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 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 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,...
Hermès Kelly Padded 25 Bleu Saphire Swift Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Padded 25 in bleu saphire and swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original re...
Hermès Les Cles Blue Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Hermès Les Clés Blue Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top from the circa 1990s is a striking example of vintage luxury and sophisticated design. Crafted with meticulous attenti...
Lovely Hermès Set of 4 Silk Ties Animals Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Set of 4 Ties Prints from left to right: - 7997 EA: owls in a decor of stars and moon / Colorways: Orange, Brown, White, Yellow. Plain orange at back - 7425 ...
Hermès Silky City Printed Handbag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Silky City Printed Handbag features an ultra soft silk material complimented by an adjustable brown shoulder strap. There is a faded mino...
Hermès Set of 2 BNIB Beach Rackets
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 2 beach rackets in printed beechwood and cork, rubber ball, dust cover and box included.
Hermes, Arcs en Ciel silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, arcs en ciel silk scarf. A few small stains overall in good condition.
Hermès Faune et Flora du Texas Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Scarf "Faune et Flora du Texas" by Kermit Oliver 90cm silk scarf is a classic. The scarf features Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a red background.
$986Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Herbag Mini Black Canvas Silver-tone Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Herbag Mini Black Canvas Silver-tone Hardware Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag. CONDITION: GOOD This preloved ba...
Hermès Brandebourgs Scarf by Caty Latham
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill rare Brandebourgs scarf designed by Caty Latham. No care tag. Small hole .
Hermés Casual Ticking stripe Blazer Ivory & Black- Vintage Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Preppy, Chic Vintage Hermés Ticking striped Blazer in Ivory with fine black lines, which offer a trompe l'oeil slimming effect on the silhouette. MADE IN FRANCE. Recommended Size ...
Hermes Kelly 25cm Rose Jaipur Madame Sellier Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Radiant and sharply defined, this Hermès Kelly 25cm in Rose Jaipur captures the house’s mastery of color within one of its most precise constructions. The hue is unmistakable—a vibrant pink infused with warm coral undertones, evoking the glow of sunset over terracotta landscapes...
Hermès Napoleon Celest Silk Scarf Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill scarf with hand-rolled edges. Dry clean only. No box, with composition and care instructions label. Small spot.
Hermès "Arabesques" Turban in Silk
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès -Turban in silk illustrated with the theme "Arabesques" drawn by Henri D'Origny. Additional information: Dimensions: Head size: 51 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller R...
Hermès Kelly Dépêches 25 Noir Galop d’Hermès Palladium Hardware - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès Kelly Dépêches 25 crafted in the extremely rare Black Galop d’Hermès leather with Palladium Hardware. A sophisticated and contemporary piece that reinterprets the iconic Kell...
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...
Hermès New Blue "Baobab" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible blue and yellow "Baobab" silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. No box included.
Hermès Kelly Retourne 28 Geranium Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès kelly 28 retourne geranium togo with gold tone hardware. Preloved in excellent condition. Date stamp X for 2016. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock, keys, strap, dust cover, ...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Hermes Sport - Light Green Periwinkle Orange - Mint
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 ...
Hermès New Les Cabanes Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Les Cabanes Case in bicolor wool twill features, lining in herringbone canvas, machine embroidered (96% polyester and 4% ceramic), zip closure with pull-tab in bicolor ...
Hermès "Indiens Cote Pacifique" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An extremely rare and collectable Hermès silk scarf by African American artist Kermit Oliver from A/W 2002. The design is called “Tsitsika (“Time When Nothing Is Real”) or “Les Indie...
HERMES Vintage Silk Carre Scarf Hommage à Mozart by Julie Abadie
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silk carré scarf HOMMAGE A MOZART inspired by MOZART's life and musical works. Designed by JULIE ABADIE. This scarf features : - Hand rolled borders. - Plump hems. -...
Hermès Rose Azalee Grigri Rodeo Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Combination of rose azalee and anemone leather. Comes with original dust cover, excellent condition. Marked: Hermés Paris Made in Fra...
Hermès Les Ameriques Scarf by Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible Les Ameriques silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Oliver's prints are highly collectible. Silk twill with hand-rolled edges (they have been i...
HERMES Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Set of 2 100% silk pink geometric orange horse rider pattern dress tie Reference: TGAS/F00054 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Orange, Pink Pattern: Geometric Extra Details...
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 Foulard Carre 90 Astres et Soleil 1994 Silk Twill Scarf Blue Faivre Herme
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Tibet II pattern by Cathy Latham, produced once in 2002, in shades of orange. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approximately. The square has been worn...
Hermes Mini Lindy 20 Bag Jaune Citron Ostrich Boreal w/ Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lindy Mini 20 bag featured in clear sunny yellow Jaune Citron Ostrich Boreal. Ostrich Boreal has a special satin finish. ...
$1,458
Hermes 'Medor' belt 1987
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1987 ready-to-wear Collection. Ink-blue box leather belt with gold-plated jewelry, Medor design. Size 60 Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size ...
Hermes Riley Clou Carrousel Cap Black 59
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Riley Clou Carrousel Cap featured in Black. Swift calfskin Clou Carrousel on side. Cap is wool flannel. Interior woven badge Cheval de Fete...
