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 - 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 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...
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 white leather & blue canvas LTD ED JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 39
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 39 Shoe Size 39 Insi...
Hermes Bag Charm Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe Orange New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe bag charm. This equestrian charm is featured in rare Orange and will add a delightful touch to ...
HERMES Blanc white Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40mm Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etriviere 40mm belt is crafted from Blanc (white) Taurillon Clemence leather, offering a luxurious and timeless design. It features a sleek palladium-plate...
HERMES grey & purple cotton 2020 BRIDE DE COUR Sweatshirt Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès sweatshirt in grey cotton (86%) and camelhair (14%). Features Bride de Cour print in smokey purple, a crewneck, dropped shoulders and rib-knit neck, cuffs and h...
$2,496Sale Price|40% Off
Hermes Fall 2012 Les Cannes Print Twillaine Silk Shirt Dress
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Exquisite archival Hermes Les Cannes twillaine print shirt dress from the Fall 2012 collection. New with tags. Made from the highest quality silk wit...
Hermes Silk Scarf Le Saut H - Purple - New / Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Le Saut H – Purple – NWCTS – 1912131349 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Cyrille Diatkine Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Purple Fabric: 100% Silk Tw...
Hermes Men's Hooded Sweater w/ Leather Detail Gris Hoodie Sweatshirt L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Hooded Sweater featured in Grey with Black leather detail. Gris hoodie sweatshirt has a Black Cheval au Trait lambskin patch in front. Drawstring at neck....
Hermès Scarf "Les Coupés" 1970
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Les Coupés, designed by Françoise de la Perrière and first issued in 1970, is a distinguished piece. Les Coupés, translating to "The Coupés", features a series of in...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress 1970s 42
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress size 42 from the 1970s...Jewel neckline dress closes with zippers at either shoulder and a side zipper...Fully lined in silk...Beautiful navy g...
Hermès Vintage Hat Head Scarf in Silk Les Coupés
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Head Scarf / Hat Pattern: "Les Coupés" Designed by Fançoise de la Perrière in 1970 Vintage item Outside made of Silk Inside line...
Hermes Picotin Lock 14 Micro Lucky Daisy Tote Bag Chai / Rose Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lucky Daisy Micro Picotin Tote featured in Chai, Rose and White. Whimsical, charming and feminine! Printed calfskin and ...
Hermes vintage silk jacket
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
size 40 silk jacket mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Features: Used, very good Previously belonged to another person. Please look at th...
Hermès Craie Clemence Evelyne III PM GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Craie Clemence Evelyne III PM GHW SKU: Z152317 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Designed in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, the Evelyne shoulder bag from ...
Hermes Declick Dice Game New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Declick Dice Game offered with a dash of luxury. Flanged bridle leather case marked with a saddle nail. Maple marquetry dice. R...
HERMES black white beige silk 2021 BRIDES DE GALA BANDANA Blouse Shirt Top 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Fall/Winter 2021 Brides de Gala Bandana shirt in black, white and beige silk (100%). Features 3/4 sleeves and buttoned cuffs. Opens w...
Hermès "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf is in silk twill with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). It symbolizes the boundless freedom of constantly renewed creation, unlimited emotion,...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" scarf, is in the pink color way, and features a wildlife motif. Made from 100% silk and features hand rolled edges.
Hermès New Tropical Garden Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box tropical garden pastels silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Marine Et Cavalerie 2 Pluviose An III 1795 Silk Twill Scarf P. Ledoux
By Hermès, Philippe Ledoux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Marine Et Cavalerie 2 Pluviose An III 1795 Silk Twill Scarf designed by Philippe Ledoux. First issued in 1968, this scarf has become...
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
$528Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre white leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre white leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5 Reference: SNKO/A00635 Brand: Hermes Model: Lisboa Material: Leather Color: White Pattern: Solid Clos...
Hermes Birkin 25 Orange H 93 Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD CONDITION Moderate signs of use. Light scratches to the hardware and leather. The color was professionally touched up. DETAILS Brand: Hermes Birkin 25 Exterior Co...
Hermès "Marqueterie d’Orient" LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès of Paris "Marqueterie" of oriental and occidental stones dish features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Mint Condition. Comes with original dustcover and box.
Vintage White & Multicolor Hermes 1993 Silk Prize Ribbon Print Skirt Suit
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage white and multicolor silk prize ribbon print skirt suit by Hermes. Circa 1993. Blazer features shawl collar, structured shoulders, short sleeves, and double-breasted gold-ton...
