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 Shiny Porosus Crocodile Constance 23 Handbag circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Hermes Shiny Porosus Crocodile Constance 23 Handbag from the circa 1990s is a stunning example of luxury craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Crafted from exquisite shiny Porosu...
HERMES Birkin 35 Vibrato In Orange/Fuchsia With Havanne In Box Calfskin Gold HW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
HERMES Birkin 35 Vibrato In Orange/Fuchsia With Havanne In Box Calfskin Gold HW The Hermès Birkin 35 Vibrato in Orange and Fuchsia with Havanne trim presents a bold and sophisticate...
Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in Brown Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Evelyn III 29 Shoulder Bag in brown Clemence leather combines timeless elegance with practical design, featuring a slouchy silhouette and signature perforated H logo. Its ...
HERMES Piment red leather JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Boots' in Piment veau swift leather with Ruthenium Kelly buckle. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Impr...
Hermès Lujo Criollo Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Lujo Criollo” cashmere/silk blend cashmere shawl.
Hermès Brandebourgs Red Silk Waist Coat
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brandebourgs Silk Waist Coat is 100% silk with sleeves and back in black cashmere, the front features Brandebourgs motif silk twill. The buttons are branded Hermes in gold col...
HERMÈS HARNAIS de CÉRÉMONIE 1959 silk Scarf designed by Grygkar Hugo
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Ceremonial Harness Silk Scarf This scarf is a testament to the House of Hermès, both for its age (67 years) and its equestrian theme. The design is finely traced with arabesqu...
1990 Hermes Les Sangles by J.Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Les Sangles by J.Metz featuring an ochre border, a logo signature. Circa 1990 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) ...
Hermès Contemporary Porcelain Coin Purse by Tong Ren, Unisex, New
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Porcelain coin purse - Base lined with suede - Hand-painted gold trim - Screen-printed decoration applied by hand - “Hermès Paris” signature hot-stamped on the back Made in France ...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
Hermès Red Moutard Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red and navy silk Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Original box included.
HERMES black leather 2024 HEDEN 80 Sandals Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Heden 80 sandals in black calfskin leather exude timeless elegance with a modern edge. Featuring the iconic H-shaped toe strap and a delicate ankle strap, ...
Hermès BNIB Mini Evelyne Capucine Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mini Evelyne shoulder and cross-body bag with signature perforated "H." Capucine taurillon clemence leather , gold strap and palladium hardware. Sh...
Exceptional Hermès Sweater Pullover La Danse Cashmere and Silk Size S/M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Sweater Pattern: "La Danse" (ballerinas) Grail Pattern ! Made in France Vintage item Front is made of 100% Silk Back an...
HERMES burgundy Loden green cashmere CASAQUE CHEVRON Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Casaque Chevron muffler in Loden green and burgundy cashmere (100%) with fringed ends. Brand new. Measurements Model H259065S 08 Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 140...
Hermès Contemporary Mini Verrou Lizard Chain Shoulder Bag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès mini verrou lizard chain shoulder bag Measurements: width 14 cm height 17 cm depth 4 cm
Hermes black leather and suede long gloves, ca. 1947
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes black leather and suede long gloves ca. 1947
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...
Hermes Oran Sandal White Calfskin Havane Topstitch 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Oran sandal iconic slide featured in White with Havane topstitch. The signature H cutout over the top of the foot in su...
HERMES pink silk JEU DE SOIE Twilly Scarf Fuchsia Rouge Mutlicolore
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Jeu de Soie Twilly' scarf in red silk twill (100%) with details in yellow, green, fuchsia, purple and white. Brand new, with tags. Measurements Width 5cm (2in...
Hermès Olive Clemence Leather Blue Thalassa Amazone Evelyne TGM
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Olive Clemence Leather Blue Thalassa Amazone Evelyne TGM Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Evelyne TGM Product Title: Olive Clemence Leather Blue Thalassa Amazone Evelyne ...
Hermes Helium Hac 50 Travel Bag Alezan Togo Aluminum Hardware Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Helium 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Alezan togo leather. Limited edition accentuated with Aluminum hardware. Chic and timeless. Th...
Hermès Vintage Red Ostrich Leather Liddy Clutch Bag Unisex 7.9" x 9.4"
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The Red Ostrich Liddy Clutch Bag is a timeless and elegant style with minimalistic sharp lines and Hermès’ keen preference for vibrant colours. Made from p...
HERMES beige silk chiffon LEGENDE MOGHOLE 140 MOUSSELINE Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 140 Legende Moghole Mousseline silk (100%) chiffon scarf circa 2008 features an elaborate design of florals and animals on a backgroun...
Hermès Vintage Black Cachemire Coat Size 34 FR IT 38, Circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Black cachemire coat size 34 fr- it 38 An elegant black cachemire coat with silver tone hardware totally made in France
Hermès Scarf "Monde Du Polo - Cup Palm Beach"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Hermès Cup Palm Beach" scarf, also known as Monde du Polo – Hermès Cup Palm Beach, is a distinguished design created by Chantal de Crissey in 1987. This scarf celebrates ...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf was created on the 150th anniversary of Texas independence. Made from 100% silk. Highly collectible design by Kermit Oliver.
HERMES pistachio green silk AMAZONIA 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Amazonia 90' scarf by Laurence Bourthoumieux in pistachio green silk twill (100%) with darker border and details in beige, pink, violet and grey. Has been worn...
Hermes Les Becanes Scarf 70 Silk Mousseline Chiffon Pink Orange Bicycle
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermes Les Becanes Scarf 70 Silk Mousseline Chiffon Pink Orange Bicycle
Hermes Birkin 30 Swift Epsom Tressage Gold/Bleu du Nord/Bleu Indigo Limited
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Experience the artistry of Hermès craftsmanship with this exquisite Birkin 30 Swift Epsom Tressage in Gold, Bleu du Nord, and Bleu Indigo. This limited-edition masterpiece features a...
