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 Birkin 25 Gris Neve Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Additional Information: Material: Leather Condition: New wi...
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 Bath Towel - H motif - Grey Kaki - 100x57cm - Cotton - New / Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
ath Towel H motif - Grey Kaki - 100x57cm - Cotton - NWCTS - 2601291140 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: H motif Bath Towel Artist: Hermes Studio Size: 100 x 57 c...
Hermes Toile & Vache Hunter Leather Herbag Zip 31 Bag Matching Pouch - Full Set
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermes Toile & Vache Canvas & Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch Iconic handbag crafted from a combination of Toile canvas in Ardoise for the ...
New in Box Hermes Lime Epsom Passport Cover
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès lime epsom leather passport holder. Date stamp U for 2022. Brand new with box and ribbon.
Vintage Hermes 1990s Tan Brown Wide Leg Smoking Trousers Virgin Wool Pants Sz 42
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage HERMES early 90s tan / light brown wide leg le smoking virgin wool trousers! Mid rise, with a singular seam down the front. Hidden interior b...
Hermes Bastia Jaune de Naples Chevre Mysore Leather Coin Purse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Bastia change purse in Jaune de Naples Chèvre Mysore leather brings a charming burst of color to one of the Maison’s most p...
Hermès Kachinas Turquoise Silk Scarf Mint Condition
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare Kachinas silk turquoise scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Signature print from this artist. Beautiful silk twill with hand rolled edges. Care tag attached .Dry clea...
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 black suede HER COLLIER DE CHIEN Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Her Boots' in Noir veau velours suede with Collier de Chien buckle in palladium. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 36.5 Shoe...
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly scarf, is in 1005 silk and features Native American ceremonial spirit figures. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Comes with original box.
Hermès Menthe Clemence Jypsiere 34 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Menthe Clemence Jypsiere 34 PHW SKU: Z157773 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into o...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Blazer "Mont Saint Michel" Pattern Size 40 FR
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk blazer iconic Carrè "Mont Saint Michel" motif the jacket is in excellent condition to report yellow stains due to storage all ...
Hermes Saddle Box Blue Recycled Kraft Paper Leather and Aluminum
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saddle Box featured in Blue. Recycled Kraft cardboard stamped with the Hermes Sellier Clou de Selle. Top and bottom rim a...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Sous L Egide de Mars - Red Dark Taupe Green - Mint
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Sous L’Égide de Mars – Red Dark Taupe Green – NWOCT – 1411180019 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Pierre Marie Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Red, D...
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
Hermès Constellation Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Carriage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Constallation Pattern: stars and shooting star, carriage and coachman (Hermès logo) and constellation drawn in dots Mad...
Hermès 1994 Vintage Gold Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG123 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: (X) Age: 1994 Accompanied By: He...
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...
Hermès New "Jungle Love" 70cm Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box "Jungle Love" silk small scarf. Multicolor print of the famous Roger Dallet design. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès Scarf "Citrouilles Et Coloquintes" 1998
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Citrouilles Et Coloquintes" 1998. This scarf designed by Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin was issued in 1998, with only one edition this piece is rare and can be considered a co...
Hermes Tigre du Bengale Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Tigre du Bengale" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : Pristine
New Hermes Red Tiger Cubs Silk Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red and white tiger cubs silk gavroche scarf. Hand-rolled edges. New in box.
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 Kelly 35 Gold Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly 35 in gold and togo leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermès Argent Metallic Chevre Chamkilight Kelly Wallet To Go PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Argent Metallic Chevre Chamkilight Kelly Wallet To Go PHW SKU: 155876 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris ...
Hermès "Brandebourg" Red Die Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Brandebourg military scarf in a red, designed by Latham. Died design limited edition. No tag. Comes with original box.
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 Constance Mini 18 Bleu Roy Ostrich Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in bleu roy and ostrich leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Stamp Y (2020)
Hermes Vintage Yellow Geometric Silk Ascot Scarf Cravat With Box
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of contemporary elegance with this sophisticated Hermes Vintage Yellow Geometric Silk Ascot Scarf. Crafted in France between 2010 and 2019, this 100% silk piece c...
Hermès Toile & Vache Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermès Toile & Vache Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch Iconic handbag crafted from a combination of Toile canvas in Jaune de Naples for the main body and...
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...
Hermes Black Crocodile Constance bag
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Constance is of Black shiny alligator with rose gold hardware and features tonal stitching, a "H" snap lock closure, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The interior is lined with black lambskin and has an open pocket on the front wall, and two main compartments. Length: 7" Width: 2" Height: 6' Brand new, never been used. Clear covers are still on hardware. Comes with original duster bag...
