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 "La Pâtisserie Française" Silk Scarf by Pierre Marie 45*45
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Indulge in a whimsical culinary dream with this authentic and highly collectible Hermès "La Pâtisserie Française" silk scarf. Beautifully designed by the renowned French artist Pierr...
Hermès Green Leather Market GM Drawstring Bucket Hobo Bag 108h22
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 15" Width: 5.5" Height: 10.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Leather and Trim: Very...
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 ...
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG043 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sh...
Hermes Signature Hunting Print Silk Twill Hat
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Classic Hermes signature scarf print silk twill printed hat. Self ties with gilt metal "D" rings. France 1970s. Circumference 20" with 1" elastic. 7" crown Excellent condition.
Borsa a Mano Hermès Picotin 18 Clemence Vert Anis
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Picotin, misura 18, realizzata in morbida pelle Clemence con una finitura martellata al tatto. Questa raffinata borsa si distingue per il suo colore Ver...
$12,640Sale Price|20% Off
1992 Hermes Noisette Lisse Leather Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage classic kelly 28 in lisse leather (epsom-like) noisette color. Beautiful neutral color for every occasion. Slight scuffing and suppling on the leather, but in very good vinta...
Hermès Au Coin Du Feu Silk Scarf Dimitri Rybaltchenko 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "AU COIN DU FEU" (by the fire) Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, firstly issued in 2016 Magnificent trompe-l'oeil scarf. It seems to be made of warm wool, cozy “by the fire”. It is made of silk printed with a design of Jersey Knit. The "Ex Libris" motif is decorated with Christmas trees, holly leaves and the carriage has been transformed into a Christmas sleigh...
Orange & Multicolor 'Orgauphone et Autres Mecaniques' Motif Printed Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Orange and multicolor 'Orgauphone et Autres Mecaniques' motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 34" width, 34" length.
Hermès "Les Tambours" Green Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Hermès "Les Tambours" silk scarf designed by Joachim Metz, 1989. Made from 100% silk with hand rolled edges.
$2,127
Hermes velvet coat
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Black velvet coat with a silk collar reverse, and with a golden and pink tone pattern. It comes with a matching belt. Size 42FR indicated. To be mentioned, ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Lizard In Bougainvillea Red With Palladium HW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
One of the hardest to get ever!! Lizard skin is super rare, and definitely the hardest to get amongst all leather/exotic skin combined!! And this cute little red lizzie purse comes i...
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas", is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, created by designer Aline Honoré.
Hermes Sellier Change Tray Blue Roi Gold Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Sellier change tray featured in Bleu Roi and Or. Limoges Porcelain decorated with chromolithography. A decorative ashtray piece perfect for any room. Protected by velvet goatskin on the base. Wonderful for desk or gifting. Accompanied with signature Hermes box and ribbon. New or Pristine Store Fresh Condition Mightychic is your Hermes online boutique offering an incomparable shopping experience for your Hermes purchase...
Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor Limited Edition Sycamore Wood Sesame Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor cigar storage box. Featured in Sycamore wood with inlaid lizard in Sesame. Inlays form "H" design. This stunning limited edition Hermes humidor...
Vintage Hermès Pink Parrots Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
1990's Vintage Hermès Beach Towel 100% cotton Fair Condition Measure: 150x90 cm or 59x35 inches Paris, Made In France Since 1984, when ...
HermesDesigner Adnet French Art Deco Set 6ShotGlass Metal&Rosewood Carrier 1920s
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
French Jacques Adnet--before he gained fame designing furnishings for Parisian luxury artisan house Hermes--created this Art-Deco-period bar set with his characteristic combination o...
Hermes Birkin 25 Jaune Poussin Bag Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in gorgeous Jaune Poussin. Togo leather with fresh palladium hardware. This gentle pale yellow is love...
Hermès Kelly Retourne 28 Geranium Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès kelly 28 retourne geranium togo with gold tone hardware. Preloved in excellent condition. Date stamp X for 2016. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock, keys, strap, dust cover, ...