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 Cuivreries by F.de la Perriere Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Cuivreries" by F. de la Perriere featuring a bordeaux border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1985. First issue 1963 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4i...
Hermes Tahiti by Cathy Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Tahiti by Cathy Latham featuring a ivory border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1971 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We ...
Hermès Red Foure Tout GM Tote bag 11her104
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 4" Height: 11.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Accessories: Signs of Wear: Cotton Exterior: Some...
Hermes Birkin 30 Verso Rose Texas Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Verso Rose Texas Togo Leather Complimented by Orange Interior and Palladium Hardware. Excellent Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. 2021 Z Stam...
HERMES black viscose OPEN BACK HALTER SLEEVELESS CREPE Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès halter neck wide leg open back jumpsuit in black viscose (100%). Closes with a concealed zipper and one hook in the back. Unlined. ...
Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove Mitt Gold Leather with Brown Shearling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove in Gold Lambskin. Polishing Glove unrolls to reveal the brown shearling polishing side. Fits over hand. P...
Hermes Birkin 25 Sanguine Orange Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Sanguine Togo Leather complimented by Contrast White Stitching and Palladium Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware.
Hermes Mini Constance 18 Cross Body Gris Meyer Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Mini Constance 18 in Gris Meyer embodies modern elegance and timeless Parisian luxury. Crafted with exceptional precision by Hermès artisans, this iconic crossbody bag sho...
Hermes Silk' In Classique Long Wallet Gold / Toolbox Print Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Silk' In Classique long wallet featured in classic Gold. Hermes Toolbox silk scarf print interior. Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko. Beautiful in Epsom leather and palladium hardware. Interior has a divided compartment, with a total of 12 credit card slots, a zipped pocket, 2 paper money...
new Hermes Collectible Pawnee Pani La Shar Black Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in a black and green trim. Designed by U.S. artist Kermit Oliver. Brand new with box and ribbon included.
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...
HERMES Rose Jaipur Epsom leather CONSTANCE 18 MINI Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 18 mini shoulder bag in Jaipur Veau Epsom leather. Palladium H-Buckle closure. Lined in Veau Swift leather. ...
Hermes Bag Charm So Black Rodeo Horse GM Limited Edition Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes So Black GM Rodeo limited edition rare bag charm. This striking So Black rodeo is a perfect luxury gift for any man or woma...
Hermès New Les Cles A Pois Shadow Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "les cles a pois" Twilly. This small silk accessory can be used in many ways. It is a beautiful way to accessorize your handbag for example. The scarf is new and comes with th...
Hermès Bleu Gris Patine Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 18 Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
Hermès Bleu Gris Patine Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 18 Gold Hardware 100% Authentic This Hermès Picotin Lock 18 is crafted in Clemence leather in the soft, slate-toned Bleu Gris ...
HERMES papaya orange silk A PROPOS DES BOTTES 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'A Propos de Bottes' 90 scarf in papaya orange silk twill (100%) with contrasting brown hem and details in gold, brown and vanilla. Has been worn and is in exce...
Hermès "Eperon D" Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Eperon D" Silk Twilly features, is made from 100% silk and displays a colorful design of blues and purple hues. Comes with origianl box.
Hermes Elan Pocket 24 Belt Bag In Swift Calfskin Leather
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Elan Pocket 24 Belt Bag In Swift Calfskin Leather Tan brown belt bag crafted from Swift calfskin leather in Gold. Featuring gold H-clas...
HERMES silk HERMES FACTORY SUITE Twilly Scarf Noir Rose Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermes Factory Suite twilly scarf in black white silk twill (100%) with details in black, pink, yellow and light blue. Brand new w...
Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Red Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 24 Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. Excellent condition, Plastic on Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. Please keep in mind that this ...
Hermès Clemence Mangeoire Bucket PM Bag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Clemence Mangeoire Bucket PM Bag - In good condition, shows slight signs of wear - Brown grained leather Hermès handbag, ideal for daytime use - Brown leather han...
Hermès Scarf "Marché Flottant Du Lac Inlé" 1998
By Hermès, Dimitri Rybaltchenko
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Marché Flottant Du Lac Inlé" 1998. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Dimitri ...
HERMES Eperon d'Or Cashmere Silk Shawl 140 Bleu Cobalt Naturel Gold
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
HERMES Eperon d'Or Cashmere Silk Shawl 140 Bleu Cobalt Naturel Gold
HERMES Lift Profile Carre 90 Silk Scarf Burgundy Yellow Shan Merry
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
HERMES Lift Profile Carre 90 Silk Scarf Burgundy Yellow Shan Merry
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...
HERMES Lift Profile Carre 90 Silk Scarf Navy Blue Yellow Shan Merry
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
HERMES Lift Profile Carre 90 Silk Scarf Navy Blue Yellow Shan Merry
Hermès Medor Clutch in Green Leather with Palladium Hardware -'10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A bold expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this clutch is crafted in structured green leather and defined by its striking Medor-inspired closure in polished palladium hardware. The ...
Hermes Bouganville Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes bouganville Evelyne TPM in clemence leather with canvas strap. Smallest model of Evelyne has tonal stitching, a large perforated H icon in circle at front, pull tab top closur...
Hermes Smiles in Third Millenary by I A K Sefedin Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Hermes "Smiles in third Millenary" by Ibrahim Alamia Kwumi Sefedin silk scarf featuring a pink border and a Hermès signature. Designed in 2000. In good vintage condition. Made ...
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.