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 Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Hermès Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Stamp Q_Year 2013. This bag is still in excellent condition. The leather smells as fresh as when it was new...
Hermès Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original box.
Hermes Blue Silk Ascot Scarf with Horses Print and Blue Border
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès blue silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over “Horses” print, a blue border and a center pleat. Circa 2000s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 46.4 in. (118 cm...
Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Plomb Togo Maxi Kelly Retourne 42 PHW SKU: Z151291 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Herm...
$768Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès BABY H102986M Adada 100% cashmere Bleu Glacier knitted baby blanket scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Hermès BABY H102986M Adada 100% cashmere Bleu Glacier knitted baby blanket scarf Reference: KYCG/A00072 Brand: Hermès Model: H102986M Collection: Baby Material: 100% Cashmere Color: ...
1970s Hermès Silk And Wool Sweater
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A 1970s Hermès sweater with a silk printed panel at the front. This panel features a ship towards the top; with the words “ Fluctuat Nec Mergitur”, which translates to ("[She] is tos...
HERMES Gris Fonce grey Box leather TOUAREG COLLIER DE CHIEN 24mm Belt 75
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 24mm belt in Gris Fonce (dark grey) Box leather. Features a hand carved solid sterling silver buckle by Nigerian artist of the Touarg tribe. Ha...
$1,098
Hermes belt with buckle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes thin belt double sided, in pink confetti color and red, with double H buckle in white and burgundy colour. Belt buckle in metal & Reversible leather strap in Swift and Epsom c...
$2,017
Hermès yellow felt hat
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Rabbit felt hat decorated with a saffron-color inside-out goat leather braid. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Head circumference: 55 cm SKU:CH...
Hermes Groom Stable Bucket Oak Wood Leather Handle New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes equestrian grooming stable bucket features oak wood. Cowhide handle with stainless steel ring. Hermes Sellier Paris signature in black. This equestrian p...
Hermes Yellow Turtles & Salads Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès yellow silk scarf ascot featuring a turtles & salads print, a yellow border and a center pleat. Circa 2000s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (115cm)...
Hermes Suede and Heather Knit Vest
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rust Suede and Heather Ribbed Knit Vest suitable for men or women. Easy slash pockets with button front. length 25", Bust 42", 34" waist. Vintage...
Hermes Silk Rare Colombus Red Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Columbus red scarf by coveted designer, Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box.
Hermès Bird Porcelain Yellow Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Vintage Hermès Ashtray features a bird porcelain and a yellow branch border. The edges are gold foil, would be stamped HHH but the suede has been removed. Excellent condition.
Hermès Vintage Silk Necktie 90s Colorful Rope Print Luxury Accessory
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic preowned vintage Hermès silk necktie, made in France and dating most likely to the 1990s. Crafted from fine silk twill, this distinctive tie features an allover abstract ro...
Hermès Vintage Ashtray Horse Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray with a print of galloping horse in the center of it. The horse wears a yellow blanket with stripes at the end. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
$390Sale Price|61% Off
HERMES black & brown cashmere wool H Muffler Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jersey muffler in black and espresso brown cashmere (50%) and wool (50% - please note the content tag is missing). One side has a s...
Hermes BNIB Mini Evelyne Felt/Swift
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare mini Evelyne shoulder bag in blue felt, black swift leather with palladium hardware. Never used. Dated "U" for 2022. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Come...
Silk ivory dress-shirt with belt Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk ivory dress-shirt with belt with buckle. Branded button closure in the middle front. SIZE 40 (Fr) 10 (Us) L
$24,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Sellier Kelly has structure. White contrast stitching. Interior clean. Plastic on hardware. Looks like new, excellent con...
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 Evelyne 16cm Vert Bosphore Clemence Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
The Hermes Evelyne 16cm in Vert Bosphore Clemence Leather with Gold Hardware is a perfect fusion of style and practicality. Meticulously designed, this compact crossbody bag features...
Hermès Silk Scarf Cavalcadour Brides de Gala A Pois Origny Navy Green 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Cavalcadour Brides de Gala à Pois" Successfull mix between "Brides de Gala" designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1957 and "Cavalcadour" designed by H...
Hermes Constance Slim Wallet Waist Belt Bag Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance Slim Wallet Belt bag featured in neutral Etoupe. This Hermes wallet is stunning with coveted Gold hardware ...
HERMES silk EX-LIBRIS Twilly Scarf Scarf Fuchsia Rouge White
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Ex-Libris silk twilly in fuchsia, red and white. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Length 86cm (33.5in) All our listin...
Hermès Indian Scene Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes signature ashtray with indian design in brown, caramel and gold. Suede stamped bottom. minor wear on it. Made in France.
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...
Hermès NIB Giraffes Fuchsia Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new cotton beach towel in fuchsia and red color way with giraffes design. Comes with original box.
Orange Hermes Mini Cosmetic Pouch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Orange Hermes Mini Cosmetic Pouch. This cosmetic pouch features a canvas body, silver-tone hardware, and a top zip closure. 6.5" L x 4.5" H x 0.25" D.
