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 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...
HERMES black leather LOAFER STYLE Pumps Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès loafer-style pumps are crafted from smooth black leather, blending timeless sophistication with everyday versatility. The design features a classic almond...
1953 Hermes Blue Les Ponts de Paris by H Grygkar Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Hermes silk scarf Les Ponts de Paris by Hugo Grygkar featuring a black border, a Hermès signature. Rare & In fair vintage condition.(see last image + some discolorations) M...
Hermès Black Lamb Chain D Ancre Gloves
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes black lambskin leather gloves with palladium chain d'ancre decoration. Size 7.5, black silk interior. 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.
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...
Hermès Brand New Rodeo Grigri PM Charm Tricolor
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of gold, rose texas, and blue Zanzibar leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Marked: Hermés Paris Ma...
HERMÈS - Vintage 2002 Bolduc Pattern Lycra Leggings, Size 42, by L. Dumas
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Extremely rare Lycra leggings featuring the iconic "Bolduc" pattern designed by Jean Louis Dumas in 2002, in excellent condition. Inseam...
Hermes 24/24 29 Bag Togo Clemence Swift Leather Red Rouge Handbag D Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES 2424 Vanquatre 29 red Togo Clemence Swift Handbag Shoulder Bag France，There are normal wear marks and scratches on the interior hardware ...
$1,856Sale Price|25% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Jungle Love CS140 Red Navy NWCTS Super Collector NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Jungle Love - CS140 - Red Navy - NWCTS - 1604041214 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Jungle Love, Jungle Love Artist: Robert Dallet Size: 140 cm x 140 ...
Hermès Anneau de Carre Trio Loop New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Try new scarf-wearing techniques with this small accessory that glides intuitively onto your scarf! The glass provides approximately two times magnification, allowing you to discover...
Hermes Rose Pourpre Horse Bag Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of rose pourpre, celeste, and rust leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Date stamp A for 2017. Marke...
Hermès 2024 Evelyne TPM Rose Texas Leather Crossbody Bag with PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- This timeless shoulder bag was originally designed by Evelyne Bertrand in 1978. - Crafted with Rose Texas leather, the bag features the signature perforated H logo. - Palladium-pla...
Hermes Egerie Sandals in Black rubber
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Egerie Sandals are in Black rubber and feature the iconic Chaine D'Ancre motif. The sandals are waterproof. Size 37 with box and dustbags
Hermès New Mountain Zebra Ashtray New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Mountain Zebra Ashtray, features a beautiful hand-applied printing technique with a gold trim and a velvet goatskin base. Designed by Alice Shirley . Brand new. HHH stamp ...
Hermes Blue Gavroche Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès blue gavroche silk scarf featuring a blue border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1990s -- 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 16.9in (43cm) X 216.9in (43cm) We gua...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Noir/Black Alligator Mississippi Roségold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in noir and alligator mississippi lisse with roségold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Z (20...
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway - Jean Paul Gaultier
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway, Jean Paul Gaultier OVERVIEW A rare and collectible Hermès runway-documented skirt from Fall/Winter 2005, designed under Jean Pau...
Hermes Mini Lindy Magnolia Swift BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy magnolia swift leather with palladium hardware. Date stamp U, 2022. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cr...
Hermes Mini Jypsiere Evercolor Leather Gold HW U Stamp Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Minor signs of use, slight scratches on the hardware, and the interior is clean. Accessories: Dust Bag size: Width:19.5cm,height:16cm Designer: Hermes Model: Mini Jyp...
Hermes Birkin 25 Lizard In Bougainvillea Red With Palladium HW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
One of the hardest to get ever!! Lizard skin is super rare, and definitely the hardest to get amongst all leather/exotic skin combined!! And this cute little red lizzie purse comes i...
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...
Hermès Evelyne GM Orange Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne GM in orange taurillon clemence leather and palladium hardware. Shoulder drop, 18". Date stamp C for 2018. Comes with adjustable strap and original dust bag.
1997, Hermes Red Memoire D'Hermes by Cathy Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes red «Memoire D'Hermes» by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a scene of various memories of Thierry Hermes (Hermes founder), a red border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1997 ...
Hermès Rose Mexico Rouge Piment Toile Militaire Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rose Mexico Rouge Piment Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PHW SKU: 154982 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item ...
Hermès Concours D Etriers Carree Geant Silk 140 - Mint Condition
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Concours D Etriers Carre Geant Silk 140 - MWOCT - 2406081640 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Carré Géant 140 Silk Twill Name Design: Concours d’Étriers, Stirrup Competition Artist: Virgin...
Hermes Scarf Twillie 5 x 165 cm Pointille Liberte Rose/Bleu NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Twillie 5 x 165 cm Pointille Liberte Rose/Bleu NEW.Final Sale
Hermès Birkin 35cm Bronze D'Or Togo w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 35cm in Bronze D’Ore Togo with Palladium hardware carries a warm, tonal depth that feels more understated than it is at first glance, where the 35cm scale allows the co...
Hermès Teal Leather Agenda Case with Card Slots, Unisex, Pristine
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Teal blue - Internal card slots - Spiral-bound design - Planner inserts - Condition: Pristine, Unworn This pre-owned item is in pristine, unworn condition with no signs of use. Pl...
