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.
Archival Hermès Paris Les Cartes à Nouer Knotting Cards No. 5
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly elegant and rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 5. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautif...
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...
Rose Pourpre Hermes Mini Verrou Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Rose Pourpre Hermes Mini Verrou Crossbody Bag. The Mini Verrou Crossbody Bag features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, a single chain-link shoulder strap, metal feet at bottom, ...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Bleu Roy Ostrich Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in bleu roy and ostrich leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Stamp Y (2020)
HERMES sage green cashmere FINE-KNIT TURTLENECK Sweater 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès fin knit turtleneck sweater in sage green cashmere (100%). Features is a stitched H at the hem. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measureme...
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Made In: France Year of Production: 2024 Color: Ecru Beige Fauve Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Canvas & le...
Hermes Jacket Taupe Bison Leather Bomber 38 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes chic bison leather jacket. Bomber jacket in taupe with a gray wool flannel lining. Knit ribbing around hem, cuffs and neck. F...
Hermès NIB Nano Gavroche Ex Libris
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Ex Libris silk nano gavroche , orange and white. Comes with original box.
HERMES light grey silk LA DANSE DU CHEVAL MARWARI 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'La Danse du Cheval Marwari 90' scarf by Annie Faivre in light grey silk twill (100%) with details in khaki, lilac, turquoise and brown. Has been worn and is in...
Hermès BNIB Rouge Pivoine Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box rouge pivoine clemence leather cross body bag with gold tone hardware. Date stamp U for 2022. Comes with small and large dust cov...
Hermes Zipped Double Sided Cashmere Coat Blanc Cordage 36
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Zipped Coat featured in Blanc Cordage. Sleek straight coat, created in the softest supple cashmere. The simplicity of this gorgeous coat is a testament to...
Hermes Silk Shawl Scarf Transformation Cars
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Never worn, Hermes famous " transformation cars " shawl designed by Françoise de la Perrière. The drawings represents old coaches in red, coral, blue and petrol blue towns. Label ind...
Hermès Glazed Terracotta Pottery Jar With Deer Head Lid
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Jar Made of glazed terracotta (in french: terre cuite émaillée) Also called ceramic or pottery Vintage item Outside and inside glazed The lid is dec...
Hermes Logo Orange One Piece Swimsuit
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on the Hermes Logo Orange One Piece Swimsuit, a timeless and chic swimwear piece that combines classic style with a touch of luxury....
Hermes, BRAZIL cashmere and silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, BRAZIL cashmere and silk scarf. The item is in very good condition.
Hermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997. "Persona" depicts various tribal masks from the African/Egyptian region on an off white background and is considered...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...
Hermès Vintage Rare Columbus Silk Stole
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible “Columbus” by Kermit Oliver silk stole. A few stains, please refer to photos.
Hermès “Au Coeur de l‘Eté“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Au Coeur de l 'Ete" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a blue, coral, orange back and a zebra print on the...
Hermes Rose Pourpre Horse Bag Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of rose pourpre, celeste, and rust leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Date stamp A for 2017. Marke...
Hermes Cabas H En Biais Black / Ecru Canvas / Swift 40 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cabas H En Biais Tote 40 bag featured in Black and Ecru. Black Swift leather trim. Lightweight and feminine this Hermes tote bag...
HERMES black red wool 2020 PLAID BIKER Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès plaid jacket in black, white, red, yellow and brick wool (100%) with black lambskin details. Fall/Winter 2020. Features short-fringe trims, high collar, and one...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Platinum Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Dessert Plate Set of 2 in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at t...
Hermès Scarf "Les Ponts De Paris"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Les Ponts de Paris" scarf is a celebrated design that pays tribute to the iconic bridges spanning the Seine River in Paris. Originally introduced in 1953, this scarf was ...
HERMES orange silk twill LES VOITURES A TRANSFORMATION Twilly Scarf Cobalt
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Twilly Les Voitures A Transformation in Orange, Cobalt and Vermillon silk (100%). Has been carried with some faint stains on the front (see pictures). Overall i...
Hermès Concours D Etriers Carree Geant Silk 140 - Mint Condition
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Concours D Etriers Carree Geant Silk 140 - MWOCT - 2406081640 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Carré Géant 140 Silk Twill Name Design: Concours d’Étriers, Stirrup Competition Artist: Virgi...
Hermès Green Jige Clutch Box Calf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jige Clutch Box Calf . The bag is in excellent condition. The exterior is made of black calfskin leather the interior made of a beige linen fabric. The clutch closes with a H ...
HERMES Eclipse PM Wild Singapore blue multicolor silk print hair barette clip
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Eclipse PM Wild Singapore blue multicolor silk print hair barette clip Reference: KYCG/A00140 Brand: Hermes Model: Eclipse PM Wild Singapore Material: Silk Color: Blue, Multic...
Hermès Collectible Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Box included. Please refer to photo 4 for minor stain. item has been worn once and has not been dry cle...
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.
Hermes Gris Asphalte Birkin 30 Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Gris Asphalte Birkin 30 in Togo leather is a sophisticated and timeless piece. Its deep grey hue adds a refined touch, while Togo leather offers du...
2020 Hermes Felt Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes grooming bag in grey felt wool. Beautiful bag perfect for travel or diaper bag. Minimal signs of wear. The handles has suppled so its a litt...
