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 2010 Geranium Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Geranium Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB868 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [N] Age: 2010 Accompanied...
Hermès Le Van Quatre Red Leather Coin Case with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Le Van Quatre Coin Case in Red Leather. Features red leather compact design, snap closure, gold hardware. It is part of the LE 24 line and is stamped inside, Fi...
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Tadelakh Sellier Gold HW Complete Original Receipt 2022
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Sellier Tadelakh Gold Hardware Z The Hermès Kelly 25 in Black Sellier Tadelakt Leather with Gold Hardware, stamped Z, is ...
Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG120 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (W) Age: 1993 Accompa...
Hermès New Navy Neoprene Pouch
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new fuchsia neoprene pochette/toiletry bag. comes with hermes shopping bag.
HERMES silk HERMES FACTORY SUITE Twilly Scarf Bleu Rose Mordore
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermes Factory Suite twilly scarf in cream silk twill (100%) with details in green, yellow, tan and blue. Brand new with tag and b...
Exceptional Hermès Horse Bit Shaped Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a horse bit Made in France Made of silvery and golden non-precious stainless metal "HERMES" and "MADE IN FRANCE" eng...
Hermes Shearling Oran Teddy Sandal Vert D'Eau Limited Edition Flats 39.5 / 9.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran Shearling limited edition flat sandal slide featured in Vert D'Eau. This stunning pale green Hermes Oran ...
Hermès “Cheval Marin“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Cheval Marin" print designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux is made from 100% cotton. Features a solid orange back. It is woven in Germany and ...
Hermes Geometric Multicolor Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes multicolor geometric silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. No box included.
Auth. Hermes Wallet Bearn - Lime Yellow - 17.5cm - HW Paladium - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Wallet Bearn - Lime Yellow - 17.5cm - HW Paladium - NWOCTS - 2411111659 Type : Hermes Bearn Wallet Base Size: 17.50cm Height: 9cm Depth: 0.5cm Weight: 114gr Material: Togo Go...
Hermes St. Louis Paperweight Dahlia Noir 2015 Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saint-Louis Crystal 50 piece Limited Edition Dahlia Noir 2015 paperweight. This exquisite crystal paperweight is #17 of 50. Exquisite detail and craftsman...
$1,695Sale Price|20% Off
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 wool coat 1980s-1990s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1980s-1990s ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Long green wool coat. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 40FR-42FR. Made...
Hermès Ardoise Rose Marine C'est la Fete Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ardoise Rose Marine C'est la Fete Silk Twilly SKU: 154087 Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and displays light signs of we...
Hermès leather cards case
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMES - Leather case including two card decks and one pen. Condition: Very good condition. A few light marks on leather. SKU:ACC448
HERMES orange & blue jean leather 32mm REVERSIBLE Belt 75
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Reversible 32mm Belt in Orange and Blue Jean Swift leather. Has been worn and shows some soft wear on the leather. Overall in very good condition. Measurement...
Hermes Jumbo Playing Cards Set Les 4 Mondes GM New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rareHermes Jumbo 52-piece playing card set. Cards are beautifully detailed with Les 4 Mondes design on the rear. Trim color is ...
$442Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Blue Jeans Touquet Necklace Keyring
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermes blue jean Touquet necklace. This was designed by Martin Marginal as a necklace to carry your keys, but can be used as a necklace or keyring for inside your Birkin or Kelly. Hermes made in france stamp...
Hermès Vintage Silk Vest FR 50 Unisex Native American Scene
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
Extremely Rare and Collectible Vintage Hermes Silk Vest depicting Native American Indian Scene designed by Texan artist Kermit Oliver With pockets Size 50
HERMES Craie ivory Epsom leather & Lime EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (ivory) Veau Epsom leather with lime wool sanglestrap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and Palladium hardware....
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Mini Lindy 20 Shoulder Bag, 2026
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Mini Lindy 20 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6065 Brand: Hermès Model: Mini Lindy 20 Type: Shoulder, Crossbody, Tote Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompani...
Hermès 1991 Carré 90 Perspective Cassandre Blue Silk Twill Carre Scarf Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square 90 scarf in silk twill, Perspective pattern by A.M. Cassandre edited in 1991, pale blue tones. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approximately. The square is vintage and it pr...
HERMES Rose Jaipur Mysore leather CONSTANCE 18 MINI Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 18 mini shoulder bag in Jaipur Chèvre Mysore leather. Palladium H-Buckle closure. Lined in Veau Swift leathe...
Hermes Roulis Slim Wallet Black Lizard Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Roulis Slim Wallet Belt bag featured in Black Lizard. Sleek and crisp with Palladium hardware. Includes removable zipped chan...
Archival Hermès Paris Les Cartes à Nouer Knotting Cards No. 5
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly elegant and rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 5. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautif...
Hermes Sweater Loungewear Voyage Rose Petale Wool 40 / 8 New w/ Tag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Loungewear Voyage sweater featured in Rose Petale. Loungewear Voyage wool knit in the palest rose. Crewneck sweater H emb...
Hermès NIB Gavroche twill Baobab Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new "baobab" silk gavroche in blue. Comes with original box.
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00079 Brand: Hermes Material: Viscose, Silk Color: Beige, Silver P...
Hermès Petit Prince Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès light blue and peach petit prince silk scarf. Hand rolled trim. No box.
