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 - Vintage Silk Blazer 'Les Cheyennes' by Oliver Kermit Circa 1993
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - We present an extraordinary item a pure silk blazer with the iconic Carrè pattern "Les Cheyennes" by the important designer Oliver Kermi...
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 Scarf entitled Paris qui Roule by Hugo Grygkar Circa 2006
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2006 France Hermès Scarf entitled "Paris qui Roule" in a design by Hugo Grygkar, the first edition of which dates from 1951, this being the second edition dating from 2006. Fl...
Hermes Casques et Plumets silk scarf In Olive and Black
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful vintage Hermes silk Casques et Plumets silk scarf in excellent condition. Original silk screen design c1989 by Julia Abadie features a black and olive striped border with t...
HERMES Brazil Bird Print Maxi Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk twill Brazil Laurence Bourthoumieux bird of paradise print Maxi Twilly scarf Reference: VACN/A00155 Brand: Hermes Model: Maxi Twilly Collection: Brazil by Laurence...
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 Kiwi Green Calfs Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Kiwi Green Calfs Leather Shoulder Bag The leather stamped Hermes Paris Made in France, the inside zipper impressed Hermes, the exterior zipper marked Eclair, the lock and key...
Hermès “Orange Dance Pacifique“ Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès “Orange Dance Pacifique“ scarf silk scarf by Laurence Bourthoumieux, pays tribute to the culture of New Guinea. The scarf features the feather and cowry adorned headdresse...
Hermès Constance Mini 18cm Craie Ivory Epsom GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Constance 18cm handbag. The exterior of this Mini Constance is crafted in Craie Ivory Epsom leather with tonal stitching, gold-tone hardware "H" snap lock closure and...
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 sweater dress Pre-Fall 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in United Kingdom) Cashmere sweater dress with houndstooth pattern in beige and brown tones. Matching neckerchief and tiny brown scarf. Size 42FR indicated. 2019 Pre-F...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Jungle Love
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Jungle Love, designed by Robert Dallet, with box and ribbon. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
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.
Hermès Black Lizard Micro Kelly Bag Charm with Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Micro Kelly bag charm is crafted in sleek black lizard leather, offering a textured, glossy surface that feels refined and tactile. Its min...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - Excellent Condition!!
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 Blue Herline Fourre Tout with Pouch Blue Two Tone 1HER82K
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: France Measurements: Length: 14" Width: 7" Height: 10.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: None Handle Drop: 5" OVERALL FAIR + CONDITION ( 6.5/10...
Hermes Green "Carpe Diem" Sun Motif Silk Print Scarf circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The 1990s Hermès Green "Carpe Diem" Sun Motif Silk Print Scarf is a stunning example of luxury heritage and artistic craftsmanship. Featuring a vibrant green background adorned with ...
Hermès foulard / scarf 'Ecuries'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill foulard entitled 'Ecuries' ('Stables'), designed by Hugo Grygkar, produced in 1947 and reproduced in 1993. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...
Hermès White Cotton Print Scarf Visor
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This vintage Hermès White Cotton Print Scarf Visor circa offers a chic and versatile accessory that combines timeless elegance with practical sun protection. Crafted from high-qualit...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf in black & yellow, featuring Hand-Rolled Edges. Famous Kermit Oliver design.
$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...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 7430 HA yellow red blue cherry basket print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7430 HA yellow red blue cherry basket print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00702 Brand: Hermes Model: 7430 HA Material: Silk Color: Beige, Pink Pattern: Cartoon Lining: Beige Silk ...
Fuchsia & Multicolor Hermes 'La Danse du Cheval Marwari' Motif Printed Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Fuchsia and multicolor 'La Danse du Cheval Marwari' motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 34" width, 34" length.
$947Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Navy Balles de Golf by C Vauzelles Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes navy silk shirt "Balles de Golf" by Christiane Vauzelles featuring a navy ground and a golf ball print all over in contrasting ecru, a front button fastening, a straight hem,...
Hermès L'Hiver en Poste Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès L'Hiver en Poste red and beige silk scarf. Collectible design by Ledoux. Hand rolled edges.
Three Hermes Cotton Scarves
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three Hermes Cotton Scarves Comprising, Le Printemps, Au Clair de la Mer, and another depicting a parade of Russian nobleman. 26.5 by 26.5 in. Conditio...
Hermès "Marqueterie d’Orient" LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès of Paris "Marqueterie" of oriental and occidental stones dish features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Mint Condition. Comes with original dustcover and box.
Hermès Birkin 35 Lime Epsom leather
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Hermès Birkin bag 35 in lime Epsom leather Condition: very good Made in France Model: Birkin Size : 35 Material : grained leather Interior : leather Color : Lime yellow Dim...
Hermes Birkin 25 Orange H 93 Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD CONDITION Moderate signs of use. Light scratches to the hardware and leather. The color was professionally touched up. DETAILS Brand: Hermes Birkin 25 Exterior Co...
Hermes Rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs Du Desert" Zippered Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs du Desert" silk jacquard zippered shirt measures 26 1/2 inches in length. "Cuirs du Desert" des...
Hermes Oran Rose Sorbet Doblis (Suede) Sandal 38 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in exquisite Rose Sorbet Doblis slide. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Rose Sorbet flat sandals. Pretty Blue embossed c...
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5 Reference: LACG/A00466 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: N...
