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.
Hermes Cotton Maxi Logo Coat
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes long white "H" pattern cotton cloque brocade coat with white center zip closure. A large silver signature "H" is the zipper pull. Lined in taffeta. Chic and timeless. 1970's ...
Hermès Brand New Rodeo Grigri PM Charm Tricolor
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of gold, rose texas, and blue Zanzibar leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Marked: Hermés Paris Ma...
1990's Hermes Beige, White and Gold Le Tambours Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Hermes beige, white and gold Le Tambours silk scarf designed by Joachim Metz. Lovely military theme with ceremonial drums and cords. In lovely vintage condition. Dry cleaned, ...
Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel is in 100% terry cotton, in serviette de Plage Koala. Perfect accessory for your next swim, on your boat, in your home.
Hermès Rose Tyrien Epsom Jige Elan 29
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rose Tyrien Epsom Jige Elan 29 SKU: 155920 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one...
Hermès Les Ameriques Scarf by Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible Les Ameriques silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Oliver's prints are highly collectible. Silk twill with hand-rolled edges (they have been i...
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 Cabine 55 Surfer Rolling Mobility Suitcase
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Cabine 55 Surfer Rolling Mobility Suitcase is an exquisite piece that combines functionality with high-fashion aesthetics. Adorned with a vibrant print of surfboards set a...
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 Large Palladium Mors Scarf/Belt Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès oversize palladium mors scarf/belt ring. Excellent condition. Comes with original dustcover.
Hermes "Le Monde Du Polo" Silk Print Vest circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This circa 1980s Hermes "Le Monde Du Polo" silk print vest is a striking example of vintage luxury and equestrian-inspired design. Crafted from high-quality silk, the vest features a...
Hermes Ceres by Françoise Faconnet Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Ceres by Françoise Faconnet featuring a blue border, and a top logo signature. Circa 1990s. In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (9...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather, H in squer, Kollektion 2004
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather in brown and ornage, inside the bag, H in squer, collektion 2004, Customized design, verry good condition, Made in France Dimensions: ...
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG087 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1...
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Naturel Suede Sandals Slippers Slides - Size 39
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Naturel Suede Sandals Slippers Slides - Size 39 Brand New + Store Fresh Size 39 + Additional Sizes Available Suede Goatskin Rubber Sole Adjustable Stra...
Hermes Pink Togo Leather Dogon Duo Bifold Wallet Clou de Selle
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the elegance of Hermes with this exquisite Dogon Duo Bifold Wallet, a masterpiece of French craftsmanship. This medium-sized unisex treasure is meticulously crafted from luxu...
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
Hermes Tigre du Bengale Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Tigre du Bengale" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : Pristine
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.
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...
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 ...
Early 2000's Hermes By Martin Margiela Black Padded Leather Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
From Martin Margiela’s time at Hermès (1997–2003), this black padded leather jacket exemplifies the discreet sophistication that defined his vision for the house. Made from supple It...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully detailed "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" silk jacquard button shirt has a optional matching silk jacquard tie measuring 51 inches by 2 1/2 inches. ...
Hermes Cityhall 38 Briefcase Bleu Nuit Leather Document Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Normal signs of wear, scratches on hardware components, surface scratches, and minor marks inside. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:38cm,height:30cm Designer:...
Hermès Blue Chaine d'Ancre Tea Cup & Saucer
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Tasse à Thé & Soucoupe Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bleue en porcelaine Parfait état
Hermès Kelly 25cm Blue Atoll Epsom Leather w Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fresh yet impeccably refined, this Hermès Kelly 25cm in Blue Atoll captures the house’s mastery of color through a shade that feels both luminous and serene. The tone evokes clear tr...
Hermès Silk Scarf “Fleurs Et Papillons De Tissus” 2013
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf “Fleurs Et Papillons De Tissus” 2013. The "Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus" design, created by Christine Henry in 2013, draws inspiration from the collections of the ...
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...
Rare Hermès "Musée Vivant du Cheval" by H. de Watrigant Silk Carré Scarf 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An Exceptional and Rare Hermès "Musée Vivant du Cheval" 90 cm Silk Carré Scarf Designed by the celebrated French artist Hubert de Watrigant for Hermès' Spring/Summer 2002 Collection...
Green & Multicolor Hermes Cashmere & Silk Robe du Soir Shawl
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Green and multicolor cashmere and silk-blend Robe du Soir shawl by Hermes. 52" height, 52" length.
HERMES olive green cotton H logo crew neck pocket t-shirt top XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES olive green cotton H logo crew neck pocket t-shirt top XS Reference: MLCO/A00036 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Made in: Italy C...
