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 Roulis Slim Wallet Blue Evercolor Leather Belt Bag 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Minor signs of use, clean interior. Accessories:Box,Dust bag,Pouch size: long:12.5cm,height:10.5c...
Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Verone Togo Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Highly Coveted Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Verone Togo Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . Prisitne Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. D stamp 2019 Please keep in mind...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Additional Information: Material: Leather Condition: New wi...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Etain Gray Epsom Leather Palladium Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Etain Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Prisitne Condition with Plastic on all hardware. 20...
Hermes Birkin 30 Etoupe Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
One of the most coveted colors. As New Hermes Birkin 30 Etoupe Togo Leather Gold Hardware . Z Stamp 2021. Excellent Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Additional Informa...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Jaipur Pink Gold Epsom Permabrass Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Candy Collection Rose Jaipur Epsom Leather with Gold Interior. Complimented by Permabrass Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hard...
Hermes Jacket Carnavale de Venise Vivid Reversible Scarf Print Vintage 36 / 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a reversible scarf print vintage Hermes silk jacket. Beautiful Le Carnavale de Venise scarf print jacket with gentle wadding. Depi...
Hermes Avalon Vibration Pillow Naturel Set of Two Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two (2) Hermes small model limited edition Avalon Vibration pillows with the iconic H featured in Taupe and Ecru. The rem...
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Paris Print Silk Tuxedo Set
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk "Paris" printed Tuxedo set featuring a bow and belt in a black and white "Paris" theme print. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. We guarantee you will...
Hermes Beach Towel Pareo - Circuit 24 Chaine D Ancres - Lime Yellow - 132x167cm
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Beach Towel Pareo - Circuit 24 Chaine D Ancres - Lime Yellow - 132x167cm 100% Cotton Chevron Embroid - NWCTS - 2510111722 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Beach Towel Pareo (Maxi Pareo) De...
HERMES Vintage Clé de Sellette Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Clé de Sellette (saddle key) bottle opener. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 12.5 cm (4.92 inches) / diameter of the ring a...
Hermès Ceinture T85 Constance 38 Unique Silver Tuareg H buckle Belt 30in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "mix-and-match" style belt (38 mm width) featuring a reversible strap in Sapphire Blue and Gold (or Camel) Epsom grained leather—dated 2022—and a solid silver "H" (or Constanc...
$399Sale Price|20% Off
1990's Hermes Coach & Saddle Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible design by Ledoux "coach & saddle" in two tone red combination. Hand rolled edges.
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Jaipur Pink Bag Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Jaipur is a divine, and very rare to find, pink that is neutral and perfect for year round wear...
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 Bride-a-Brac au Carre Case Fauve Large Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bride-A-Brac Au Carre case featured in Fauve. Bicolour wool twill straps with signature Clou de Selle snaps. Embroidered H motif on the front. With two Cl...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Tote Bag Black Clemence Tote Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Black bag. Classic neutral tote in clemence leather. This roomy little Hermes tote bag is the perfect go to...
Hermes silk jersey dress by Robert Dumas 1965s-1970s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1965s-1970s under the direction of Robert Dumas. Red silk jersey dress with long sleeves with a shell decoration. Composition and size labe...
Hermès La Fontaine Silk Scarf With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès La Fontaine de Bartholdi gold silk scarf with silver and grey details. Hand-rolled edges. Original box included.
Hermès Red Kachinas Silk Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint condition collectible Kachinas red coral silk scarf . Designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges.
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox cube 37 Chamois Capucine. This tote is crafted of durable calfskin leather in grey. The bag features a smooth tall ...
Hermès Blue Texas Wildlife Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver in blue and burgundy combo. Hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition with no flaws.
Hermes Red Vintage Epsom Leather Jige Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red epsom leather jige clutch. White contrast stitching, toile interior. Comes with original dust bag.
Hermes Aline Rocabar Crossbody Bag with Ebene Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Aline featured in Rocabar Herringbone canvas. The Rocabar colors are Ochre, Coral and Navy. Ebene Swift leather shoulder strap...
Hermès 2023 Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1463 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Should...
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...
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...
Hermès BN Collectible Kachinas Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermès twilly from the Kachinas edition. The piece is made out of silk and has a multicolor print with different characters shown. It comes in the original box closed with the He...
HERMES 2022 navy jungle love print coated cotton hooded dress FR40 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2022 navy jungle love print coated cotton hooded dress FR40 L Reference: KNLM/A00402 Brand: Hermes Collection: 2022 AW Material: Cotton Color: Navy, White Pattern: Animal Prin...
Hermès Printed Silk Top Les Armes
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Print Silk Top features a button-up style with gold buttons and a velvet collar. There is a spare button sewn inside. The cuffs are discolored...
Hermès Dogon Long Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Dogon Long Wallet A timeless icon of understated luxury, this Hermès Dogon Long Wallet is crafted from supple Togo leather in the House's coveted Gold Brown shade. Renowned f...
Hermès New Taupe Red Kachina Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kachina 100% Silk Scarf is designed by Kermit Oliver. Unusual and collectible colo combination taupe and red. Hand rolled edges, new condition.
