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.
New Hermes Mini Lindy Rouge De Coeur Swift Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy verso rouge de coeur et rouge pilent swift with palladium hardware. Date stamp Z, 2021. Coveted new size , can be wor...
Hermes Plaid Hand Woven Avalon 100%Cashmere Cyan / Carmin 140x185CM Blanket NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Blanket in hand-woven cashmere 100% cashmere Color Cyan / Carmin Retail over $4500 Finished with blanket stitch.Made in Nepal Designed by Gianpaolo Pagni Measures 72.8" x 55.1" FINAL...
Hermés 1990s Celestial Sun Midi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The dress to accompany you on all your vacations is here! Circa 1990s, this cotton midi dress features a subtle scoop neck, short sleeves, black stripes and a celestial sun signed He...
Hermes Cards La Collection Emile Hermes Memory Game
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes La Collection Memory game. Features drawings from the Emile Hermes Collection - makes for hours of family fun or a charming gift. Comes with gift box and ...
Hermes PM Clemence Black Evelyne Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermes Evelyne PM bag in black with Palladium hardware. The bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body bag. Date stamp Z. Excellent condition, minor wear inside. Comes with orig...
Hermes Geometrie Cretoise by Julia Abadie Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Géométrie crétoise » by Julia Abadie featuring a burgundy border and a Hermès signature. Circa 2012 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guarantee you will receive this iconic item as described and showed on photos. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos- All Hermes scarves...
Hermes Do Re Boucles Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This vibrant red and white twilly from Hermes is expertly crafted using luxurious French silk. This versatile piece can be worn around the neck, head, as a bag accessory and even as ...
HERMES navy blue wool OVERSIZED LAPEL Blazer Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès blazer in navy bue wool (100%). Features a oversized peak lapel and two flap pockets and a chest pocket. Closes with two buttons on the front. Lined in linen (5...
Hermes Coral Brazil Maxi Twilly Scarf BN
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brazil maxi twilly scarf with feather floral detail. Hand-rolled edges. Discontinued size. New in box.
Discontinued Hermes Wallpaper 2 Boxes NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Discontinued wall paper by Hermes. 2 rolls or boxes included.Booth same design and same colors 10m roll 68.5 cm width each roll. Made in England This wall paper should be applied h...
HERMÈS - 1990s Lycra Costume 'Grand Manege' by Henri d'Origny, Size 40
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare lycra costume with iconic Carrè "Grand Manege" design By Henri d'Origny, 1990/1993, Size 40 - Maxi Tuilly in silk missing not inclu...
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Blazer "Mont Saint Michel" Pattern Size 40 FR
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk blazer iconic Carrè "Mont Saint Michel" motif the jacket is in excellent condition to report yellow stains due to storage all ...
Hermes Fuchsia/Pink Silk Scrunchie BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box pink and fuchsia silk scrunchie. Patchwork de sole imprimee. Original box.
Hermes Twilly Jungle Love Love Noir Vert Rose Vif Set of 2
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of Hermes Twilly limited edition Jungle Love Love featured in rich Noir, Vert and Rose Vif. Rose Vif Hearts sprinkled against the Black background. This icon...
Hermès "Kelly En Perles" Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Kelly En Perles" shawl Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Blue, red and white color combination. Care tag attached.
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 Scarf entitled Carosses d'Or by Vladimir Rybaltchenko Circa 1987-1990
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1987-1990 France Vintage Hermès square entitled "Carrosses d'Or" in a design by Vladimir Rybaltchenko. The first edition dates from 1987, and the second edition from 1990, and ...
$607Sale Price|55% Off
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Twill Wool Knit Trim Shirt Sweater. Original silk screen design c1989 by Joachim...
Hermès Pink J. Abadie Plumes et Grelots Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermès Pink 'Plumes et Grelots' Silk Scarf by J. Abadie This scarf is winter festive and features horse drawn carriages Perfect condition
Hermes Toto Grey Cotton Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Grey cotton “Toto” wallet featuring an all-around zip fastening, a center bicolor stripe, an inside snap pocket, compartments and slip pockets. Circa 2000s 100% cotton In goo...
Hermès Sleeping Dogs Porcelain Ashtray Aldin
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with an image of two sleeping dogs on an armchair. Porcelain in perfect condition with silver trim. Back suede has been removed.
Hermes Chypre White Calfskin Sandal 40 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Sandal featured in White. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable wi...
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
Hermes Evelyne III TPM Vert Rousseau Crossbody Bag Gold Clemence
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM featured in gorgeous Vert Rousseau. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Signature perforated H on front of bag. Rich with Gold har...
Hermes Cliquetis Printed Beach Tunic Cherry Pink One Size
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cliquetis Tunique de Plage featured in Cherry Pink. This beautiful bather cover is cotton voile. Clou de Selle engraved Mo...
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie Green, silk tie designed with an equestrian chain link pattern. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp App...
Hermès Napoleon Pink Silk Scarf, Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill scarf with hand-rolled edges. Napoleon collectible design in pink. Dry clean only. Does not include box.
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm MM Jaune D'Or Blue Zanzibar Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes MM Rodeo bag charm featured in Jaune D'Or, Blue Zanzibar and Rouge H. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colours in your fabulous collect...
HERMES grey silk LA CHARMANTE AUX ANIMAUX 90 Twill Scarf Vert de Gris Kaki Turqu
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'La Charmante au Animaux 90' scarf by Annie Faivre in Vert-de-Gris silk twill (100%) with contrasting khaki border and details in turquoise. Has been worn and i...