Hermes Chypre Sandal Mastic Calfskin 36 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Mastic Hermes Chypre sandals. A warm nude for neutral perfection. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. ...
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Hermes Picotin 18 Red...
HERMES sand beige LEATHER & ALPACA STUDDED Crewneck Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knit sweater in sand calf leather (100%) with knitted parts in melange alpaca (100%). Features silver-tone studs on the front and lon...
Hermès Lions Brown Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brown, gold, and white porcelain ashtray with lions design. excellent condition.
Hermès scarf Les Pivoines 1990
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
HERMES Les PIVOINES orange scarf, first published in 1970 and reissued in 1990, designed by Christiane Vauzelles France This scarf depicts beautifu...
Hermes Medor Dog Collar and Medor Slim Lead Medium Model Set
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Medor Paille II Dog Collar and Lead Set featured in the Medium size. The collar and lead are featured in Dark Irish bridle leather and a textile interpretation of the Medor st...
HERMES black leather CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high crusader boots in smooth black calfskin featuring a stacked heel and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn and are in excellent c...
Hermès Jaune Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Jaune Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG091 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (V) Age: 1992 Accompa...
HERMES red cashmere Button-Front Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cardigan in red cashmere (100%). Features a V-neck and rib-knit trim. Closes with logo buttons on the front. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...
HERMES papaya orange silk A PROPOS DES BOTTES 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'A Propos de Bottes' 90 scarf in papaya orange silk twill (100%) with contrasting brown hem and details in gold, brown and vanilla. Has been worn and is in exce...
HERMES Blanc white Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40mm Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etriviere 40mm belt is crafted from Blanc (white) Taurillon Clemence leather, offering a luxurious and timeless design. It features a sleek palladium-plate...
Hermes Women’s XL 1990s Rythmes Gold Navy Nautical Vintage 90s Polo Shirt
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, timeless and classic vintage HERMES ‘ Rythmes ‘ navy blue, gold and white women’s 1990s cotton polo shirt ! White linen collar with hidden buttons. Can easily be dressed up or down. Would look great with white trousers, jeans or shorts. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size Extra Large Measurements: ( plenty of stretch ) 42-44 inch bust...
Hermès Women's New Fiji Boots Camel Mosaique Quilted Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Fiji boots. Unworn with original box. Made from camel coloured smooth Mosaique quilted leather, they have a rainboot inspired shape with chunky tread soles. Lined i...
Caty Latham 1997 Vintage HERMÈS Silk Blazer "Mémoire d'Hermès" 81cm
By Caty Latham, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Carré pattern silk blazer "Mémoire d'Hermés" design by master Caty Audibert Latham 1997. Two side pockets still sealed closure with Herm...
Hermes Mini Dog Carres Bag Strap 16mm Magnolia Pink Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition 16mm Mini Dog Carres bag strap features Magnolia with gold hardware. Swift leather strap with signature Medor hardware. Is compatible wit...
Hermès Napoleon Red Silk Scarf Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill scarf with hand-rolled edges. Dry clean only. No box, with composition and care instructions label.
Hermes White Loafer NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes White Loafer NEW New USD $1,175 Size EU 37.5
New in Box Hermes Birkin 25 Togo Gold/Palladium Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible 25cm Birkin in gold togo leather with palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Date stamp Z fro 2025. Brand new in box with full set: lock, two keys, clochet...
Auth. Hermes Wallet Bearn - Lime Yellow - 17.5cm - HW Paladium - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Wallet Bearn - Lime Yellow - 17.5cm - HW Paladium - NWOCTS - 2411111659 Type : Hermes Bearn Wallet Base Size: 17.50cm Height: 9cm Depth: 0.5cm Weight: 114gr Material: Togo Go...
$227Sale Price|35% Off
HERMES Horsebit buckle red white print scoop neck casual tank top FR38 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Horsebit buckle red white print scoop neck casual tank top FR38 S Reference: GIYG/A00197 Brand: Hermes Material: Rayon Color: Red, Blue Pattern:...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Bag Rose Texas PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- This timeless shoulder bag was originally designed by Evelyne Bertrand in 1978. - Crafted with Rose Texas leather, the bag features the signature perforated H logo. - Palladium-pla...
