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 Birkin 30 Bleu Atoll Togo with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vivid yet refined, this Hermès Birkin 30 in Bleu Atoll captures a striking balance between freshness and sophistication. The color leans into a bright, tropical blue reminiscent of c...
Hermès "La Vie de la Méditerranee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Vie Précieuse de la Méditerranée" is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Robert Dallet. Features an ocean life motif with various marine animals and birds, in...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Epsom leather BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in Etoupe (taupe) Veau Epsom leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes wi...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Designed by Kermit Oliver the silk scarf is a classic, featuring Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a ...
2000 Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 GHW Vache Naturelle Leather
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier Beautiful and iconic camel color Vache Naturelle leather Golden hardware Year 2000 "D" series Single handle Brand new keys and locker, sti...
HERMES green silk FERRONNERIE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 'Ferronnerie 90' scarf is crafted in green silk twill and showcases an intricate design by Cathy Latham. Inspired by ornamental ironwork, the print feature...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pinwheel Windwhell Wood and Blue Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Pinwhell From the "Petit H" collection Made of Leather and Hackberry Wood Colorways: Blue Grained Leather, Navy B...
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
Hermes 30cm Birkin Special Order Pink Rose Lipstick Anemone Purple w BGH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and highly collectible creation from the House of Hermès, this Birkin 30 is a Special Order (HSS) piece featuring the striking combination of Rose Lipstick and Anemone...
Hermes Light Pink Grand Uniforme by J Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Light pink silk scarf "Grand uniforme" by Joachim Metz featuring a Light pink ground and a Hermès signature. Circa 1985 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (9...
Auth. Hermès Scarf Le Carnaval des Animaux - Multicolour New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Le Carnaval des Animaux - Multicolour - NWCTS - 2503240859 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Carré 90 Silk Twill Artist: Thibaut Huchard Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Multicolo...
Hermès Helsinki Women Gloves in Cashmere and Leather Size 6, 5
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Gloves "HELSINKI BI POLAIRE" Made of Cashmere and Calfskin Leather, lined with Silk Colorways: Craie (Chalk) / Caramel Strap around the wrist to be fixe...
Hermès Dolphins Print Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and so rare authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 jumping Dolphins Made in France Made in 1979 for the first flight of Boeing 747 for UTA (Union de Transports Aériens - Air T...
Hermès Horse Leg Bottle Opener Horseshoe
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Shaped like a horse's leg, the hoof concealing a horseshoe-shaped bottle opener Made in France Vintage Item Made of silver-ton...
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
$382Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes "Vive le Vent" Silk Twill Scarf 1992. 35" square or 90cm square
By Laurence Bourthoumieux, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
"Vive le Vent" is a silk twill scarf part of the 1992 collection designed by Laurence Toutsy Bourthoumieux Thioune, most commonly known as L Thioune, and signed as such on this scarf...
HERMES Jean blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw NO STRAP
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Blue Jean Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s sign...
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Sceau Horse Head in Vallauris Ceramic
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Called "cendrier sceau à tête de cheval" (horse head seal ashtray), because this gives the impression that the ceramic has been hot marked wi...
Hermès 1996 Foulard Carré 90 Fantaisies Indiennes Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Indian Fantasies print by Loïc Dubigeon, first produced in 1986 and reissued in 1992 and 1996 (like this one), in autumnal colors. Approx...
Hermès Set of Hair Brush and Mirror Inlaid Lacquered Wood H Lift
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and beautiful Authentic Hermès Set Hair Brush and matching mirror Both made of "H Lift" inlaid lacquered wood " HERMÈS PARIS" engraved on the handle of each item Measurem...
1989 Hermes Black Box Leather Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes Kelly 32 in vintage box leather. Very good vintage condition with minor scuffs on the leather. Missing its clochette and key padlock. The version with lobster claw hardware on...
Hermès Vintage Rouge H Bleu Marine Courchevel Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vintage Rouge H Bleu Marine Courchevel Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z153923 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed a...
Hermès 2003 Foulard Carré 90 Rocailles II Beige Silk Twill Scarf Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Rocailles II pattern (detail) by Valérie Dawlat Dumoulin, a one-off design produced only once in 2003, in pastel ecru tones on a beige ba...
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...
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes 1994 "Astres et Soleil" Rare Silk 16.5"x16.5" Scarf by A. Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This a collector's Hermes scarf! The 1994 silk scarf designed by Anne Faivre is an hommage to ancient Inca civilization. The scarf predominantly features people in traditional dress ...
Hermès Paris Scarf Souvenirs d'Asie by Vladimir Rybaltchenko
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; purple/ pink Very sought after among Hermes collectors Designe...
Hermès 2011 Ceinture T80 Klein Blue Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt 32in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès dog collar belt (or Médor belt for those in the know ;-) 50mm wide in slightly grained Epsom leather in blue and silver-tone metal (palladium)...