HERMES silk PANI LA SHAR PAWNEE Twilly Scarf Scarf Rose Canard Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pani La Shar Pawnee Twilly scarf in rose, canard, white and petrol silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Comes with box. Measurements Widt...
Hermès New in Box Comic Twilly Rose
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès twilly with a comic pattern in the colors rosé and pink. The comic shows the story of superwoman. The scarf is new and comes with the original box.
Hermès Parade en Fanfare Silk Multicolored Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Length 33.75" Width 1.75" 100% Silk Comes with box
Hermès Ferma Carré 90 Mors - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès scarf ring in palladium silver color. Silver-plated steel with rings on both sides. Customize your look with this chic accessory. Inclusion: box. Material: Silver Plated Me...
HERMES silk EN LIBERTE Twilly Scarf Rose Vert Bleu
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès En Liberte Twilly scarf by Carine Brancowith pink silk twill (100%) with mutlticolored details. Brand new with tag and box. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Lengt...
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...
Hermès foulard / scarf 'Ecuries'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill foulard entitled 'Ecuries' ('Stables'), designed by Hugo Grygkar, produced in 1947 and reproduced in 1993. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
Orange & Multicolor 'Orgauphone et Autres Mecaniques' Motif Printed Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Orange and multicolor 'Orgauphone et Autres Mecaniques' motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 34" width, 34" length.
Hermes 'A.M Cassandre' Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Designed by the acclaimed French artist, Adolphe Mouron Cassandre in 1951. This rare pre-owned Hermes silk scarf features a geometric architectural motif in different tones of blues ...
Hermès "Kelly en Perles" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kelly en Perles twilly is a great accessory made from 100% silk. It can be worn in different ways with a slide medor in gold tone hardware. Comes with original box. Brand...
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 Khaki Marron Fonce Negonda Toile Garden Party 36 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Khaki Marron Fonce Negonda Toile Garden Party 36 PHW SKU: 153964 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition wit...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 39.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. Wood he...
HERMES beige cotton & silk 2019 BRIDES DE GALA TWILLAINE Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Twillaine sweater is crafted in Beige Silice with a multicolored Brides de Gala printed silk twill (100%) front panel, complemented by knit silk (59%) and ...
Hermes scarf 'Caleche Elastique' by Bali Barret
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Calèche Élastique" theme designed by Bali Barret, produced in 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2014. Fringed silk twill scarf in red, burgundy, and white tones. Condition: Very goo...
Hermes 1980s Floral and Bird Print Silk Button-Up Long-sleeve Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the enchanting allure of the Hermes Circa 1980s Floral and Bird Print Silk Button-Up Long-Sleeve Shirt, a captivating piece that celebrates both art and fashion. Crafted in ...
Hermes Octogone Pochette Clutch Bag Blue Indigo Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Octogone Pochette clutch bag featured in Bleu Indigo. "A naturally geometrical and pure line, the Octogone draws its inspiration from a fla...
Hermes Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag Hobo-style shoulder bag inspired by the Marwari horse breed, crafted from the signature Hermes' Clemence leather in Parchemin wit...
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 "Soiree de Gala" Pink Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Soirée de Gala" is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, design by Jean-Louis Clerc. Highly collectible design.
Hermes Horses Unfinished Crepe Silk Scarf crepe
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès unfinished "horses" on a crepe silk scarf featuring a yellow border, a Hermès signature. Please note it is an unfinished silk test on a crepe silk large square, no edges or r...
Hermes Yack 'n' Dye Ombre Cashmere Blanket Gris
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Yack 'n' Dye blanket featured in Gris. Soft hand spun Tibetan Yak blanket created with a soft Ombre finish from Grey to Taupe. ...
$1,059Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Vintage Neige d'Antan Silk & Cashmere Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage NEIGE D'ANTAN silk & cashmere sweater. Label reads HERMES PARIS EXCLUSIF Made in France. Size tag reads : 42. Please refer to measurements. Composition label ...
S/S 1994 Hermès Runway Jardin Créole Black Green Silk Bralette Top Set FR38
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 Silk Pony Express Navy Blue Celeste Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible navy blue Pony Express by Kermit Oliver silk scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Highly collectible subject . Please refer to last two photos for small defects. One faded sp...
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Vintage Paris Auction Catalog 2018 Published by Gros & Delettrez
By Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Paris Hermes Vintage Auction Catalog June 2018 Published by Gros & Delettrez, Hermes Vintage Paris Auction Catalog 2018. Published by Gros & Delet...
Hermès Birkin 35 Bougainvillea Rouge Casaque Clemence Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35 Bougainvillea Rouge Casaque Clemence Handbag. Comes with Palladium hardware. Double rolled leather handles with front toggle closure, opening to lining with one zip ...
HERMES ebony brown leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in ebony brown grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels,...
Hermes Herbag Zip Lime PM 31 Toile Berline / Vache Hunter Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Herbag Zip 31 featured in Lime Berline Toile, a coated canvas, and Natural Sable Vache Hunter leather. Water resistant...
Hermès Women's New Fiji Boots Camel Mosaique Quilted Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Fiji boots. Unworn with original box. Made from camel coloured smooth Mosaique quilted leather, they have a rainboot inspired shape with chunky tread soles. Lined i...
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.