Hermès "Vive le Vent" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Vive le Vent" scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, features a nautical-themed design, designed by Laurence Toutsy Bourthoumieux.
HERMES cashmere silk H JUMPING Stole Shawl Scarf Orange Naturel Caramel
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès H Jumping shawl in natural cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with orange and caramel brown H print. Finished with hand-rolled and fringed edges. Brand new. Measure...
Hermes Patchwork Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible patchwork silk scarf in red and white. Hand rolled edges. No box included.
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop D'Hermes Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Black very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless with a flat grain, this lea...
Hermes Reve de Mecanique Cotton Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new "reve de mecanique elementaire " blue cotton medium scarf, 70 cm.
HERMES Silver Padlock Keychain Bag Charm Amulet
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES silver padlock keychain or bag charm. Opens and closes by pulling on the padlock’s shackle. Embossed HERMES Made in France. AG 925. Silmersmith hallmark. Indicative measure...
Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Comics Bag Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in Vert Comics. This vivid green bring you images of pop art comics and everything happy. Clear and vibr...
Hermes Sac A Depeche HSS 27 Bag Limited Edition Electric Blue Rose Jaipur Epsom
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare Hermes Limited Edition Sac a Depeche 27 HSS bag / briefcase. Vibrant Electric Blue front with rare to find Rose Jaip...
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...
Hermès Yellow Niege D'Antan Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible "Niege d'Antan" silk scarf, 100% hand rolled trim, yellow and ochra color combination.
$19,710
Hermès Kelly 32 Purple Iris
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic PHW Kelly bag by Hermès. Crafted with Togo leather, this exquisite piece features palladium hardware, was crafted in 2010 and has been kept in...
HERMES Beige Dore leather DEDALE BLOCK HEEL Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Dedale ankle boots in Beige Dore (camel brown) calfskin leather. Feature a block heel, painted edges and contrast stitching. Open with a zipper on the inside. L...
Hermès Rouge Grenat Togo Birkin 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Grenat Togo Birkin 30 GHW SKU: Z150700 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic di...
Printed veil cotton tunique HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed veil cotton tunique with branded button and buttonhole on the shoulder and on both side. ONE SIZE
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Hermes Vintage "Pavement" Silk Print Jacket and Skirt Ensemble
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage rare "Pavement" silk print jacket and skirt ensemble featuring a gorgeous ancient flora and fauna mosaic design. Jacket featu...
Hermes Silk Kachinas Blue Yellow Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare Kachinas teal, blue and yellow scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Signature print from this artist. beautiful silk twill with hand rolled edges. Excellent condition....
Hermès In-the-Loop 18cm bleu Royal Taurillon Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A new nautical-inspired essential, the Hermès In-The-Loop embraces the silhouette with flexibility and elegance. Featuring the emblematic Chaine d'Ancre motif, this unlined handbag e...
HERMES camel & navy cashmere 2019 HOUNDSTOOTH MOCK NECK Sweater 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès houndstooth sweater in camel brown, beige, ivory, navy blue and grey cashmere (100%). Features a mock neck, hem and cuffs in ...
Hermès Black Box Rio Clutch Hand Painted
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage black box calf rio clutch, hand painted by an American artist. The inspiration for this art deco design is the Chrysler building . Comes with original dust cover.
Hermès NIB Black Multicolor Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new black and multicolor pattern silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
HERMES midnight blue wool BELL SLEEVE TIE NECK Dress 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes oversized 3/4 ruched sleeve dress in midnight blue wool (100%) with tie detail around the neck. Lined in midnight blue silk (100%). Has been worn once and is in...
Hermes Oran Flat Sandal Blanc w/ Havane Topstitch 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran White leather sandals. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot. This Hermes Oran slide shoe...
HERMES CASHMERE/SILK SHAWEL 130 x 130 cm 'GRAND CARROSSE PAR HERMES A PARIS'
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Very beautiful decorative 130 cm x 130 cm scarf made of 65% cashmere and 35% silk in the colors red, yellow and pink. The theme of the large Hermes Shawel is: 'GRAND CARROSSE pour ...
Hermes blue ivory CAPRACONS 90 Scarf silk
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Capracons 90 Scarf in petrol and off-white silk (100%) with details in orange, ochre, brown, turquoise and beige. Designed by Philippe Ledoux. Has been worn and...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Epsom leather MOSAIQUE AU 24-17 MINI Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mosaique au 24 - 17 shoulder bag in Etoupe (Taupe) Veau Epsom leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. Divided into two compartments wit...
Hermes Birkin 30 Crevette Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Crevette Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Condition: Pre-owned Measurements: (W)30cm × (H)22cm × (D)16cm Bag Material: Togo Leather Hardware Material: Palladium pla...
Hermès Black Kachinas Printed Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Kachinas" design is a rare, vintage print by American artist Kermit Oliver, originally featured on silk scarves. The print has also been used on various apparel items, in...
Hermes Beloved India Pillow GM Grey / Brown / Orange New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a extremely rare Hermes Beloved India GM Pillow. Designed by Philippe Dumas in 2009. The removable cover is silk cotton and viscose. Co...
New in Box Hermes Guepards Fuchsia Thin Maxi Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes fuchsia guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
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.