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 Clemence Evelyne Gris Pale NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This bag features a white canvas crossbody strap, polished gold plated hardware, and a perforated Hermès H oval logo. The top of the bag opens with a crossover strap to a suede inter...
An Hermès square scarf ‘Le Timbalier’ by Françoise Héron - Paris Circa 1961
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1961. France Rare Hermès silk scarf entitled ‘Le Timbalier’ by Françoise Héron, probably in its first edition in 1961. This pattern was then reissued in 2001. Silk scarf printe...
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...
Hermès BNIB Lime Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new lime yellow carmen bag charm/key chain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
HERMES 2024 Mosaique embroidered H pocket white jersey cotton tshirt FR38 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2024 Mosaique Au 24 embroidered H pocket blanc white jersey cotton tshirt FR38 M Reference: KYCG/A00242 Brand: Hermes Model: Mosaique au 24 Pocket T-Shirt Collection: SS 2024 ...
Hermès Jaune Bourgeon Chevre Mysore Kelly Wallet To Go PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Jaune Bourgeon Chevre Mysore Kelly Wallet To Go PHW SKU: 156328 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Her...
Hermes Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen Gold Barenia Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen featured in Fauve Barenia calfskin. Palladium plated. Has a specific pressurized refill blue ink refill. Marvelous self bal...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Yellow Linen Shirt, SS 2001, Women's
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Martin Margiela – Spring/Summer 2001 Shirt Minimalist and refined, this Hermès shirt from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection—designed under Martin Margiela’s direction—perf...
Hermès Green Epsom Leather Pochette Belt Bag - '90s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A rare Hermès vintage accessory, the Floride belt bag embodies the Maison’s refined approach to leather craftsmanship and understated elegance. Crafted in vibrant green Epsom calfski...
Hermès Special Order Birkin 25cm White Lime Yellow Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Special Order White and Lime Yellow leather with gold hardware sits firmly in collector territory, where customization becomes the defining language of the ...
Hermes Mosaique 24 Gold Rice Bowl Set
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Looking to spice up your kitchen sets? Hermes has you covered with these gorgeous bowl sets! Hermes prooves even your kitchen cabinets could use a splash Hermes elegance with these p...
Hermes Evelyne III TPM Bag Framboise Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM featured in saturated Framboise. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Signature perforated H on front of bag. Fresh with Palladium ...
Hermes ascot tie by Jean-Louis Dumas 1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 1980, under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Patterned silk ascot tie in yellow, brown, and light blue tones. Made in France. Condition: Very good co...
Hermès BNIB Mini Evelyne Capucine Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mini Evelyne shoulder and cross-body bag with signature perforated "H." Capucine taurillon clemence leather , gold strap and palladium hardware. Sh...
Picotin Lock Bag Tricolor Clemence PM
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Great. Exterior: minor scuffs, minor creases, minor edge wear Handles/Straps: creases, minor scuffs, minor discoloration Interior: scuffs, discoloration Hardware: scra...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Hermes Sport - Light Green Periwinkle Orange - Mint
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - EXCWOCT - 1201011848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Plaisirs du Froid, The Pleasures of the Cold Artist: Hugo Grygkar ...
Hermes Patchwork Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible patchwork silk scarf in red and white. Hand rolled edges. No box included.
Hermes Red Vintage Epsom Leather Jige Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red epsom leather jige clutch. White contrast stitching, toile interior. Comes with original dust bag.
Hermes Grey Herline Diary Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Grey “Herline” diary cover featuring a silver-tone logo zipper opening, inside black cotton compartments, a cotton brand label. Circa: 2000s In good vintage condition. Made i...
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 Gazelles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Africa Kenya Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Gazelles / Antelopes We found a similar print on the "KENYA scarf, designed by Robert Dallet and issued in 1988, "year of exotici...