Hermes T-Shirt Hoodie Jungle Love Rose Porcelain Cotton 40 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Jungle Love Hoodie T-shirt featured in soft Rose Porcelain pink with bright pink accents. This beloved Jungle Love print top is executed in contrast and has a boxy cut with sh...
Hermes Evelyne III TPM Bag Framboise Flipperball Sangle Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM featured in saturated Framboise. Whimsical with charming Flipperball strap. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Signature perforat...
Hermès foulard 'At the palace doors'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk foulard entitled "Aux portes du palais" ('At the palace doors') designed by Christine Henry, produced in 2008. Never reproduced. Condition: Very good ...
HERMES Vintage 'Bolide' bag in Cannelle Grained Leather
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes vintage Bolide bag in cannelle grained leather. In very good condition. Stamp W in a circle (1993). It is lined with a leather. Golden hardware...
Hermès Silk Tie Illustrated with Leaves
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk tie illustrated with leaves. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width: 9 cm Seller Reference: ACC67
Hermès Hola Flamenca YellowSilk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Hola Flamenca" silk scarf, 100% hand rolled trim, yellow and black color combination.
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 ...
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.
1971s Hermes Ochre Alternateur by P Peron Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
1971 Hermes silk scarf Alternateur designed Pierre Peron featuring an ochre border and a Hermes signature. Alternateur was created in 1971. In good vintag...
HERMES ivory & orange cotton & silk EMBROIDERED VOILE Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès fringed scarf in ivory and orange cotton voile (50%), silk (40%) and viscose (10%) with detail in orange. Handwoven in India...
Hermes Large Porcelain French Military Hat Motif Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Large Porcelain French Military Hat Motif Ashtray is a luxurious and distinctive decorative piece that combines elegance with historical charm. Crafted from fine porcelain, th...
HERMÈS - Vintage Unisex Ring Circa 1980s Bijouterie Fantaisie 54 Size
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Raro anello unisex della serie "Hermès Bijiouterie Fantaisie" completo di astuccio originale dell' epoca, misura 54. Vi è un fascino par...
Hermes by Martin Margiela Belted Long Robe Coat w/ Hood in Black Cotton Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES BY MARGIELA BELTED LONG ROBE COAT W/ HOOD IN BLACK COTTON CASHMERE 44 FR Oversized silhouette with removable belt with dark brown plastic buckle. Wide sleeves with button det...
Hermes Navy Blue Silk Shimmering Sheer Lurex Small Scarf Handkercheif
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes navy blue silk and lurex woven scarf in excellent condition. Sheer navy blue silk woven with shimmery silver lurex in a classic Hermes print design. made in France. original tag attached. Signed Hermes. Would make a wonderful gift for the Hermes lover...
Hermès Feu Terre Battue Verso Mysore Chevre Sellier Mini Kelly 20 II PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Feu Terre Battue Verso Mysore Chevre Sellier Mini Kelly 20 II PHW SKU: 147116 Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Kelly tote bag from Hermès was originally...
$1,435
Hermès foulard 'Ashanti'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk muslin foulard entitled "Ashanti", designed by Annie Faivre and produced in 1997, never reproduced. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 135 cm...
Hermès “Marqueterie” Porcelain LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Marqueterie” de Pierres d’Orient Etoupe d’Occident porcelain serving dish. Collectible design. Comes with original dust...
Hermes Izmir Sandal Vert d'Eau/ Naturel Epsom Leather Men's Shoes 44 / 11
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Men's Izmir sandal featured in Vert d'Eau with Naturel insole leather lining. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Epsom leather. Sophisticated colours in a silhouette that works for every wardrobe. Naturel calfskin insole. Black heel with leather sole. Comes with sleepers. Please our extensive selection of Hermes Homme...
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....
Hermes Men's Coups de Goua'H Swim Trunks Bleu M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes long swim trunks featured in Coups de Goua'H print. In Bleu colorway. H design with a gouache technique where the colours seem to be be under water. Trunks have an elastic wai...
HERMÈS - Vintage Blazer by Hubert de Watrigant, Silk, "Carnaval de Venise"
By Hubert de Watrigant, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk blazer with velvet collar this is an extraordinary product made by the Maison circa mid-1990s. The motif is from the icon...
Hermes Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin / Calfskin Men's Sandal 43 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Black Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin sandal. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Calfskin with ecru woolskin insole and H embossed rubber s...
Hermes Clémence Leather Hat In Black Taurillon
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Hermes Clémence Leather Hat In Black Taurillon is perfect for anyone to add a layer of coverage while still maintaining a sleek and stylish look....
Hermès New Rouge Pivoine Mini Evelyne
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features rouge pivoine Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable contrast color flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Au Couer de la Vie
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Au Couer de la Vie Desigfned by A. Honore, with box and ribbon. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
Hermes Paris Round Pink Laquered Pendant Necklace
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
The Hermès Round Necklace is a stunning example of natural elegance and contemporary craftsmanship. Showcases a two-tone design in brown and soft pink, creating a refined yet modern ...
Hermes Vintage Art de la Table Wood Shelf Talker Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Hermes Shelf talker/Plate with 'Hermes Art de la table - Paris' lettering. Square-shaped. Made in wood, with upper side in light gold colored metal. Measurements: 6.5 x 6.5 i...
Hermès NIB Orange Horse Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach towel with geometric horse and figure design. Orange, taupe and black color combination. 100% cotton. Comes with original box.
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.