Hermès Kelly 28 Touch Noir/Black Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly 28 in touch noir alligator leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Z (2021)
HERMES black suede HER COLLIER DE CHIEN Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Her Boots' in Noir veau velours suede with Collier de Chien buckle in palladium. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 36.5 Shoe...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Deer Print Xavier de Poret
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Deer Designed by Xavier de Poret LP crest on both sides, for Laurent Perrier champagnes. Perfect gift for someone with the initi...
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG043 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sh...
Hermes Men's Mors et Gourmettes Soie Shirt Jacket Blue Reversible Windbreaker 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes chic scarf print reversible silk men's windbreaker bomber style jacket. The Blue and Grey rare Mors et Gourmettes print reverses to solid Marine. Double zipper for closure. Jacket has 2 exterior and 2 interior zip pockets on each side with embossed pulls. Cuffs, waistband and collar are Marine knit. NEW or NEVER WORN. Please see our extensive Hermes menswear...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware New Never used. Rest of Boutique Stock. Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm D...
$528Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5 Reference: SNKO/A00634 Brand: Hermes Model: Lisboa Material: Leather Color: Tan Brown Pattern: Solid ...
Hermès "Paris Cheval" Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Paris Cheval" Ashtray features a white horse, with a blue and gold trim border.
Hermès Nata Epsom Leather Kelly To Go Wallet, Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Nata Epsom Leather Kelly To Go Long Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1482 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly To Go Long Wallet Type: Shoulder, Cro...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Coffea Coffee Café Print in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stop and take time to look at all the photos of this absolutely lovely authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: coffee leaves, flowers and beans Drawings are gorgeous, and varnish gives it ...
Hermès Geometric Cotton Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès multicolor geometric beach sarong . Mint condition. Comes without box.
HERMES Etoupe Evergrain leather 2010 ROMY 80 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier Romy 80 belt is crafted in Etoupe (taupe) Veau Evergrain leather and finished with a palladium-plated Étrivière buckle. Designed with...
Hermés Herbag Zip Retourne Ebene Vache Leather Etoupe Canvas GM
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A chic and stylish Hermes Herbag Zip. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Ebene Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of th...
HERMES black leather 2010 Vest Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier vest is crafted in black grained deerskin leather, with a silk back subtly embroidered with tonal Hs. It features a sleeveless, fitte...
Hermès Double Sided Wooden Photo Frame
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Made of wood, brown suede leather at base Completely empty in its center, allowing vision from bot...
$949Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Old Car Print
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...
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly scarf, is in 1005 silk and features Native American ceremonial spirit figures. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Comes with original box.
Hermes Brides de Gala Applique Pique Twilly
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Brides de Gala Applique Pique Twilly Comes new in box and ribbon. This small silk accessory can be tied infinite ways, bringing a whimsical touch...
Hermes Kelly 28cm Bleu Cobalt Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Sharp in structure and striking in tone, this Hermès Kelly 28cm in Bleu Cobalt presents a more graphic, high-contrast interpretation of the house’s iconic silhouette. The Sellier con...
Hermes Le Premier Chant Blanc / Gris / Grenadine Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes scarf Le Premier Chant featured in Blanc, Gris and Grenadine colorway. Designed by Sophia Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud. ...
Hermès Noir Curiosite Kelly Laque Charm
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A chic Hermès Kelly Bag charm. The charm features a Curiosite Noir Laque Kelly motif with permabrass plated hardware. This versatile charm can b...
Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW SKU: 152582 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally calle...
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag Gris Perle (light grey) Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting brown leather shoulder strap and trim. Palladium buckle closure. Date stamp ...
$503Sale 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 New Orange Zebra Sarong Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new zebra cotton beach sarong/shawl designed by Alice Shirley. Comes with original box.
Hermès Large Palladium Mors Scarf/Belt Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès oversize palladium mors scarf/belt ring. Excellent condition. Comes with original dustcover.
2017 Hermès Celeste, Capucine & Ambre Epsom Leather Camail Key Holder Charm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
HERMÈS Celeste, Capucine & Ambre Epsom Leather Camail Key Holder Charm Serial Number: A Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Hermès Box Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in ...
HERMES Birkin 35 Vibrato In Orange/Fuchsia With Havanne In Box Calfskin Gold HW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
HERMES Birkin 35 Vibrato In Orange/Fuchsia With Havanne In Box Calfskin Gold HW The Hermès Birkin 35 Vibrato in Orange and Fuchsia with Havanne trim presents a bold and sophisticate...
Hermes Jumping by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Jumping" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring a yellow ochre border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1975 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4i...
Hermès Sleeping Dogs Porcelain Ashtray Aldin
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with an image of two sleeping dogs on an armchair. Porcelain in perfect condition with silver trim. Back suede has been removed.
New Hermes White Tiger Cubs Small Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible silk tiger cubs gavroche small scarf in black, white and red. Hand rolled edges. New in box.
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.