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 Kermit Oliver Les Amériques 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermès "Les Amériques" 90 Silk Scarf, designed by Kermit Oliver. Condition : Pristine Designed by Kermit Oliver in 1992, this commemorative scarf depicts Christopher Columbus’...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Blue Ocean Galop D'Hermes Vache Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Bleu Ocean very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless richly satu...
Hermes Helium Hac 50 Travel Bag Alezan Togo Aluminum Hardware Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Helium 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Alezan togo leather. Limited edition accentuated with Aluminum hardware. Chic and timeless. Th...
Hermes Blue Gavroche Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès blue gavroche silk scarf featuring a blue border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1990s -- 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 16.9in (43cm) X 216.9in (43cm) We gua...
Hermes BREAKFAST CUP AND SAUCER MOSAIQUE 24 GOLD
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes big Breakfast cup and saucer in porcelain With Decorative mosaics are screen-printed and applied by hand using gold tiles. With its geometric pattern, the Mosaique au 24 gold...
auth HERMES blue indigo navy cashmere COLORBLOCK Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Colorblock' shawl in midnight blue, royal blue, periwinkle and baby blue herringbone cashmere (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Width 155cm (60.5in) Lengt...
Hermes Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
Hermes Hebdo Reporter Messenger Bag Black Evergrain Palladium New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hebdo Reporter bag featured in Black Evergrain leather. Crisp Palladium hardware. Detachable shoulder strap is adjustable...
Hermès Blue Chaine d'Ancre Tea Cup & Saucer
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Tasse à Thé & Soucoupe Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bleue en porcelaine Parfait état
1990's Hermes Vintage Quilted Reversible Scarf Print Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Concord, NC
1990's rare Hermes vintage 'Etendards et Bannieres' scarf printed quilted reversible jacket. The reverse side is a dark green wool and cashmere. Novelty buttons. Size: 42 Condition...
Hermès "Sur Mon Nuage" Twilly scarf
By Hermès, By Dimitri Rybaltchenko
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Sur Mon Nuage" silk twilly designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in a fuchsia colorway.
Hermès NIB Nano Gavroche Ex Libris
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Ex Libris silk nano gavroche , orange and white. Comes with original box.
Hermès NIB "Jour de Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour de Casting" scarf, silk with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). The 70 scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed by...
HERMES silk LES CLES A POIS Twilly Scarf Grenadine Beige Multicolor
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Les Cles à Pois silk twilly in coral, beige and light grey. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Length 86cm (33.5in) Th...
Hermes Porcelain Brown Chestnut Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brown and white porcelain ashtray with chestnut design. Excellent condition. Minor wear on bottom suede.
Hermès Constance To Go Wallet on Strap Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware 2022
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A masterpiece of refined elegance and practical luxury, this authentic Hermès Constance To Go wallet-on-strap is beautifully crafted from dura...
Hermès Scarf "Citrouilles Et Coloquintes" 1998
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Citrouilles Et Coloquintes" 1998. This scarf designed by Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin was issued in 1998, with only one edition this piece is rare and can be considered a co...
Hermès Orange Leather Globe Trotter Agenda Cover PM 11h426s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: G in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 3" Width: .2" Height: .8" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Leat...
Hermes 24/24 29 Bag Togo Clemence Swift Leather Red Rouge Handbag D Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES 2424 Vanquatre 29 red Togo Clemence Swift Handbag Shoulder Bag France，There are normal wear marks and scratches on the interior hardware ...
Hermes Cadran Solaire Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes green "Cadran Solaire" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : a micro stain visible on the third picture
Hermès Birkin Club 35cm White/Gris Perle Clemence Leather & Sanguine Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Graphic, modern, and exceptionally rare, this Hermès Birkin Club 35cm reimagines the iconic silhouette through bold color-blocking and exotic detailing. The design departs from the t...
Hermes BNIB Pegase Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white,blue,red and orange porcelain catchalls with Pegase design. New with original box.
Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in Brown Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in brown Clemence leather combines timeless elegance with practical design, featuring a slouchy silhouette and signature perforated H logo. Its ...
Hermes Etoupe Kelly 25 Swift Padded Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Etoupe Kelly 25 in Swift leather that is an elegant and refined piece. The warm taupe hue complements the soft, supple texture of Swift leather, wh...
Hermes Evelyne III TPM Bag Framboise Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM featured in saturated Framboise. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Signature perforated H on front of bag. Fresh with Palladium ...
Hermes Hac A Box Limited Edition Phone Case Black Tadelakt Leather Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Hac a Box Phone Case featured in Black Tadelakt leather. Crisp with Palladium hardware. This very rare to find ver...
Hermès "Colombus" Taupe Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Columbus by Kermit Oliver taupe silk scarf. 100% silk. Hand-rolled edges. Stains, please refer to photos. Comes with original box.
Hermès New Vert Epsom Passport Holder
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vert criquet Epsom leather passport holder. Date stamp U. Brand new with box.
Hermes Rouge Casaque Swift Constance 18 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermes Rouge Casaque Swift Constance 18 GHW SKU: 156653 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Co...
