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 Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermès Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
2022 Hermès Gold Epsom Kelly 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Kelly • Size: 28cm • Color: Gold • Leather: Epsom • Hardware: Gold Hardware • Year: 2022 • Accessories: Lock, Keys, Dust Bag, Strap • Condition: Excellent - ...
Hermès Black Negonda Garden Party 36
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Negonda Garden Party 36 SKU: Z160220 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into on...
Hermes Neo Garden Party Denim 23 NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Neo Garden Party 23 is in a dark blue denim, with black leather trim. Comes new with original dust cover and box.
Exceptional Hermès Key Holder Keychain Golf Ball Shape in Yellow Gold RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Key Holder Shape: Golf Ball Vintage Item Made of Yellow Gold Colorway: Yellow Gold "HERMES PARIS" and hallm...
$22,290
Hermès Kelly 32 Handbag Navy
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful and Classy Hermes Kelly 32 sellier handbag strap in Navy Blue Epsom leather, gold metal hardware with white stitchings, blue leather handle, removable shoulder strap in blu...
Hermès Birkin 30 Handbag Gold
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 30 in Gold Togo leather, gold metal hardware, double handle in Gold leather allowing a hand carry Flap closure Gold leather inner lining , a zippered pocket, ...
Hermes 1970s Haut à Courroies Hac 45 Travel Duffle Bag Tan Toile Natural Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Brown and beige exterior - Made in France -Gold hardware - Comes with lock & Key - Stamped " Circle D " for 1974 Condition: The bag presents very well considering its a...
HERMES Vache Naturelle leather & Khaki Toile KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag is a timeless icon crafted in a refined combination of Naturelle Vache leather and Khaki Toile canvas. The Retourne style features so...
HERMES Etoupe Clemence leather ETRIVIERE DOUBLE TOUR Belt 80
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etrivière 24mm Double Tour belt is crafted in Etoupe (taupe) Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting white saddle stitching. Finished with a palladium ...
Hermès Birkin 40 Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 40 handbag in black Togo leather, with gold metal hardware, double black leather handles for hand carry Flap closure Black leather interior lining, one zip po...
Hermès Kelly Mini Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermes Mini Kelly sellier 20cm handbag strap in Black Epsom calfskin, gold metal hardware, black leather handle, black leather shoulder strap allowing a hand or shoulder ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Handbag Orange
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermes Birkin 35 handbag in Orange Togo leather, silver palladium metal hardware, double orange leather handle for a hand carry Flap closure Interior lining in orange leathe...
Hermès Silk Scarf HERMES ELECTRIQUE Rybaltchenko Blanc Beige Orange 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "HERMES ELECTRIQUE" Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in 2016 Made in France Made of 100% T...
Hermès Birkin 35 Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Splendid Hermes Birkin 30 handbag in black Togo leather, silver palladium metal hardware, double black leather handles allowing for hand carry Flap closure Black leather interior lin...
Vintage HERMES Paris Mink Jacket with printed Scarf Silk Lining
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage unique jacket 1980's is made of brown mink with silk Hermes lining Rare to find Look at our storefront for more luxurious vintage items. Details: Lined with Hermes sil...
Hermès Birkin 30 Handbag Black
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 30 in black Togo leather, rose gold metal hardware, double handle in black leather allowing a hand carry Flap closure Black leather inner lining , a zippered ...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag White
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional and extremely rare Hermes Kelly 25 sellier bicolor handbag strap Special Order (HSS), in Craie and Etoupe Epsom leather, brushed gold hardware, single handle in étoupe le...
HERMES dark brown suede leather CROPPED BOMBER Jacket 42 L
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes cropped bomber jacket in dark brown lambskin suede and cotton (100%). With ribbed detailsand two pockets on the front. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Tag Size ...
$14,577Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
HERMES white & black leather 32MM REVERSIBLE H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm reversible belt in Blanc (white) Veau Epsom leather and Noir (black) Veau Swift leather showcases timeless versatility. Finished with a classic H buck...
HERMES black leather CHYPRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Chypre sandals in smooth black calfskin leather, defined by the house’s iconic minimalist silhouette and bold H-cut straps. Designed with a rounded toe and ergo...
Hermes Yellow Togo Leather Tsako Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Tsako” Yellow togo leather shoulder bag featuring a cotton shoulder handle, a logo fastening strap with a fastening snap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1988 In good vintage co...
Hermès Carré 140 Ronde des Jockeys Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 140cm square scarf in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, featuring the "Ronde des Jockeys" motif by Françoise de la Pettière, originally published in 1969 and reissued in 2004 (an...
Sac Hermès Evelyne PM Toile & Cuir Bleu 2001
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Maison : Hermès. Modèle : Evelyne PM. Année : 2001. Matières : toile et cuir Courchevel. Couleur : Bleu Marine. Largeur : 29 cm. Hauteur : 32 cm. Profondeur : 8 cm. État : très bon é...
Hermes Double Ring Navy Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Navy box leather “Double Ring” featuring a gold-tone “Double Ring” buckle, inside gold-tone stamp. Circa 2000s. Size estimated:80 In good vintage condition. Made in France. B...
Hermès Women's Kelly 32 Vert Anglaise Alligator Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Hermès Kelly 32 in Vert Anglaise Alligator Mississippiensis with gold hardware. This exquisite exotic Kelly showcases beautifully matched scales and a deep jewel-toned green tha...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel and God of Love in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm In shape of Cupid From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: burgundy This charm adorned the packaging of a small h item, so it has on...