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox cube 37 Chamois Capucine. This tote is crafted of durable calfskin leather in grey. The bag features a smooth tall ...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
New Hermes Kelly 20 Epsom Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 20, commonly known as the Mini Kelly II, in Etoupe Epsom leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is one of the most coveted and difficult-to-acquire pieces in the world of ...
HERMES Orange Mecano Fauve Toile & Hunter leather HERBAG ZIP 31 RETROUNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip 31 Retourné bag is crafted in Orange Mécano Toile Militaire canvas with Fauve Vache Hunter leat...
HERMES cream silk TERRES PRECIEUSES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Terres Précieuses 90 scarf by Annie Faivre in cream twill silk (100%). Features a refined, fluid square silhouette showcasing an int...
Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Brown Caramel Togo Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Togo & Caramel Interior Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Like New Condition Plastic on all Hardware. ...
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance. The structured silhouette i...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier jacket is crafted in rich Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrasting white saddle stitching. Designed i...
Hermès Rodeo Pegase Leather Bag Charm Horse Etoupe Biscuit PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm "Rodeo Pegase" in the most thought after colorway Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of milo lambskin and swift calfskin leathers (smooth and...
HERMES Beige Marfa Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious Beige Marfa Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is ...
Hermès Fetes Venitiennes Silk Scarf Venice Carnival Venezia Italy
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Here is an opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful Hermès scarves Print: "FETES VENITIENNES" (Venetian festivals), also known as "Le Carnaval de Venise" Designed by Huber...
HERMÈS silk scarf EX-LIBRIS À CARREAUX
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk scarf Title: EX LIBRIS À CARREAUX Designed by Anamorphée Year: 2014 100% silk with hand-rolled edges cm. 90xcm.90 circa Made in France Blue dur/Fuchsia/ Violet Conditio...
HERMES Rouge Grenat suede ANJOU PLATFROM ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Anjou platform sandals are crafted in Rouge Grenat red, burgundy, nude, and hot pink suede for a bold, multi-tonal finish. They feature peep toes, high blo...
Hermès Shawl Scarf Les Plaisirs du Froid Grygkar Cashmere Silk 53 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Shawl Print: "Les Plaisirs Du Froid" Very rare, hard to find, this is the perfect print for the winter season. Soft and supple, the best friend when it's ...
HERMES black Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag w Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted in Noir (black) Veau Epsom leather and finished with gold-plated hardware for a timelessly elegant look. The structured sil...
$1,980Sale Price|31% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
Hermès "The Three Graces" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "The Three Graces" silk and cashmere shawl features three giraffes amidst an orange, red, and blue jungle pattern, designed by Alice Shirley. Highly collectible.
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
Hermès 2003 Herbag Cabas PM Tote in Brown Vibrato Leather & Khaki
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Hermès Herbag Cabas PM tote from 2003, a highly sought-after and versatile classic from Hermès. Crafted in rich Ebene (deep brown) leather with gold-tone hardware...
Hermes caftan dress 'Kaleidoscope' by Jean-Paul Gaultier circa 2004
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 2004, under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Silk caftan dress with a "Kaleidoscope" pattern in beige, white, off-white, and gray tones. Si...
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 Rouge de Coeur red Clemence leather PICOTIN 18 LOCK Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin Lock 18 is crafted from Rouge de Coeur (bright red) Taurillon Clemence leather, featuring elegant Palladium hardware. It closes with a strap and lo...
Hermés Baobab Cat Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to the scarf is evident. Minimal wear to the upper front where two plucks to the weave are visible on this used Hermés designer resale item. This...
Hermès Per Astra Ad Astra Silk Scarf Pink Green Sandra Laroche 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Per Astra Ad Astra" Designed by Sandra Laroche and firstly issued in 2009 Made in France Made of 100% twil...
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag Green tote bag crafted from Hermes' signature Swift leather in with palladium hardware. Featuring leather shoulder strap and zipped top leading to sp...
HERMES black Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious black Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in Chèvre (goat skin) and f...
Hermès Long Opera Gloves Burgundy Lambskin Leather Size 6.5 in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and so elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves Made in France Made of Lambskin Leather Decorated with small silver balls, grouped by 4 Colorway: Burgundy, Silver-Tone Lined wi...
HERMES Indigo blue & ecru HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile Criss Viking / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Retourne Cabine 50 travel bag is crafted in cream and black Toile Criss Viking canvas with Indigo blue Vache Hunter leather trim, combining dura...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
$59,000
Hermès Birkin 35 Black GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold hardware - Two rolled top handles - Front flap closure with twist-lock fastening - Includes dust bag, clochette, keys, and padlock...
Hermès Customised Heron Jige Elan PM
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Burgundy leather trim - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted heron design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Includes original box (damaged) - Stamp K ...
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.