Hermès Échec au Roi Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Beige Blue NWOT
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Reversible Leather Bomber Hermes Jacket - Échec au Roi - Beige Blue - NWOT - 2609071721 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Name Design: Échec au Roi Artist (M...
HERMES Herbag Zip 31 Canvas Leather Pink Shoulder Tote Handbag 2016
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of regular use, scratches on metal hardware, slight whitening on the bag body, split stitching near the zipper, and damaged leather on the shoulder strap.. Size...
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm Pink Rose Lipstick Anemone Epsom w/Brushed Gold
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm in Rose Lipstick and Anemone Epsom, designed as a custom two-tone configuration that brings together two highly saturated hues within a structured, m...
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Suede Sandals Bleu Mineral - Sizes 36.5, 37.5, 38
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Suede Sandals Bleu Mineral - Sizes 36.5, 37.5, 38 Brand New / Store Fresh Sizes 36.5, 37.5, 38 Bleu Mineral Suede Signature H Logo Cut-Out Detailing Flat ...
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 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...
Hermès Blue Proues Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage "Proues" navy , red , yellow, silk scarf. No box, hand rolled edges.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Orange Doblis Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Pochette in orange and doblis leather with palladium hardware. The bag is in good used condition. It shows some signs of wear, especially on the corners. There are pen m...
Hermès New In Box Pilo Pouch in Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Pilo Pouch in hand-sewn Milo lambskin and Swift calfskin with a Clou de Selle snap closure. This pouch can be attached to our straps thanks to D-rings on the back. Comes ...
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...
Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0114 Brand: Hermès Model: Bearn Wallet Type: Wallet Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By:...
Hermes grey yellow red blue CAMAILS 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Camails 90' scarf designed by Francoise De La Perriere in mango yellow, smokey pink, light grey, smokey seafoam, off-white, brown and tangelo Silk Twill (100%). Has been worn...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Couvertures et Tenues De Jour" 2000
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This beautiful scarf was designed in 1962 by Jacques Eudes and then reissued in 2000 due to it’s popularity. The design on this scarf represents perfectly the brand adoration towards...
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle is from cashmere and silk with hand-rolled edges (70% cashmere, 30% silk).Designed by Robert Dallet Comes with ribbon and original 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 2013 Women's Béarn Wallet in Blanc Rose Jaipur Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermès Béarn wallet in Blanc and Rose Jaipur Epsom leather Silver palladium metal hardware allowing a hand carry Closure: Tab with H closure Interior: Purple leather lin...
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES MEDIUM Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Soleil d’Hermès medium box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or (yellow) with an anthracite-grey Soleil motif. Inspired by the Mediterra...
Hermès On Summer Day 140cm Silk Shawl by Nigel Peake, Unisex, New
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes On Summer Day Silk Shawl 140cm In new without box condition. Original silk screen design c2020 by Nigel Peake features a geometric colorful city scape print in white, blue, go...
Hermès Constance Slim Belt Wallet in Taupe Epsom with Gold Hardware - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A refined expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Constance Slim Belt Wallet is crafted in structured Epsom leatherin a sophisticated taupe tone with warm undertones, part of the Ma...
Hermes Cadran Solaire Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes green "Cadran Solaire" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : a micro stain visible on the third picture
HERMES JYPSIERE 31 Stamp Q Crayfish Powder Shoulder Bag 2013
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES JYPSIERE 31 Stamp Q Crayfish powder shoulder bag handbag France，There are minor signs of wear and scratches on the interior hardwa...
Hermès Trousse Bolide 2020 Red Wool Bolide Case Clutch Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Pouch Bolide model MM format in red Hermès wool canvas and black leather piping, waterproof lining, closure with a silver metal zip with leather puller, 2 fabric "rings" at ea...
Hermes ascot tie by Jean-Louis Dumas 1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 1980, under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Patterned silk ascot tie in yellow, brown, and light blue tones. Made in France. Condition: Very good co...
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...
HERMES Naturel brown leather ENCENS 50 Sandals Shoes 39.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Encens 50 sandals in Naturel leather (100%). These luxury Hermès sandals are crafted from leather (100%) in a refined Naturel shade, showcasing the Maison’s und...
Hermès Reversible Tuareg Black Gold Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès limited edition belt with handmade Tuareg sterling silver buckle. Handcrafted by Tuareg tribes in the Sahara Desert. Dated O in a bo...
Evelyne Bag Gen III Clemence TPM
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Excellent. Exterior: minor scuffs, minor creases Interior: minor scuffs Hardware: scratches Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 19.5-27.5", Heig...
Picotin Lock Bag Tricolor Clemence PM
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Great. Exterior: minor scuffs, minor creases, minor edge wear Handles/Straps: creases, minor scuffs, minor discoloration Interior: scuffs, discoloration Hardware: scra...
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.