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 Red Foure Tout GM Tote bag 11her104
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 4" Height: 11.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Accessories: Signs of Wear: Cotton Exterior: Some...
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Lisboa Chaine d’Ancre brown leather cut out flat sandal slippers EU37.5 Reference: SNKO/A00634 Brand: Hermes Model: Lisboa Material: Leather Color: Tan Brown Pattern: Solid ...
Hermès Black Lamb Chain D Ancre Gloves
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes black lambskin leather gloves with palladium chain d'ancre decoration. Size 7.5, black silk interior. Excellent condition.
Hermès Ardoise Rose Marine C'est la Fete Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ardoise Rose Marine C'est la Fete Silk Twilly SKU: 154087 Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and displays light signs of we...
$1,433Sale Price|65% 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...
Hermès Navy Silk Kachinas Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Collectible Hermès 100% silk twill scarf by Texan artist Kermit Oliver in signature Kachinas print with hand-rolled edges. Dry clean only. Includes box. Issue date 1992. Comes with c...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Perle Pearl Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Perle Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New Condition, Plastic on Hardware. Z ...
Hermès "Echec au Roi" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Echec au Roi shawl , is in a Cashmere blend meaning "Checkmate" was designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery and features graphic, abstract representations of chess pieces.
Vintage Hermès Pink Parrots Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
1990's Vintage Hermès Beach Towel 100% cotton Fair Condition Measure: 150x90 cm or 59x35 inches Paris, Made In France Since 1984, when ...
Hermès 1990 Foulard Carré 90 Cannes et Pommeaux Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square 90 scarf in silk twill, Cannes and Pommeaux pattern by Françoise de la Perrière, published in 1985 and reissued in 1990 (like this one), patterns in pale yellow and red...
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...
HERMES Good News GM Rubis Red Clemence Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag 2010
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition General signs of wear, scuffs on four corners and scratches on metal hardware. Size Width: 33m, Height: 32cm Designer HERMES Model Good News GM Exterior Material Leather...
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. No care tag.
Hermès "Brandebourg" Red Die Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Brandebourg military scarf in a red, designed by Latham. Died design limited edition. No tag. Comes with original box.
Hermès New Vert Epsom Passport Holder
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vert criquet Epsom leather passport holder. Date stamp U. Brand new with box.
Hermes Jumbo Playing Cards Set Les 4 Mondes GM New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rareHermes Jumbo 52-piece playing card set. Cards are beautifully detailed with Les 4 Mondes design on the rear. Trim color is ...
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...
HERMES Horse Print Runway Fall 2019 Metallic Jacquard Tunic Top NEW W Tags
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare Hermes runway metallic Jacquard tunic top Very special and exclusive fabric 46% Silk 40% Viscosa 14% Metallised Fiber.Brand new never used with tags Hermes hanger...
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 Porcelain Brown Chestnut Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brown and white porcelain ashtray with chestnut design. Excellent condition. Minor wear on bottom suede.
Hermes Splendeur des Maharajas I Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: Silk twill scarf from Hermes. Designed by Cathy Baschet in 1996, the 'Splendeur des Maharajas I' depicts the inside of an opulent palace complete with musicians with sit...
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Naturel Suede Sandals Slippers Slides - Size 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Naturel Suede Sandals Slippers Slides - Size 36.5 Brand New + Store Fresh Size 36.5 + Additional Sizes Available Suede Goatskin Rubber Sole Adjustable ...
Hermes Birkin 35 Epsom E5 Rose Tyrien Pink Palladium Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: EXCELLENT Overall light signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Rubbing on the corners, handles, wax on the edges. Original condition. DETAILS Brand: Hermes ...
Hermès 'Balade Oceane' 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Julie Abade, 1999.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès 'Balade Oceane' 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Julie Abade, 1999. "Balade Oceane" or French for "Ocean Ride" was originally designed in 1999 and was never re-issued, making this pie...
