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 Enamel Printed Scarf Ring Brazil Feathers with Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Ring Print: "BRAZIL" Pattern: feathers Made in France Stamp Q (2013) Made of Printed Enamel and Gold Plated Hardware Colorways: Coral, Pink, Red, Black Measurements: 2,5 cm Diameter / 2,5 cm Height (0,98 inch) Condition: New Condition. No signs of use. Would make a great gift ! Will come in a Hermès packaging...
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 Mens Gris Chine Thor Cashmere Silk Losange Scarf GM
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Mens Gris Chine Thor Cashmere Silk Losange Scarf GM SKU: 153385 Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and displays light signs...
Hermes Birkin 25 Anemone Chevre Goatskin PHW Purple Bag 2005
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Surface repainting Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:25cm Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin25 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color:Purple
HERMES dark brown & black leather 2010 PLATFORMBoots Shoes 40.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès bi-color platform boots in black and espresso brown smooth calfskin. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2010 Fall/Winter Measurements Imprinted S...
Exceptional Hermès Keychain Saint Christopher Patron Saint of Travelers Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" of travelers. Can be used as charm or key holder Made of Silver (80% - Crab hallmark) Probably Vintage Item Colorway: Silver-tone "HERMES" engraved at back Hallmarks on the chain Measurements: - Total Length: 16 cm (6,3 inches) - The medal part is 2,2 Long 4,5 High (0,87 / 1,77 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape, no missing part. Clean and shiny. Closure system perfectly works. May show micro scratches not seen unless close inspection. Will come in its original vintage Hermès case...
Hermès “Tigre à l‘ananas“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Tigre a l'Ananas" print designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy is made from 100% cotton, featuring a multi-color design. Woven in Germany and ...
1990's Vintage Hermès Paradis Du Roi Dark Red Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Shawl is from the 90's and belongs to the "Le Paradis du Roy" edition. The cashmere is so soft that you don't actually wanna take it off again. It's a beautiful piece for...
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 Belt or Necklace Olga Charms Chain Fauve Barenia Leather Palladium 2012
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Hermès Paris ‘Olga’ charm belt, crafted in 2012 and celebrated for its timeless, equestrian-inspired elegance. This iconic accessory features Hermès Fauve Barenia...
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 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, ...
HERMES Mouette grey Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Gris Mouette grey Clemence leather with palladium hardware. It features the house’s signature perforated H motif...
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00125 Brand: Hermes Model: Etriers Collection: 2024 Material: Wood, Cashmere, Blend Color:...
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 Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans 2004
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans original France，In good condition, p...
Hermés "Le Soleil Royal" Silk Turban
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate all your looks with this amazing Hermés turban! Circa late 20th century, this scarf turned into a turban features a motif designed by Pierre Péro...
Hermes Kelly To Go Shlouder Wallet Leather GHW 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, tiny stains inside, scratches on hardware, clean exterior. Accessories: Shoulder Strap,Dust bag size: Width:20.5cm,height:12cm Designer: Hermes M...
HERMES Craie cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (chulk white) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H...
Hermès Etoupe Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Epsom Constance 1-Elan GHW SKU: Z158665 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown int...
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...
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur silk twill
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur Hand-sewn 100% silk twill tie. The expert hands of our Lyon-based artisans have been overseeing the various stages of this tie's production since 1949. Mad...
A 1982 Full Set Hermes Carrè Silk Scarf Masques et Casques by Julia Albadie
By Julia Abadie, Hermès
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Hermès silk carré features the iconic "Masques et Casques" design by artist Julia Abadie, a masterpiece first introduced in 1982 that showcases a vibrant collection of...
Authentic Hermes Silk Scarf New Springs RYBALTCHENKO Blue 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
GORGEOUS AUTHENTIC HERMES SCARF Called "New Springs" Made in France in 2009 Design by Dimitri RYBALTCHENKO Made of 100% Silk Colors: Turquoise, Brown, Orange Measur...
Hermès Silk Scarf Les Triplés Triplets Nicole Lambert Orange 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Les Triplés" (Triplets) Super cute ! Adorable ! A must have for any Hermès Lover Designed by Nicole LAMBERT in 2005 Made in France M...
Hermes Birkin 25 Orange H 93 Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD CONDITION Moderate signs of use. Light scratches to the hardware and leather. The color was professionally touched up. DETAILS Brand: Hermes Birkin 25 Exterior Co...