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S Reference: DYTG/A00090 Brand: Hermes Collection: Spring/Summer 2022 Material: Cotton Color: White, Mul...
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 Vintage Tan Leather Shoulder Strap for Kelly Bag 33 cm
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Enhance your iconic Kelly Bag with this authentic Hermes vintage shoulder strap, a rare find for any dedicated second-hand connoisseur. Crafted in France, this 33 cm accessory is mad...
HERMES Paris Turquoise Long Double Face Silk Scarf "Petite Main"
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
HERMES Paris Turquoise Circa 1987, this Hermés 100% Silk scarf features a motif designed by Cathy Latham called 'Petite Main". We offer more exclusive i...
Hermes Jige21 Duo Verso Long Wallet Yellow Leather Clutch Bag 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, with minor local damage to the leather surface.. Size Width: 21cm, Height: 13cm Designer Hermes Model Jige21 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color...
Hermes Cushion Avalon III Soleil / Gris Small Model Throw Pillow Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers set of two (2) Hermes classic Small Model Avalon signature H pillow featured in Soleil and Gris. The removable covers are created from 90% Wool and 10% cashmere and...
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS Reference: NKLL/A00650 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Ext...
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 Twilly Isola di Primavera Noir / Vert / Rose Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Isola di Primavera silk twilly. Featured in Noir, Vert and Rose colorway. Designed by Matthieu Cosse. 100% silk. This iconic...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Noir Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. As New Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Plastic on all hardware and feet. 2020 Y S...
Hermes Birkin 25 Biscuit Tan Beige Togo Leather Gold Hardware New Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Highly coveted Hermes Birkin 25 Biscuit Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Plastic on all Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. Ple...
Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 30 GHW SKU: Z157600 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of ...
Hermès New "Pani la Shar Pawnee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Omani La Shar Pawnee silk twill scarf originally issued in 1984. Designed by Kermit Oliver, the most famous painter of Texas natives images. Hand rolled edges. Comes with orig...
Hermès New Black Porcelain H Deco Mug
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès H Art Deco Mug, features the Hermès 24 Faubourg and rue de Sèvres stores, inspired H Déco collection including the mug. The service is stamped with the initials HH, around...
Hermes Kelly 28 Bleu Lin Retourne Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne in Bleu Lin Epsom leather with gold hardware embodies a softer interpretation of luxury, pairing the graceful lines of the Kelly with one of Hermès’ most...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 PM Rose Leather Palladium Hardware Bag 2016
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories Key&Lock Size Width: 18cm Designer Hermes Model Picotin Lock 18 Exterior Material Leather Exterior...
Hermes Marwari PM Blue Leather Shoulder Hobo Bag Brown Strap 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, clean inside and out. Size Width: 30cm, Height: 36cm Designer HERMES Model Marwari PM Blue Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color Blue Interior Ma...
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...
Hermès Vintage Vest - '90s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Hermès Vintage Vest from the 90s is an iconic addition to any wardrobe. Made with olive green cotton and a silk printed back, this vest features a button front and logo-embossed ...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Birkin 30 Handbag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
100% Authentic This Birkin 30 is crafted in structured black Epsom leather that holds its crisp, architectural silhouette, a hallmark of Epsom's textured, saffiano-like grain that r...
Hermès Scarf "Festival" 1992
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Festival, designed by Henri d'Origny in 1992, is a distinguished piece that celebrates the elegance of equestrian traditions. With no reissue this scarf is rare and ...
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.
Hermès Birkin 35cm Gris Etain Togo PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Hermès 35cm Birkin bag. The exterior of this Birkin is in Etoupe Togo leather with tonal stitching. It features palladium hardware and two top handles with a front toggle c...
Hermes Wool Fisherman Hat
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Command your wardrobe with this Hermes Wool Fisherman hat. This wool silk blend hat is perfect for winter and fall festivities. It will offer you the warmth and comfort you need for the winter months without sacrificing you any style points. Pair with your favorite Chanel tweed or Ysl trench coat...
Hermes Jean Paul Gaultier Long cardigan crepe silk printed tiger
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermès x Jean Paul Gaultier Long silk chiffon crêpe cardigan featuring a tiger-stripe pattern in cocoa tones and ribbed trim. Size 38. (Size and composition labels missing).
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Leather Jaune Ambre Unisex Handbag 2018
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
Hermes Constance 18 Bag Rose Lipstick Pink Mini Veau Tadelakt Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured in Rose Lipstick. This chic Hermes Mini pink Constance bag is exquisite in utterly smooth Veau Tad...
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.