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 Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Kelly 28 Togo Leather gray shoulder bag handbag France r，Local care of the corners and edges of the body Accessories: Dust bag,...
Hermes Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4154 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Colour: Roug...
Hermès "Les Danses des Indiens" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Danses des Indiens" 100% silk scarf, designed by American artist Kermit Oliver, and illustrates Native American tribal dances and features the flora and fauna of the Ame...
Hermès Rare Celeste Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible celeste with orange trim Kachinas silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Care tag attached. Comes with original box.
Hermes Crisp Sheer White Cotton Short Sleeve Pleated Placket Front Dress 42
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes crisp Sheer white cotton short sleeve, pleated shoulder, placket front dress. Cool white sheer cotton dress with a narrow band collar and button placket front. The shoulders h...
Hermès NIB "Jour De Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour De Casting" silk scarf in Bleu Jean, Caban, and Marron. This 100% silk scarf features various dogs portraits. Comes with ribbon and original box.
Hermès BNIB Lime Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new lime yellow carmen bag charm/key chain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermès 1970s Vintage Women's Brown Cream Silk Print Blazer Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Chic HERMES Silk Jacket/ Blazer silk print in Brown and creme. label : HERMES Sport Fit size Small / US 2/4
Hermes Toile & Vache Hunter Leather Herbag Zip 31 Bag Matching Pouch - Full Set
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermes Toile & Vache Canvas & Leather Hunter Herbag Zip 31 Bag & Matching Pouch Iconic handbag crafted from a combination of Toile canvas in Ardoise for the ...
Hermes Scarf Nano Brides de Gala New With Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Nano Brides de Gala New With Box Please see pictures with measurement. This is a nano small scarf FINAL SALE
Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Courchevel Leather Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG105 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [A] Age: 1997 Accompanied B...
Hermes Twilly Les Cles Burgundy / Pink / White / Blue New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Les Cles single silk twilly featured in Burgundy, Pink, White and Blue. Designed by Cathy Latham. Comes with signature Her...
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Box Calf Leather Vibrato Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG043 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sh...
1990s Hermes Aux Champs by C Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Aux Champs" by Cathy Latham featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. First issue 1990s In good vintage condition. Made in France....
Hermes Silk Texas Wildlife Orange Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Faune et Flore di Texas (aka Texas wildlife) scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver, 1986. Hand-rolled hem. Comes with original box .
Hermes Chateaux d Arriere by J.Abadie Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Châteaux d Arriere" by J.Abadie featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1994 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (...
HERMES white cotton jersey 2013 ECHEC AU ROI T-Shirt Shirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès t-shirt in white cotton jersey (100%) with Echec au Roi print in beige, brick, orange, yellow and black. Has a small spot on the left shoulder and on the front....
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...
Hermès Green Perforated Felt Evelyn Flap Pouch
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a beautiful Hermes clutch bag! This can be used a million ways making it a no-brainer! Originally designed by Hermes to hold playing cards, we have other ideas of how to use this cute pouch. Perfect to hold keys, phone, papers, handkerchiefs, medicines, make-up, coins, card, or whatever you desire! This is features in an anise green soft felt, with 'HERMES PARIS' branded silver-tone button closures, and a perforated 'H'. The perforated 'H' resembles the iconic the "Evelyn" or "Feudou" Hermès style. Get the cutest mini Evelyn today! You won't be able to resist a smile when seeing this green mini accessory. Put this in your Hermes handbag to organize your belongings and wear your favorite Christian Dior heels, Prada skirt, and Vivian Westwood...
Hermès Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original 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 Birkin 25 Sanguine Orange Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Sanguine Togo Leather complimented by Contrast White Stitching and Palladium Hardware. Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware.
Caty Latham Vintage HERMÈS Silk Cushion 'Neige d'Antan' 43x43 cm
By Hermès, Caty Latham
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk pillow with carré pattern "Neige d' Antan" design by master Caty Latham ( 43x43 ) excellent condition.
Hermès Mustard Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Kachinas scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Mustard and green color combination. Excellent condition. Dry clean only.
Hermes ' l'arbre de soie' silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The Hermès scarf has long been proven to be popular and has been worn by the most famous and influential people. Designed by Antoine Jacquelot and first issued in 1995, this pre-owne...
$1,026Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Spirit roller horse made of natural beech wood
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Spirit wheeled horse in natural solid beech wood, made in Germany ( L 29 x H 15 cm ) . The leather cord is missing and has been replaced...
Hermes Hac A Box Limited Edition Phone Case Black Tadelakt Leather Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Hac a Box Phone Case featured in Black Tadelakt leather. Crisp with Palladium hardware. This very rare to find ver...
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...
Hermès Black Feux d'Artifice Pochette
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Feux d'Artifice black silk twill pochette scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Does not come with Box
HERMES Gris Fonce grey Box leather TOUAREG COLLIER DE CHIEN 24mm Belt 75
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 24mm belt in Gris Fonce (dark grey) Box leather. Features a hand carved solid sterling silver buckle by Nigerian artist of the Touarg tribe. Ha...
Hermes Scarf Equateur Wash Silk Twill Aqua Emeraude Fauve 90 nwt
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Equateur Wash Silk Twill scarf by Robert Dallet. Tropical Aqua, Emeraude and Fauve depicts equatorial animals, birds and ...
Hermes Birkin 35 Jaune Epsom Candy Collection Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Birkin 35 Epsom Jaune D’Or Feu with palladium hardware. Extremely rare part of the limited candy collection. Plastic still on hardware excellent condition. Guaranteed authenti...
