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 Sanguine White Clemence Verso Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Sanguine White Clemence Verso Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z150811 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condition w...
Hermes Constance 18 Epsom LeatherGray Gold Hardware 2022
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear. Exterior leather shows wear. Interior is clean. Accessories: Key,Lock,Box,Dust Bag size: Width:18cm,height:15cm Designer: Hermes Model: Constance...
Hermès Kelly Mini II Tricolore Verso Craie/Mauve Pale/Gold Veau Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous Hermès Kelly Mini II Tricolore Verso handbag. The exterior of this Kelly Mini features Craie, Mauve Pale and Gold Veau Epsom leather and is compl...
HERMES Picotin Lock 18 Havane Togo Leather Palladium HW Bag Stamp Y
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, worn corners, scratched hardware, clean inside and out. size: Width:18cm Designer: Hermes Model: Picotin Lock 18 Exterior Material: Leather Exte...
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...
Hermès Large Panier De Plage with Pouch 221032 Beige X Orange Canvas Tote
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date/style Code: no date code Made In: France Measurements: Length: 21.25" Width: 7" Height: 13" Handle drop: 5.5" GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes Zip Pouch Sign...
Hermès Kelly Cut Clutch Croc Red With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly Cut clutch is crafted in rich red crocodile leather, offering a glossy, textured surface that feels luxurious and refined. Its slim, structured silhouette reflects ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Vert Criquet epsom leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys,...
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 Constance 18cm Orange Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Scaled to a jewel-like proportion, this Hermès Constance 18cm distills bold color and precise structure into a compact, statement-making silhouette. Rendered in the house’s iconic or...
Hermès Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM charm in Rose Darling, Bleu Celeste, and Rouge Radieux milo lambskin leather. Comes with original box.
Hermès Paris Scarf Cent Plis De Miao by Aline Honoré
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf Cent Plis De Miao (One hundred pleats of Miao – a province in China) - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: ...
Hermes Passementerie by Françoise Heron Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Passementerie" by Françoise Heron featuring a black border and a Hermès signature. 1st edition: 1960 In good vintage condition. Mad...
Hermes Red Cotton Toto Long Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes red canvas “Toto” long tote bag featuring bicolor handles, front pockets, inside pocket. Circa 1990s 100%cotton In good vintage condition . Made in France. Length: 13.4in. ...
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
FENDI terra cotta orange leather DOUBLE BREASTED TRENCH Coat Jacket 38 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Fendi double-breasted trench coat in terra cotta lamb leather with a peak collar and deep slip frontal pockets. Closes with buttons and fastens with one hook at the necklin...
$10,500
Hermès Electric Bike
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Electric Bike is in mint condition. Orange frame with signature Hermès ribbon pattern. Charming straw basket sits jauntily on the...
HERMES black leather 2024 HEDEN 80 Sandals Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Heden 80 sandals in black calfskin leather exude timeless elegance with a modern edge. Featuring the iconic H-shaped toe strap and a delicate ankle strap, ...
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
Hermès Reversible Tuareg Black Gold Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès limited edition belt with handmade Tuareg sterling silver buckle. Handcrafted by Tuareg tribes in the Sahara Desert. Dated O in a bo...
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...
Hermes Egerie Sandals in Black rubber
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Egerie Sandals are in Black rubber and feature the iconic Chaine D'Ancre motif. The sandals are waterproof. Size 37 with box and dustbags
Hermes Rallye 24 Set of 6 Limoge Porcelain Tumblers
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Hermes Rallye 24 Set of 6 Limoge Porcelain Tumblers From a sought-after, discontinued collection is this set of six multicoloured tumbler...
Hermès Birkin 35 Epsom Bleu De Galice
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa a mano firmata Hermès, modello Birkin, misura 35, realizzata in pelle Epsom, rigido e antigraffio, colore Bleu De Galice con hardware argentati. Dotata della classica patta con...
Hermes Maxi Twilly Slim Guepards Robert Dallet Reglisse/Taupe/Gri Colors Mint
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Guepards Maxi-Twilly Slim Designed by Robert Dallet. Comes with signature Hermes box and ribbon. Excellent condition Final sale Approximately...
Hermès Mini Evelyne 16cm Gold Amazone Taurillon Clemence GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès mini Evelyne handbag. The exterior of this Evelyne bag is crafted from gold Taurillon Clemence leather complemented with gold-tone hardware and white stitching. It fe...
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...
Hermès Constance 24 Noir/Black Alligator Mississippi Lisse Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance 24 in noir and alligator mississippi lisse with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp C (2018)
HERMES Azap Jaune Citron yellow epsom leather classique long wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Azap Jaune Citron yellow epsom leather classique long wallet Reference: TGAS/E00149 Brand: Hermes Model: Azap Material: Leather Color: Yellow Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Linin...
HERMES taupe pink yellow silk POUR SORTIR TWILLY Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Pour Sortir twilly scarf, designed by Cyrille Diatkine, is crafted from luxurious grey and marron silk twill (100%). It features equestrian print in light ...
Hermès Set of 2 Plates Sihouettes Collection
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Set of 2 Authentic Hermès Plates From the “SILHOUETTES” collection Depicting a little girl with a stroller and a cat and a mouse on top, and ...
Hermès Set Twillaine FR40 Margiela Grey Silk Cashmere Ensemble UK12 US10 Hermes
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Fall/Winter 1999 collection ensemble by Martin Margiela, Twillaine style, featuring the "Feux de l'Hiver" (Winter Fires) motif by Christiane Vauzelles (a motif originally rele...
