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 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 ...
Hermès Nata Epsom Tarmac Passport Holder NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Passport holder in epsom with a snap closure and palladium plated. Comes with original box.
Hermes Magnificently "Concourse D'Elegance 1885 Limousines De Voyage" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Magnificently detailed "Limited Edition" "Concourse D'Elegance 1885 Limousines De Voyage" silk jacquard scarf surrounded with midnight-black borders, and designed and s...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf L'Indomptable Submarine 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "L''indomptable" Designed by Pierre Peron in 1977 The Indomptable (S613) is the fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN - SNLE ...
$1,365Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Robert Dallet Silk Shirt "Tanzanie" Animal Print, 74 cm
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk shirt featuring the iconic Hermès Carré "Tanzanie" pattern designed by Robert Dalet, in excellent condition. Measurements...
Hermès "Voiles De Lumiere" Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Voiles De Lumiere" 100% silk scarf, with hand hand-rolled edges. Features a beautiful map of the seas as ships were discovering the New World.
Hermes Wool Fisherman Hat
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Command your wardrobe with this Hermes Wool Fisherman hat. This wool silk blend hat is perfect for winter and fall festivities. It will offer you the warmth and comfort you need for the winter months without sacrificing you any style points. Pair with your favorite Chanel tweed or Ysl trench coat...
Hermes Green Emerald Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Green emerald silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over “Jockey” print, a green emerald border and a center pleat. Circa 2000s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France...
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Taurillon Clemence Good News 28 PM Blue Jeans Hobo Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Taurillon Clemence Good News 28 PM Blue Jeans Hobo Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag. The Hermès Good News 28 Medium Crossbody Bag offers a ...
HERMES Good News GM Rubis Red Clemence Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag 2010
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition General signs of wear, scuffs on four corners and scratches on metal hardware. Size Width: 33m, Height: 32cm Designer HERMES Model Good News GM Exterior Material Leather...
Hermes Constance 18 Bag Rose Lipstick Pink Mini Veau Tadelakt Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured in Rose Lipstick. This chic Hermes Mini pink Constance bag is exquisite in utterly smooth Veau Tad...
Hermes Avalon Terre D'H Hand Woven Cashmere Blanket Lime / Gris
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Avalon Terre D'H blanket featured in Lime. Impossibly soft hand spun and hand woven Cashmere, this gorgeous Hermes blanket will e...
HERMÈS - Maxy Twilly silk "Brides de Gala" 20x215 cm - Limited Ed
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 red and the classic Hermès orange. These sc...
HERMES cashmere silk PANOPLIE EQUESTRE EYELINER 140 Shawl Scarf Ebene Orange
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Panoplie Equestre Eyeliner 140 scarf by Virginie Jamin grey cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with ebony brown and orange stripes. Brand new. Measurements Model 24...
Hermes Paris Khaki Cotton Blend Womens Jacket Circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Khaki cotton blend women's jacket Size 42 The classic cotton blend jacket is designed with a single chest pocket & a pair of flap covered pockets on the lower front Adorned with a pair of burnished brass tone metal buttons on the front. Each sleeve cuff has a pair of small resin tortoise shell...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Bleu Paon Alligator Matte Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in bleu paon and alligator matte leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y ...
Hermès Unisex 90cm Silk Scarf Parcours d'H, Excellent Condition
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès carré Parcours d'H silk scarf 90cm
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Tote Bag Black Clemence Tote Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Black bag. Classic neutral tote in clemence leather. This roomy little Hermes tote bag is the perfect go to...
1990's Motsch for Hermes 100% Black Cashmere Bucket Hat
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Motsch for Hermes 100% cashmere bucket hat from the 1990's. Hermes tan. leather zipper tag closes a vertical 3" access above the brim. This early version did not come with a leathe...
Hermès Toile & Vache Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermès Toile & Vache Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch Iconic handbag crafted from a combination of Toile canvas in Jaune de Naples for the main body and...
Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. Excellent condition, Plastic on Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. Please keep in mind that this ...
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.
Hermes by H.d Origny Black Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès black silk scarf ascot by H.d' Origny featuring an all-over print, a yellow border and a center pleat. Circa 1970s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 42.1 in...
Hermes Herbag Zip 39 GM Rose Sakura Canvas Vache Hunter Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rose Sakura Canvas and Vache Hunter Hermes GM Herbag Zip. The epitome of casual chic! Beautiful soft pink Rose Sakura canvas and ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Vert Criquet epsom leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys,...
Hermès "Koala Tapis de Plage"Terry Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage "Koala Tapis de Plage" terry cotton beach towel, known for its vibrant koala and eucalyptus leaf design, it is vintage made from 100% cotton terry cloth.
Hermès dress by Nadège Vanhee Cruise 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Cruise 2019 Collection, under the artistic direction of Nadège Vanhee. Long dress in orange lace and openwork leather. The dress comes with its matching orange slip. Size ...
Hermes Yellow Turtles & Salads Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès yellow silk scarf ascot featuring a turtles & salads print, a yellow border and a center pleat. Circa 2000s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (115cm)...
Hermes Grey Herline Cloth Mini Tote Bag circa 1990-2000
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Grey Herline Cloth Mini Tote Bag from circa 1990-2000 epitomizes understated luxury and timeless elegance. Crafted from durable yet refined grey fabric, it features subtle...
Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0114 Brand: Hermès Model: Bearn Wallet Type: Wallet Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By:...
Hermès Médor Belt in Vert d’Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An iconic expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Médor belt is crafted in exquisite Vert d’Eau matte alligator leather, a refined and rare shade that highlights the Maison’s master...
HERMES Izmir Leather Sandles Black Mens 41
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
These men’s HERMES Izmir sandles are crafted of natural rope trimmed with black calfskin patch. Made in Spain. Men’s size 41 EU. Come with dust bags. Condition - Generally in good p...
Black leather riding boots with silver metal hardware Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather riding boots with silver metal hardware. Shoe size 38,5 (Fr) 7 (Us) Height: 40 cm
New in Box Hermes Red Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes red guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
Hermes Toile & Vache Hunter Leather Herbag Zip 31 Bag Matching Pouch - Full Set
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermes Toile & Vache Canvas & Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch Iconic handbag crafted from a combination of Toile canvas in Ardoise for the ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Jaune Poussin Yellow Togo Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE MOST WANTED Hermes Birkin 25 Jaune Poussin Togo Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New. 2021 Z Stamp. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh item. It has b...
Hermès New Orange Zebra Sarong Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new zebra cotton beach sarong/shawl designed by Alice Shirley. Comes with original box.
Hermes Double XL Ours Polaires Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Ours Polaires" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : Dimensions : 57.09" x 74.80" approx. Condition : a small stain visible on the second picture
Hermès Women's Reversible Quilted Silk Sleeveless Coat, Size FR34/UK6
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Absolutely stunning Hermes reversible sleeveless coat - unworn with tags. Incredible quality, it has a vibrantly printed quilted silk crepe on one side and a smooth, glossy cream si...
Hermès Kelly 25cm Rose Extreme Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Kelly 25cm Sellier in Rose Extreme Epsom, rendered in a vivid, high-impact pink that leans toward neon coral-fuchsia depending on lighting, giving it a sharp, almost electric ...
HERMES black Box leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50mm Belt 80
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 waist belt in black Box leather featuring gold-plated hardware. Has been worn and shows faint scratches to the hardware. Overall in excellen...
Hermes Slim-Fit 5-Pocket Denim Jeans
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes signature slim-fit five-pocket denim jeans made from 98% cotton denim combined with 2% spandex for a better fit is accented with detailed top-stitching and beautifully fi...
Hermès Silk Scarf Cavalcadour Brides de Gala A Pois Origny Navy Green 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Cavalcadour Brides de Gala à Pois" Successfull mix between "Brides de Gala" designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1957 and "Cavalcadour" designed by H...
Hermes Poste et Cavalerie by J. Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Poste et Cavalerie" by Joachim Metz featuring an ivory ground. Circa 1989. In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guarantee...
Hermès Black Leather Diane Bag 1989
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Black Leather Diane Bag 1989. Iconic bag made in the 1989, Hermès has since stopped the production of this bag making it collectible, really sought after collectors and brands...
Hermes Cinhetic Mini Wallet Ombre Lizard Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightchic offers an Hermes Cinhetic Mini Wallet clutch / shoulder bag featured in Ombre Lizard. Fresh new shape Palladium hardware with an architectura...
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. No tag.
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5 Reference: LACG/A00466 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: N...
Hermès Vintage Silk Sarf Cheval Turc Vauzelles Lovely and Rare Colorways 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Cheval Turc" (Turkish horse) Designed by Christiane Vauzelles in 1970 / This one is a reissue Super rare col...
Hermes La Promenade de Longchamps by P Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "La Promenade de Longchamps" by Philippe Ledoux featuring a camel border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1986 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
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...
Hermès Beige Lambkin Long Vintage Gloves
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès butter lambskin long women s gloves. Camel /beige tone. Size 6. Show medium wear.
Hermes Belt Constance 42 mm Gold / Craie Brushed Gold Buckle 105
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in reversible Gold to Craie Epsom leather. Fabulous over sized brushed Gold signature H buckle. ...
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls in porcelain. Decorative mosaics are screen-printed and applied by hand using gold tiles. With its geometric pattern, the Mosaique au 24 go...
Hermès Sheepskin Gilet with Silk Scarf Interior
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A beautiful example of the quality and design that comes from the Hermès maison. Made of 100% sheepskin, this lush and soft long gilet also comes with an...
Hermès Trousse Bolide 2020 Red Wool Bolide Case Clutch Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Pouch Bolide model MM format in red Hermès wool canvas and black leather piping, waterproof lining, closure with a silver metal zip with leather puller, 2 fabric "rings" at ea...
Hermès Anchor Chaine d'Ancre Navy Theme Tray Cigar Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare shape for this beautiful authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as ashtray, tray, change tray Notches in shape of "chaine d'ancre" (anchor chain), symbol of the brand Print: an...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Rose Pourpre Sellier Chevre Mysore Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier in Rose Pourpre Chèvre Mysore, rendered in a compact, sharply structured silhouette where the proportions feel precise and jewel-like, with the Sellier...
Hermès Burgundy Vibrato Pillow Crossbody Bag 115h1
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: D in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: .75" Height: 9.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 19"-22" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ )...
New Hermes White Tiger Cubs Small Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible silk tiger cubs gavroche small scarf in black, white and red. Hand rolled edges. 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.