$1,240Sale Price|23% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Grande Tenue - CS 140 - Black green red - NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Grande Tenue - CS 140 - Black green red - NWOCT - 1504231255 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Grande Tenue, Full Dress Artist: Henri d’Origny Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55 in Color: Noir (Black), Vert (Green), Rouge (Red) Fabric: 70 % Cashmere, 30 % Silk, hand‑rolled edges Approx. Issue Date: Original design issued 1985; subsequently reissued (1989/90, 1993, 1997/98); cashmere/silk 140 shawl reissue circa 2011–2012; additional wash-silk reissue noted in 2021 for the 90 size. Condition: New Without Care Tag, Never Worn, Without Box Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: “Grande Tenue” (Full Dress) celebrates equestrian ceremony. Its graphic layout frames a central cross-like panel encircled by braided cords and roping, with the corners depicting heraldic stable emblems and parade trappings. The motif draws on the Emile Hermès archives...
Hermès Gold Togo Birkin 25 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Gold Togo Birkin 25 GHW SKU: Z158804 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of t...
Hermes Nut Soft Leather Six Hook Clous de Selle Key Case
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Nut soft leather six-hook “Clous de Selle” key-case featuring a tri-fold design, a logo press-stud fastening, silver-tone hardware, internal key hooks, an internal logo stam...
Hermés Kelly II Retourne 25 Gold Veau Togo Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Hermès Kelly II Retourne 25cm handbag. The exterior of this Kelly features the Retourne style in Gold Veau Togo leather and is complemented by gold hardware and tonal stitc...
Hermes Portefeuille MC2 Copernic Matte Kraft Alligator Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's MC2 Copernic compact bi-fold wallet featured in matte Kraft Alligator. This warm muted peanut butter colour is a perfect neutral men's wallet which ...
Vintage Hermès "Les Tambours" Silk Foulard / Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and rare scarf from Hermès Foulard "Les Tambours" 100% Silk Wisteria color with golden graphics Cm 87 x 87 (34.25 x 34.25 inches) General good conditions, very light signs...
1966 Hermes Marine et Cavalerie by P Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Marine et Cavalerie" by Philippe Ledoux featuring a light blue border, a military motive, a Hermès signature. In good vintage condition. Made in France. Circa: 19...
Lovely Hermès Gloves Purple Pink Leather Size 7.5
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Gloves Made in France Made of smooth leather Colorways: Purple, Pink Each glove decorated with a purple and pink cockade, the wrists enhanced with pink...
Hermes Calvi Vert D'Eau Matte Alligator Card Holder
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Calvi card holder featured in rare Vert D'Eau Matte Alligator. Palladium snap closure. The card holder has 2 slots for busines...
Hermes Kelly Depeche HSS 38 Briefcase Blue Electric Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches HSS 38 briefcase. Very rare in striking, vivid Bleu Electrique. Epsom leather with rich gold hardware. Two large accordion compar...
HERMÈS Vintage Silk Shirt Dress “Kachinas” by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMÈS vintage silk shirt dress featuring a multicolor “Kachinas” print by KERMIT OLIVER on a yellow background, depicting ceremonial spirit dancers from western Pueblo traditions. ...
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...
HERMES silk SPACE DERBY Twilly Scarf Rouge Vert Bleu
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Space Derby twilly by Ugo Bienvenu in red silk twill with details in turquoise, orange, blue, pink and white. Has been worn and is i...
Hermes Mini Lindy 20 Bag Jaune Citron Ostrich Boreal w/ Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lindy Mini 20 bag featured in clear sunny yellow Jaune Citron Ostrich Boreal. Ostrich Boreal has a special satin finish. ...
Hermès NIB Set Of 2 Art Deco Coffee Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, white and red art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
Hermes A Sporting Life Jumping Rope
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris wood handle and leather jumping rope. Marked HERMES 2013 Made in France. Embossed Chic, le sport ! A sporting life. Indicative measurements : ...
HERMES Rouge de Coeur red & Nord blue SANGLE ZIGZAG 25mm Bag Shoulder Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Sangle Zigzag bag strap is a vibrant and versatile accessory crafted in Rouge de Coeur (bright red) and Bleu du Nord (light blue) canvas. Accented with Rou...
