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.
Hermes Constance Slim Wallet Waist Belt Bag Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance Slim Wallet Belt bag featured in neutral Etoupe. This Hermes wallet is stunning with coveted Gold hardware ...
Hermès New "En Liberte'" Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "en liberté" Twilly. This small silk accessory can be used in many ways. It is a beautiful way to accessorize your handbag for example. The scarf is new and comes with the ori...
Hermès ‘Phaéton’ square scarf by Philippe Ledoux – Paris, circa 1959
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1959. France A rare Hermès silk carré entitled ‘Phaéton’ by the famous designer Philippe Ledoux, in its only edition dating from 1959. A printed silk twill square with hand-ro...
Hermès Gavroche Scarf "Écuries" 1993
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Écuries scarf, originally designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1947, was reissued in 1993 in the Gavroche format. This scarf is a good representation of the brands fascination with...
$1,205Sale Price|30% Off
Hermes Vintage "Pavement" Silk Print Jacket and Skirt Ensemble
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage rare "Pavement" silk print jacket and skirt ensemble featuring a gorgeous ancient flora and fauna mosaic design. Jacket featu...
Hermes Etriviere Dog Collar Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Etriviere dog collar featured in Natural Sable natural bridle leather. Buckle is stirrup shape. D ring for a leash. 2cm ...
HERMES black white cotton LEATHER TRIM FEATHER JACQUARD Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black, white and brown jacquard cotton (100%) featuring an intricate feather motif and refined black lambskin leather trims. Designed with a relaxed s...
HERMES Halzan 31 Gold Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag PHW 2015
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of wear, small stains on the surface, scratches on the hardware.. Size Width: 31cm Designer HERMES Model Halzan 31 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color Bro...
Hermès Small Silk Scarf Pocket Square Gavroche Au Pays Des Oiseaux Fleurs CHenry
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Au Pays des Oiseaux-Fleurs" (in the land of the flower-birds) Pattern: Birds, Trees, Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2016 Made in Fra...
Hermès "Tibet II" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Tibet II" 100% silk scarf, designed by Cathy Latham. The intricate print is an artistic celebration of Tibetan culture, featuring traditional jewelry and decorative motifs.
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
HERMES cashmere silk H JUMPING Stole Shawl Scarf Orange Naturel Caramel
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès H Jumping shawl in natural cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with orange and caramel brown H print. Finished with hand-rolled and fringed edges. Brand new. Measure...
Hermes Change Tray Etoupe NEW In Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes change tray with perforated Evelyn H. Beautifully crafted featuring Etoupe in Clemence leather. Nickeled clou de selle snaps. A beautiful des...
Hermès Silk Scarf Geometric Print Green White Black 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Geometric prints (squares) From the men's collection; can fit both men and women Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: Apple Green backgro...
Hermes BNIB Mini Lindy Feu Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy feu taurillon clemence with palladium hardware. Date stamp U 2022. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cro...
Hermès Evelyne GM Orange Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne GM in orange taurillon clemence leather and palladium hardware. Shoulder drop, 18". Date stamp C for 2018. Comes with adjustable strap and original dust bag.
Hermès Beige Veau Doblis Suede & Natural Salvator Lizard Leather Paris Bombay 27
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Beige Veau Doblis Suede & Natural Salvator Lizard Leather Paris Bombay 27 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1683 Brand: Hermès Model: Paris Bombay 27 Type: Tote Serial Number: [N]...
Hermès Kelly Pocket Belt Rose Sakura Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Hermès Kelly Pocket belt is crafted in pale pink Epsom leather with a matching removable pocket pouch and palladium plated Kelly style buckle hardware. The belt features a slim ...
Hermes En Désordre Finesse brown silk printed dress
By Hermès
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermes « En Désordre Finesse » brown silk printed dress. Size34.
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
Hermes Exhibition Japan Limited Voyage En Terre D'Etoiles Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s Blue Exhibition Japan Limited "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" backpack bag featuring blue nylon fabric, "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" print, front flap closure, shoulder strap...
"Hermès Rose Texas Clemence Leather & Vermillion Swift Leather Eclat Picotin
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Texas Clemence Leather & Vermillion Swift Leather Eclat Picotin Lock 18 Product Details CB1693 Brand: Hermès Model: Picotin Lock 18 Type...
HERMES Constance 18 Mini Nata Beige Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 18 Nata Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. 2021 Z Stamp. Dimensions: 7 W x 3 D x 5 H in Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermès Rodeo Horse Bag Charm Yellow Green Brown Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Hermès Rodeo horse bag charm is made in soft leather with a bright yellow body, green mane and tail, and brown saddle and strap detail. The design features contrast stitching throughout, a small green leather eye, fringed mane and tail accents, and the signature playful horse silhouette associated with the Hermès Rodeo charm...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG087 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1...
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...
New Hermes Brides De Gala Mini Silk 8" Scarf with Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes mini silk twill scarf with "brides de gala" famous design. 8", perfect as a bracelet or as a decoration on your bag. Brand new in box.
HERMES silk RAYURES D'ETE Twilly Scarf Bleu Rose Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Rayures d'Ete silk twilly blue, petrol blue, white, pale pink, pale yellow and black. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2i...