Hermès Celeste Bird Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès celeste, gold, green and white porcelain ashtray with birds design. Minor wear on bottom beige suede.
Hermes NWT Blue/ Orange Robocabar 140cm Silk/Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NWT Bleu, Naturel, Orange Robocabar 140cm Silk/Cashmere Shawl. Designed by Viktor Hachmang. Made In: France Color: Bleu, Naturel, Orange Materials: 70% cashmere/ 30% silk Ov...
Hermès scarf SELLE D'OFFICIER HERMES en grande tenue 2012
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
HERMES OFFICER'S SADDLE in full dress uniform 2012 Silk scarf depicting a horse saddle, stirrups, saddle pad, girths, and harness. This refined equipment, enhanced by embroidered det...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 PM Blue Clemence Leather PHW Silver Hardware Stamp Y
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good,Slight signs of use, scratches on the hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Key,Lock size:...
Hermès "La Danse" Silk Chiffon Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "La Danse" Silk Scarf designed by Jean Louis Clerc in 1961 is sweet and lovely featuring beautiful ballerinas. Rare and collectible subject. Made in France and 100% Silk w...
New Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware New Never used. A Collectors Piece Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm Deep The Kelly bag came to success when it was ...
Hermes Men's Coups de Goua'H Swim Trunks Blue Givre M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes long swim trunks featured in Coups de Goua'H print. In Bleu Givre colorway. H design with a gouache technique where the colours seem to be be under water. Trunks have an elast...
HERMES cashmere silk blend green blue border trompe loeil crewneck sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES cashmere silk blend green blue border trompe loeil crewneck sweater Reference: TGAS/F00468 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Green, Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Pu...
HERMES yellow red silk GRAND MANEGE FLEURI Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Grand Manege Fleuri Twilly scarf in orange, red, purple, pink and petrol silk (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condi...
Rare Hermès Circus Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Circus theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print on black base Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in...
Hermès Kelly 32 in Vermillion Red
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Hermès Kelly 32 cm handbag in red Togo leather with palladium metal hardware. It features a simple handle in red leather and a removable st...
Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Vintage 80's Silk Cosmos Print Silk Jacket Blue jacket featuring the iconic 'Cosmos' motif in gold designed by Philippe Ledoux, originally introduced on He...
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...
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...
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Silk Kachinas Maxi Twilly scarf, is in 1005 silk and features Native American ceremonial spirit figures. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Comes with original box.
Hermès "Koala Tapis de Plage"Terry Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage "Koala Tapis de Plage" terry cotton beach towel, known for its vibrant koala and eucalyptus leaf design, it is vintage made from 100% cotton terry cloth.
$744Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Chypre grey shearling H adjustable strap techno sandal EU41
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Chypre grey shearling H adjustable strap techno sandal EU41 Reference: CNLE/A00445 Brand: Hermes Model: Chypre Material: Shearling Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Magic Ta...
Hermès "Le carrousel du tigre" scarf NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
"Le Carrousel du Tigre Royal" is a scarf designed by Katie Scott for Hermès. Comes with ribbon and original box.
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
Hugo Grygkar Vintage HERMÈS Maxy Twilly Silk Scarf 'Brides de Gala'
By by Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare Maxy Twilly in Limited Edition silk Carré pattern " Brides De Gala," two main colors a teal and the classic Hermès orange. These s...
Hermes Qalamdan Vintage Scarf 90 Bleu Mulitcolore
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes silk scarf Qalamdan blue motif. Vintage scarf with signature hand rolled edge. Persian motif. Principal color is blue with bu...
$396Sale Price|20% Off
1989 Hermes "Les Tambours" Silk Scarf Designed by Joachim Metz w/Box and Store C
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This striking colorful silk scarf is in excellent condition, and was designed by Joachim Metz in 1989. The design depicts and pays homage to the drums carried by Napoleon III in the ...
Hermès Médor Belt in Vert d’Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An iconic expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Médor belt is crafted in exquisite Vert d’Eau matte alligator leather, a refined and rare shade that highlights the Maison’s master...
Cathy Latham, Tahiti Hermes Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
HERMES Scarf Silk Scarf 100% Paris, Made In France Beautiful Caty Latham's Tahiti is a lovely Hermes silk scarf here in a pretty colorway and from either the original or early iss...
Hermes Zebra Pegasus Maxi Twilly - Cobalt Bleu red - New / Care Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Zebra Pagasus Maxi Twilly - Cobalt Bleu red - NWCT - 2406011647 Artist : Alice Shirley Size : 220x20cm Colour : Cobalt Blue - Turquoise Type : 100% Silk Twill Manufactred: Made In F...
Hermès Paris 2017 Kelly Pochette in Braise Alligator with gold hardware full set
By Hermès
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
A rare & exotic Hermès piece, this gorgeous Kelly Pochette bears the square symbol next to the Hermès stamp inside the bag, denoting the use of a rare, scaled leather - Alligator Mis...
Hermes purple GEOMETRIE CRETOISE 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Geometrie Cretoise 90' scarf by Julia Abadie in dark blue silk twill (100%) with details in yellow, orange and purple. Has been worn and is in excellent condit...
Hermès Scarf "Christophe Colomb D'écouvre L'Amérique" 1992
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf "Christophe Colomb Découvre l'Amérique", designed by Carl de Parcevaux and first issued in 1992, is a tribute to the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arri...
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.