Hermès Cashmere 55" Black Jungle Love Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès oversize square 55" cashmere and silk blend Jungle Love scarf by Robert Dallet. Black and coral color way with hand-rolled edges. Comes in original b...
Hermes Virevolte 24 Shoulder Bag Swift Clemence Red Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear, corner abrasion, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Acc...
Hermès Bambou Chevre Mysore Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bambou Chevre Mysore Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details MML058 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: U Age: 2022 Accompanied By: H...
Hermès "Dogs and Valets" blouse by Charles J. Hallo circa 1963
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter "Chiens et valets" par Charles J. Hallo circa 1963. Blouse en soie à manches bouffantes se fermant dans le dos par un zip. Taille 38FR. Made in Fr...
$7,940Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Black Gold Buckle Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Evening Flap Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Black Gold Buckle Top Handle Satchel Kelly Style Evening Flap Bag Leather Gold tone hardware Flip lock closure Made in France Measures 10" W x 5.5" H x 4" D 100% Authentici...
Unworn Hermès Scarf "Les Chevaux Se Rendent Au Départ", With Box
By Hermès
Located in valatie, NY
Unworn New Hermès Scarf "Les Chevaux Se Rendent Au Départ," ("The Horses Are Heading To The Starting Point") With Original Box. Rare Single Issue c2001. This is a highly collectible ...
Hermes Evelyne II TGM 40 Olive Green Toile Ebene Brown Leather Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Green khaki exterior and brown leather - Canvas shoulder strap - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall excellent condition with no major imperfections for its age. Ext...
Hermes Jacket Silk Paperoles Reversible Cashmere Scarf Print S mint
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage Hermes extremely rare to find Paperoles reversible scarf print gently wadded jacket. Beautiful silk scarf print gent...
Hermès White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35 Product Title: White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Lime Epsom Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vibrant and instantly eye-catching, this Hermès Birkin 30cm in Lime Epsom leather channels a bold, energetic spirit while preserving the timeless sophistication of the house’s most i...
Rare Hermès Set of 2 Napkin Rings Stirrups Shaped in Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 Each one in shape of 3 stirrups Vintage items No hallmark but answers to the silver test C...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange. Epsom Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Buy with confidence ...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retournè Blue Izmir
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès kelly retournè 32cm taurillon clemence blue Izmir with gold tone hardware. Handle drop 3.5" and detachable shoulderstrap 17.5". Date stamp Q for 2011. Comes with felt, cloche...
Hermès Horse Ledoux Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gold, red and white porcelain ashtray with horse design by Ledoux. Mint condition back suede. Highly collectible subject by Ledoux.
Hermes New Limited Edition Pegase Silk Gavroche Scarf Orange
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare silk scarf "Pegase Pop" designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko featuring an opulent equestrian design with vibrant pop colors in orange. Brand new with original box.
Hermes Oran Sandal White Calfskin Havane Topstitch 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Oran sandal iconic slide featured in White with Havane topstitch. The signature H cutout over the top of the foot in su...
Hermès Vintage Silk Les Cannes Scarf Black Multicolor 88x85 cm
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Crafted in a traditional extended method of print screening at a factory in Lyon, many of their patterns are inspired by collectable items found in the Parisian office. Black/multic...
$1,418Sale Price|65% Off
Hermes Fall 2012 Les Cannes Print Twillaine Silk Shirt Dress
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Exquisite archival Hermes Les Cannes twillaine print shirt dress from the Fall 2012 collection. New with tags. Made from the highest quality silk wit...
Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag Made in: France Year of Production: 2013 Color: Rose tyrein Materials: Epsom leather Lining: Tosca chevre leather Hardwa...
HERMES Vintage Silver Nautical Place-Card or Menu Holders Set
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage set of 12 silver nautical place-car or menu holders featuring a ship's wheel. A rare and refined set for sailing enthusiasts or yacht owners. Embossed HERMES. French...
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 NIB Samarcande Paperweight
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Samarcande paperweight is beautifully sculptured with lightly sanded edges and a base made from cowhide. Comes with ribbon and...
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.