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 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...
Hermes Pochette 22cm Bleu Electrique Swift Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Pochette in Bleu Électrique Swift with Palladium hardware delivers a sharp, high-impact expression in a compact format, where the pared-down silhouette puts full emphasis on t...
HERMES light blue silk chiffon PASSIFLORES OBLONG MOUSSELINE Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Passiflores oblong mousseline shawl in light blue silk chiffon (100%) an elaborate design of florals and fruits on a backgroun...
Hermès “Au Coeur de l‘Eté“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Au Coeur de l 'Ete" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a blue, coral, orange back and a zebra print on the...
Hermès Carmen Key Ring Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Carmen Key Ring in Rose Pourpre made of lambskin leather. The piece comes with a ring made of steinless steel. The item is new and comes in the ...
Hermes Cavalcadour by H d Origny Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Cavalcadour " by Henri d'Origny silk scarf featuring a black border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1981 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90c...
Hermès "Parade en Fanfare" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Twilly Scarf on orange with a fun and vibrant, Parade en Fanfare Motif. Comes with original box and silver tone mendor.
Hermès New Silk "Space Derby" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "space derby" Twilly. This small silk accessory can be used in many ways. It is a beautiful way to accessorize your handbag for example. The scarf i...
$16,220
Hermès purple Elan Constance
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Hermès Constance Elan bag in purple crocus Epsom leather. Comes in its original HERMES dustbag ! Condition : very good Made in France Collection : Constance Elan Gender : wo...
Hermes Scarves Knotting Cards No7
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Brand New Hermes Scarves Knotting Cards No7 Collectible styling accessory - boxed set of illustrated instruction cards designed to teach and inspire different ways...
Hermès Vintage Ashtray Horse Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray with a print of galloping horse in the center of it. The horse wears a yellow blanket with stripes at the end. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
Hermes Birkin 35 Togo U5 Rose Lipstick Pink Gold Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: EXCELLENT Overall light signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Rubbing on the corners, handles, wax on the edges. Original condition. DETAILS Brand: Hermes ...
Hermes Croquis De Tigre Blanket Naturel Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Croquis De Tigre blanket featured in Naturel. Impossibly soft Cashmere, this gorgeous Robert Dallet print is created with five screens for the print. Edge...
Hermes Hussar Print Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa late 20th century, this unique Hermes cardigan features a Hussar Jacket print on the front while remaining thin enough to act as a cardigan, or but...
HERMES Grigri Rodeo Horse Bag Charm PM in Celeste
By Hermès
Located in London, England
HERMES Milo Lambskin Horsehair Grigri Rodeo Horse Bag Charm PM in Celeste, Naturel Bouton D'Or and Cornaline. So rare, some rodeo are more appreciated than the Hermes Birkin/kelly ba...
Hermès Scarf "Les Chevaux Se Rendent Aux Départ" 2001
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Les Chevaux Se Rendent Aux Départ" 2001. This scarf was designed by Laurent Cresp in 2001, with only one edition this scarf can be considered a collectible. The colors...
Hermès Epsom Black Kelly Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The wallet has a front flap and the Kelly trademark palladium turn-lock. This reveals a black leather inside with a zippered compartment, patch pockets, and a card slot. This fashion...
Hermes Bath Towel - Fringes - Black - 100% Cotton - 95x144cm - New / Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bath Towel - Fringes - Black - 100% Cotton - 95x144cm - NWCTS - 2508211516 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Beach Towel Design Name: Fringes (Noir) — Hermès Bain Bath Towel Artist: Hermès ...
Vintage Hermes Cotton Trousers - Stone Colour
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A chic and very wearable pair of vintage pants/trousers by Hermes. In a heavy cotton and attractive stone colour, the trousers have two pockets on the front and a zip fly. Size 36 M...
Hermes, reversible box and togo leather admiral belt
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, reversible box and togo leather admiral belt in black and cognac. The item is in good condition. Scratches on the hardware and leather. CONDITION: good condition SIZE: 80 ...
Vintage Hermès Prières Au Vent Cashmere Blue Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermès Prières Au Vent Cashmere Silk Shawl MADE IN FRANCE 65% CASHMERE 35% SILK DRY CLEAN ONLY Crica 1996 A beautiful Electric blue and red designed vintage silk Hermes scarf. Co...
Hermès "Instruction Du Roy" Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Instruction Du Roy" Silk Scarf is in 100% silk shawl with hand rolled edges, and features the Instruction Du Roy Motif.
Hermès Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1452 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [M]...
HERMÈS - Vintage Aline Striped Wool Leather Crossbody Bag Circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare Aline model shoulder bag with Rocabar wool fabric. Multicolored cord handles with leather trim. Sold with original box. Measurement...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf Au Gré du Vent – Bordeaux Beige - Mint - Collector
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Au Gré du Vent – Bordeaux Beige MCWCT – 1912101426 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Au Gré du Vent, By the Wind Artist: Dimitri Rybaltchenko Size: 90 cm x ...
New Hermes Kelly 28 Mauve Pale Clemence Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Mauve Pale Clemence PHW B 2023 Full Set Gold Hardware New Never used. A Collectors Piece Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm Deep The Kelly bag came to succe...
Hermès Lujo Criollo Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Lujo Criollo” cashmere/silk blend cashmere shawl.
Hermès Porcelain Horse Ashtray White Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Made in France. Comes with original box.
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 Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie Reference: TGAS/F00054 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Orange, Pink Pattern: Geometric Extra Details...