Hermès Bridado Red Backpack
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Bridado Backpack in Calfskin features two adjustable shoulder straps, palladium ring hardware detailing and the drawstring fastening makes i...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Chemisier Dress 'Rose des Vents' by Joachim Metz 1984
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Elegant silk georgette chemisier the motif is that of the Carrè " Rose des Vents " designed by master Joachim Metz in 1984. This is a ta...
RHERMES Circus Round Box blue yellow white star balls porcelain container
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RHERMES Circus Round Box blue yellow white star balls porcelain container Reference: KYCG/A00152 Brand: Hermes Model: Circus Round Box Material: Porcelain Color: Blue, Yellow Pattern...
Hermes Cotton Scarf, Gardiens des Arbres
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Cotton Scarf, Gardiens des Arbres. 26.5 by 26.5 in. Condition Report Good condition.
HERMES beige 100% wool twill horn buttons minimal long coat IT46 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige 100% wool twill horn buttons minimal long coat IT46 S Reference: TGAS/F00064 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool Color: Beige Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Lining: Beige Fabri...
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. Hand rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Hermes Herbag Zip Retourne 31 Rose Shocking Berline/ Rouge Sellier Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Herbag Zip 31 featured in Rose Shocking Berline, a coated canvas and Rouge Sellier leather. The coated Berline canvas ...
Hermes Riley Clou Carrousel Cap Black 59
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Riley Clou Carrousel Cap featured in Black. Swift calfskin Clou Carrousel on side. Cap is wool flannel. Interior woven badge Cheval de Fete...
Hermès Pani la Shar Pawnee Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès reissue Pani la Shar Pawnee scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Brand new with box.
Hermes Matelot Marin Red Cotton Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s red Matelot-Marin cotton backpack featuring front embroidered signature H logo, metal eyelet detailing, adjustable leather shoulder straps, top drawstring fastening, mai...
Hermès Tosca Clemence Leather Kelly 40cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Tosca Clemence Leather Kelly 40cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1467 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 40cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By: Pad...
Hermès Collectible Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Care tag attached . Mint condition.
Hermès Palladium Scarf Display System
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Scarf Display System is brand new in the box. Designed specifically for silk scarves. Set includes magnets, screws and cables. B...
Hermès Kelly Souvenir 1997 Translucent Clear 229145 White Vinyl Satchel
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 5" Height: 12" Handle drop: 2" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Fading from age and wear, light scratches, smud...
Hermes Collectible Niege D Antan Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible "Niege d'Antan" silk scarf, 100% hand rolled trim, beige and caramel color combination.
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...
Hermes Groom Stable Bucket Oak Wood Leather Handle New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes equestrian grooming stable bucket features oak wood. Cowhide handle with stainless steel ring. Hermes Sellier Paris signature in black. This equestrian p...
HERMES silk SPACE DERBY Twilly Scarf Rouge Vert Bleu
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Space Derby twilly by Ugo Bienvenu in red silk twill with details in turquoise, orange, blue, pink and white. Has been worn and is i...
1970s Reissue ‘Washingtons Carriage” Hermes Pleated Silk Scarf
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in London, GB
Beautiful vintage silk twill Hermes pleated silk scarf in red, pink, black and gold colourway. This classic design by Cathy Latham features four wheels...
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...
Hermes foulard / scarf 'The original New-Orleans Creole Jazz 1923'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill foulard topstitched by hand with the "The original New-Orleans creole Jazz 1923" theme designed by Loïc Dubigeon. Produced in 1996, never reprodu...
Hermès Kelly 25 Jaune Poussin Swift Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly 25 in jaune poussin and swift leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn, but with a small mark on the bottom of the bag (as you can see in the last picture). Swift l...
Hermes Passifolia Large Salad Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Large Salad Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of ...
Hermès 2006 Women's Black Shearling Belt Pouch with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shearling Belt Pouch Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG027 Brand: Hermès Model: Belt Pouch Type: Belt Bag Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Colo...
Hermès Brandebourg Green Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill coveted Brandebourg green and white scarf by collectible designer Cathy Latham. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box. Minimal wear, small discoloration, ple...
$880Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES white cotton & cashmere Jacquard Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès light knit cardigan in clay cotton (85%) cashmere (15%) with a strap-pattern, round neckline, straight fit, ribbed cuff and hem. Unlined. Closes with button fastening in the f...
$247Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES navy suede leather silk bow tie back spool heeled pumps EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy suede leather silk bow tie back spool heeled pumps EU37.5 Reference: ECLO/A00187 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede, Silk Color: Navy, Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lin...
Hermès Blue Jean Togo Leather Birkin 35 PHW 6H1028
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: H in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 13 " Width: 7.5 " Height: 10" Handle Drop: 5 " OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Cloch...
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.