Hermès has established itself as a symbol of unparalleled quality and sophistication, offering a wide range of products including leather goods, fashion accessories,...
Hermes Calfskin Kelly First Oxford Loafers - Size 7 / 37
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Founded in 1837, Hermès has established itself as a symbol of unparalleled quality and sophistication, offering a wide range of products including leather goods, fashion accessories,...
Hermes Constance Wallet Gold Epsom Leather Silver Palladium Hardware 2017
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good condition, slight usage marks, clean interior, slight scratches on hardware Accessories: No Acce...
Hermes Birkin 35 Togo U5 Rose Lipstick Pink Gold Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: EXCELLENT Overall light signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Rubbing on the corners, handles, wax on the edges. Original condition. DETAILS Brand: Hermes ...
Hermès Collectible Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Care tag attached . Mint condition.
Hermes Constance Mini 18 Black Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance Mini 18 bag featured in jet Black Lizard. Lizard saturates colour beautifully and gives this Black Constance fabu...
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...
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf
By Dimitri Rybaltchenko, Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf Brand/Manufacturer: Hermes Collection: A/W 2017 Designer: ...
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" 100% cotton scarf in green and yellow, and features hand-rolled edges.
Hermès Silk Scarf "Trésor Du Nil" 2003
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Palm Beach, FL
HERMES Tresor du Nil 2003 by Metz Joachim Ancient Egypt is honored in this yellow silk scarf. Pharaohs and riches are represented by scarab jewelry, birds, and the abundant vegetatio...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Invasion Of Creatures On Metro" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully Wicked yet Whimsical (Waiting List) "Limited Edition" MultiColor "Invasion of Creatures on Metro" Silk Jacquard scarf accented with fine hand-rolled edges, ...
Hermes Tournois et Carrousels by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Tournois et Carrousels" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring an beige/grey border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1960s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
Hermes ascot tie by Jean-Louis Dumas 1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 1980, under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Blue and yellow tone silk ascot tie with a marine anchor pattern. Made in France. Condition: Very good c...
Hermes Vintage "Tibet II" 90 cm Fuchsia Printed Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Hermès Vintage "Tibet II" silk printed scarf, measuring 90 cm; an artistic celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet. This striking fuchsia scarf features an intricate print adorned with traditional Tibetan jewelry...
Hermes Exhibition Japan Limited Voyage En Terre D'Etoiles Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s Blue Exhibition Japan Limited "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" backpack bag featuring blue nylon fabric, "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" print, front flap closure, shoulder strap...
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...
Beautiful Hermès Leather Gloves Ribbon Printed White and Black Size 7
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely gorgeous Authentic Hermès Gloves Top printed with "HERMÈS - PARIS" ribbon Made in France Made of Lambskin Leather Top is made of elasticated material, probably polya...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Brandebourgs Points - CS140 - Blanc Mauve Bleu - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Brandebourgs Points - CS140 - Blanc Mauve Bleu - NWSTS - 2606131637 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Brandebourgs Points, Dotted Frog Fastenings Artist...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Bleu Saphir Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in bleu saphir and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermes Black Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a black border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X ...
Hermès Garden Party 30 (TPM) in Grey Negonda Leather
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermès Garden Party 30 (TPM) in Grey Negonda Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Elevate your daily edit with the under...
$296Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes "Brides de Gala" Silk Hair Band with Pouch and COA
By by Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This Hermes "Brides de Gala" headband is not only hard to find, but designed by Hugo Grygkar and one of the best loved Hermes designs. It is 100% silk jersey and made in France. One side has a green surround and the other mustard yellow. Both have the same design in differing colors. The headband is in very good condition. Measurements: L- 9.5" each side and W-2.80" Please note that as the material is silk jersey it is stretchy. This silk Hermes headband...
Hermès Orange Togo Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Orange Togo Birkin 35 GHW SKU: 157244 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of ...
Hermes Vintage Riding Jacket / Blazer Check Leather Buttons Velvet Collar 36 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a particularly beautiful 4 button single breasted Hermes vintage riding jacket. Shawl shaped lapel with a black velvet collar. Leathe...
HERMES cashmere silk PANOPLIE EQUESTRE EYELINER 140 Shawl Scarf Ebene Orange
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Panoplie Equestre Eyeliner 140 scarf by Virginie Jamin grey cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with ebony brown and orange stripes. Brand new. Measurements Model 24...
Hermes Tan/Gold Epsom Leather Adjustable Kelly 18 Belt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Tan/Gold Epsom Leather Kelly 18 Belt Made In: France Year of Production: 2023 Color: Tan Hardware: Gold Materials: Epsom leather Closure/Opening: Twist lock Condition: Exce...
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.