Hermes Birkin 25 Natural Sable Maurice Stamp W Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
With its iconic design and luxurious materials, the Hermès Birkin 25 Natural Sable Togo Leather Gold Hardware handbag is the epitome of timeless elegance. Its new condition ensures t...
Hermes Vintage Duo Card Holder Gold Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and limited edition Hermes Duo Card Holder is finely crafted from durable Epsom leather in a rich Gold hue, accented with crisp bone signature topstitching. Designed for elegance and function, it features two front slots for credit or business cards, one rear slot, and a center compartment ideal for folded bills. Its compact and slim profile makes it a versatile everyday luxury piece, effortlessly fitting in pockets or small bags without bulk. A sophisticated and compact Hermès...
HERMES blue cashmere silk IMPOOSSIIIBLE 100 Scarf Orange Ciel Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shawl 'Impoossiiible 100' by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber in orange cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with details in light and dark blue, green, yellow and ivory. Has been worn and is in virtually new condition. Measurements Width 100cm (39in) Height 100cm (39in) The story behind: The design of the trinket tray created by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber reveals mystifying perspectives. Letters and shapes appear distorted, impossible to decipher. Equestrian accessories...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Bag Mocha Brown Clemence Stamp Z 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Picotin 18 Lock Handbag Bucket bag Mocha color stamp Z France，There is wear on the edges, and there are scratches on the metal components. Accessories: Dust bag, l...
Hermes Steve Light Junior Messenger Bag Black Leather Shoulder Bag 2024
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good condition, slight usage marks, clean interior, slight scratches on hardware Accessories: No Acce...
$1,000
Hermès cashmere cap
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes cashmere cap size 56 The condition is excellent
Hermès Black Leather Diane Bag 1989
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Black Leather Diane Bag 1989. Iconic bag made in the 1989, Hermès has since stopped the production of this bag making it collectible, really sought after collectors and brands...
Hermès Vintage Adjustable Suspenders Grand Manège Print in Silk and Leather Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Authentic Hermès Suspenders Print: Grand Manège Made in France Made of Silk and Leather Colorways: Dark Blue, Purple, Green, Yellow Na...
HERMES Mini Roulis 18 Shoulder Crossbody Bag Silver Hardwear 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Mini Roulis 18 Shoulder Crossbody Bag gold faubourg barenia France...
HERMES Vert Anis green OSTRICH Zip Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes zip wallet with strap in Vert Anis (chartreuse) ostrich leather. Closes with a zipper. Lined in Chevre (goat skin). Has been carried and shows some ov...
HERMES silk FACTORY SUITE Twilly Scarf Jaune Vif Rose Malabar Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermes Factory Suite twilly scarf in white silk twill (100%) with details in bright yellow, pink, green and blue. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) Length 86cm (33.5in) Based on the Hermès Factory scarf...
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 Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Silk Scarf in Yellow & Grey
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Virginie Jamin Split Pegasus double face silk twill scarf Reference: TGAS/F00961 Brand: Hermes Model: Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Material: Sil...
Hermes Chypre Sandal Mastic Calfskin 36 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Mastic Hermes Chypre sandals. A warm nude for neutral perfection. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. ...
Hermès 2009 Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1452 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [M]...
Hermès Toile and Gold Leather Vespa Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Toile Vespa PM Shoulder Bag features a color way of beautiful neutral, gold hardware, and canvas lining. The single shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and a clasp clos...
Hermes Les Folies du Ciel Double Face Scarf Bleu Azur / Rouge / Rose Silk 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Les Folies du Ciel double Face scarf designed by Loic Dubigeon. A special technique prints a paler version on the...
Hermes BNIB Pegase Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white,blue,red and orange porcelain catchalls with Pegase design. New with original box.
Hermès Silk Scarf "Étriers" 1964
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Étriers" 1964. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed in 1964 by Françoise de la...
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 ...
Hermès Scarf "Harnais Français Premier Empire" 1957
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Harnais Français Premier Empire" 1957. This scarf was first issued in 1957 and then reissued in 1980. Designed by Hugo Gr...
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 Masque de Sommeil Neuf Grand Tralala Silk Twill Eyemask New in box Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Grand Tralala silk twill sleep or travel mask designed by Virginie Jamin in ecru, apricot, and gray tones. It features an elastic band for a comfortable fit and comes in its o...
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Mini Lindy 20 Shoulder Bag, 2026
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Clemence Leather Mini Lindy 20 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6065 Brand: Hermès Model: Mini Lindy 20 Type: Shoulder, Crossbody, Tote Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompani...
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...
Hermès Rust Kachinas Silk Scarf Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rust silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Care tag label attached. Excellent condition, rare find.
Hermes Brandebourgs Encadre Long Twillaine Cardigan 34
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes long twillaine Brandebourgs Encadre belted cardigan. Depicts the iconic scarf print in silk in Black and White. This staple Hermes print wa...
NIB Hermès Blue Royal Cargo Picotin 18
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box blue royal Swift and Toile Geoland Cargo Picotin Lock 18, palladium hardware . This chic and lovely tote is crafted of sturdy canvas in blue royal. The bag features...
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.