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 Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Lion and Lioness Kenya Africa R Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: lion and lioness in a savannah setting Ashtray "KENYA" from 1988, year of Africa Drawing from Robert Dallet Made in France Made of : - p...
HERMES black leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in black grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels, a che...
HERMÈS - Alice Shirley Awooooo Cashmere-Silk Bandana 65x65 cm
By Alice Shirley, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Exquisite "Awooooo" cashmere and silk bandana by Alice Shirley (65x65).
HERMES black Box leather CONSTANCE 40 Belt 70
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic vintage Hermès Constance waist belt is crafted from black Veau Box leather and finished with the iconic gold-plated “H” buckle. A timeless Hermès classic, it comb...
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...
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 Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135 x 95cm - Ecru Camel - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
laid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel – NWCTS - 2602181809 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37...
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Le Jardin De La Maharani Scarf A true statement piece, this Hermès shawl showcases an elaborate paisley and floral-inspired design in rich shades of blue, purple, lavender, a...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf - Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert - Mint Rare
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert – MWCT - 2602181848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Antoine de Jacquelot Design Name: Casse Noisette - Nutcracker Siz...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Padlock Purse Clutch Bag Shiny Brown Crocodile Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "Padlock" Purse Very rare ! Asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and elegant rendering Made in France Stamp N in a circle (1984) Pu...
Rare Hermès Tie Baby Foot Table Soccer Print in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Print: Baby Foot Players, Table Soccer A goal and a small ball are hidden in the lining on the back Made in France ...
Hermès Haut A Courroies HAC 50 Navy Blue Leather Travel Carry ON Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Stamp is square A " 1997 " - Navy Blue Leather Exterior - Gold Hardware Condition: The bag is in excellent condition, this is a true collectors condition bag, the cor...
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 ...
Hermès Paris 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Sailboats Prints Navy Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: sailboats Theme: navy, sailor, sea, boats, sailboats, nautical, ships Also called "guest ashtray", these small ashtrays can be...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Gold Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitn Condition Plastic on all hardware and feet. 2019 ...
Brand New Hermès "The Savana Dance" 140 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Carré Géant Wash 140 Hermès "The Savana Dance" dessiné par Ardmore Artists en Soie Plume. Créé par le collectif sud-africain Ardmore Artists, Savana Dance est un carré spectac...
Hermès Hermès celebrates its 150th anniversary Figurine Rider Horse 1837-1987
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Figurine Created to celebrate 150th anniversary of Hermès Design comes from the Hermès scarf called "Feux d'Artifice", whi...
Hermès Black Birkin 30 Bag in Togo Leather with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Gold hardware. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Looks like new. Interior clean. Highly desired combination. Classic bag and most wanted size 30. Include...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Tyrien Pink Epsom Leather Palladium Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Tyrien Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Collectors Dream! Excellent Prisitine Condition, Plastic on all Hard...
HERMES black leather FAUBOURG Loafers Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Faubourg loafers are crafted in black glazed calfskin, offering a sleek balance of elegance and versatility. Designed with a notched sole for a modern edg...
Hermes Rouge Cornaline Double Faced Cashmere Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly coloured Hermes double faced cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality double faced cashmere in the richest orangey red - official colours i...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Fauna and Flora of Texas" scarf is 100% silk and was designed by Oliver Kermit in 1986. Care tag attached.
Hermes Linen Fibranne Grommet Studded Hat
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Navy Linen Fibranne Grommet Studded Summer Hat from the 1950's. Bias border, on the brims edge Gilt brass grommets of different sizes sizes. Brim 4.5", crown heig...
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 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...
Hermès Chale Triangle a franges 1990s Cashmere and Leather Fringes Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle shawl with fringe in burgundy cashmere and long knotted fringes in matching leather. Approximately 200 cm wide x 100 cm high (excluding the 45 cm fringe). The sh...
Hermès Deep Bleu Epsom Mini Kelly 20 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Deep Bleu Epsom Mini Kelly 20 GHW SKU: Z158678 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown int...
Hermès Kelly 28 Black Box Calf Leather Handbag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermes Kelly 28 sellier handbag strap in Black Box calf leather. Palladium silver metal hardware, single black leather handle, removable black leather shoulder strap all...
