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 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...
Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag True investment piece - Beautiful example, Kelly bag crafted from Hermes's iconic Togo leather in Noir with gold hardwa...
HERMES off-white cashmere CHAINES D'ANCRE Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès long-cut cardigan in off-white cashmere (48%), silk (47%) and polyurethane (1%). Embellished with 'Chaines d`Ancres' embroidery all over the cardigan. Opens wit...
Hermès “Jungle Love“ Silk Scarf Dallet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The forever scarves are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in...
Hermes Ulysse Nano Bag Charm Vert Criquet / Blue de France Verso
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Ulysse Nano bag charm featured in Vert Criquet Evercolor and Bleu de France Swift. Bi-Color verso Notebook with refillable note paper. Palladium plate...
HERMES 2023 Hot Loafer leather palladium Kelly buckle chunky shoes EU38.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2023 Hot Loafer black calfskin leather palladium Kelly buckle chunky shoes EU38.5 Reference: JECN/A00029 Brand: Hermes Model: Hot 40 Loafer Collection: Fall/Winter 2023 Materi...
Hermes, Kelly horse carriage silk scarf in purple
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Kelly horse carriage silk scarf in purple. The item has a few stains and pulls.
Hermes ' l'arbre de soie' silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The Hermès scarf has long been proven to be popular and has been worn by the most famous and influential people. Designed by Antoine Jacquelot and first issued in 1995, this pre-owne...
Hermes Black Leather Hapi 4 Quad Tour Belt Bracelet Palladium Buckle
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Hermes leather adjustable Hapi 4 Quad Tour bracelet in black color. Palladium buckle. 3 holes adjustment.Total length of the strap: 28 inches - 71.2 cm. Signed 'Hermes Paris'...
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...
Hermès "Pony Express" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès collectible "Pony Express" 100% silk scarf designed by Kermit Oliver with blue border and hand-rolled edges. No tag. minor discoloration in the corners.Collectible color ...
Hermes Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
Hermes 'Cheval Surprise' Silk Scarf 90cm x 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Silk scarf from Hermes. First designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in monochrome in 2004, the scarf was relaunched in dazzling colourways in 2016. The Hermes horse is hidden in the abstr...
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 Womens Chypre Sandal Size US 7 EU 37 Fringed Prunoir Black Grey Tan
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior with fringe canvas H - Tagged size 37 - No box Condition: The sandals are in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approxima...
Hermes blue ivory CAPRACONS 90 Scarf silk
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Capracons 90 Scarf in petrol and off-white silk (100%) with details in orange, ochre, brown, turquoise and beige. Designed by Philippe Ledoux. Has been worn and...
Hermes NEW Rouge/Bordeaux L'Instruction du Roy Bayadere 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NEW Rouge/Bordeaux L'Instruction du Roy Bayadere 90cm Silk Scarf designed by Henri d'Origny Made In: France Color: Rouge/Bordeaux Materials: 100% Silk Overall Condition: Exce...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura Scarf. Nomura was inspired by a children's horse tricycle from the Emile Hermes collection. He shows the god Hermes w...
Hermès Rose Azalee Grigri Rodeo Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Combination of rose azalee and anemone leather. Comes with original dust cover, excellent condition. Marked: Hermés Paris Made in Fra...
Hermès Beige Marfa Craie Vert Mangrove Milo Lambskin Grigri Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Beige Marfa Craie Vert Mangrove Milo Lambskin Grigri Rodeo Robeo Coeur PM SKU: Z151919 Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear. Model: Rodeo Ro...
Hermès New Pink Bandana Small Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new cyclamen bandana silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
BNIB Hermès H Swift Canvas Cargo Travel Pouch in Ecru-Gold with Palladium HW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermès H Swift Canvas Cargo Travel Pouch in Ecru-Gold with Palladium HW The Hermès H Swift Canvas Cargo Travel Pouch offers a refined balance of functionality and elevated desi...
Hermes Rare Silk Hello Dolly Purple Pink Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill scarf collectible Hello Dolly in purple pink combination. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermes Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf, circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
TIMELESS Hermes Vintage Memoire d'Hermes Silk Scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1992 by Caty Latham features an artistic rendition of portrait of Hermes founder...
Hermes Orange Linen look Wrap Skirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes signature orange spun rayon linen look wrap skirt with cream piping. Silvertone metal hook hardware closure.
Vintage size: 38. 1970's Fran...
Hermes Story BNIB Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new light blue, blue, red and green porcelain catchalls with Hermes story design. With original box.
Hermes H Hightop Sneakers H En Biais Freestyle 39 NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes H Hightop Sneakers Size 39 NEW with box ,dust bag and extra matching laces FINAL SALE
$11,000Sale Price|33% Off
Hermès Tangerine Ostrich Lindy 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Tangerine Ostrich Lindy 30 GHW SKU: 111418 MSRP: Condition: Pre-owned (3000) Condition Description: Handbag Condition: Mint Condition Commen...
Hermes Etriviere Dog Collar Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Etriviere dog collar featured in Natural Sable natural bridle leather. Buckle is stirrup shape. D ring for a leash. 2cm ...
Hermès Lujo Criollo Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Lujo Criollo” cashmere/silk blend cashmere shawl.
