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 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 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 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 "On the Beach" Silk Scarf 90 by Ugo Bienvenu 90*90
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Step into a vibrant, futuristic seaside resort with this authentic and highly coveted Hermès "On the Beach" silk scarf. Designed by the celebrated French illustrator and animator Ugo...
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.
Hermes La Vie Mediterrane Silk Scarf - Aline Honoré' in 2006
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Camel toned silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by Aline Honoré' in 2006, the 'La Vie Mediterrane' scarf depicts an underwater scene featuring whales, dolphins, turtles and seals, with ...
Hermès Billfold Wallet Burgundy Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Billfold Wallet in Burgundy Lizard presents a compact, highly refined expression of the house’s leatherwork, where the precision of the small format puts full emphasis on mate...
New Hermès So Black Touch Croc Rodeo Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
HERMES Milo Lambskin Matte Alligator Touch Grigri Rodeo Horse Bag Charm MM So Black. Date stamp Z for 2021 . Comes with original box.
Hermès Oriental Minaret Mosque Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Extremely rare piece ! Print: oriental scene of life near a mosque, with characters, tanner, animals Some places of the drawing are highlighted w...
Hermes Bride-a-Brac au Carre Case Fauve Large Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bride-A-Brac Au Carre case featured in Fauve. Bicolour wool twill straps with signature Clou de Selle snaps. Embroidered H motif on the front. With two Cl...
Hermès New Les Cabanes Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Les Cabanes Case in bicolor wool twill features, lining in herringbone canvas, machine embroidered (96% polyester and 4% ceramic), zip closure with pull-tab in bicolor ...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Ombré Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in ombré and lizard leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermès Set of 5 Stirrups Shaped Prix De Diane Aluminium Sign Plates
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 5 Collectible Authentic Hermès Plates These plates were made to celebrate the equestrian "Prix de Diane" and was sponsored by Hermès Paris. This ...
Hermès Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM charm in Rose Darling, Bleu Celeste, and Rouge Radieux milo lambskin leather. Comes with original box.
Hermès New Fish Toile Pochette Unisex
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new flat H canvas pouchette with red and blue fish design.
HERMES Jaune yellow Mysore leather CAHIER ROULE Roll Notebook
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Cahier Roule Roll Notebook in Jaune (yellow) Chèvre Mysore Leather. Shows some pen marks on the backside. Overall in good con...
$810Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Beige felt and wool beret by Hermès France, tote bag
By Hermès
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Gorgous and unique beige felt and wool beret from Hermès France, along with its box and a matching fabric bag. The beret is the Saint-Honoré Point Avalon model by Hermès. It is made...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Round Tart Platter
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Round Tart Platter featured in beloved Bleus d'Allieurs. A modern geometirc design paying hommage to ancient pottery and the countless sea voyages of trad...
HERMES Bleu du Nord blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 29 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 29 crossbody bag in Bleu du Nord (sky blue) Taurillon Clemence leather. Adjustable canvas shoulder strap. Open pocket on the back. Closes with a sna...
Hermes Constance 18 Desert Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured limited edition Desert Lizard. Exquisite markings with fresh Palladium hardware. HERMES PARIS MADE IN FRANCE is stamped on front under flap. Comes with Hermes sleeper and signature box. NEW or NEVER WORN. The Hermes Constance bag price maintains its value as its among one of the most desired and difficult Hermes bags...
Hermès BNIB Rouge Pivoine Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box rouge pivoine clemence leather cross body bag with gold tone hardware. Date stamp U for 2022. Comes with small and large dust cov...
Hermes Silk Scarf En Liberté – Jaune Soleil Vert - New / Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
En Liberté – Jaune Soleil Vert – NWSTS – 2505081640 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Carine Brancowitz Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Jaune Soleil (...
Hermès Scarf named "Au fil de la soie" by Annie Faivre - Paris Circa 1995
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995 France Hermès silk square scarf entitled "Au fil de soie" by Annie Faivre dating from the unique 1995 edition. Printed silk square with hand-rolled edges in cream tones an...
HERMES silk EX-LIBRIS Twilly Scarf Scarf Fuchsia Rouge White
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Ex-Libris silk twilly in fuchsia, red and white. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Length 86cm (33.5in) All our listin...
Raspberry leather gloves with "H" in silver metal Hermès (New with tag)
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Raspberry leather gloves with "H" in silver metal. Snap cover with leather under the hand. Hand-made top-stitching SIZE 7 1/2
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 Blanket Far West Sable Cashmere New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Selle Far West blanket featured in Sable. Jacquard woven Cashmere edged with fringe allows you to see the exquisite image details from each side. This extraordinary saddle is spectacular and inspired from the 1890 Trade catalogues Emile Hermes collection. This beautiful Hermes blanket...
