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 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 RAYURES D'ETE Twilly Scarf Bleu Rose Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Rayures d'Ete silk twilly blue, petrol blue, white, pale pink, pale yellow and black. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2i...
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 ...
Hermes Shawl GM Parures de Samouraïs Cashmere Rose Indien Vert Corail 140 cm New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Cashmere Silk 140 cm GM shawl Parures de Samouraïs. Exquisite composition designed by Aline Honore features a suit of ...
Hermès "Tatersale" Cashmere Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Tatersale" cashmere Silk blend shawl in neutrals with Tatersale motif, featuring hand-rolled edges.
Hermes Kelly Bag 32 Box calf leather shoulder hand bag
By Hermès
Located in 10707, DE
Hermes Kelly Bag 32 in black leather with gold hardware. The bag was made in 1993. It is in excellent condition except for the corners, which can be repaired by a handbag stylist upo...
Hermès Kelly 28 Jaune de Naples Sellier Epsom Leather with PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Kelly 28cm Sellier in Jaune de Naples Epsom, rendered in a soft, sunlit yellow that carries a gentle creamy undertone like pale citrus mixed with warm morning light. It reads ...
HERMES ivory paper EMMA Cap Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Emma cap in off-white braided paper (with 19% polyester). Featuring and "H vagues" woven band on the interior and "H vagues" detail on the back. Lacquered Clou ...
Hermès Kelly Translucent Souvenir 231153 Clear Vinyl Satchel
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 5" Height: 12" Handle drop: 2" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: yellowing due to age and wear, scratch...
Hermes Chypre Black Calfskin Sandal 39.5 / 9.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Chypre sandals featured in Black. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adju...
Hermès Caleche Elastique Triangle Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Caleche Elastique Triangle Scarf is 100% silk and features stretched abstract mirrored horse images and shapes on a blueish grey b...
Hermes, leather biker jacket in brown
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, leather biker jacket in brown. The item is in good condition. Lights scratches on the leather.
HERMES green silk VOITURES NOUVELLES Twilly Scarf Vert Flo Ciel Emeraude
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Voitures Nouvelles Twilly scarf in vert fluo, ciel and emeraude. Has been worn and has a small pulled thread on the blue side. Overall in excellent condition. C...
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 Whistle Silver-Tone With Black Epsom Leather Strap Signature
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unexpected yet unmistakably Hermès, this signature whistle transforms a utilitarian object into a refined accessory through material and proportion. Cast in silver-tone metal, the fo...
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
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...
Hermès Constance Belted Wallet in Blue Evercolor Leather with Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Constance wallet is a beautiful navy color, with gold hardware. The Silk twilly is colorful and is depicted with different breeds of black and white dogs. Belt measures waist 3...
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: 150667 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renam...
Hermes Orange Hot Pink Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès orange Chevre leather eco silky pop tote bag in hot pink Indian pattern. Stamped: Paris - Made in France. Drop: 9"L. Comes with original dust co...
$320Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Joachim Metz 1989 "Ivory Poste et Cavalerie" print silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Joachim Metz 1989 "Ivory Poste et Cavalerie" print silk scarf Reference: AEMA/A00072 Brand: Hermes Model: Joachim Metz 1989 Ivory Poste et Cavalerie"" Print silk scarf"" Mater...
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...
HERMÉS Vintage Bathing Suit - Swimming Costume Hot Air Balloon Patterned Print
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
Whimsical Vintage HERMÈS PARIS bathing suit circa 1970, in a beautiful Hot Air Balloon 'Loic Dubigeon' scarf print. MADE IN ITALY. Features; Halter Neck collar line, Backless rever...
Hermes Twillaine Short Sleeve Blouse Top in Printed Black Silk and Silk Knit
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES TWILLAINE SHORT SLEEVE TOP IN PRINTED BLACK SILK SIZE 40 FR An emblem of Hermès savoir-faire, twillaine is ideal for creating sophisticated layering. Meticulously crafted usi...