Hermes Black Picotin Togo Leather Tote
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Black Hermes Picotin Togo Leather Tote. The Picotin Togo tote features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, and dual flat top handles. 13" L x 8" H x 7.5" D, 6" han...
Hermès lace top by Jean-Paul Gaultier Spring 2007
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 2007 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Dusty-pink lace sleeveless top. Nude-color lining. Composition and size lab...
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas", is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, created by designer Aline Honoré.
1966 Hermes Mors et Filets by M F Heron Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Mors et Filets" by Marie-Françoise Héron featuring a turquoise border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1966 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm)...
Hermès Golf Ball Key Holder Key Ring Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Shape: Golf Ball Vintage Item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved The keychain opens by pushing one end of the rod throug...
Hermès Coral Kachinas Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red/rust silk twill Kachina's shawl designed by Kermit Oliver, features hand-rolled edges. Care tag label attached. Excellent condition, rare find.
Hermes Kelly Idole Mini Quelle Bag Charm Sable Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Kelly Idole bag charm featured in Sable, Nata, H Orange and Brique Tadelakt leather. Whimsical and delightful this fabulous charm...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 SHAWOD Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier Collier de Chien 50 Shadow belt is crafted in Fauve (cognac) Veau Barenia leather with contrasting white topstitching. A rare runway ...
Hermès Kelly HSS 35 Beton Swift champagner Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
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...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully detailed "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" silk jacquard button shirt has a optional matching silk jacquard tie measuring 51 inches by 2 1/2 inches. ...
Hermes Limited Edition Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded Scarf Silk 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded silk scarf by Robert Dallet. This legendry design of love depicts 2 am...
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation Plissé Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation plissé black silk scarf. Comes in box. Dry clean only.
HERMES cognac brown suede BROGUE OXFORD Dress Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès classic brogue dress shoes in cognac brown suede leather. Have been worn and show heavy wear to the sole. Overall in excellent condition. Come with dust bag. ...
Hermès Black Leather Boots In Excellent Condition, 2000s
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegant, structured Hermès boots in smooth black leather feature a clean, sophisticated silhouette with a sculptural high heel and discreet platform. The model features medium leggi...
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 "Eperon D" Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Eperon D" Silk Twilly features, is made from 100% silk and displays a colorful design of blues and purple hues. Comes with origianl box.
Archival Hermès Paris Les Cartes à Nouer Knotting Cards No. 5
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly elegant and rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 5. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautif...
Hermès 1985s Porte Cles Argent Clou de Selle Sterling Silver Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès keychain circa 1985 in 925/1000 silver, Clou de selle model, composed of a chain and a large medallion. Total length 19 cm, clasp at 13 cm, medallion diameter 3 cm, total weig...
Hermès On Summer Day 140cm Silk Shawl by Nigel Peake, Unisex, New
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes On Summer Day Silk Shawl 140cm In new without box condition. Original silk screen design c2020 by Nigel Peake features a geometric colorful city scape print in white, blue, go...
Hermès Pair Braque Vintage Mini Ashtrays
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès vintage set of "Braque d'auvergne" mini ashtrays are a collectable set in great condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box.
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf, designed by Kermit Oliver,1992. Depicting the local flora and fauna of Texas, which surrounds a large central turkey. Hand-rolled edges.
1990s Hermes Parures des Sables Black Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A striking 1990s Hermes mix between a classic shirt and a cardigan. Contrasting black, gold and coral silk printed body featuring the Parures des Sables pattern that was first issued...
Hermes "Reve d'Australie" 140 cm Grey Cashmere & Silk Print Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Reve d'Australie" 140 cm Grey Cashmere & Silk Print Shawl is a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of wanderlust and the beauty of Australian fauna. Featuring in...
Hermes Pink Pavois by P Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes pink « Pavois » by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring a light pink ground and a Hermès signature. Circa 1990 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35...
Hermès Red Foure Tout GM Tote bag 11her104
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 4" Height: 11.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Accessories: Signs of Wear: Cotton Exterior: Some...
Hermès Kelly Verso 35 Gris/Bleu Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Verso 35 in gris/bleu and togo leather with palladium hardware. The bag has small marks on the front side as pictured and scratches on ...
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...
Hermès Birkin HAC 40 Gold Veau Evercolor Toile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Birkin HAC 40 in gold and veau evercolor and toile de camp with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the orginal receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermès Birkin 25cm Gris Neve Togo Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Gris Neve Togo leather presents a refined interpretation of one of the house’s most recognizable silhouettes, rendered in a compact proportion that emphasiz...
Hermès Dogon Long Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Dogon Long Wallet A timeless icon of understated luxury, this Hermès Dogon Long Wallet is crafted from supple Togo leather in the House's coveted Gold Brown shade. Renowned f...
$2,650
Hermès Silver Horse Lock
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès lock is a classic polished metal padlock, instantly recognizable as a signature hardware detail of the brand’s most coveted handbags. Crafted in silver, the lock is engra...
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.