Hermes NIB Vert Vertigo Evelyne PM
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Evelyne is in Vert vertigo taurillon clemence leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, pull tab top closure and a removable canvas and leather shoulder/cross bod...
Hermès "Echec au Roi" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Echec au Roi shawl , is in a Cashmere blend meaning "Checkmate" was designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery and features graphic, abstract representations of chess pieces.
Hermès Tribord Chaîne Ancre Scarf Rings
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A set of three Hermès Tribord Chaîne d'Ancre scarf rings in red, white, and black colors. Designed to hold a scarf in place and can be used in various ways to style a scarf or twilly...
1964 Hermes Green La Tenue de Venerie by Charles-Jean Hallo Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf green “La Tenue de Venerie” by Charles-Jean Hallo featuring an Hunting Outfit scene and a top logo signature. Circa 1964 In good vintage condition. Made in France....
Hermès Black x Brown 24mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 830her28
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: X in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 31" Width: .1" Height: .8" Waist Length: 24.5"-26.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of W...
HERMES silk LES CLES Twilly Scarf Scarf Pale Yellow
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Les Cles silk twilly in pale yellow, green and gold. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) ...
HERMES Rose Porcelaine pink suede TRIP Espadrilles Flats Shoes 41 fit 40
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Trip espadrille flats in Rose Porcelaine suede goatskin with rope sole. Brand new without dust bags or box. Measurements Model H211874ZH27390 Imprinted Size 4...
Hermès Rouge Casaque Swift Birkin 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Casaque Swift Birkin 30 PHW SKU: Z152361 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic ...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - Excellent Condition!!
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 Dugon Duo cream togo leather SHW loop through coin purse
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Dugon Duo cream togo leather SHW loop through coin purse Reference: CNLE/A00516 Brand: Hermes Model: Dugon Duo Material: Leather Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Loop Thro...
Hermes Rare Rouge H Men Toiletry Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes 1960’s rare and collectible men toiletry case. Rouge H box calf leather and palladium hardware. Excellent condition with all interior parts in pla...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather, H in squer, Kollektion 2004
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather in brown and ornage, inside the bag, H in squer, collektion 2004, Customized design, verry good condition, Made in France Dimensions: ...
Hermés Birkin 35cm Sellier Sunrise Rainbow Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Limited Edition Hermès Sellier Birkin 35cm Rainbow Sunrise bag. The exterior of this Birkin features Epsom leather in yellow lime, sésame beige, rose confetti, and brown terre. These sunrise-inspired colours are complemented with palladium hardware. This rainbow Birkin...
HERMES Vintage Clé de Sellette Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Clé de Sellette (saddle key) bottle opener. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 12.5 cm (4.92 inches) / diameter of the ring a...
Hermes Palladium Plated Olga Chain Belt With Signature Charms
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Hermes Palladium Plated Olga Chain Belt With Signature Charms Palladium plated sterling silver double-chain belt designed with five Hermes' signature charms: - Cadena L...
Hermes Rocabar Plaid Dog Blanket Reversible
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rocobar Plaid dog blanket is inspired by the iconic Rocabar blanket. Reversible 100% Wool and is very resistant to wear. Your chic fashionista pup will l...
Hermès Carré en Carrés Silk Jersey Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Carré en Carrés" is in 100% silk jersey with contrast white trim edges, designed by artist Bali Barret.
Hermès Rust Kachinas Silk Scarf Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rust silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Care tag label attached. Excellent condition, rare find.
Hermès Teal Silk Kachinas Scarf, Kermit Oliver in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition, collectible colorway. Care tag attached .
Hermès Pink Tiger Cubs Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Tigers Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Pink background with red border featuring large bounding tigers. Rolled edges. Comes with original box.
New Hermès Fuchsia Baobab Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès fuchsia silk Jaguar scarf. Hand-rolled edges. New with care tag and original box .
Sac Hermès Mini Evelyne Bleu Jean
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Mini Evelyne en cuir Taurillon Clémence Bleu Jean avec finitions gold. Parfait état. Datant de 2019. Ce sac Hermès Mini Evelyne, réalisé en cuir Taurillon Clémence Bleu J...
Hermes Limited Edition Micro Constance Bag Rouge Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Micro Constance in Rouge Lizard, a vivid red tone that enhances the natural sheen of the exotic leather. The polished surface reflects light with depth, g...
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...
1966 Hermes Mors et Filets by M F Heron Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Mors et Filets" by Marie-Françoise Héron featuring a turquoise border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1966 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm)...
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.