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 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 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...
Hermes Virevolte 24 Shoulder Bag Swift Clemence Red Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear, corner abrasion, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Acc...
Hermès Etoupe Epsom Evelyne III PM 29 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Epsom Evelyne III PM 29 PHW SKU: 153581 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Designed in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, the Evelyne shoulder bag from ...
Hermès Orange Bag Charm Accessory Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm Replicating the shape, color, carriage logo and lettering of the Hermès paper bag Made in France Stamp Y (2020) Made of smooth, soft Milo leather...
HERMES silk HERMES FACTORY SUITE Twilly Scarf Noir Rose Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermes Factory Suite twilly scarf in black white silk twill (100%) with details in black, pink, yellow and light blue. Brand new w...
HERMES white cotton & cashmere Jacquard Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès light knit cardigan in clay cotton (85%) cashmere (15%) with a strap-pattern, round neckline, straight fit, ribbed cuff and hem. Unlined. Closes with button fastening in the f...
HERMES Gris Claire Feutre / Gold Swift leather PICOTIN 22 Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin 22 bag in Gris Claire (light grey) wool felt exudes understated elegance. Featuring Gold (camel) Veau Swift leather trims with contrasting white st...
Hermès 1951 A.M. Cassandre Vintage Silk Scarf in Light Blue & Brown
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Designed by the acclaimed French artist, Adolphe Mouron Cassandre in 1951. This rare pre-owned Hermes silk scarf features a geometric architectural motif in different tones of blues ...
HERMES Constance 18 Mini Nata Beige Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 18 Nata Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. 2021 Z Stamp. Dimensions: 7 W x 3 D x 5 H in Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermes Kelly Depeche HSS 38 Briefcase Blue Electric Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches HSS 38 briefcase. Very rare in striking, vivid Bleu Electrique. Epsom leather with rich gold hardware. Two large accordion compar...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Leather Jaune Ambre Unisex Handbag 2018
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
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.
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 Kelly 32 Retourne White Clemence
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès White clemence Retourne Kelly 32 with Palladium Hardware. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Outer leather had been professionally touched up, while in...
Hermes Caramel Cheval Turc By Christiane Vauzelles Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès caramel silk scarf «Cheval Turc» by Christiane Vauzelles silk scarf featuring a Cheval Turc print, a caramel border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1989 100% silk In good vint...
Hermès “Jungle Love“ Silk Scarf Dallet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The forever scarves are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in...
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Hermes Picotin 18 Red...
Hermes pareo 'Dansing pearls' by Virginie Jamin 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS -"Dancing pearls" theme designed by Virginie Jamin, first edition in 2008. Never reproduced. Cotton pareo in blue, orange, and pink tones. Made in France. Condition: Very g...
Hermes Story Abricot / Beige / Vert Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Story scarf, designed by Jonathan Burton, pokes fun at our obsessive social media era. In Abricot, Beige and Vert colorw...
Hermès Rose Lipstick Chevre Mysore Bearn Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rose Lipstick Chevre Mysore Bearn Wallet GHW SKU: 152539 MSRP: 3925.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine...
Hermes Burgundy Black Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout MM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
This exquisite Hermes Fourre-Tout MM tote bag beautifully blends minimalist utility with everyday luxury. Originally designed as a highly practical and durable carrier, this iconic m...
Hermes Vintage Trim Bag Rare Amazonia / Leather 35 Very Chic
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rare Amazonia and brown leather Trim bag. Palladium hardware. Top zipper closure. Interior leather slot pocket. Lined in toile. Comes with Amazonia care balm....
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...
Hermès "Figures Libres" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Figures Libres" Twilly made from 100% silk in the blu, Figures Libres Motif colorway. Designed by Geoff McFetridge.
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bubble Gum Epsom Leather w Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful yet impeccably polished, this Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bubble Gum Epsom leather transforms the house’s iconic silhouette through an irresistibly vibrant pink palette. The color ...
Hermes Saddle Box Blue Recycled Kraft Paper Leather and Aluminum
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saddle Box featured in Blue. Recycled Kraft cardboard stamped with the Hermes Sellier Clou de Selle. Top and bottom rim a...
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" 100% cotton scarf in green and yellow, and features hand-rolled edges.
Hermés Paris white and light blue twin set silk and cotton size S
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermés Paris white and light blue twin set silk and cotton size S white long sleeve t-shirt with a light blue and white stripes sweater
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Pleated
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" scarf is in the "plisse" style, in the purple colorway, and features a wild turkey. Comes with the original box.
Gorgeous Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Autumn Fall theme in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chestnut and Oak Leaf Theme: Fall Made in France Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Brown, Green, Golden "HERMÈS-PAR...
Hermès New Pearl Grey Picotin 18 Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Picotin Lock is in pearl grey togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching with two top handles. The interior is lined with natural leather, has no interior pock...