Hermes Oran Rose Petale Sandal Flat Calfskin Shoes 40
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 Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly sellier mini 20 in tri-color: rouge de coeur/rose extreme/bleu zanzibar and epsom leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn an...
HERMES black suede HER COLLIER DE CHIEN Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Her Boots' in Noir veau velours suede with Collier de Chien buckle in palladium. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 36.5 Shoe...
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.
Hermes Limited Edition Micro Constance Bag Rouge Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Micro Constance in Rouge Lizard, a vivid red tone that enhances the natural sheen of the exotic leather. The polished surface reflects light with depth, g...
New Hermes White Tiger Cubs Small Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible silk tiger cubs gavroche small scarf in black, white and red. Hand rolled edges. New in box.
Hermès bag 'The case of the bag'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Matte rubber “Le Cas du Sac” bag with multicolored printed silk strips and a double handle. A 2004 Collection, designed for the LE CAS DU SAC exhibition at the musée de la m...
Borsa a Mano Hermès Picotin 18 Clemence Vert Anis
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Picotin, misura 18, realizzata in morbida pelle Clemence con una finitura martellata al tatto. Questa raffinata borsa si distingue per il suo colore Ver...
Hermès 1981 Carré 90 Washingtons carriage Grey Silk Twill Carre 90 Hermes
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square 90 scarf in silk twill, Washington's Carriage pattern by Cathy Latham, published in 1979 and re-edited in 1981, light gray patterns, medium gray edges. Width 90 cm x le...
Hermes pareo 'Dansing pearls' by Virginie Jamin 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS -"Dancing pearls" theme designed by Virginie Jamin, first edition in 2008. Never reproduced. Cotton pareo in blue, orange, and pink tones. Made in France. Condition: Very g...
Hermès Orange Swift Jige Duo Clutch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Orange Swift Jige Duo Mini Clutch SKU: 155581 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into...
$2,650
Hermès Silver Horse Lock
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès lock is a classic polished metal padlock, instantly recognizable as a signature hardware detail of the brand’s most coveted handbags. Crafted in silver, the lock is engra...
Hermès "Les Cheyennes" Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Les Cheyennes" silk shirt is a rare vintage piece from the 1990s, featuring a design by American artist Kermit Oliver. The colorful printdepicts a scene inspired by the "...
new Hermes Collectible Pawnee Pani La Shar Black Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in a black and green trim. Designed by U.S. artist Kermit Oliver. Brand new with box and ribbon included.
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: 155876 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris ...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Cotton Beige Pencil Skirt, Size 38
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Beige cotton pencil skirt from the Martin Margiela period at Hermès (1997–2003), featuring a clean colour and silhouette, faithful to the designer’s iconic minimalist language, while...
Hermes Vintage Ulysse Toile Barenia Trunk Carry On Suitcase Gold Hardware 1950s
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Special order ulysse exterior HH logo throughout - Brass hardware - Estimated to be from the early 1950's - Dual front buckle strap with functioning snap closure - Linen lined...
HERMES Constance 24 Epsom Leather Rouge de Coeur PHW Shoulder Bag Stamp D
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Ultra slight signs of use. size: Width:24cm,height:20cm Designer: Hermes Model: Constance 24 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Red Interior Material: Leathe...
HERMES red leather PEGASE Ballet Flats Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Pegase' ballerina in deep red calfskin with palladium plated buckle and decorative strap. Have been worn once inside and are in virtually new condition. Come w...
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Leather Beige Sandals - Sizes 36, 36.5, 37, 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Leather Beige Esquisse Sandals - Sizes 36, 36.5, 37, 38.5 Brand New / Store Fresh Sizes Available 36, 36.5, 37, 38.5 Beige Esquisse Calf Leather Signature...
Hermès Black Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès excellent condition black silky pop bag. Bag closed 5”x5”x1”. Comes with original dust cover.
