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 Pleiade Tissue Box Small Model Mahogany Wood Etoupe Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Pleiade small model Tissue Box featured in Mahogany and Etoupe Taurillon leather. Modern and elegant with white topstitch on the leather. Magnetic closure...
Hermes Collectible Flamingo Party Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Flamingo Party silk Shawl. Fun and vibrant flamingo party motif. Features hand rolled hem. Comes with no box.
Hermes Men's Cardigan Couleurs en Cours Knit Gray Wool and Cashmere S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition V-neck gray cardigan with Couleurs en Cours motif. The contrasting colour patterns is achieved through a blend of weaving for the monochro...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pencil Case in Pink Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Pencil Case From the "Petit h" collection Made of crocodile leather, inside lined with regular pink leather Outs...
Hermès Rouge Pivoine Evercolor 1923 Bolide 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Pivoine Evercolor 1923 Bolide 30 PHW SKU: 148876 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and...
Hermes Circus Bolide Travel Case Pale Pink Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Circus Bolide travel case featured in light Pink cotton canvas. Embroidered logo circus balls in front. Zipper has Hermes embossed...
Hermès Vintage Clock With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage table clock. The watch sits on a square golden plate. It is in excellent condition and comes with a box.
HERMES multicolor silk GEOMETRIC SHORT SLEEVE Blouse Shirt Top 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes geometric print short sleeve blouse in blue, rust, petrol, brow, orange off-white silk (100%). Features one flap pockets and a crewneck. Closes with concealed b...
Hermes Silk Rare Colombus Red Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Columbus red scarf by coveted designer, Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box.
Hermes Oran Rose Sorbet Doblis (Suede) Sandal 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in limited edition Rose Sorbet Doblis doblis The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Rose Sorbet flat slide sandals. Pretty Blu...
S/S 1994 Hermès Runway Jardin Créole Print White Green Silk Bralette Crop Top
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This “Jardin Créole” jungle print bralette crop top is from Hermès’s Spring/Summer 1994 collection. An identical version debuted on the runway in black. The design features a branded...
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW with box
Hermes Liberte Egalite Fraternite 1789 Republique Francaise Vintage Silk Pillow
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes vintage silk print pillow. The iconic symbol of the French Revolution "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite 1789". These st...
$1,632Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES 100% cashmere black hooded rectangular poncho cardigan coat TU
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere black hooded rectangular poncho cardigan coat TU Reference: KYCG/A00191 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Extra Detail...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Round Tart Platter
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Round Tart Platter featured in beloved Bleus d'Allieurs. A modern geometirc design paying hommage to ancient pottery and the countless sea voyages of trad...
Hermes Optimist 24 Bain Flat Pouch Vert Ecru
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bain rare Optimist 24 flat case featured in Vert. Natural cotton canvas with sailing motif. Designed by Nigel Peake, it is a colorful interpretation of a ...
Rare Hermès French Flag Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie French flag theme 100% Silk Made in France Green color Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
Hermès Foulard Carre 90 Astres et Soleil 1994 Silk Twill Scarf Blue Faivre Herme
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Tibet II pattern by Cathy Latham, produced once in 2002, in shades of orange. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approximately. The square has been worn...
Hermes scarf / pareo 'Pineapple'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Blue cotton foulard with a pineapple pattern in green, yellow, and orange tones. To be mentioned, a thread is pulled out and there is a tiny stain. Conditi...
Hermes "Selle Imaginaire" Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Selle Imaginaire" Porcelain Change Tray is a luxurious and meticulously crafted accessory that exemplifies Hermes' dedication to exquisite craftsmanship and elegant desig...
Hermes Picotin Eclat Lock 18 Bag Bleu Saphir / Bleu Brighton Palladium Tote
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Eclat Lock 18 tote bag featured in Bleu Saphir and Bleu Brighton. One half of the bag and the handles are Bleu Saphir. White topstitch on the handles contrasts beautifully. Perfectly accented with Bleu Brighton to create a neutral bag...
Hermès Scarf "Ferronnerie"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Ferronnerie" scarf is a timeless piece that showcases the brand's dedication to artistry and craftsmanship. Designed by Caty Latham and first introduced in 1970, this sca...
Hermes Jypsiere black mini bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Jypsiere black mini bag with palladium hardware. Shoulder bag in Evergrain calfskin - Flap closure with rotating hardware - Adjustable plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap - Ca...
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.
Hermes Oran Rose Petale Sandal Flat Calfskin Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in exquisite Rose Petale. The most pale blush of dusty pink in calfskin. A perfect neutral for your spring and summer wardrobe Matching...
Hermès Gavroche Silk Scarf “Regina” 1997
By Leila Menchari, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès gavroche Silk scarf “regina” 1977. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed in 1972 by Leila ...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG090 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [G] Age: 2003 Accomp...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Tri-Color Bleu Saphir Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly 25 sellier in tri-color: bleu saphir/bleu france/noir and epsom leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. ...
New Hermes Brides De Gala Mini Silk 8" Scarf with Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes mini silk twill scarf with "brides de gala" famous design. 8", perfect as a bracelet or as a decoration on your bag. Brand new in box.
