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 Silk Scarf "Instructions Sur L'Art De Nouer Et Porter Votre Carré Hermès"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Instructions Sur L'Art De Nouer Et Porter Votre Carré Hermès" 2002. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This be...
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure...
auth HERMES blue & turquoise cashmere LUREX STRIPE Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes shalw in turquoise and dark blue cashmere (100%) with metallic silver lurex strip down the middle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Width 155cm (60.5in) Length 20...
Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket Hand Embroidered Beaded Cashmere New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition exceptional Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket featured in Naturel and Dore. Hand embroidered Miyuki baguette micro beads...
HERMES cashmere silk IKAT H NET 140 GIANT PLUME Shawl Scarf Geranium Mandarine
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Carre Giant Plume Ikat H Net 140 shawl in white cashmere (80%) and silk (20%) with details in gernaium and mandarine. Brand new. The Plume Ikat H Net scarf is ...
Hermes Oran Nano So Black Bag Charm New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Oran Nano bag charm featured in coveted So Black. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colours in your ...
Hermes Kelly 28cm Bleu Cobalt Epsom Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Sharp in structure and striking in tone, this Hermès Kelly 28cm in Bleu Cobalt presents a more graphic, high-contrast interpretation of the house’s iconic silhouette. The Sellier con...
$943Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Spring 2022 Studded Shirt Dress
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe chic Hermes studded shirt dress from the Spring 2022 collection. Worn once and has been dry cleaned. Made from crisp black cotton with subtle studded detailing, it has oversized...
HERMES sand beige wool 2020 VOYAGE KNIT Coat Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pre-Fall 2020 voyage long oversized knit coat in sand wool (100%). Features long raglan sleeves (sleeve measurements taken from the neck) and a deep v-neck. Ope...
Hermes Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet Silk Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet gavroche silk scarf featuring a yellow border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1980s 16.9in (43cm) X 16.9in (43cm) In good vintage c...
HERMES camel & navy cashmere 2019 HOUNDSTOOTH MOCK NECK Sweater 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès houndstooth sweater in camel brown, beige, ivory, navy blue and grey cashmere (100%). Features a mock neck, hem and cuffs in ...
Hermes Chypre White Calfskin Sandal 40 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Sandal featured in White. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable wi...
Hermés 1990s Celestial Sun Midi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The dress to accompany you on all your vacations is here! Circa 1990s, this cotton midi dress features a subtle scoop neck, short sleeves, black stripes and a celestial sun signed He...
$986Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Herbag Mini Black Canvas Silver-tone Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Herbag Mini Black Canvas Silver-tone Hardware Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag. CONDITION: GOOD This preloved ba...
Hermès Space Sac à Malice Noir / Multicolore Monsieur and Lizard Leather
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Space Sac à Malice in Noir and Multicolore Monsieur with Lizard leather that is a bold and innovative masterpiece. The ...
Hermès Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Hermès Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Stamp Q_Year 2013. This bag is still in excellent condition. The leather smells as fresh as when it was new...
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation Plissé Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation plissé black silk scarf. Comes in box. Dry clean only.
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Dancer
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès “Dancer” Change Tray/Ashtray is a refined porcelain accessory adorned with a theatrical dancer motif in vivid, rich hues, framed by vibrant bo...
$670Sale Price|50% Off
Hermès 1980s Vintage Multicoloured Wool Women's Skirt Suit, France
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1980s Hermes multicoloured wool skirt suit totally made in france
Hermes Miles Sneaker Technical Canvas / Goatskin / Calfskin 37 /7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Miles Sneakers featured in Black and White. Accentuated with Brown rear detail. Technical canvas with goatskin suede toe and rear White calfskin. Almond toe and lightweight for great comfort. Comes with sleeper and signature Hermes orange box...
Hermès Beige de Weimar Evercolour Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Beige de Weimar Evercolour Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1548 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Z Age: 202...
Hermes Les Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes, Les Mythologies Des Hommes Rouges, 100% Silk Scarf, by Kermit Oliver. Highly collectible and rare, limited release. Features hand rolled hem. Hand rolled edges. No box included.
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES SMALL Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès small box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or with the Soleil d’Hermès pattern. The design captures the blazing Mediterranean sun with ...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Officier Vert Cyprès Togo Leather Bleu Zellige Stripes w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm Officier in Vert Cyprès Togo with Bleu Zellige stripe, presented in a structured mid-size silhouette that carries a strong, balanced presence while allowing the de...
HERMÈS PARIS pumps with eyelets and laces in navy and mustard suede, Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Kingston, NY
Very Vintage, HERMÈS PARIS pumps with eyelets and laces in navy and mustard suede. Size 38.5
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...
Hermes Collectible Mozart Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible Amadeus Mozart 100 % silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. No care tag.
Hermes Steeple Chase Blue / Etoupe Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Steeple Chase change tray. Blue and Etoupe colorway. Hand painted gold trim. Porcelain decorated using chromolithography....
Hermes Gold Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Hermès Gold Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather, a timeless statement piece. Its warm brown hue with caramel undertones enhances the structured silhou...
Hermes MC2 Euclide Card Holder Gold Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes MC2 Euclid Card Case featured in Gold. The card holder has 4 slots for business/credit cards and 2 pockets. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store ...
Hermes Cabas H En Biais Black / Ecru Canvas / Swift 40 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cabas H En Biais Tote 40 bag featured in Black and Ecru. Black Swift leather trim. Lightweight and feminine this Hermes tote bag...