HERMES Hydra blue Togo leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Bleu Hydra Taurillon Clémence leather. Designed in the house’s iconic, relaxed saddle silhouette, it features gold-plated hardware, ...
Hermès Sac Cabas Herline Toto PM Black Navy Cotton Canvas Hand Bag Tote Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Toto bag (formerly Herline), small size, in black cotton canvas with navy and black cotton strap. The interior features a large zipped pocket and a silver-tone metal Clou de S...
Hermès Gold Togo Leather Birkin 30 Bag with Gold Hardware, Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Birkin 30 Bag. Gold on gold hardware. The most wanted and best investment combination. Togo leather. Interior clean. Bag looks like new condition. Excellent. Includes clo...
Hermès Sandales Chypre Noir EU37 Black Leather Sandals Mules UK4 US6.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chypre sandals in black leather with wide adjustable Velcro straps, black leather insole on an anatomical rubber footbed. Size 37FR (UK 4, US 6.5). The sandals have been worn ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Flamingo Party Bourthoumieux 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: the green is actually lighter than the photos Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Flamingo Party" Designed by Laurence ...
Hermès 2023 Constance 24 Black Alligator Limited Edition Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Sublime Hermès Constance 24 Marquete limited edition shoulder bag in black Mat Mississippi Alligator Gold metal trim, a black Alligator leather shoulder strap allowing for shoulder ...
Hermès 2025 Chale Maxi Triangle Robe Legere Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle scarf/shawl in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the Robe Légère print by Théo de Gueltzl in shades of orange on an ecru background, with hand-rolled orange edg...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Exceptional Hermès Decorative Sculpture from a store
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Scuplture coming from a Hermès Store Used to decorate a shop Represents a stone opening with a zip and revealing a fossil fish We do not have any details about it, but...
Hermes HAC 50 Cosmos Ombre Togo Palladium Limited Edition Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermes HAC 50 Cosmos - an extraordinary limited edition travel bag distinguished by its hand applied spray ombre in celestial shade...
$15,337Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 2013 Contemporary 35 Birkin Lime Leather Top Handle Bag Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
2013 Hermès 35 Birkin Lime handle bag lime leather colour from 2013 collection embellished with silver tone hardware
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Purple Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Pourpre Chevre Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Pristine Excellent Condition,Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018 Addi...
Hermes Birkin 30 Himalaya Crocodile Gris Cendre Bag Palladium Rare Collector
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptionally rare Hermès Birkin showcases the coveted Himalaya effect, achieved through meticulous hand-dyeing that creates a subtle gradient from soft Gris Cen...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Exceptional Hermès Book Shaped Telephone Repertory Keychain Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Charm or Key Ring In shape of a book, linking multiple address pages, whose edges are silvered The pages are bound together with a small nail, an "H" engraved...
Hermes Red Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès red silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over flower print, a red border and a center pleat. Circa 1990s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (114cm) X 6.7...
$5,828Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Quilted Taupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian quilted leather jacket. Bought for £7750 and unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable ta...
HERMES Brun Fume brown suede STORY 70 KELLY Boots Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Story 70 boot is crafted in Brun Fumé (camel brown) suede. It features round toes, knee-high shafts, and a slim strap at the top finished with the iconic K...
HERMES Gold Togo Marron Fonce Box REVERSIBLE 32MM H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm reversible belt in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather and Marron Foncé (dark brown) Veau Box leather showcases timeless versatility. Finished with a class...
