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 Calya Black Leather Mules Clogs Silver Studs EU 40 US 10 Box Set
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Calya Mules – The Epitome of Contemporary Bohemian Luxury EXCLUSIVE RUNWAY OPPORTUNITY: I also possess the complete, full runway look from this iconic fashion show, including the genuine Hermès leather skirt...
Hermès Nata Epsom Tarmac Passport Holder NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Passport holder in epsom with a snap closure and palladium plated. Comes with original box.
Hermès Anneau de Carre Trio Loop New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Try new scarf-wearing techniques with this small accessory that glides intuitively onto your scarf! The glass provides approximately two times magnification, allowing you to discover...
New 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. A Collectors Piece Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm Deep The Kelly bag came to success when it was ...
Hermes Fuchsia Graffiti Silk Small Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This multi-pink silk scarf was created by graffiti artist and Co-founder of the International Graffiti Festival Kongo. Brand new in box.
HERMÈS PERSONA Silk Scarf 2003 designed by Dubigeon Loïc
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Description* Hermes Persona silk scarf designed in 1997 by Loïc Dubigeon. This scarf celebrates African masks. Collections of tribal masks inspired the Cubist movement, from Picasso ...
$4,349
Hermès bag 'Piano'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) 'Piano' bag made of golden Courchevel leather and marled H canvas, with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a shoulder strap. A design circa 1950-1960. C...
Hermès Silk Scarf De l'Ombrelle Aux Duels Double Face Pierre Marie Red Pink 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Double Face Print: "De l'ombrelle aux duels" Designed by Pierre Marie in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: Rouge / Fuchsia ...
HERMES blue cashmere silk IMPOOSSIIIBLE 100 Scarf Orange Ciel Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shawl 'Impoossiiible 100' by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber in orange cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with details in light and dark blue, green, yellow and ivory. Has been worn and is in virtually new condition. Measurements Width 100cm (39in) Height 100cm (39in) The story behind: The design of the trinket tray created by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber reveals mystifying perspectives. Letters and shapes appear distorted, impossible to decipher. Equestrian accessories...
Hermès Etoupe Epsom Constance Slim Wallet PHW
By Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Pre-owned but never used this Constance Slim Wallet from the house of Hermès is hand made. It features a "H" closure in palladium plated, 2 credit cards slot and a removable change p...
$7,940Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Black Gold Buckle Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Evening Flap Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Black Gold Buckle Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Evening Flap Bag Leather Gold tone hardware Flip lock closure Made in France Measures 10" W x 5.5" H x 4" D 100% Authentici...
Hermès Bleu Navy Feu Canvas The Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Navy Feu Canvas The Grooming Bag SKU: 154846 MSRP: 3225.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent ...
Hermès 32mm Black x Brown Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 93h719s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: Z in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 31.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Accessories: Box, Buckle Du...
Hermes Petit Carre 40 Silk Scarf Dies Et Hore
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on this incredible mini Hermes silk scarf in the most gorgeous astrology print! Gorgeous shades of red, white, blue and yellow come together to create this stunning si...
Hermès Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Brand New Never Used Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton with box Dimensions :150 x 170 cm
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Blazer "Mont Saint Michel" Pattern Size 40 FR
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk blazer iconic Carrè "Mont Saint Michel" motif the jacket is in excellent condition to report yellow stains due to storage all ...
Hermes ascot tie by Jean-Louis Dumas 1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 1980, under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Blue and yellow tone silk ascot tie with a marine anchor pattern. Made in France. Condition: Very good c...
Hermès "Les Plaisirs du Froid" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Plaisirs du Froid" scarf in 100% silk, designed by Hugo Grygkar, features a winter tableau with a horse-drawn sleigh and skaters, with a unique border showing a sequence ...
HERMES ivory silk kimono kaften sleeves belted shirt dress FR40 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ivory silk kimono kaften sleeves belted shirt dress FR40 S Reference: DYTG/A00121 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Extra Details: This kn...
Hermes Alfred Messenger Bag Blue Clemence Leather Crossbody Stamp R 2014
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, scratches on hardware, clean inside and out. size: Width:35cm,height:25cm Designer: Hermes Model: Alfred Messenger Bag Exterior Material: Leather ...
Hermes, Blue suede high top sneakers
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Blue suede high top sneakers. This item has been worn little and is in very good condition. Comes with box and dustbag.
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...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Petits Métiers De Paris" 2006
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Petits Métiers De Paris" 2006. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Kar...
Hermes Rose Aube Oran Sandal Flat Slide Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran sandals in exquisite limited edition Rose Aube. This muted neutral has the iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot. Embossed cal...
Hermès Epsom Tarmac PM Passport Holder
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Epsom Tarmac PM Passport Holder in Vert. This passport holder is a simple case crafted of textured leather in green. The holder opens with a leather tab and a snap to a s...
Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini Bag Silver Chamkilight Goatskin PHW G Stamp 2026 The Hermès Bolide 1923 Mini in Silver Chamkilight goatskin captures the quiet sophistication of one of the ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Black Noir Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Special Order Black Noir Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New, B Stamp 2023. Minor pressure marks on bottom interio...