Hermes White Loafer NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes White Loafer NEW New USD $1,175 Size EU 37.5
HERMES cream cashmere 2020 ZIP FRONT KNIT Coat Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knit coat in cream jersey cashmere (95%), polyamide (3%), elastane (1%) and wool (1%). Features a high neck and two patch pockets on the front. Closes with a tw...
Hermès Napoleon Pink Silk Scarf, Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill scarf with hand-rolled edges. Napoleon collectible design in pink. Dry clean only. Does not include box.
Hermès "Parade en Fanfare" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Twilly Scarf on orange with a fun and vibrant, Parade en Fanfare Motif. Comes with original box and silver tone mendor.
Hermès Cashmere 35 Inch Square Le Bien Aller Scarf Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 35" square cashmere-and-silk blend Le Bien Aller scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Minor wear.
Hermes Airpods Pro Case Gold Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Air Pods Pro Case featured in Gold. Beautiful in swift calfskin with white topstitch. This case is not only a visual delight but also compatible with all gen...
Hermès Blue Silk Les Ameriques Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès blue silk Les Ameriques scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Minor wear.
Hermes, Home canvas slippers in beige
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Home canvas slippers in beige. The item is in good condition. Lights stains on the fabric. Comes with dustbag.
$214Sale Price|35% Off
HERMES 7577 SA red green Thailand Pagoda Floral print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7577 SA red green Thailand Pagoda Floral print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00699 Brand: Hermes Model: 7577 SA Material: Silk Color: Red, Green Pattern: Ethnic Lining: Red Silk E...
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 Medor Dog Collar and Medor Slim Lead Medium Model Set
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Medor Paille II Dog Collar and Lead Set featured in the Medium size. The collar and lead are featured in Dark Irish bridle leather and a textile interpretation of the Medor st...
Hermes Bifold and Card Holder Wallet Black Leather White Topstitch
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bifold wallet featured in Black with White topstitch. There are 2 slots for business /credit cards inside. A center opening c...
HERMES c.1980's Black Lambskin Leather Pocket Mini Classic Pencil Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES c.1980's Black Lambskin Leather Pocket Mini Classic Pencil Skirt Vintage c.1980's Hermes black genuine lambskin leather pencil skirt. Two front open slit pockets that connect...
Hermès Black Leather Belt with Silver Hardware, Unisex, 8x80 cm
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black leather silver hardware belt Totally made in france Measurements: 8x80 cm
Hermès Sanguine Mini Kelly Twilly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A charming accessory - an adorable Hermès Mini Kelly Twilly bag charm. The exterior of this Kelly bag charm features a Sanguine Tadelakt leath...
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...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Black 37.5
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Black Sandal with contrast white stitching is in calfskin with iconic "H" cut-out.This silhouette is an essential piece in every wardrobe. Italian number 37....
Hermes Oran Nano Bag Charm Black Epsom Leather New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Oran Nano bag charm featured in chic Black. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colour...
Hermes Men's Mors et Gourmettes Soie Shirt Jacket Blue Reversible Windbreaker 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes chic scarf print reversible silk men's windbreaker bomber style jacket. The Blue and Grey rare Mors et Gourmettes print reverses to solid Marine. Double zipper for closure. Jacket has 2 exterior and 2 interior zip pockets on each side with embossed pulls. Cuffs, waistband and collar are Marine knit. NEW or NEVER WORN. Please see our extensive Hermes menswear...
Hermes Constance Verso 18 Blue Hydra and Deep Blue Bag Chevre Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Constance 18 Verso bag featured in Bleu Hydra with Deep Bleu interior. Chevre leather has a natural exotic grain and its rich saturated highlights the colour to stunning effect. Accentuated with Palladium hardware. HERMES PARIS MADE IN FRANCE is stamped on front under flap. Comes with Hermes sleeper...
Hermes Concours d'Elegance Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Magnificently detailed "Limited Edition" "Concourse D'Elegance 1885 Limousines De Voyage" silk jacquard scarf designed and signed by Kermit Oliver. ...
HERMÈS - 1980s Vintage Equestrian Porcelain Ashtray Unisex Home Decor
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Beautiful porcelain ashtray with equestrian subject this is a very elegant object and the horse theme makes as we know always more preci...
Hermès New Silk Beach Cabanas Stole
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new rectangular silk shawl , hand rolled edges. Colorful beach huts design, comes with original box in unworn condition.
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Ecru-Beige / Chai Toile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in ecru-beige/chai and toile/swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp Z (2021)
Hermes Rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs Du Desert" Zippered Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs du Desert" silk jacquard zippered shirt measures 26 1/2 inches in length. "Cuirs du Desert" des...
Hermès Purple Cashmere Fringe Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès purple cashmere blanket with fringes and embossed logo. 100% cashmere, finest quality. Comes without box.
Hermes Le Laisser Courre by J de Fougerolle Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Le Laisser Courre » by J de Fougerolle featuring a black border, and a top logo signature. Circa 1979 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) ...
Hermes Pochette Pomme Pouch Buckle 24 mm Bamboo Mysore Chevre Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Pochette Pomme Pouch Buckle featured in Bambou. Fits a 24 mm belt for a fun accessory perfect for earbuds, credit cards, keys or change. This charming Hermes change...
Hermes Rodeo PM Bag Charm Blue de France Craie and Noir
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes PM Rodeo bag charm featured in Blue de France, Craie and Black. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colours in your fabulous collection. S...
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.