HERMES Sienne chestnut brown grained leather Bucket Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bucket Hat in Sienne chestnut brown grained leather. Has been worn and shows some wear on the lining. Overall in very good cond...
$441Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 100% silk orange border H buckle horsebit chain scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk orange border H buckle horsebit chain scarf Reference: SNKO/A00355 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Orange, Multicolour Pattern: Abstract Made in: France CONDITI...
Hermès Rodeo PM Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Rodeo PM Charm, handcrafted from orange poppy lambskin leather and in the shape of a horse, perfect bag accessory. Comes with original box.
Hermès Cashmere & Silk Shawl "Folklore" 2010
By Hermès, Henri D'Origny
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Cashmere & Silk "Folklore" 2010. This beautiful scarf was designed by Henri d'Origny in 1980 and then reissued in 2010 due to its popularity. This piece can be considered a co...
Small silk printed scarf made of two lays Hermès NEW with tag
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Small silk printed scarf made of two lays. SIZE 70cm X 68cm NEW with tag
HERMES red cashmere Button-Front Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cardigan in red cashmere (100%). Features a V-neck and rib-knit trim. Closes with logo buttons on the front. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...
Hermès Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5984 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: Y ...
Hermès NIB Mug Chateau Épopée
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mug Chateau Épopée features, horses, unicorns, and dragons. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
Hermès “Tigre à l‘ananas“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Tigre a l'Ananas" print designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy is made from 100% cotton, featuring a multi-color design. Woven in Germany and ...
1970's Hermès XLG Jige Brown Toile Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès classic extra large jige clutch in brown box calf leather with natiral toile inserts. Date stamp G in a circle, 1977. Comes with original box. Minor mark in the interior.
Hermes Sac A Depeche HSS 27 Limited Edtion Bag Blue Nuit and Etain Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare Sac a Depeche 27 HSS Limited Edition bag / briefcase. Rich Blue Nuit front body with Etain rear and flap. Togo leather...
Hermès 1993 Vintage Kelly 20cm Black Box Calf Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG118 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (W) Age: 1993 Accompani...
Hermes Saint-Louis Chess Game Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition Saint-Louis Chess Game featured in Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood. Each chess piece is beautifully inspired by Saint-Louis' classic decanter stoppers. The chess game...
HERMES dark brown camel hair THICK TURTLENECK Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes turtleneck sweater in dark brown camel hair (100%). With ribbed details and raglan sleeves. Has been worn and is in excelllent condition. Ta...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Chain Motif Bottle Coaster
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plated metal bottle coaster featuring an iconic chain motif to the rim. Embossed HERMES Paris. Hallmark of silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER (RD). Numbered 27709. I...
Hermes Blue Hydra Swift Jige Elan BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new blue hydra juge clutch in evercolor leather. Brand new with original dust cover and box. Date stamp Y for 2020.
Hermès Sanguine White Clemence Verso Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Sanguine White Clemence Verso Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z150811 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condition w...
1962 Hermes Grand Apparat by Jacques Eudel Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Grand Apparat" by Jacques Eudel featuring a navy border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1962 (First edition) In good vintage condition....
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Vintage dark grey khaki H logo big square throw blanket
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage dark grey khaki H logo big square throw blanket Reference: AAWC/A01560 Brand: Hermes Color: Khaki, Grey Pattern: Solid CONDITION: Condition: Fair, this item was pre-o...
Hermes Twilly Precious Paradise Blue Jean Orange and Vert
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Twilly Precious Paradise featured in Blue Jean, Orange and Vert. Designed by Katie Scott This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad of ways to a...
Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy Bleu Nattier H Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy featured in Blue Nattier. H canvas cotton. Delightful! Designed by Jan Bajtlik. A charming gift idea. Fabric is 100% cotton wi...
Hermès "Elephant India" Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Elephant India" Ashtray in porcelain is a classic accessory for any room.
Hermès New "En Liberte'" Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "en liberté" 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 the ori...
Hermès silk shirt 'Huile rafraichissante à l'usage de la Toilette parfumée'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk shirt illustrated with the 'Huile Rafraichissante à l'usage de la Toilette parfumée' theme produced in 1983 for the Bloomingdale luxury store in New Yo...
Hermes Himalaya Colorblock Artisanale Cashmere Mufffler Brun / Taupe / Camel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Himalaya Colorblock Artisanale Muffler featured in Brun, Taupe and Camel. Hand dyed and woven very soft cashmere muffler is...
HERMES blue white cashmere BOUCLERIE MODERNE Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès long sleeve Bouclerie Moderne cardigan in white, navy and light blue cashmere (100%). Features a deep v-neck, ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem. Opens with five but...
Hermès "Kashinas" Reversible Bombers Silk Twill Jacket
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Reversible bombers silk twill jacket illustrated with the "Kashinas" theme designed by Kermit Olivier. Size 44FR. Additional information: Condition: Very g...
New Hermes Silk Mythologies Blue Brown Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mythologies des Hommes silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Collectible and rare. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Shawl - Losange Diamond Geant - Natural - CS 108 x 104 x 80cm
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Shawl Losange Diamond Geant - Natural - CS 108x104x80cm - NWCT - 2411021855 Brand: Hermes Type: Shawl Losange Diamond Geant Artist : Size : 108x104x80cm Colour : Natural Dark...
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.