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bubble Gum Epsom Leather w Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful yet impeccably polished, this Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bubble Gum Epsom leather transforms the house’s iconic silhouette through an irresistibly vibrant pink palette. The color ...
Hermès Violet Clair Veau Doblis Suede Verrou Chaine Mini
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Violet Clair Veau Doblis Suede Verrou Chaine Mini Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1601 Brand: Hermès Model: Verrou Chaine Mini Type: Shoulder Serial Number: Z Age: 2021 Accompan...
An Hermès square scarf ‘Le Timbalier’ by Françoise Héron - Paris Circa 1961
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1961. France Rare Hermès silk scarf entitled ‘Le Timbalier’ by Françoise Héron, probably in its first edition in 1961. This pattern was then reissued in 2001. Silk scarf printe...
Hermes Constance 18 Desert Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured limited edition Desert Lizard. Exquisite markings with fresh Palladium hardware. HERMES PARIS MADE IN FRANCE is stamped on front under flap. Comes with Hermes sleeper and signature box. NEW or NEVER WORN. The Hermes Constance bag price maintains its value as its among one of the most desired and difficult Hermes bags...
Hermes Cinhetic Mini Wallet Ombre Lizard Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightchic offers an Hermes Cinhetic Mini Wallet clutch / shoulder bag featured in Ombre Lizard. Fresh new shape Palladium hardware with an architectura...
New in Box Hermes Imperial Tiger Fuchsia Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition "Imperial Tiger" small silk scarf in fuchsia , white and pink trim. Brand new in original box.
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Suede Sandals Bleu Cameo/Vert Slippers - Size 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! Hermes Women's Chypre Suede Sandals Bleu Cameo/Vert Slippers - Size 37.5 Brand New / Store Fresh Sizes 37.5 Blue/Green Goat Suede Signature H Logo Touch-Strap Fastening Slip-On...
Hermès "Brazil" Blue Tones Maxi Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès scarf is the Maxi Twilly "Brazil" is 100% silk, and features a vibrant feather pattern in shades of blue, green, and other multicolors. Designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux.
Rare Hermès Bali Barret 2005 Carré En Carrés Silk Scarf Patchwork Motif
By Hermès, Bali Barret
Located in London, GB
Hermès Carré En Carrés Silk Scarf Design by Bali Barret 2005 Hermès Patchwork Motif 100% silk scarf with hand rolled edges and Hermès logo. Designed...
Hermès Kachinas Collectible Blue Silk Twill Kermit Oliver Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible silk twill 35" square Kachinas, scarf designed by US coveted designer Kermit Oliver. Issue date 1992. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermes New Black Kelly Twist Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new Kelly Twist Bracelet in Black Swift Leather with rose gold hardware. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with original dust cover and box.
Hermès 2023 Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1474 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By...
HERMES Dune tan leather palladium Collier de Chien flat sandal EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Dune tan leather palladium Collier de Chien flat sandal EU37.5 Reference: KYCG/A00173 Brand: Hermes Model: Dune Material: Leather Color: Brown, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: ...
Hermes H Diagonale Cashmere Blanket Petunia and Mandarine
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes H Diagonale blanket featured in Petunia and Mandarine. Inspired by a 1929 Hermes advertisement for male and female acc...
Hermes Silky City Bag Printed Silk and Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
There is nothing quite like this amazing handbag! This handbag has an electric blue hue that will bring an unexpected flair to any ensemble. This is an authentic Hermès Silk City 33 bag from the year 2011! The body of the bag is featured in a ultra soft silk material complimented by a white leather strap. Make sure to zoom in to admire the cool details of this bag like the pleated ends of the straps and the cool horse print. It has silver hardware and a completely adjustable strap. It comes with an adorable detachable silk pouch on the interior. There are small traces of wear on the corners visible in the photos and the silk is slightly snagged in one place. Pair this amazing Hermes with a pair of grey Bottega Veneta trousers, a Prada white tank top...
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.