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 Pli H Change Tray in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Height of elegance for this gorgeous authentic Hermès change tray From the "Pli'H" collection Made in France Made of smooth bridle leather, a raw and authentic leather, which deve...
Hermes Limited Edition Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded Scarf Silk 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded silk scarf by Robert Dallet. This legendry design of love depicts 2 am...
Hermès Scarf "hermès"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "hermès" 2001. This beautiful scarf design by Christine Henry in 2001 is a representation of the world and its most famous places and architectural structures . It has n...
Hermès Scarf "Kosmina"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Kosmina". 35in x 35in. One minor stain on the bottom half of the scarf. The Hermès "Kosmima" scarf, crafted by designer Julia Abadie and f...
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...
Hermes Vert Embrun Oran Sandal Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 35.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran flat sandals featured in Vert Embrun. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran slide sandal is in the softest sea foam hue - stunning. The iconic H cut...
HERMES black silk 2020 PROJECTS CARRE AU CRAYON Belted Shift Dress 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Projects Carre au Crayon belted dress in black and gray silk (100%) and the knit part in black silk (85%) and cashmere (15%). Features a detachable belt and bel...
Hermes Silk and Cashmere Shawl 140 American Quilts Noisette Naturel and Vert
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes American Quilts Cashmere and Silk scarf by Aline Honore. Featured in Noisette, Naturel and Vert colorway. The design was inspired by a collection of 19th ...
Hermès Black Blanc Bleu La Patisserie Francaise Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Blanc Bleu La Patisserie Francaise Silk Twilly SKU: Z154440 Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Model: Twilly Accessor...
Hermès Scarf "Marché Flottant Du Lac Inlé" 1998
By Dimitri Rybaltchenko, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Marché Flottant Du Lac Inlé" 1998. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Dimitri ...
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 Burgundy Embroidered King Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible burgundy king size blanket with embroidered leaves and flowers. Wool, cashmere, angora and suede trim. 70% wool, 15% cashmere, 15% angora. Mint condition.
Hermes Key Print Silk Square
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Hermes Key Print Silk Twill Square, Made in France. 16".
Hermès Tiny Silver Minaudiere Purse
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Tiny silver minaudiere. It could have been used as a powder compact. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 9 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm ...
Hermes Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Silk Scarf 90cm x 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by H. de Watrigant in 2006, the 'Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte' scarf depicts the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, capturing the rich tradition ...
Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket Blue jacket featuring the iconic 'Cosmos' motif in gold designed by Philippe Ledoux, originally introduced on He...
Hermès "Les Clés" dress by Claude Brouet circa 1985
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter circa 1985 sous la direction artistique de Claude Brouet. Robe longue à motif intitulée "Les Clés" dessiné par Cathy Lamy en 1965, en viscose noire ...
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.
Hermès Lien 32 mm Cuir T75 Black Gold Reversible Leather Belt Strap US28 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès leather belt strap, 3.2 cm wide, reversible in smooth black "box" leather on one side and grained gold leather on the other, made in 2010. Size 75, strap width 3.2 cm (for H o...
Hermes Scarf Brides de Gala Shadow 90 Soleil / Orange / Jaune / Silk New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Brides de Gala Shadow Silk Twill scarf designed by Hugo Gygkar. Depicts halo effect around...
Hermes Picotin Lock Eclat 22 Tote Bag Deep Blue Anemone Clemence Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Eclat Lock 22 tote bag in Deep Blue with Anemone. The bag is Deep Blue with the interior of the handles in Anemone. The...
Hermes Men's Limited Edition Vest Sueded Porosus Crocodile and Leather 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's vest featured in grey sueded porosus Crocodile. This very rare and limited edition Hermes vest has a zip closure with two angled zip pockets with p...
Hermes Picotin 18 Intrecciato Handles Epsom Leather Midnight Navy PHW
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Picotin 18 Intrecciato Handles Epsom Leather Midnight Navy PHW These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Hermes Picotin is a nod to the equestria...
$19,710
Hermès Kelly 32 Purple Iris
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic PHW Kelly bag by Hermès. Crafted with Togo leather, this exquisite piece features palladium hardware, was crafted in 2010 and has been kept in...
Hermès Vintage Cotton Seagulls Sarongs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage cotton blue sarong with white seagulls design. Minor stains and wear.
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Jaipur Pink Bag Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Jaipur is a divine, and very rare to find, pink that is neutral and perfect for year round wear...
Hermès Navy Silk Kachinas Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Collectible Hermès 100% silk twill scarf by Texan artist Kermit Oliver in signature Kachinas print with hand-rolled edges. Dry clean only. Includes box. Issue date 1992. Comes with c...
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag Reference: KYCG/A00038 Brand: Hermes Model: Twins Collection: SS 2019 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Flap Lining: Blue Leather Extra Details: Hermes Twin...