Porte Huile & Vinaigre Hermès circa 1960-70
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare porte huile vinaigre Hermès en métal argenté, datant des années 1960-1970. Son élégant décor en mors de cheval rappelle directement l’héritage équestre de la Maison. Mesuran...
Hermès Birkin 35 Black Togo Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware Lock & Keys 2004
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 35 Black is handcrafted from grained black Togo leather and finished with elegant gold hardware. A timeless icon of the maison, the Birkin 35 Togo Black combines exceptional craftsmanship with generous proportions and enduring sophistication. Togo leather is particularly appreciated for its distinctive grain, supple feel, durability, and ability to retain its shape while developing character over time. Paired with warm gold hardware, classic black creates one of the most recognizable and versatile combinations in the Hermès collection. The 35 cm makes this Birkin 35 Noir...
Hermès 1999 Sac Reteint Noir Birkin 35 Dyed Black Epsom Leather Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Birkin bag, size 35, in beige Epsom leather re-dyed in black and gold metal, keys, padlock, zipper, bell, dust bag, year 1999. Width 35 cm x height 25 cm x depth 18 cm, handle...
Hermès 2025 Evelyne TPM 16 Amazone Taurillon Etoupe Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp K. Year 2025. Condition: Pr...
HERMES Casaque red Clemence leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag is crafted in Rouge Casaque Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-plated hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives it a slightl...
Hermès 2025 Carré 140 Couvertures et Tenues Cashmere Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, 140 cm, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, "Couvertures et Tenues de jour" (Coverages and Daywear) print by Jacques Eudel, originally published in 1974 and ...
Hermès Set Cheval Natte Playing Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Cheval Natte Playing Card set designed by artist Tong Ren. The cards feature a braided texture and color block aesthetic. The set includes two decks of 55 silver-edged cards.
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag Grey
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing Hermes Birkin 25 handbag in Gris Pantin Togo leather, palladium silver metal hardware, double handles in grey Togo leather allowing a hand carry Flap closure Inside lining in...
Hermes Victoria 35 Red Leather Silver Hardware Gym Bag 2013
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of use,s, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35c...
$42,835
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag Red
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermès Birkin 25 handbag in Rouge H Togo leather, silver palladium metal hardware, double burgundy leather handles for a hand carry Flap closure Burgundy leather interior...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Hermes Khaki Cotton Toto PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Khaki cotton “Toto” PM (small size) tote bag featuring navy stripy details, top handles, top logo snap opening, inside zipped pocket. 100% cotton. Circa 1990s In good vintage ...
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...
Hermes Gold Gulliver Leather Plume 32 Hand Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold "Gulliver" leather "Plume 32" handbag featuring gold plated hardware, leather lining with slip pocket. You could fit a laptop inside. Circa 1996 (Z in a round) In good ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Boite Au Vol Bali Barret 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "boîte au vol" Pattern: Hermès box in front of the Eiffel Tower Designed by Bali Barret in 2005 Highly Sought After ! Extremely rare color...
HERMES Malachite green Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from stunning jewel-toned Malachite green Veau Togo leather, paired beautifully with gold-plated hardware. The rich green hue evok...
HERMES Limited Edition Birkin 25 Cargo Ecru Noir Canvas 2025
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
HERMES Limited Edition Birkin 25 Cargo Ecru Noir Canvas Full Set
Silk printed Twill Carré "L'océan" Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk printed Twill Carré "L'océan"
Hermès 1990s Grey Cashmere Cardigan with Leather Belt, Size FR 36
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès grey cachemire cardigan embellished witn leather belt size fr 36
Hermès Kelly To Go Wallet Orange Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Unisex
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This authentic Hermès Kelly To Go Wallet in orange Epsom leather with gold hardware is a refined wallet-on-chain inspired by the house’s iconic Kelly silhouette. Crafted from structu...
Hermes Scarf Print Pullover Sweater
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Pullover sweater of ivory wool knit with silk twill scarf print front. Wool kniw ribbed turtleneck, cuffs and waist. Signature equestrian print of a horse bridle and bit surr...
Hermes pleated foulard 'tous en selle' by Daiske Nomura 2025
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Tous en Selle" theme designed by Daiske Nomura. Produced in 2025. Pleated silk twill foulard in pink, orange, and gray tones. Made in France. Condition: Very good condit...
HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Côté-a-Côté in black corduroy with Veau Swift leather trim and gussets. Features palladium plated hardware and cleaning brush for corduroy. Brand new ...
HERMES black Box leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Noir (black) Veau Box leather is a true collector's piece, crafted from one of Hermès' most coveted and rare leathers. Veau Box lea...
HERMES Miel brown SHINY CROCODILE 32MM H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm belt is crafted from Miel (honey brown) shiny alligator crocodile leather and finished with the iconic H buckle in bru...
HERMES Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag is crafted from luxurious Rouge Grenat (Pomegranate Red) Taurillon Clemence leather and features elegant palladium-tone hardware. The...
HERMES black Box leather BOLIDE 35 Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bolide 35 in black Box leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in black lambskin. Has been carried and is in excellent condi...
HERMES mauve purple suede 2022 Slingback Flats Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 2022 suede slingback ballet flat in mauve is a refined expression of understated elegance and modern femininity. Crafted from soft suede in a sophisticated...
HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather with gold plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
Hermès 2010s Colvert Alligator Leather Constance Wallet with H Buckle
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Colvert Alligator Mississipiensis leather Enamel H buckle on palladium hardware Interior card slot panel on each side and zipper Comes with original box. Condition: Very Good This pr...
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.