Hermès Yellow Pawnee Triangle Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible design "Pani la Shar Pawnee " by Kermit Oliver. Unusual triangular shape in yellow 100% pure silk with green trim. Designed by Kermit Oliver in 1984. No tag.
Hermès "Carres Volants" Silk Scarf 70
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Carres Volants" Silk Scarf 70 in 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Pierre Marie. Comes with original box.
Hermès Silk Blue Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Blue silk shirt. Size 42FR. To be mentioned, the color has bleeded in numerous spots. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Shoulde...
Hermès Limited Edition Blue Epsom Constance 24 Red Enamel H Clasp 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Minor signs of use, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag,box size: Width:24cm Designer:Hermes ...
$1,263Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre long-sleeve cardigan. New with tags plus all buttons still have protective peal off coverings. Made from the softest, smoothest double faced si...
Hermes Constance 18 Mini Black Noir Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare New Hermes Constance 18 Black Ostrich Leather Gold Hardware. 2021 Z Stamp. Prisitne Condition almost like ...
1970s Hermès French Blue Pleated Skirt with Leather Belt Detail
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This vibrant skirt was designed by Hermès during the late 1970s to early 1980s. Crafted from high quality viscose, it has a bold French blue hue that makes it an ideal summer wear. T...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Terre Battue Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Terre Battue Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Y Stamp 2020. Thank you for stoppi...
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 tie Cheval en Cœur silk twill
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur Hand-sewn 100% silk twill tie. The expert hands of our Lyon-based artisans have been overseeing the various stages of this tie's production since 1949. Mad...
Hermes foulard/scarf 'Grand Prix du Faubourg' by Ugo Gattoni
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Grand Prix du Faubourg" theme designed by Ugo Gattoni (designer of the Olympic Games Paris 2024). First edition in 2017, Never reproduced. Silk twill scarf topstitched by ...
Hermès Women's Reversible Quilted Silk Sleeveless Coat, Size FR34/UK6
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Absolutely stunning Hermes reversible sleeveless coat - unworn with tags. Incredible quality, it has a vibrantly printed quilted silk crepe on one side and a smooth, glossy cream si...
$1,030Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare FEUX D'ARTIFICE print silk vest. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversary of the founding of HERMES (1837-1987). This sh...
HERMES 100% cashmere Medor leather button navy black long line cardigan FR36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere Medor leather button navy black long line cardigan FR36 XS Reference: TGAS/C01495 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Navy, Black Pattern: Solid Closure...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf in black & yellow, featuring Hand-Rolled Edges. Famous Kermit Oliver design.
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Invasion Of Creatures On Metro" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully Wicked yet Whimsical (Waiting List) "Limited Edition" MultiColor "Invasion of Creatures on Metro" Silk Jacquard scarf accented with fine hand-rolled edges, ...
Brand New Hermès Leather Keys Holder
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Brand New Hermès Keys Holder in Green Epsom leather with Gold hardware
Hermes Herbag 31 Black Canvas Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Herbag 31 Black Canvas Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT This...
Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" 90 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Carré 90 Hermès "Fleurs de Giverny" dessiné par Christine Henry Parfait état 100% Soie En 1883, Claude Monet, l'un des plus grands peintres impressionnistes, s'installe à Giverny,...
HERMES Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala brown white print silk scarf 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala brown white print silk scarf 90cm Reference: AEMA/A00075 Brand: Hermes Model: Hugo Grygkar Brides de Gala Material: Silk Color: Brown, White CONDI...
Carré silk scarf Polo design by Chantal de Crissey HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Carré silk scarf Polo design by Chantal de Crissey. Hand-made hem. SIZE 89cm X 90cm
HERMES black white cotton LEATHER TRIM FEATHER JACQUARD Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black, white and brown jacquard cotton (100%) featuring an intricate feather motif and refined black lambskin leather trims. Designed with a relaxed s...
Hermès Small Silk Scarf Pocket Square Gavroche Au Pays Des Oiseaux Fleurs CHenry
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Au Pays des Oiseaux-Fleurs" (in the land of the flower-birds) Pattern: Birds, Trees, Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2016 Made in Fra...
Hermes 1930's Green Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Sharon, CT
A rare Hermes 1930's Deep Green Leather Belt with four gold washed brass 'nuts and bolts'. Fits waist size 28-30". Signed: Hermes-Paris 24 Fg St Honnore.
Hermes Evelyne Amazone 31 Inch Yellow Gold Bag Shoulder Crossbody Strap
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Yellow gold exterior - Comes with dustbag Condition: The strap is in overall great condition there are a couple of micro scratches on the hardware which is normal Measu...
Hermes Gold Horse Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Classic white and gold combination. Made in France. Comes with original 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.
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.