Cream Hermes Leather Platform Mary Janes Size 38
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Cream leather platform Mary Janes by Hermes. Lug soles. Silver-tone buckle closures at straps. 2" platform height, 2.5" heel height.
HERMES Bleu Jean / black leather H MARTELEE 32mm Reversible Hip Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès H Martelee 32mm reversible belt in Jean blue Togo leather and black Box leather. Features a hammered palladium H buckle. Has been worn and shows heavy wear on t...
Hermes Birkin 35 Club Gris Perle Togo Leather Lizard Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Club Gris Perle, White Togo Leather complimented by Lizard and Palladium Hardware. Pristine Condition Plastic on Hardware. Plea...
Hermès 2014 Togo Dogon Card Case Key Holder Aubergine Unisex Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Stamp R Square, Year 2014 - Aubergine purple - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal card slots - Condition: Very Good This pre-owned item is in very good condition, with minima...
HERMES silk EN LIBERTE Twilly Scarf Rose Vert Bleu
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès En Liberte Twilly scarf by Carine Brancowith pink silk twill (100%) with mutlticolored details. Brand new with tag and box. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Lengt...
HERMES blue virgin wool band collar rolled tab sleeves tunic shirt dress FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES blue virgin wool band collar rolled tab sleeves tunic shirt dress FR36 S Reference: JECN/A00037 Brand: Hermes Material: Virgin Wool Color: Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Button ...
Hermes scarf / foulard 'Tourbillons'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill scarf entitled "Tourbillons" and designed by Christiane Vauzelles. Produced in 1968, and reproduced in 1985. Condition: Very good condition Dim...
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly scarf, is in 1005 silk and features Native American ceremonial spirit figures. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Comes with original box.
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 - Vintage Silk Scarf "Esquela Andaluza" by Hubert de Watrigant
By Hermès, Hubert de Watrigant
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Beautiful " Esquela Andaluza" scarf by Master Hubert de Watrigant, sold with original box.
HERMES Craie ivory Epsom leather & Lime EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (ivory) Veau Epsom leather with lime wool sanglestrap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and Palladium hardware....
Hermès New Pearl Grey Picotin 18 Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Picotin Lock is in pearl grey togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching with two top handles. The interior is lined with natural leather, has no interior pock...
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray is in porcelain and shows an image of horse and man with a beautiful gold backdrop, the bottom of the tray is protected with suede. Comes with box.
HERMES anthracite grey cashmere Sweater Vest 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès cashmere sweater vest in anthracite is crafted from luxuriously soft cashmere and designed with a refined, minimalis...
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.
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Black Noir Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Special Order Black Noir Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New, B Stamp 2023. Minor pressure marks on bottom interio...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Red Epsom Leather Gold HW GHW Stamp T 1990
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermès Kelly Mini20 Chevre Women Red shoulderbag France，There is wear on the corners, scratches on the hardware, and local spray color care. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermes Gloria Soli Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes vintage "Sun" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Stain on the back
Double-sided scarf "It's a party" by Daisuke Normura 2020
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "C'est la fête" motif designed by Daisuke Normura in 2020. First edition in 2012 in a 70 cm format, offered as an invitation to Hermès' Halloween party at the Palais Brongn...
HERMES red & white silk LTD ED MINI BRIDES DE GALA 20 Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Brides de Gala' mini scarf by Hugo Grykar in white and red silk twill (100%) with details in gold. Rare miniature size. Brand new in box. Width 20cm (7.8in) H...
Hermes Hebdo Reporter Messenger Bag Black Evergrain Palladium New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hebdo Reporter bag featured in Black Evergrain leather. Crisp Palladium hardware. Detachable shoulder strap is adjustable...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG090 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [G] Age: 2003 Accomp...
HERMES ivory & orange cotton & silk EMBROIDERED VOILE Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès fringed scarf in ivory and orange cotton voile (50%), silk (40%) and viscose (10%) with detail in orange. Handwoven in India...
Hermès Window Shop Display Decoration Carriage in Cardstock Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Decoration Depecting in the foreground a woman holding a dog on a leash, a child pushing a horse on wheels, in the seco...
Hermès Limited Edition Constance 18cm Marble Silk PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition Hermès Constance 18cm bag. The bag features a rare technique that creates exceptional colours in the silk Orbis design. The exterior ...
Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly sellier mini 20 in tri-color: rouge de coeur/rose extreme/bleu zanzibar and epsom leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn an...
Hermès Mini Evelyne Blue De France NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features blue de France Clemence leather, gold hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo on the fron...
Hermès Vintage Noir Black Leather Oran H Cut-Out Flat Sandals, Size 37
By Hermès
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An iconic example of Hermès’ understated approach to luxury, these Hermès Oran sandals are crafted in classic Noir black leather and distinguished by the house’s unmistakable H-shape...
Hermès Herbag Zip Retourne 31 Quadrille Ecru Toile / Noir Hunter PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A chic Hermes Herbag Zip 31 handbag. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Noir Vache Hunter leather on the top section, whereas the body of the...
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 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 Rouge Casaque Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Casaque Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: 152250 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic di...
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.