Hermés Birkin 30cm Touch Noir Taurillon Novillo/ Bleu Marine Niloticus Lisse PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous Hermès Touch Birkin 30 cm bag. The exterior of this Birkin "Touch" features noir taurillon novillo and bleu marine niloticus lisse leather with palladium hardware. The ext...
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 black & Rouge H burgundy Reversible Belt Strap 110
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 38mm reversible belt strap in Noir (black) and Rouge H (burgundy) Veau Epsom leather. Brand new. Comes with box. Measurements Tag Si...
Hermes Silk and Cashmere Shawl 140 American Quilts Noisette Naturel and Vert
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes American Quilts Cashmere and Silk scarf by Aline Honore. Featured in Noisette, Naturel and Vert colorway. The design was inspired by a collection of 19th ...
Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0114 Brand: Hermès Model: Bearn Wallet Type: Wallet Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By:...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Evercolor Blue Hydra with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly 28cm is crafted in Evercolor leather, known for its structured, durable texture and soft, refined touch. The Blue Hydra hue offers a serene, luminous presence that ...
Hermes oasis sandals pink
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Oasis sandals in Pale Pink, epsom leather with iconic "H" cutout. New with dustbags, box. An emblematic model of Hermès, this silhouette is...
HERMES Vintage Equestrian Bottle Opener Paper Weight
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage silver tone equestrian bottle opener/paper weight, in the shape of a chess piece. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France. RAVINET D'ENFERT (RD with three-leaf clo...
Hermès Silk Scarf De Madras A Zakynthos Turtle Pink Beige 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Rare colorway ! Print: "De Madras A Zakynthos" Pattern: turtle and tortoiseshell Designed by Dominik. A. Jarlégant in 2009 Made in Fr...
Vintage White & Multicolor Hermes 1993 Silk Prize Ribbon Print Skirt Suit
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage white and multicolor silk prize ribbon print skirt suit by Hermes. Circa 1993. Blazer features shawl collar, structured shoulders, short sleeves, and double-breasted gold-ton...
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm Pink Rose Lipstick Anemone Epsom w/Brushed Gold
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm in Rose Lipstick and Anemone Epsom, designed as a custom two-tone configuration that brings together two highly saturated hues within a structured, m...
Hermes "Qu'Import Le Flacon" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermes "Qu'Import Le Flacon" Scarf made from 100% silk and designed by Catherine Baschet. Comes with no box.
Hermès Bleu Zanzibar Togo Birkin 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Zanzibar Togo Birkin 25 PHW SKU: 119773 Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Handbag Condition: Mint Condition Comments: Mint Conditio...
Hermès Birkin 25 Vert De Gris Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Vert de Gris togo leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, a clochette with lock and two keys, and double rolled ha...
Hermès Kelly Translucent Souvenir 231153 Clear Vinyl Satchel
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 5" Height: 12" Handle drop: 2" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: yellowing due to age and wear, scratch...
Hermès Kelly HSS 35 Beton Swift champagner Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly HSS 35 in beton and swift leather with champagner hardware. The bag is in unused condition. Due to the supple nature of the leather, there is some slight structural crea...
Hermès Scarf "Luna Park" 1993
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Luna Park" scarf, designed by Joachim Metz and first issued in 1993, is a vibrant homage to the whimsical charm of early 20th-century amusement parks. In good condition....
Hermès Pipe Holder Pulley Shackle Shaped Vintage in Silver Rare Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe-Holder In shape of a a pulley and shackle (the shackle is fixed, not movable) Vintage item Answers to the silver test Can be used as pipe-...
Hermès Kelly 32 in Vermillion Red
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Hermès Kelly 32 cm handbag in red Togo leather with palladium metal hardware. It features a simple handle in red leather and a removable st...
HERMES black leather NEDJI COMPETITION Ankle Boots Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Nedji Competition ankle boots in black smooth leather featuring Palladium hardware. Zipper closure on the heel. Brand new. Measurements Imprinted Size 36 Shoe...
$501Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Brown Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous brown lamb box leather Hermès belt featuring plated gold hook buckle, and plated gold details, and an inside gold tone HERMES Paris stamp Length:...
Hermès Tambourine Rattle Toy Leather Silk Wooden Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cutest Authentic Hermès Rattle Ever ! Made, of wood, silk and leather Colorways: Mainly Orange and Pink Made for the 2016 Hong Kong Mid Autumn Festiva...
Hermès Garden Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the center represents a black and white checkered floor, the whole drawing a balcony with beams and lush vegetation of large foliag...
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...
BNIB HERMÈS Chypre Sandals White Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya - Size 38
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Where iconic luxury meets contemporary comfort. An extraordinary fusion of heritage craftsmanship and modern design, the Hermès Chypre Sandals in White Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya ...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Chevalerie" 1967
By Caty Latham, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Chevalerie" 1967. This beautiful scarf was designed by Caty Latham in 1967, with only one edition this scarf can be considered a collectible and is really sought a...
Hemres Men Item Sandals Size US 12 IT 45 Black Leather Canvas Buckle Strap
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black and canvas exterior - Tagged size 45 - No box Condition: The sandals are in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In In...
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Blue Nuit Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in rich Bleu Nuit. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Sn...
Hermès Silk Scarf Gavroche Brides de Gala Love Pink Beige 42 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Brides de Gala Love" "Gavroche" Version, which can be used as scarf or pocket square, or knotted around the handle of your Hermès bag...
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.