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards New, unopened, with Hermes box. 4.5 by 2.5 in. Condition Report New
Hermès Kelly Mini II Cuivre Chèvre Mysore PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful Hermès Kelly Mini II handbag. The exterior of this Kelly Mini features Cuivre Chèvre Mysore leather and is complemented by palladium hardware and tonal stitchings. It has...
Hermès " Pony Express" Green Silk Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès " Pony Express" Scarf is in green 100% silk with rolled edges. Collectible and rare design by Kermit Oliver. Care tag attached. Comes in original box .
$1,856Sale Price|25% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Jungle Love CS140 Red Navy NWCTS Super Collector NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Jungle Love - CS140 - Red Navy - NWCTS - 1604041214 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Jungle Love, Jungle Love Artist: Robert Dallet Size: 140 cm x 140 ...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Rose Pourpre Sellier Chevre Mysore Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier in Rose Pourpre Chèvre Mysore, rendered in a compact, sharply structured silhouette where the proportions feel precise and jewel-like, with the Sellier...
Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Fuchsia Alligator Leather Bearn Bi-Fold Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0114 Brand: Hermès Model: Bearn Wallet Type: Wallet Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By:...
New Hermès So Black Touch Croc Rodeo Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
HERMES Milo Lambskin Matte Alligator Touch Grigri Rodeo Horse Bag Charm MM So Black. Date stamp Z for 2021 . Comes with original box.
HERMES pink wool 2022 BELTED TWILL Coat Jacket w EYELET CLOSURE 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès peacoat in pink wool twill (with 1% polyamide). Features a eyelet and belt strap closure at the neck and ties with a belt. Unlined...
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 ...
$2,613Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermès Silver Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Messenger Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005 Paris with the authentic 94cm long blue jeans Hermes carrying strap and an addi...
Hermès Cravate Twilly 1989 Tambours Light Brown Silk Twill Scarf Tie Knot Hermes
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès silk twill tie titled "Les Tambours" by Joachim Metz, first published in 1989 and reissued in 1990, light brown background with gold and red motifs. The tie is vintage but rem...
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 “...
Hermès "Les Mythologies des Homme" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Mythologies des Hommes" Scarf is from 100% silk in brown and neutrals and features hand-rolled edges. No tag.
Hermès Suede Puffer Coat - '90s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès black suede puffer coat embellished with printed lining, long sleeve, button fastening, band quilting.
HERMES taupe suede NEO Ankle Boots Shoes 36.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Neo ankle boots in tan suede are a refined fusion of equestrian inspiration and timeless elegance. Designed with wrap-around ankle straps adorned with the...
Hermes Change / Ashtray Chasse En Inde Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes porcelain Chasse En Inde ashtray / change tray. Depicts a hunt in India intricately displayed in reds, gold and blue. A pe...
Hermes Roulis Slim Wallet Black Lizard Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Roulis Slim Wallet Belt bag featured in Black Lizard. Sleek and crisp with Palladium hardware. Includes removable zipped chan...
HERMES sand beige LEATHER & ALPACA STUDDED Crewneck Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knit sweater in sand calf leather (100%) with knitted parts in melange alpaca (100%). Features silver-tone studs on the front and lon...
Hermès Kelly Flat 35 White Swift Leather Handbag by Jean Paul Gaultier
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RARE Hermes Kelly Flat 35 White Swift Silver PDH in very good condition. Originally designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, the Kelly flat is a unique take on the t...
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray is in porcelain and shows an image of horse and man with a beautiful gold backdrop, the bottom of the tray is protected with suede. Comes with box.
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. ...
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Hermès
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 "Brides de Gala" Dip Dye Silk Twill 90 cm Scarf by Hugo Grygkar, 2010.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès "Brides de Gala" Dip Dye Silk Twill 90 cm Scarf by Hugo Grygkar, 2010. "Brides de Gala", or French for "Gala Brides" depicts the classic Hermès equestrian design with ceremoni...
Hermes Silky City 33 Vif Argent Orange Silk Leather White Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of daily use. Hardware has scratches; fabric surface shows slight wear and minor dirt...
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 "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" scarf, is in the pink color way, and features a wildlife motif. Made from 100% silk and features hand rolled edges.
Hermès Brand New Rodeo Grigri PM Charm Tricolor
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of gold, rose texas, and blue Zanzibar leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Marked: Hermés Paris Ma...
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 Les Ameriques Scarf by Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Ameriques" taupe silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. 35" square with hand rolled edges. 100% silk .Collectible collection, comes in the box.
HERMES burgundy Loden green cashmere CASAQUE CHEVRON Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Casaque Chevron muffler in Loden green and burgundy cashmere (100%) with fringed ends. Brand new. Measurements Model H259065S 08 Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 140...
2012 Hermes Multicolour La rose des vents by J Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "La rose des vents" by Joachim Metz featuring a green border and a Hermès signature. First issue 1984 In good vintage condition. M...
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.
Hermes bags have blindstamps, placed under the plaques or on the interior. Usually they are placed close to the date stamps denoting the year of production. Recently, in a small % of receipts, the blind stamp is also printed on the store receipt which can be matched to the blind stamp inside the bag.
It is virtually impossible to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Birkin for purchase. Most Birkins are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.