Hermès Khaki Marron Fonce Negonda Toile Garden Party 36 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Khaki Marron Fonce Negonda Toile Garden Party 36 PHW SKU: 153964 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition wit...
Hermès New Kelly 18 White Rose Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès white leather belt in Epsom calfskin with rose gold kelly buckle. Plastic on hardware. Thanks to a clever sliding system, this one-size-fits-most belt may be worn at the waist...
HERMES blue silk twill CADENA H LOCK Tie
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès navy blue tie designed in silk (100%) with 'Lock'H' detail throughout. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. No Box. Measurements Width 8cm (3.1in) Leng...
HERMES the ART of WRITING silk scarf by Maurice Tranchant 2005
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
HERMES THE ART OF WRITING silk scarf by Maurice Tranchant 2005 This scarf celebrates calligraphy, its stylistic effects, arabesques, and artistic flourishes. The design is based on e...
Hermes Monarch Rare Collectable Silk Twill Scarf Designed by Xavier de Poret
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes, Monarch, rare collectable silk twill scarf, designed by Xavier de Poret, first issued in 1974, this beautiful scarf is for the dog lover! beautifully illustrated portraits of...
Hermes Kelly 25 Nata with gold hardware bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 25 Nata colour Epsom leather with gold hardware bag. All stickers on, in new condition. Comes with everything, box, dustbag, detachable strap, clochette lock and keys, r...
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-...
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...
HERMES cream silk TERRES PRECIEUSES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Terres Précieuses 90 scarf by Annie Faivre in cream twill silk (100%). Features a refined, fluid square silhouette showcasing an int...
Blue Zellige 30 Birkin Togo Bag with gold hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Blue Zellige Birkin 30 Bag. Togo leather. Gold hardware. Excellent like new condition. Newer bag never used. Giftable and still has plastic on the hardware. Interior clean. St...
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 Snails Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Snails" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 90 x 60 cm
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 Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
$29,201
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 Kelly Bag 32 Box calf leather shoulder hand bag
By Hermès
Located in 10707, DE
Hermes Kelly Bag 32 in black leather with gold hardware. The bag was made in 1993. It is in excellent condition except for the corners, which can be repaired by a handbag stylist upo...
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 Gavroche Scarf "Les Sangles"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Gavroche scarf “Les Sangles” is a vibrant and elegant accessory designed by artist Virginie Jamin. The name “Les Sangles” translates t...
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan Product Details MML064 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermè...
Hermès Vintage Silk Les Cannes Scarf Black Multicolor 88x85 cm
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Crafted in a traditional extended method of print screening at a factory in Lyon, many of their patterns are inspired by collectable items found in the Parisian office. Black/multic...
Hermes Constance Long To Go Wallet Bag Black Lizard Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Constance to go wallet in strikingly rich Black Lizard. Crisp with palladium hardware. The consummate...
Hermès Bengal Tiger Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Cendrier Hermès "Tigre du Bengale" en porcelaine, doré à l'or fin 24 carats. 16 x 20 cm
Hermès Birkin 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Colvert Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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...
Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 Noir/Black Canvas Swift Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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 HSS 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Honey Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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...
1970's Hermès XLG Jige Brown Toile Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès classic extra large jige clutch in brown box calf leather with natiral toile inserts. Date stamp G in a circle, 1977. Comes with original box. Minor mark in the interior.
Hermès Birkin 30 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Noir/Black Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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)
Hermès Birkin 30 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Cassis Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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)
Hermes by Martin Margiela Belted Long Robe Coat w/ Hood in Black Cotton Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES BY MARGIELA BELTED LONG ROBE COAT W/ HOOD IN BLACK COTTON CASHMERE 44 FR Oversized silhouette with removable belt with dark brown plastic buckle. Wide sleeves with button det...
Hermès Birkin 35 Alligator Matte Bleu de Malte Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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 ...
Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Carré 90 Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" dessiné par Christine Henry Parfait état 100% Soie En 1883, Claude Monet, l'un des plus grands peintres impressionnistes, s'installe à Giverny,...
2000's Hermès Jungle Love Black and Grey Silk Scarf by Robert Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2000's Hermès Jungle Love black and grey tone silk scarf by Robert Dallet. This is a highly collected version by the wildlife artist Robert Dallet. Originally issued in the early 200...
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG058 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, S...
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf
By Hermès, Dimitri Rybaltchenko
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf Brand/Manufacturer: Hermes Collection: A/W 2017 Designer: ...
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.