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mega Chariot by Daisuke Nomura Scarf. Nomura was inspired by a children's horse tricycle from the Emile Hermes collection. He shows the god Hermes w...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Joyaux de l ete, designed by Antoine de Jacquelot
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Joyaux de l ete, designed by Antoine de Jacquelot, with Hermes box and ribbon. <35> Condition Report Good condition.
Hermes Green Constance 18 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Green Constance 18 Bag. Palladium silver hardware. Box smooth leather. Rare color and size. Interior clean. Great investment bag. Includes dust bag and box. Guaranteed authent...
Hermes Passifolia Large Salad Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Large Salad Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of ...
Hermes Cushion Avalon III PM H Ecru Gris Clair Throw Pillow Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two (2) Hermes classic PM Avalon III signature H pillow Ecru and Gris Clair. The removable cover is created from 90% Merino Wool and 10% cashmere and has w...
Hermès Leopard Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Leopard Terry Cloth Beach Towel is in 100% cotton and features screen printed leopards and a solid orange back. Collectible design, excellent condition.
$329Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES Buster grey brown suede lace up wooden rubber sole low sneaker EU39.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Buster grey brown suede lace up wooden rubber sole low sneaker EU39.5 Reference: TGAS/B01002 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede, Leather Color: Grey, B...
Hermès Flowers Beach Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès green and red multi flowers beach cotton sarong. One pulled thread, please refer to photo. No box.
Blue Hermes Constance 24cm Gold Tone Hardware 2016
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Blue Hermès Constance Bag is one of the most coveted pieces in the Hermès lineup — a structured, elegant shoulder bag defined by its sleek silhouette and iconic “H” clasp. Adjust...
Hermès Gavroche Scarf "Festival" 1992
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Festival, designed by Henri d'Origny in 1992, is a distinguished piece that celebrates the elegance of equestrian traditions. With no reissue this scarf is rare and ...
HERMES KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm, CHEVRE LEATHER IN BLACK, KOLLECTION 1998 - B
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermes Kelly Bag 35 cm, 2 way, Chevre leather in black, a very insensitve leather, marked with B - 1998 the square . Very good condition - ...
Hermès Brides of Gala Silk Shawl 135cm Unisex Equestrian Design France
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Silk shawl from Hermes. First designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1957, the Brides of Gala is regarded as Hermes most iconic design. Equestrian bridles are depicted here in shades of pale bl...
Hermès Epsom Black Kelly Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The wallet has a front flap and the Kelly trademark palladium turn-lock. This reveals a black leather inside with a zippered compartment, patch pockets, and a card slot. This fashion...
Hermes Men's T-Shirt H Mini Patch Cuir Marine Cotton M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Patch Cuir T-Shirt featured in Marine. Depicts a cheval au trait, a draft horse, in lambskin leather. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotton...
Hermes Crop Hackberry Wood Black Aniline Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Crop features with Black Aniline goatskin covered handle. The hand braided crop in micocoulier wood. (Hackberry Wood) For riding or display, this fabulous...
Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Rose Pourpre leather. The Rose Pourpre leather is complemented with palladium hardware and...
Hermes Black/White Toile Calfskin Fringe Oz Mules sz 39.5 with Kelly Buckle
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Black/White Toile Calfskin Fringe Oz Mules sz 39.5 with Palladium Kelly Buckle Made In: Italy Color: Black and grey Hardware: Palladium Materials: Goatskin leather and fabri...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Epsom Terre Battue With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25cm is crafted in structured Epsom leather, offering a crisp, sculpted silhouette that retains its shape with effortless elegance. The Terre Battue hue radiates w...
HERMES Collier de Chien Bangle Bracelet white epson Leather Pink Gold Finish
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
HERMES Collier de Chien Bracelet white epson Leather Pink Gold Size Medium T3 M 16.5cm With Box In 1837, within the walls of his workshop at 56 rue Basse-du-Rempart, Thierry Hermè...
Hermès New Blue White Striped Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in original box blue and white striped cotton sarong. Unused condition.
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 Kelly Twilly Bag Charm Fauve w/ Palladium Tadelakt Leather New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Twilly Bag Charm featured in Fauve with signature bone topstitch. Shaped like a Kelly Bag crafted ...
1990's Vintage Hermès Paradis Du Roi Dark Red Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Shawl is from the 90's and belongs to the "Le Paradis du Roy" edition. The cashmere is so soft that you don't actually wanna take it off again. It's a beautiful piece for...
HERMÈS Rouge Grenat & Gris Mouette Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Birkin 35cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Grenat & Gris Mouette Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5007 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: ...
Hermes blue ART DES STEPPES 90 Scarf silk
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Art des Steppes 90' scarf by Annie Faivre in blue silk twill (100%) with details in green, ochre, orange, turquoise, magenta, pu...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Rose Mexico Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Picotin Lock 18 tote bag featured in Rose Mexico. Beautiful pop of colour. This charming Hermes Picotin Lock tote is...
HERMES navy grey cashmere silk reversible H anagram long jersey scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy grey cashmere silk reversible H anagram long jersey scarf Reference: PRWU/A00213 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Navy, Grey Pattern: Solid Extra Details: Sm...
Hermès Mini Lindy 20 Orange Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2453 Comes With Hermès Box, Dust bag, Strap, and Care booklet Model Lindy Mini Metal Palladium Serial Number Y stamp Date 2020 Condition Excellent Other Info Shoulder Strap Dr...
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.