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 "Les Cheyennes" Cream Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Plumes de l'Ouest" or "les Cheyennes" Scarf is beige in 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. No tag. Highly collectible subject , please refer to photos for small stains.
Hermès Large Palladium Mors Scarf/Belt Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès oversize palladium mors scarf/belt ring. Comes with original dustcover.
Hermès Vintage Large Jige Clutch Toile
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage large jige clutch, discontinued size. Natural toile and caramel epsom leather, minor wear on corners. No box, no dustcover.
Hermès Trousse Bolide 2020 Red Wool Bolide Case Clutch Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Pouch Bolide model MM format in red Hermès wool canvas and black leather piping, waterproof lining, closure with a silver metal zip with leather puller, 2 fabric "rings" at ea...
Hermes Rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs Du Desert" Zippered Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs du Desert" silk jacquard zippered shirt measures 26 1/2 inches in length. "Cuirs du Desert" des...
Hermès Limited Edition Birkin 35cm "Fray Fray" Brown Swift Leather Beige Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition bag from Hermès featuring the Birkin 35 Fray Fray design. Crafted in Biscuit Swift leather with Toile canvas, the construction blends smooth calfskin trim with struct...
HERMES pale pink ROSERAIE 140 MOUSSELINE silk Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Roseraie 140 Mousseline' shawl in pale pink silk chiffon (100%) with details in red, lilac, beige, and yellow. Has been worn and is in excellent, virtually new condition. Wi...
HERMES Vintage Silver Nautical Place-Card or Menu Holders Set
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage set of 12 silver nautical place-car or menu holders featuring a ship's wheel. A rare and refined set for sailing enthusiasts or yacht owners. Embossed HERMES. French...
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1474 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Craie Togo Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Softly luminous and eternally elegant, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Craie Togo leather embodies the quiet sophistication for which the house is revered. Craie, one of Hermès’ most cove...
Hermès Kelly 32 Au Trot Electric Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 32 with gold hardware, and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, a single rolled handle and a removable shoulder strap, the interior is lined with chev...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sage Togo with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An elegant expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Birkin 25cm is crafted in Togo leather in the serene Sage shade a soft, muted green that offers a modern yet timeless alternative ...
Hermès Birkin HSS 35cm Black w Turquoise Piping + Interior Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking in its restraint yet elevated through subtle contrast, this Hermès Special Order HSS Birkin 35cm embodies the exclusivity and individuality associated with Horseshoe Stamp c...
Hermès Au Coin Du Feu Silk Scarf Dimitri Rybaltchenko 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "AU COIN DU FEU" (by the fire) Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, firstly issued in 2016 Magnificent trompe-l'oeil scarf. It seems to be made of warm wool, cozy “by the fire”. It is made of silk printed with a design of Jersey Knit. The "Ex Libris" motif is decorated with Christmas trees, holly leaves and the carriage has been transformed into a Christmas sleigh...
HERMES margiela belt double boucle 2000s
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Margiela belt with double buckle, made of ultra-soft nappa leather in black with matte silver hardware, size 42 stunning buckle detail when the belt is fastened
HERMÈS - Vintage 1990s Animal Print Cotton Beach Towel 150x90 cm Unisex
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton, with leopards ( 150 x 90 cm. approx. ). The drawing is by the famous Robert Dallet a master ex...
Hermes Avalon Terre D'H Hand Woven Cashmere Blanket Lime / Gris
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Avalon Terre D'H blanket featured in Lime. Impossibly soft hand spun and hand woven Cashmere, this gorgeous Hermes blanket will e...
Hermès Vert De Gris Toile Negonda Garden Party 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vert De Gris Toile Negonda Garden Party 30 PHW SKU: Z155389 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès ...
Hermès Vert Criquet Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vert Criquet Epsom Sellier Kelly 28 PHW SKU: Z155417 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has gro...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Sanguine Togo Leather w Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Richly saturated and quietly dramatic, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Sanguine Togo leather offers a bold interpretation of the house’s iconic silhouette through a deep red-orange palett...
Hermès Birkin 30cm HSS Rose Pourpre/Gris Asphalte Togo Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Horseshoe Special Order Birkin 30cm in Rose Pourpre and Gris Asphalte Togo, configured as a custom two-tone execution that highlights contrast through depth rather than bright...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Paradis Epsom Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Radiant and unmistakably expressive, this Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Paradis captures the house’s mastery of vivid color through a shade that feels both tropical and sophisticated. T...
Hermès Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp Elevate your style with the timeless allure of the Hermès Kelly 25 in Gold Togo Leather. It...
Hermès Etoupe Swift Leather Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Swift Leather Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1623 Brand: Hermès Model: Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch Type: Clutch Serial Number: W Age: 2024 Accompanied By: Hermès Blue Box...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf Viny Record Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: Vinyl Record Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Made in France Colorways: navy blue, mustard yellow, turquoise blue "HERMÈS-PARIS...
Hermès Vert Moyen Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Moyen Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG138 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [C] Age: 199...
Hermès New "Jungle Love" 70cm Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box "Jungle Love" silk small scarf. Multicolor print of the famous Roger Dallet design. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Atoll Togo w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Atoll Togo with Gold hardware feels immediately bright and concentrated, where the smaller 30cm format sharpens the impact of the color and keeps the entir...
Hermès "Vive le Vent" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Vive le Vent" scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, features a nautical-themed design, designed by Laurence Toutsy Bourthoumieux.
Hermès Scarf "La Mare Aux Canard" 1981
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "La Mare Aux Canard" 1981. This scarf, translating to "The Duck Pond," shows a serene aquatic scene where ducks glide gracefully across tranquil waters. This scarf is a ...