Hermès Gavroche Silk Scarf In Navy Blue
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Gavroche Silk Scarf In Navy Blue. Beautiful navy gavroche scarf in perfect condition. The color is easy to wear year round, and adds a touch of classiness to any outfit. The s...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Vert Verone Green Epsom Leather Gold Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Vert Verone Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition with Plastic on all hardware and ...
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Product Title: Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile L...
Hermès Pochette Bazar In and Out PM clutch Swift Leather 2022
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, scratches on the hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:18cm,height:26.5cm Designer: Hermès Model: Pochette Bazar In and Out...
Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle Scarf Marine Cashmere and Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle cashmere and silk shawl. Beautifully detailed multi colour wings. Designed by Alice Shirley. Marine colorway. ...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Rose Azalee
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in rose azalee and vache naturel. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features ...
Hermes Rouge Kelly 28 Box leather with palladium hardware in New Condition
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge Kelly Tadelakt 28 Bag. New bag 2024 with original receipt. Plastic is still on the hardware. Never used. Stunning smooth box leather sellier Kelly bag. The most wanted s...
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 Vue du Carrosse La Galere La Reale by Hugo Grygkar Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Vue du Carrosse La Galère La Réale » by Hugo Grygkar featuring a light green border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1992 designed in 1953 I...
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5 Reference: SNKO/A00634 Brand: Hermes Model: Lisboa Material: Leather Color: Tan Brown Pattern: Solid ...
Green Vert Yucca Birkin 25 Bag with gold hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Vert Yucca Birkin 25 Bag. Excellent condition. Togo leather. Stunning green color. Rare color and plastic still on cover. New bag from 2023. Never used. Giftable. Full set wit...
Hermes Chateaux d Arriere by J.Abadie Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Châteaux d Arriere" by J.Abadie featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1994 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (...
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 ...
Hermes Sandal Flat Oran Etoupe Epsom 36.5 / 6.5 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal shoes featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. W...
Hermès Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Brand New Never Used Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton with box Dimensions :150 x 170 cm
HERMES CASHMERE/SILK SHAWEL 130 x 130 cm 'GRAND CARROSSE PAR HERMES A PARIS'
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Very beautiful decorative 130 cm x 130 cm scarf made of 65% cashmere and 35% silk in the colors red, yellow and pink. The theme of the large Hermes Shawel is: 'GRAND CARROSSE pour ...
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag Gris Perle (light grey) Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting brown leather shoulder strap and trim. Palladium buckle closure. Date stamp ...
Hermes NWT Blue/ Orange Robocabar 140cm Silk/Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NWT Bleu, Naturel, Orange Robocabar 140cm Silk/Cashmere Shawl. Designed by Viktor Hachmang. Made In: France Color: Bleu, Naturel, Orange Materials: 70% cashmere/ 30% silk Ov...
Birkin Argile Grey 35 Bag with palladium hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Argile Birkin 35 Bag. Gorgeous light grey color. Rare neutral color. Excellent condition. Togo leather. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guarantee...
Hermes jersey dress by Vladimir Rybaltchenko circa 1970-1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1970-1980 under the artistic direction of the Russian designer Vladimir Rybaltchenko. Silk jersey dress in yellow, gray, and beige tones. I...
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.
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne White Clemence
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès White clemence Retourne Kelly 32 with Palladium Hardware. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Outer leather had been professionally touched up, while in...
HERMÈS Vintage Reversible Quilted Bomber Jacket Kachinas Print by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMÈS vintage reversible quilted bomber jacket featuring the iconic “Kachinas” print by native Texan KERMIT OLIVER. The jacket print depicts ceremonial spirit dancers according to ...
Hermes Men's Decoupage d'H Swim Trunks Vert-de-Gris L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes long swim trunks featured in Decoupage de H print. Colorway is Vert-de-Gris. Trunks have an elastic waistband with drawsting for adjustment. 2 side pockets and 1 rear pocket w...
Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly sellier mini 20 in tri-color: rouge de coeur/rose extreme/bleu zanzibar and epsom leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn an...
Rare Hermès "Vent Portant II (détail)" by Yannick Manier Silk Gavroche Scarf 45
By Hermès
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An Exceptional and Rare Hermès "Vent Portant II (détail)" Silk Gavroche Scarf Designed by the acclaimed French marine artist Yannick Manier and first introduced for Hermès' Spring/S...
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+ )...
Hermes Light Pink Grand Uniforme by J Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Light pink silk scarf "Grand uniforme" by Joachim Metz featuring a Light pink ground and a Hermès signature. Circa 1985 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (9...
Hermes Avalon Vibration Pillow Naturel Set of Two Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two (2) Hermes small model limited edition Avalon Vibration pillows with the iconic H featured in Taupe and Ecru. The rem...
Hermes Zip Cardigan Hoodie Orange Saturne with Brown Quilted Interior 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Zip Cardigan Hoodie featured in Orange Saturne and Brown. Warm with hood and quilted cotton, wool and plume canvas. Virgin wool with Losanges and H motifs...
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.