Hermes Silk Scarf - Hermes Sport - Light Green Periwinkle Orange - Mint
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - EXCWOCT - 1201011848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Plaisirs du Froid, The Pleasures of the Cold Artist: Hugo Grygkar ...
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...
Hermes cotton foulard / pareo
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Pink cotton foulard with waterlily pattern in green, yellow, and white tones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 172 cm x 150 cm SKU:FFH45
Hermes Vintage "Tibet II" 90 cm Fuchsia Printed Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Hermès Vintage "Tibet II" silk printed scarf, measuring 90 cm; an artistic celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Tibet. This striking fuchsia scarf features an intricate print adorned with traditional Tibetan jewelry...
Hermes Oran Sandal Jaune Ambre Alligator Flat Slide 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in Jaune Ambre Alligator. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandal is a warm honeyed yellow. The iconic H cutout ove...
Hermes Stromboli Bag Rose Indien Doblis Rose Azalee Lizard Sterling Silver Lid
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Stromboli bag. Rare Rose Indien Doblis (suede) accentuated with Rose Azalee Lizard. Strap is held by Sterli...
Casaque Zig Zag Muffler Scarf – 155x31cm – Saumon Noire – New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Casaque Zig Zag Muffler / Scarf – 155x31cm – Saumon Noire – NWCT – 2507101707 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Casaque Zig Zag Muffler / Scarf with Fringes Size (with fringes): 155 cm x 31...
Hermes Fuchsia Graffiti Silk Small Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This multi-pink silk scarf was created by graffiti artist and Co-founder of the International Graffiti Festival Kongo. Brand new in box.
Hermès Silk and Cashmere Stole with the 'Indigenous Dances', 1999
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk and cashmere stole with the "Les danses des indiens" ('Indigenous dances') theme, designed by Oliver Kermit, produced in 1999. Never reproduced. Addit...
$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 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 Kelly 28 Bleu Orage Taurillon Clemence Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly 28 in bleu orage and taurillon clemence leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs.Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Hermès Exotic Bird Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray in red. In the center of the piece is the image of an exotic bird who sits on a string of flowers. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
Hermes Constance 42 mm Belt Gris Elephant Matte Porosus Crocodile Gold Buckle 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited ediiton Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in Gris Elephant Matte Porosus Crocodile. Fabulous over sized brushed Gold signatu...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Scarf Luna Park by Joachim Metz 1990s 90x88 cm
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Bellissimo Carrè in seta con motivo natalizio intitolato " Luna Park " il disegno è di uno dei più importanti autori che hanno collabora...
Hermes Bath Towel - H motif - Grey Kaki - 100x57cm - Cotton - New / Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
ath Towel H motif - Grey Kaki - 100x57cm - Cotton - NWCTS - 2601291140 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: H motif Bath Towel Artist: Hermes Studio Size: 100 x 57 c...
Hermes Shearling Oran Teddy Sandal Vert D'Eau Limited Edition Flats 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran Shearling limited edition flat sandal slide featured in Vert D'Eau. This stunning pale green Hermes Oran ...
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...
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 Oran Flat Sandal Jaune Pollen Epsom Leather 38 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran sandels shoes featured in fresh Jaune Pollen Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide in Epsom. Matching emb...
HERMES white silk 2019 BRANDEBOURGS ENCADRE Button-Up Shirt Top 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Resort 2019 Brandebourgs Encoder button-up shirt in off-white, red, burgundy, blue and brown silk (100%). Features long sleeve...
Hermès Black Box Rio Clutch Hand Painted
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage black box calf rio clutch, hand painted by an American artist. The inspiration for this art deco design is the Chrysler building . Comes with original dust cover.
Hermès Evelyne GM Red Ardennes
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne GM featuring Ardennes leather in red. It comes with palladium gold hardware and has a shoulder strap made of fabric. Date stamp Y in a circle. The bag is in excellent...
Hermes Vintage Cashmere & Silk Fantaisies Indiennes GM Shawl by Loic Dubigeon
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
Hermes "Fantaisies Indiennes" cashmere and silk shawl designed by Loic Dubigeon Hand rolled borders. Composition label reads : 65% Cashmere / 35% Silk. Composition and care tag stil...
Hermes Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather that is a bold and striking statement piece. Its vibrant blue hue enhances the structured si...
Hermès Gavroche Scarf "Écuries" 1993
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Écuries scarf, originally designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1947, was reissued in 1993 in the Gavroche format. This scarf is a good representation of the brands fascination with...
Hermès Scarf "Caparaçons" 1960
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Caparaçons de la France et de l'Inde, designed by Philippe Ledoux and first issued in 1960. This is a really collector scarf that is really sought after. The colors ...
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin 2015
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin. This classic handbag has beautiful platinum hardware and rich Epsom leather, which is renowned for its strength and form retention. Its...
HERMES black velvet Classic Blazer Jacket 42 L
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes velvet blazer in black cotton (100%). With collar lining in dark taupe lambskun, notch collar, chest pocket, two flap pockets on the sides, slit o...
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...
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.