Hermès New Rouge Pivoine Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features rouge pivoine Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable contrast color flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “...
Hermes Kelly 25 Magnolia Purple Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare most wanted Hermes Kelly 25 Magnolia Togo Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. 2018 C Stamp. Please keep in mind that this is a pre owned item, the bag has been carri...
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 ...
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Made In: France Year of Production: 2024 Color: Ecru Beige Fauve Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Canvas & le...
Hermes Brides De Gala Mini Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new mini silk twilly scarf. Bride De Gala pattern. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermes Annee De LA Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm 2004
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Annee De La Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm from 2004 is a captivating piece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship synonymous with the Hermes brand. Crafted with palladium plating, this charm features a delicate heart shape paired with a tiny key and padlock, symbolizing love and exclusivity. Its intricate detailing and timeless design make it a versatile accessory that can elevate both casual and formal ensembles. This charm pairs beautifully with designer items such as Chanel leather handbags, Louis Vuitton monogram accessories, and Gucci silk scarves...
Hermes Theoreme Mosaique Or Box Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Theoreme Mosaique Or box featured in the Medium model. Natural Mahogany wood with bridle leather lid sheets stamped with gold Mosaique motif in gold. Bridle leather lid is hot foil stamped using...
Hermes Rare Silk Hello Dolly Purple Pink Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill scarf collectible Hello Dolly in purple pink combination. Hand-rolled edges.
2020 Hermes Felt Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes grooming bag in grey felt wool. Beautiful bag perfect for travel or diaper bag. Minimal signs of wear. The handles has suppled so its a litt...
HERMES Gris Fonce grey Box leather TOUAREG COLLIER DE CHIEN 24mm Belt 75
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 24mm belt in Gris Fonce (dark grey) Box leather. Features a hand carved solid sterling silver buckle by Nigerian artist of the Touarg tribe. Ha...
Hermés Herbag Zip Retourne Ebene Vache Leather Etoupe Canvas GM
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A chic and stylish Hermes Herbag Zip. The exterior of this Herbag features a top handle with a crossbody strap in Ebene Vache Hunter leather on the top section whereas the body of th...
Hermes Black Noir Togo Sac A Depeches 41 Briefcase
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes Black Noir Togo Sac A Depeches 41 Briefcase in excellent condition. Black noir togo leather trimmed with gold hardware and clochette with singl...
Hermès Blue Jean Clemence Evelyne III PM PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Blue Jean Clemence Evelyne III PM PHW SKU: 148798 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Designed in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, the Evelyne shoulder bag fr...
Hermès Porcelain Blue Geometric Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès signature ashtray with geometric design in blue, white and gold. Suede stamped underneath. Made in France. Excellent condition.
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.
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
Vintage Hermes Multicolor French Revolution Commemoration Print Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Hermes Multicolor French Revolution Commemoration Print Silk Scarf is a stunning representation of luxurious artistry, capturing the essence of a pivotal historical perio...
Hermès Geometric Cotton Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès multicolor geometric beach sarong . Mint condition. Comes without box.
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin 2015
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin. This classic handbag has beautiful platinum hardware and rich Epsom leather, which is renowned for its strength and form retention. Its...
Hermes Men's Jacket Gray with Black Leather and Detachable Beaver Collar 48
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition men's nylon and leather off center front zip jacket featured in Greige Jacket has Black leather trim at front zip and H leather trim at cu...
S/S 1994 Hermès Runway Jardin Créole Print Black Green Silk Bralette Top Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful 'Creole Garden' jungle print Hermès bralette crop top and silk shirt set. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this set debut...
Hermes Kelly Doll Charm Bag Bleu Electric, Feu, Jaune de Naples w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful yet meticulously crafted, this Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm captures the house’s whimsical side while preserving its uncompromising attention to ...
Hermes BNIB Pegase Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white,blue,red and orange porcelain catchalls with Pegase design. New with original box.
Hermès Vintage Kelly 40 White Togo Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Kelly 40 Togo leather White color Golden hardware Year 2009 "M" series Golden hardware Single handle With leather strap Keys and locker 3 Internal pockets (one lar...
Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Kelly Jump Beige Marfa Swift Leather Palladium Hardware W/2024 The Hermès Kelly Jump in Beige Marfa presents a refined dialogue between modern design and timeless elegance. ...
Hermés Bastia Etoupe Coin Purse
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermés Bastia Purse Is in Etoupe Epsom leather and calfskin, with palladium hardware.
Hermès Brazil Square Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brazil Porcelaine ashtray. The piece is square and the paint shows a big pheasant in the center opening is feathers. The tray is in excellent cond...
Hermes Merinos Wool & Milo Lambskin Budy Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Merinos Wool & Milo Lambskin Budy Bag Charm Fox terrier shaped bag charm hand-sewn in France with light green - Vert Peppermint Milo lambskin and trimmed wi...
Hermès Rare White Dalmatian Retourne Kelly 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Rare White Dalmatian Retourne Kelly 35 PHW SKU: 111224 Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Condition. Scratching to hardware. Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Origin Country: France Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag; Top Handle Size (Specific): 35 Year Manufactured: 2001 Features Interior: One zip pocket. Two slip pockets Interior Material: Leather Interior Color (Generic): Blue...
Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone, Palladium Hardware Condition: Brand New Material: Swift Leather Measurements: (W)28cm × (H)22cm × (D)11.5cm Hardware: Palladium plat...
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.