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.
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 Napkin Rings Stirrups Shaped in Silver-Gilt Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 In shape of Stirrups, horse riding theme Vintage items Made of silver-gilt (silver covered...
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 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 Gold Tone "Bouet" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Bouet" Scarf Ring Gold is a classic accessory that can be used to update and wear your scarves in a different stylish way. Comes with the original box. Scarf in picture not i...
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...
Auth Hermes Scarf Della Cavalleria Double Face Blanc Orange Rose - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Della Cavalleria Double Face - Blanc Orange Rose - NWST - 2604131909 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print. Name Design: Della Cavalleria, Della Cavalle...
HERMES Circus Nappy Bag red white embroidered cotton canvas tote bag towel set
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Circus Nappy Bag red white embroidered cotton canvas tote bag towel set Reference: KYCG/A00224 Brand: Hermes Model: Circus Nappy Bag Material: Canvas Color: White, Multicolour...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Gold Leather
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. Partial lastic on hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather int...
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 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...
Hermès Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
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...
HERMES orange Swift leather MINI JYPSIERE 22 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Jypsière 22 crossbody bag in classic Hermès Orange Veau Swift leather. A refined, modern icon blending equestrian herit...
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich Tangerine Orange Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Very Rare and Highly Coveted Hermes Birkin 30 Tangerine Orange Ostrich Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware . Like New Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. ...
Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z154269 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic direct...
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 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 Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
HERMES Craie cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (chulk white) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H...
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...
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...
Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm Grey Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Experience the ultimate expression of refined travel luxury with the Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm, an exceptionally rare and sophisticated interpretation of the iconic Kelly silho...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1651 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: W Age: 2025 Accompanied ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Bubblegum Pink Ultra Violet Epsom Brushed Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Special VIP Order Hermes Birkin 30 Pink Bubblegum & Ultra Violet Purple Epsom Leather complimented by Brushed Gold Hardware. As new with Plastic on all Hardware and Feet Pleas...
Auth. Hermès Scarf - Nous Sommes Inseparables - Bleu Ciel Marine - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Nous Sommes Inseparables - Bleu Ciel Marine - NWSTS - 2604131722 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Nous Sommes Inséparables, We Are Inseparable Artist: Flor...
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...
Hermes Blue Les Armes De Paris or Fluctuat Nec Mergitur Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes blue silk scarf "Les Armes De Paris" or "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur" by Hugo Grygkar featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1992 In good vintage condition. Made in ...
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new pastel Tropical Garden silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Paris Playing Cards Four Mini Ashtrays Porcelain Gold Ace Poker
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Ace clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥) and spades (♠) Theme: playing cards, poker Also called "guest ashtray", these sma...
HERMES Potiron orange Clemence leather BIRKIN 30 Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Bag in Potiron is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Clemence leather, showcasing a rich orange hue that highlights the bag’s iconic s...
Rare 2009 Hermès "Bolduc" Ribbons Silk Jersey Knit Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed by Jean-Louis Dumas and first issued in 1983, "Bolduc" has been reissued in an unusual silk jersey version (also called "fluide" version) in 2009 under the Creative Directio...
Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Veil Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Jean Paul Gaultier took over as Hermès Creative Director in 2003 and brought creativity and innovation while ...
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 by Martin Margiela black silk shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Black silk shirt by Hermès (Martin Margiela era). Timeless design with a fluid neckline that buttons at the hem and fabric that drapes naturally with movement. Made in France, size...
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 Le Premier Chant Silk Scarf Orange Blanc Bleu 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "LE PREMIER CHANT" (the first song) Designed by Sophia Andreotti et Édouard Baribeaud Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 04: "O...
Hermès 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
HERMES Argile beige Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Argile Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s signatu...
Hermès NIB Barenia Faubourg Kelly 25
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 retorunè barenia faubourg leather and gold tone hardware with contrast white stitching. Date stamp K for 2025. Unusual double strap option: leather an...
Exceptional Hermès Evening Clutch Bag Minaudière Shagreen Grey Silver Tone Metal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Evening Bag Made in France No stamp Made of Shagreen (Galuchat) and Silver Tone Metal, Doblis Shoulder Strap In...
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...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
$382Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes "Vive le Vent" Silk Twill Scarf 1992. 35" square or 90cm square
By Hermès, Laurence Bourthoumieux
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 navy blue & grey silk KNOT 45 Twill GAVROCHE Pocket Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Knot 45 twill pocket scarf is crafted from luxurious silk (100%) and features an intricate knot motif in navy, light grey, and l...
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 So Black Rodeo Pegasus Leather Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes So Black Rodeo Pegasus Leather Bag Charm Pegasus Rodeo bag charm in Black Milo lambskin leather. Date stamp 'U' - 2022. Rrp Approx. £900 Size - PM Co...
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...
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...
Hermès Shiny Porosus Crocodile Constance 23 Handbag circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Hermes Shiny Porosus Crocodile Constance 23 Handbag from the circa 1990s is a stunning example of luxury craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Crafted from exquisite shiny Porosu...
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 1999 Pythagore Vintage Silk Twill Scarf Pink Aqua Unisex 36"
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès "Pythagore" silk twill scarf (100% silk) - Vintage Designed by Zoe Pauwels in 1999 Measures 36" x 36" Signed Care Tag Hand Rolled Hem Made in France Pink/Aqua/White Excellent...
Hermès Veste Caban FR34 Black Wool Whipcord Oversized Pea Coat UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès oversized pea coat in thick black whipcord wool, notched collar with double-breasted button closure, Hermès logo buttons in blackened silver-tone metal and black leather, two ...
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...
HERMES Mouette grey Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Gris Mouette grey Clemence leather with palladium hardware. It features the house’s signature perforated H motif...
Hermès 2011 Carré 140 Graffiti Kongo Ecru Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 140, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, Graffiti print by Kongo, limited edition 2011, in shades of purple on an ecru background, hand-rolled edges. Wi...
Hermes 'Le Sacre du Printemps' Spring Pink & White Silk Scarf, 1986
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with the Hermes 1986 'Le Sacre du Printemps' Spring Pink & White Silk Scarf. Crafted from high-quality silk with hand rolled edges, this s...
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...
Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Herbes Folles Lise Coutin White Blue 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "HERBES FOLLES" Quite rare and hard to find in this condition. Colors are gorgeous Designed by Lise Coutin in 1963 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: White, Turquoise Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple "HERMES - PARIS", no copyight before 1967 Measurements: 91 x 86 cm (35,8 x 33,85 inches) Condition: Very Good considering its age. No hole. A small pulled thread hard to see. A small stain (last picture). Hems a bit flat in some places. Will come in its Vintage Hermès Box...
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...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtay Change Tray Yacht Porthole Boat Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: porthole, lifebuoy and pulleys Ideal for your yacht or perfect gift for any boat, sea, navy, navigation and sailing lover Made in F...
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.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags 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.
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.