Hermès by Margiela Striped Shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A silk shirt from the Martin Margiela era at Hermès, dating from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Made in France from lightweight silk, the piece reflects the understated elegance ...
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura Scarf. Nomura was inspired by a children's horse tricycle from the Emile Hermes collection. He shows the god Hermes w...
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie Green, silk tie designed with an equestrian chain link pattern/ Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp App...
Hermes Kelly 28 Matte Crocodile Bleu palladium hardware bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 28cm Bleu St Cyr Matte Croc phw bag. A simply stunning 28cm Hermes Kelly in Matte alligator in Bleu St Cyr which is slightly muted blue...
Hermès Lim. Ed. Pawnee Bandana Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in green with blue color. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Limited edition reissue "bandana" with reverse black and white design. Br...
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater Reference: TGAS/F00469 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Navy, Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Ex...
1964 Hermes Green La Tenue de Venerie by Charles-Jean Hallo Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf green “La Tenue de Venerie” by Charles-Jean Hallo featuring an Hunting Outfit scene and a top logo signature. Circa 1964 In good vintage condition. Made in France....
Hermès Brazil Square Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brazil Porcelaine ashtray. The piece is square and the paint shows a big pheasant in the center opening is feathers. The tray is in excellent cond...
Hermes Pochette 22cm Bleu Electrique Swift Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Pochette in Bleu Électrique Swift with Palladium hardware delivers a sharp, high-impact expression in a compact format, where the pared-down silhouette puts full emphasis on t...
HERMES black leather CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high crusader boots in smooth black calfskin featuring a stacked heel and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn and are in excellent c...
HERMES sand beige LEATHER & ALPACA STUDDED Crewneck Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knit sweater in sand calf leather (100%) with knitted parts in melange alpaca (100%). Features silver-tone studs on the front and lon...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, wear on the four corners, small area of wear at the bottom, leather wear and darkening at the handle, clean interior, and scratches on the hardware. ...
Antique Vintage Fashion Piece - Unique Design from the 1800s
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Atrium Tray NWOT Hand-lacquered wooden tray lined with smooth taurillon leather - Flap with magnetic closure in smooth taurillon leather, saddle-stitched - Polished edge alon...
Hermes Toolbox 26 Bag Etoupe Leather PHW Silver Hardware Stamp R 2014
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, wear on the four corners, scratches on the interior, and scratches on the hardware. Accessories: Lock,Dust bag,Shoulder Strap size: Width:26cm Desi...
HERMES red cashmere Button-Front Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cardigan in red cashmere (100%). Features a V-neck and rib-knit trim. Closes with logo buttons on the front. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...
Hermès Men's Ciel Chine Cheval a la Couverture Cashmere Silk Scarf 100
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Men's Ciel Chine Multicolor Cheval a la Couverture Spirale Cashmere Silk SKU: 153576 Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Mod...
Hermes Signature Hunting Print Silk Twill Hat
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Classic Hermes signature scarf print silk twill printed hat. Self ties with gilt metal "D" rings. France 1970s. Circumference 20" with 1" elastic. 7" crown Excellent condition.
Hermès Tigre a l'Ananas Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Tigre a l'Ananas Terry Cloth Beach Towel in 100% cotton features a Tiger motif with a solid orange back, designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy. Brand new in unused condition.
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Veau Madame Vert Verone Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in vert verone and veau madame leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
HERMES taupe suede NEO Ankle Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Neo ankle boots in tan suede are a refined fusion of equestrian inspiration and timeless elegance. Designed with wrap-around ankle straps adorned with the...
HERMES Blanc white Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40mm Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etriviere 40mm belt is crafted from Blanc (white) Taurillon Clemence leather, offering a luxurious and timeless design. It features a sleek palladium-plate...
HERMES Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie Reference: TGAS/F00054 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Orange, Pink Pattern: Geometric Extra Details...
HermesDesigner Adnet French Art Deco Set 6ShotGlass Metal&Rosewood Carrier 1920s
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
French Jacques Adnet--before he gained fame designing furnishings for Parisian luxury artisan house Hermes--created this Art-Deco-period bar set with his characteristic combination o...
Hermes Silk scarf La Promenade De Longchamps with box
By Hermès
Located in Wallkill, NY
Pink and multicolor Hermès 90cm silk scarf with 'La Promenade De Longchamps' motif throughout and hand-rolled edges. Box included (box has a bit of wear at t...
Hermès Red Kachinas Silk Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint condition collectible Kachinas red coral silk scarf . Designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges.
Hermes Cashmere Wrap Coat With A Leather Buckle Closure
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Cashmere Wrap Coat With A Leather Buckle Closure Charcoal grey wrap coat fully crafted from premium cashmere. Embellished with a black leather buckle fastening to...
Hermès NIB Pegase Jaune Rodeo Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Pegase Rodeo bag charm PM is in Jaune de Naples swift and Milo lambskin leather. First letter K. New with original box.
Hermès New Rouge Pivoine Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features rouge pivoine Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable contrast color flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “...
HERMES papaya orange silk A PROPOS DES BOTTES 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'A Propos de Bottes' 90 scarf in papaya orange silk twill (100%) with contrasting brown hem and details in gold, brown and vanilla. Has been worn and is in exce...
2008 Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Leather Toundra Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Hermès handbag, Birkin model, size 35, made in toundra-colored togo leather with silver hardware. Equipped with the classic flap with interlocking closure and buckle. Complete with p...
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.