$4,126Sale Price|30% Off
Rare 1990s Hermès Medor Black Leather Gold Stud Crossbody Shoulder Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Elevate your wardrobe with this exceptionally rare vintage 1990s Hermès Doggy Medor bag — a coveted collector’s piece that exudes timeless Parisian elegance with an edgy twist. Crafted from luxurious black box calf leather, this authentic Hermès handbag features iconic gold-tone Medor pyramid studs, adding a touch of rock-chic glamour to your look. Incredibly versatile, this Hermès Medor can be styled three different ways to suit any occasion. Wear it as a crossbody bag for a casual, hands-free daytime look — perfect with jeans, a crisp white shirt, and loafers for effortless French-girl style. Carry it as a shoulder bag for a polished business or brunch outfit — think tailored trousers and a silk blouse. For evenings or special events, simply tuck the strap inside to transform it into a sleek, studded clutch that pairs beautifully with a little black dress, cocktail attire, or even a modern pantsuit. Stamped Hermès Paris Made in France, this rare Hermès bag is the ultimate blend of style and investment value. A dream addition for collectors of vintage Hermès Kelly and Constance bags, or anyone who loves unique luxury handbags with iconic details. From day-to-night, this Hermès Doggy Medor crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch is a must-have statement piece that never goes out of style. Two interior pockets. Comes with original dust cover. Simply tuck the strap in to wear as a clutch. As pictured, this bag fits nearly any size smartphone. The pictured device is an iPhone 16 pro max, and there is more than enough room to fit. In great condition, with minimal wear. Bag has been professionally cleaned and conditioned since the last wear. Made in France Measurements: 8.75 inches from side to side 6 inches from top to bottom (not including strap) 21.5 inch shoulder drop The Brunello Cucinelli tunic dress and Christian Louboutin velvet...
HERMÈS - Alice Shirley Roaaaaar Cashmere Silk Scarf 100 cm Fashion
By Hermès, Alice Shirley
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare and sought-after scarf, 100 x 100 cm (70% cashmere, 30% silk), featuring the “Roaaaaar” pattern from the Animals series by Alice Sh...
HERMES black MATTE CROCODILE 32MM H GUILLOCHE Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm belt is crafted from black matte alligator crocodile leather and finished with the iconic H Guilloché buckle in pallad...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
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...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Voitures en Equilibre - CS140 - Terracotta Mangue - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Voitures en Equilibre - CS140 - Terracotta Mangue - NWST - 2511041840 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Voitures en Équilibre, Balancing Carriages Artist: Daiske Nomura Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55 in Color: Terracotta (Terracotta), Mangue (Mango), Vert Amande (Almond Green) Fabric: 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk, hand-rolled edges Approx. Issue Date: First issued Autumn–Winter 2023 for the cashmere/silk 140 shawl; additional formats and colorways followed in 2024–2025. Condition: New With Store Tag, Never Worn, Without Box Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Voitures en Équilibre (“Balancing Carriages”) is Daiske Nomura’s witty take on Hermès’s carriage heritage: a fantasia of coach bodies, whirring wheels and lanterns seemingly held in perfect balance, like a mechanical daydream. Nomura has said the theme was inspired by an old carriage catalogue from the Émile Hermès collection, which he translated into a dynamic, graphic composition for the 140 cashmere-silk shawl in AW2023. The Terracotta/Mangue colorway intensifies the design’s energy with warm mango and earthen tones that frame the playful engineering of each carriage element. Artist's Story: Daiske Nomura is a Tokyo-born illustrator and Hermès artist whose work blends classic Hermès equestrian codes with contemporary graphic influences. Educated at Parsons School of Design, Nomura has created men’s and women’s scarf...
HERMÈS Vintage 'Grands Fonds' Silk Carré Scarf by Annie Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMÈS vintage 'Grands Fonds' silk carré scarf by Annie Faivre. Created by renowned illustrator Annie Faivre, 'Grands Fonds' is one of Hermès' most celebrated carré designs, embodyi...
Hermès 2020 Birkin 30 Vert Amande Epsom Leather Handbag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 30 retourne handbag in Vert Amande Epsom leather, golden metal hardware, double green leather handle allowing a hand carry. Closure by flap Inner lining in g...
Hermès EVA by Dumas Waterproof Silk Scarf 90 cm Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Extremely RARE, this scarf is waterproof ! Hermès produced some but stopped their production as it turned out to be too expensive A true collectib...
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026 A rare vision of quiet majesty, the Hermes Kelly Pochette in Bordeaux Mississippiensis Alligator captur...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: Fair Tear at base of handle s...
1990s Hermès by Martin Margiela linen midi skirt
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
1990s Hermès by Martin Margiela linen midi skirt This 1990s Hermès midi skirt from Martin Margiela’s tenure is crafted from natural-toned linen. Its high-waisted, elongated silhouet...
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.