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. ...
Hermes Jumbo Playing Cards Set Les 4 Mondes GM New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rareHermes Jumbo 52-piece playing card set. Cards are beautifully detailed with Les 4 Mondes design on the rear. Trim color is ...
Hermès Brandebourg Green Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill coveted Brandebourg green and white scarf by collectible designer Cathy Latham. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box. Minimal wear, small discoloration, ple...
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 Epsom Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Jade
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Kelly Sellier 25 cm in Vert Jade features Epsom calfskin leather is brand new in unused condition. A single rolled leather top handle is secured with silver hardware and an opti...
Hermes Jumping by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Jumping" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring a yellow ochre border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1975 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4i...
Hermes "Tree of Song" Silk Print Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes "Tree of Song" Silk Print Twilly Scarf is a stunning accessory that embodies elegance and artistic craftsmanship. Crafted from luxurious silk, this twilly features a vibrant a...
Hermès Collectible Passiflores Green Cashmere scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Passiflores scarf , is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by the artist Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin.
Silk Twill Carré "Le monde du Polo" Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk Twill Carré "Le monde du Polo". SIZE : 88 cm X 90 cm
Hermes Matelot-Marin Red Cotton Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990 Matelot red cotton backpack bag featuring a signature H logo, a metal eyelet detailing, an adjustable shoulder straps and top drawstring fastening, a main compartment. Ci...
Hermès "Les 12 Leopards" Double Face
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Douze Leopards" double face silk scarf. 12 cheetas are hidden in this elaborate design. Reversible scarf , can be worn on the two different sides. Hand rolled edges, car...
Hermes Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet Silk Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet gavroche silk scarf featuring a yellow border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1980s 16.9in (43cm) X 16.9in (43cm) In good vintage c...
Hermès Birkin 35 Ghillies Anemone Bag with Palladium hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Limited Edition Hermès Birkin Ghillies bag is extraordinarily rare and beautiful. As a Ghillies handbag, contour stitching details set ...
Hermes Silk Texas Wildlife Orange Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Faune et Flore di Texas (aka Texas wildlife) scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver, 1986. Hand-rolled hem. Comes with original box .
Hermes Chypre White Calfskin Sandal 40 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Sandal featured in White. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable wi...
RHERMES Circus Round Box pink yellow white star balls porcelain container
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RHERMES Circus Round Box pink yellow white star balls porcelain container Reference: KYCG/A00151 Brand: Hermes Model: Circus Round Box Material: Porcelain Color: Pink, Yellow Pattern...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
Hermes Silk Kachinas Blue Turquoise Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare Kachinas silk blue and turquoise scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Signature print from this artist. beautiful silk twill with hand rolled edges.
Hermes Paris Silver Metal Clou De Selle Clip On Earrings
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Discover the understated elegance of these vintage Hermes silver metal round 'Clou de Selle' clip-on earrings. With a sleek and minimalist design, these 20mm diameter earrings featur...
Hermes Passifolia Large Salad Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Large Salad Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of ...
Hermès BNIB Red Rue Foubourg Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new silk gavroche , red color, Rue Fouburg store design. Comes with original box.
HERMES Epsom Constance Elan 25 White
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Epsom Constance Elan 25 Leather Shoulder Bag. Features epsom calfskin leather in white, front flap closure with Hermes buckle snap closure, extra-long double loop s...
Hermes New Black Kelly Twist Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new Kelly Twist Bracelet in Black Swift Leather with rose gold hardware. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with original dust cover and box.
Hermès Scarf "Les Coupés" 1970
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Les Coupés, designed by Françoise de la Perrière and first issued in 1970, is a distinguished piece. Les Coupés, translating to "The Coupés", features a series of in...
Hermes Constance Pink Pochette/Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Epsom Constance mini pink leather pochette with a detachable card case inside. Gold metale hardware and H logo Removable and adjustable pink azalee leather belt with gold meta...
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Saphir Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG058 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, S...
HERMES Marine blue canvas 2024 BRIDE-A-BRAC PM Case Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bride-A-Brac PM vanity case in Marine blue canvas is a functional yet stylish travel essential. Featuring a green embroidered "H" on the front, it is desig...
Hermès Kelly Padded 25 Etoupe Swift Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Padded 25 in etoupe and swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn but has a slight sign on the front of the bag from st...
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 Mustard Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Kachinas scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Mustard and green color combination. Excellent condition. Dry clean only.
Hermes Eperons D or Maxi Twilly - Orange Gris Or - New / Store Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Eperons D or Maxi Twilly - Orange Gris Or - NWST - 2411041815 Brand: Hermès Artist : Kermit Oliver Size : 220x20cm Colour : Orange Gris Or Type : 100% Silk Twill Manufactred:...
Hermès White & Gold Sails Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain sailing boat design ashtray/catchall. White, gold, green and red combination.
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.