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 Silk' In Classique Long Wallet Gold / Toolbox Print Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Silk' In Classique long wallet featured in classic Gold. Hermes Toolbox silk scarf print interior. Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko. Beautiful in Epsom leather and palladium hardware. Interior has a divided compartment, with a total of 12 credit card slots, a zipped pocket, 2 paper money...
Hermes Silk Pony Express Navy Blue Celeste Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible navy blue Pony Express by Kermit Oliver silk scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Highly collectible subject . Please refer to last photo for small defect. Two small threads ...
White cotton T-shirt Bride de Gala HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton T-shirt Bride de Gala. SIZE 44
Hermés Birkin 35cm Sellier Sunrise Rainbow Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Limited Edition Hermès Sellier Birkin 35cm Rainbow Sunrise bag. The exterior of this Birkin features Epsom leather in yellow lime, sésame beige, rose confetti, and brown terre. These sunrise-inspired colours are complemented with palladium hardware. This rainbow Birkin...
2007 Hermès Birkin Bag Togo Leather Plomb Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Bag by Hermès, Birkin model, size 35, made in Togo leather, soft to the touch and with light veins, Plomb colour, equal to black. Equipped with the classic interlocking flap, with ...
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Perles du Kenya 1997 Rybaltchenko Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Dimitri Rybaltchenko
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Kenyan Pearls pattern by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, produced only once in 1997, in shades of red. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approximately. The scarf...
Hermès Black Togo & Varanus Niloticus Lizard Leather Touch Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo & Varanus Niloticus Lizard Leather Touch Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details CB1692 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Z Ag...
Hermès 1982 Kelly Bag 32 cm Gold Courchevel Leather with Strap
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermés 2 way Kelly bag, Retourne, 32 cm, Curchevel leather in gold, Collection L in circle = 1982 with long autentic Strap, Lock and Key and Hermes dustbag included. MADE IN FRANCE ...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Beige Clemence Leather Crossbody Bag Unisex 2025
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Beige Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp K. Year 2025 Condition: Pri...
HERMES Jige Elan 35 orange swift leather elongated envelope clutch bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Jige Elan 35 orange swift leather elongated envelope clutch bag Reference: MELK/A00394 Brand: Hermes Model: Jige Elan 35 Material: Leather Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Gold Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. B Stamp 2023. Includes all Accessories and Box. Thank you for stopping by Lux Add...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW with Hermes box. Made in France FINAL SALE.
Hermès Ornament Adornment for Skirt in Brown Leather and Golden Medor Studs RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is designed to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not in...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch Gris Perle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch in Gris Perle with gold hardware. This Hermes bag features a small top handle, a cross over flap, and a str...
Hermès Paris Belt Shaped Money Clip Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used for money, paper, anything you need to clip In shape of a belt (can not be opened) Vintage Item Made of silver 800 Colorway: silvery "HER...
Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 30 GHW SKU: Z157600 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of ...
Hermes oasis alligator crocodile Prunoir sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes oasis Alligator mat crocodile Prunoir sandals. Very precious and classy mules. Size 38.5 very good condition with box
Hermès Brides de Gala Shadow Twilly NEW IN BOX
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brides de Gala Shadow Twilly. This small silk accessory can be used in many ways. It is a beautiful way to accessorize your handbag for example. The scarf is new and comes wit...
Hermes Vue du Carrosse La Galere La Reale by Hugo Grygkar Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Vue du Carrosse La Galère La Réale » by Hugo Grygkar featuring a light green border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1992 designed in 1953 I...
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 Herbag Zip Retourne 31 Noir Toile Miltaire/Vache Hunter GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A chic Hermes Herbag Zip 31 handbag. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Noir Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of the ...
Hermes Vintage Black Crocodile Clutch
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes vintage black crocodile clutch with gold tone hardware. Pre stamp production, comes with original dust cover.
HERMES Etain Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Étrivière 40 belt is crafted from supple Clemence leather in the sophisticated shade of Etain and finished with a sleek palladium buckle. Showcasing Hermès...
HERMÈS Vintage Silk Shirt Dress “Kachinas” by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMÈS vintage silk shirt dress featuring a multicolor “Kachinas” print by KERMIT OLIVER on a yellow background, depicting ceremonial spirit dancers from western Pueblo traditions. ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Noir/Black Niloticus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 in noir and niloticus crocodile leather with gold hardware. The bag has been worn but still in very good condition: small scratches on the hardware, small spo...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bleu Du Nord Swift Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 in Bleu du Nord Swift leather with Palladium hardware is a stunning expression of soft sophistication and refined craftsmanship. The smooth, supple texture of S...
Hermès Mosaic Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Serviette / Drap / Tapis de plage Hermès "Mosaic Fishes" 100% Coton. Parfait état Dimensions : H: 90 x L: 150 cm.
New Hermes Red Tiger Cubs Silk Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red and white tiger cubs silk gavroche scarf. Hand-rolled edges. New in box.
Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket Blue jacket featuring the iconic 'Cosmos' motif in gold designed by Philippe Ledoux, originally introduced on He...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Horse Bit Shaped Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a horse bit Made in France Made of silvery and golden non-precious stainless metal "HERMES" and "MADE IN FRANCE" eng...
Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure with lacquered pall...
Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Rose Pourpre leather. The Rose Pourpre leather is complemented with palladium hardware and...
Hermès Échec au Roi Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Beige Blue NWOT
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Reversible Leather Bomber Hermes Jacket - Échec au Roi - Beige Blue - NWOT - 2609071721 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Name Design: Échec au Roi Artist (M...
Hermes Paris Khaki Cotton Blend Womens Jacket Circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Khaki cotton blend women's jacket Size 42 The classic cotton blend jacket is designed with a single chest pocket & a pair of flap covered pockets on the lower front Adorned with a pair of burnished brass tone metal buttons on the front. Each sleeve cuff has a pair of small resin tortoise shell...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Bougainvillea Matte Alligator w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Electric in presence yet refined in execution, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Bougainvillea matte alligator delivers a striking interplay of color, texture, and scale. The hue is unapolo...
Hermès Zipped Cardigan in Multicolor Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Zipped Cardigan in Multicolor Cashmere offers a chic, elevated twist on a classic piece. Crafted from ultra-soft cashmere, this cardigan features a V-neckline and long sle...
HERMES olive & Ebene suede & leather 32MM REVERSIBLE H STRIEE Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès reversible belt in Vert Bronze (dark sage green) Veau Eversoft nubuck and dark brown Veau Togo leather offers versatile sophistication. Featuring a palladi...
Vintage Hermès “Washington’s Carriage” Silk Scarf by Caty Latham, 1979
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
A collectible vintage Hermès “Washington’s Carriage” silk carré, designed by Caty Latham and first issued in 1979. The composition celebra...
Auth. Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc – NWCTS – 2510281928 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Not applicable / no specific artist credite...
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
Hermès Special Order Birkin 25cm White Lime Yellow Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Special Order White and Lime Yellow leather with gold hardware sits firmly in collector territory, where customization becomes the defining language of the ...
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...
Hermès New Tropical Garden Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden pastels silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Jige Elan Clutch Swift With Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Jige Elan Clutch in Swift with Lizard is an exquisite example of the brand’s timeless craftsmanship and elegant design. The Hermès Jige Elan Clutch in Swift with Lizard is...
HERMES Jaune d'Orge yellow leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Oran sandals in Jaune d’Orge yellow Epsom leather, the structured, cross-hatched grain lending a crisp, vibrant finish to the Maison’s most iconic flat silhouet...
Hermès Birkin 35cm Bronze D'Or Togo w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 35cm in Bronze D’Ore Togo with Palladium hardware carries a warm, tonal depth that feels more understated than it is at first glance, where the 35cm scale allows the co...
HERMES Silk Vintage Sweatshirt Size 38FR Mint NEW Condition
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes 100% silk vintage sweatshirt Multicolor with peacock and swan print. Fabric looks new and unworn. Size 38 Fr.Made in France FINAL SALE
Hermes Birkin HSS 30 Rose Shocking & Gris Perle Bag Brushed Gold Hardware Chevre
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin HSS 30 bag featured in coveted rare Rose Shocking and Gris Perle. Vivid pop all grown up pink with clear Gris Perle in coveted Chevre leather. This...
HERMES red blue silk ORS BLEUS D'AFRIQUE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Ors Bleus d'Afrique 90 scarf, designed by Zoé Pauwels, is crafted from luxurious red silk twill. It showcases a vibrant print featuring a variety of Africa...
Hermes Bird Porcelain White Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes signature ashtray with bird design in brown, yellow and gold. Suede stamped bottom. Made in France.
GUCCI black leather & PYTHON NEW BAMBOO Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci 'The New Bamboo' handbag in black python with bamboo turn-lock and bamboo handle. Has a detachable shoulder strap divided in a regular strap and a woven strap with silver-tone ...
Hermès Rouge Radieux Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Radieux Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details CB1694 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied B...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Sous L Egide de Mars - Red Dark Taupe Green - Mint
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Sous L’Égide de Mars – Red Dark Taupe Green – NWOCT – 1411180019 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Pierre Marie Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Red, D...
Hermès Faune et Flora du Texas Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Scarf "Faune et Flora du Texas" by Kermit Oliver 90cm silk scarf is a classic. The scarf features Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a red background.
Hermes Etriviere Dog Collar Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Etriviere dog collar featured in Natural Sable natural bridle leather. Buckle is stirrup shape. D ring for a leash. 2cm ...
Hermès Pochette Bazar In and Out PM clutch Swift Leather 2022
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, scratches on the hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:18cm,height:26.5cm Designer: Hermès Model: Pochette Bazar In and Out...
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...
Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm bag. The exterior of this Kelly is crafted in Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence leather and is detailed with palladium hardware. It features a f...
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.