HERMES Paris Black Pony Skin Leather shoes
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
These shoes are made from black calf/pony skin leather by the house of Hermes. We offer more Hermes and other luxury brands, view our frontstore Details: The lining is made of very...
Hermes Apple White Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white, yellow, green and gold porcelain ashtray with a big apple and flowers design. Excellent condition.
Hermès Ashanti Silk Scarf Annie Faivre 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Ashanti" Designed by Annie Faivre in 1997 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: creamy beige background, ochre beige drawing...
HERMES navy blue & grey silk KNOT 45 Twill GAVROCHE Pocket Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Knot 45 twill pocket scarf is crafted from luxurious silk (100%) and features an intricate knot motif in navy, light grey, and l...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Cotton Beige Pencil Skirt, Size 38
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Beige cotton pencil skirt from the Martin Margiela period at Hermès (1997–2003), featuring a clean colour and silhouette, faithful to the designer’s iconic minimalist language, while...
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’...
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 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 New Black Kelly Twist Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new Kelly Twist Bracelet in Black Swift Leather with rose gold hardware. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with original dust cover and box.
NEW Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Tourterelle Leather Brushed Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and One The Most Coveted and Difficult to get Hermes Combos! As New Hermes Birkin 25 Special Order Gris Tourterelle & White Leather complimented by Brushed Go...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Umbrella Zebras Print 1988 Exotic Year RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Umbrella Print: Zebras Vintage Item from 1988, "Exotic Year" Made in France Made of 100% cotton water repellent cl...
Hermès Lime Swift Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Lime Swift Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Product Title: Lime Swift Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Type: Shoulder, Top Handle Serial...
Hermès New Kelly 25 Retournè Gold Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Kelly 25 Retournè in gold Togo leather with white stitching and gold tone hardware. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Matching detachable shoulder strap. ...
Hermès Shoe Shaped Lacquered Wood Key Ring Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Chain Great gift for shoes lovers ! This little mule has nothing to envy the big ones! Identical reproduction, ...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Red Epsom Leather Gold HW GHW Stamp T 1990
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermès Kelly Mini20 Chevre Women Red shoulderbag France，There is wear on the corners, scratches on the hardware, and local spray color care. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermès Au Coeur de l'Ete Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Au Coeur de l'Ete Terry Cloth Beach Towel with "Au Coeur de l'Ete" print is in 100% cotton with a solid orange back, designed by Jin Kwon. ...
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 Samarcande Chess Set Sycamore Mahogany Crocodile Handles New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcande Chess Set. Composed of Natural Sycamore and Mahogany wood. Beautiful contrasting wood pieces. Gorgeous Bleu El...
Hermes Red Vintage Epsom Leather Jige Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red epsom leather jige clutch. White contrast stitching, toile interior. Comes with original dust bag.
Hermès Bleu Hydra Epsom Kelly Longue Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Hydra Epsom Kelly Longue Wallet GHW SKU: 155647 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has gro...
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 "Costumes des Départements de la Seine..." by Z. Pauwels Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès “Costumes des Départements de la Seine Inferieure du Calvados de la Manche et de l’Orne » by Z. Pauwels silk scarf featuring a pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1991 In ...
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 blue silk twill 5454 BIRD EXPRESS Tie
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Bird Express ties in dark blue, beige and red silk twill (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. No Box. Measurements M...
Hermès "Les Danses Des Indiens" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Danses Des Indiens" Hermes scarf features the ritual dances of various Indian tribes. The scarf was designed by American artist Kermit Oliver in 1999. Brand new cond...
Hermes Tournois et Carrousels by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Tournois et Carrousels" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring an beige/grey border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1960s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
Hermès Contemporary Porcelain Coin Purse by Tong Ren, Unisex, New
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Porcelain coin purse - Base lined with suede - Hand-painted gold trim - Screen-printed decoration applied by hand - “Hermès Paris” signature hot-stamped on the back Made in France ...
HERMES Dugon Duo cream togo leather SHW loop through coin purse
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Dugon Duo cream togo leather SHW loop through coin purse Reference: CNLE/A00516 Brand: Hermes Model: Dugon Duo Material: Leather Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Loop Thro...
Hermes NIB Kelly 25 Retour Vert De Gris
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 cm retourne. Vert de gris togo leather and palladium hardware. Date stamp Z for 2021. Detachable strap. Handle drop 3". C...
HERMES Good News GM Rubis Red Clemence Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag 2010
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition General signs of wear, scuffs on four corners and scratches on metal hardware. Size Width: 33m, Height: 32cm Designer HERMES Model Good News GM Exterior Material Leather...
HERMES pink wool 2022 BELTED TWILL Coat Jacket w EYELET CLOSURE 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès peacoat in pink wool twill (with 1% polyamide). Features a eyelet and belt strap closure at the neck and ties with a belt. Unlined...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Azalee Azalea Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Rare Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Rose Azalee Epsom leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Almost Like New Prisitne with Plastic on Hardware and Feet. Please keep in mind the bag...
HERMES Vert Criquet green Epsom & Swift SANGLE KELLY POCKET 50mm Bag Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pocket bag strap in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Swift leather is a striking blend of style and utility. It features a bold flap pocket crafted i...
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.