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Quilted Taupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian quilted leather jacket. Bought for £7750 and unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable ta...
HERMES white leather & blue canvas LTD ED JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Limited Edition' Boots in white box leather and navy fabric. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 38 Shoe Size 38 Insi...
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 New Tropical Garden Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden pastels silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
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 Jacket Vintage Very Rare Ex-Libris Reversible Scarf Print L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes very rare Ex-Libris reversible scarf print silk jacket with gorgeous carriages. Beautiful shades of taupe scarf print jacket....
2018 Hermes Blue Zanzibar Swift Tressage Lindy 26 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Lindy 26 in blue zanzibar swift leather with epsom tressage detailing on the strap with palladium hardware. Overall in very good condition with minor scuffings. Stamp C (2018). Comes...
HERMES black silk 2021 LES ROUES DE PHAETON Wrap Skirt 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès wrap mini skirt in black and white silk (100%) with Les Roues de Phaeton print. Closes with conceled buttons and ties on the side. Ha...
Hermès Sesame Swift And Toile Goeland Cargo Picotin Lock 18
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sesame Swift and Toile Goeland Cargo Picotin Lock 18 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB982 Brand: Hermès Model: Picotin Lock 18 Type: Tote Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied...
Hermès L'Hiver en Poste Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès L'Hiver en Poste red and beige silk scarf. Collectible design by Ledoux. 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, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in red
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in red. The item is in very good condition. CONDITION: very good condition MEASUREMENTS: length 140 cm, width 140 cm MATERIAL: 65% cashmer...
Hermes Black/Blue Silk Scrunchie BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box black and blue silk scrunchie. Patchwork de sole imprimee. Original box.
Hermès Double Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes curry and deep blue leather double Carmen tassel keychain. The ring is crafted of palladium metal. The piece is brand new and comes with the ori...
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...
Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Rose Pourpre leather. The Rose Pourpre leather is complemented with palladium hardware and...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Bleu Roy Ostrich Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
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 Orange Oran Sandal Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in Orange. Thirst quenching classic cult Orange epsom leather Hermes Oran slide sandal. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot. ...
Hermès "Marqueterie d’Orient" LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès of Paris "Marqueterie" of oriental and occidental stones dish features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Mint Condition. Comes with original dustcover and box.
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 ...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Floralies" 1959
By Hermès, Hugo Grygkar
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Floralies" 1959. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1959,...
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...
Hermès Coral Kachinas Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red/rust silk twill Kachina's shawl designed by Kermit Oliver, features hand-rolled edges. Care tag label attached. Excellent condition, rare find.
HERMES dark brown & black leather 2010 PLATFORMBoots Shoes 40.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès bi-color platform boots in black and espresso brown smooth calfskin. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. 2010 Fall/Winter Measurements Imprinted S...
Hermès Black x Brown 32mm H Logo Belt Kit Gold Buckle 3h318s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Hermès Black x Brown 32mm H Logo Belt Kit Gold Buckle 3h318s Date Code/Serial Number: Z in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 33.2" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL GO...
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...
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...
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 ...
Hermès Red Silk Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Red Silk Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident Scarf 90 SKU: 152644 Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and displays light signs of...
Hermès Rose "Orange Bag Charm"
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Charm in Milo lambskin and swift calfskin with "ex-libris" hot stamp Comes with original box and ribbon Drop 6.5"
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 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 Bastia Change Purse Peau Porc Leather New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Bastia change purse featured in Peau Porc. This rare and limited edition Bastia is timeless and will only become...
Hermès "Vive le Vent" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Vive le Vent" scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, features a nautical-themed design, designed by Laurence Toutsy Bourthoumieux.
Hermès "Kelly En Perles" Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Kelly En Perles" shawl Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Blue, red and white color combination. Care tag attached.
Hermès Les Cles Orange Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Les Cles Orange Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top from the circa 1990s exemplifies timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Crafted from viscose, this vintage piece fea...
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.