Hermès Black Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 28cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG007 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (T) Age: 1990 Acc...
HERMES taupe suede NEO Ankle Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Neo ankle boots in tan suede are a refined fusion of equestrian inspiration and timeless elegance. Designed with wrap-around ankle straps adorned with the...
Hermès Constance Belted Wallet in Blue Evercolor Leather with Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Constance wallet is a beautiful navy color, with gold hardware. The Silk twilly is colorful and is depicted with different breeds of black and white dogs. Belt measures waist 3...
Hermes Beach Towel Robacar a Cheval Black Red - 100% Cotton - New / Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Beach Towel Robacar a Cheval Black Red - Cotton NWSTS 2403301652 Brand: Hermès Type: Beach Towel Artist : N/A Approx. Size : 150cm x 95cm - 35.4Inch x 59inch Approx. Weight: ...
HERMES blue silk twill CADENA H LOCK Tie
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès navy blue tie designed in silk (100%) with 'Lock'H' detail throughout. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. No Box. Measurements Width 8cm (3.1in) Leng...
Hermès Chocs en Plumes Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès navy silk twill Chocs en Plumes scarf with gold chain and color block stripe detail. Hand-rolled edges. Minor wear.
Hermes Harnais des Presidents by M F Heron Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Harnais des Presidents" by Marie-Françoise Héron featuring a green border and a Hermès signature. First issue 1966 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guarantee you will receive this iconic item as described and showed on photos. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos- All Hermes...
Hermes Neobain Waves Case Colvert Medium Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Neobain Waves case featured in Colvert. Perforated "vagues" detail forms 2 waves. This Medium model has Hermes Bain Paris...
Hermes Wavy Chain Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Wavy Chain Pattern Silk Tie Navy, silk tie designed with a wavy chain pattern in yellow. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp Approx. £230 Siz...
Hermes Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie Dark green, silk tie designed with a chain-link pattern in yellow. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp Approx. £23...
Hermes Passifolia Small Tray no 1 / Sushi Plate New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Guaranteed authentic Hermes Soy Dish / Sushi Plate featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Crevette Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Crevette Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Condition: Pre-owned Measurements: (W)30cm × (H)22cm × (D)16cm Bag Material: Togo Leather Hardware Material: Palladium pla...
Hermes Blue Herline Fourre Tout with Pouch Blue Two Tone 1HER82K
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: France Measurements: Length: 14" Width: 7" Height: 10.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: None Handle Drop: 5" OVERALL FAIR + CONDITION ( 6.5/10...
Gorgeous Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Autumn Fall theme in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chestnut and Oak Leaf Theme: Fall Made in France Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Brown, Green, Golden "HERMÈS-PAR...
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Picotin Lock 18
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Picotin Lock 18 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1375 Brand: Hermès Model: Picotin Lock 18 Type: Tote Serial Number: Z Age: 2021 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust B...
HERMES blue silk twill 5454 BIRD EXPRESS Tie
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Bird Express ties in dark blue, beige and red silk twill (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. No Box. Measurements M...
Hugo Grygkar Vintage HERMÈS Maxy Twilly Silk Scarf 'Brides de Gala'
By Hermès, by Hugo Grygkar
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare Maxy Twilly in Limited Edition silk Carré pattern " Brides De Gala," two main colors a teal and the classic Hermès orange. These s...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Chain Motif Bottle Coaster
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plated metal bottle coaster featuring an iconic chain motif to the rim. Embossed HERMES Paris. Hallmark of silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER (RD). Numbered 27709. I...
Hermès For Italy 1861-2011 Silk Tie Boots Print in the Flag's colors
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Made especially by Hermès for Italy, to celebrate 150 years of Italian unification Print: Boots, little nod to the shap...
$1,418
Hermès Rodeo PM 2022
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès Rodeo Talisman PM bag charm Collection 2022 Lambskin in Violet, Saphir, Bleu France New in Box
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.