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 black MATTE CROC BEARN Wallet Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Soufflet wallet in black matte alligator is a timeless statement of luxury and refinement. Featuring an elegant silhouette, it closes with a leather ...
Hermès 2011 Ceinture T80 Klein Blue Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt 32in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès dog collar belt (or Médor belt for those in the know ;-) 50mm wide in slightly grained Epsom leather in blue and silver-tone metal (palladium)...
Hermès Geegee Iroquois Camail Horse Bag Charm in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee Iroquois" Charm In the shape of a horse's head with a tousled mane, covered with a pretty camail Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of mi...
Hermès Beige Marfa Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Beige Marfa Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1655 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accom...
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance. The structured silhouette i...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pinwheel Windwhell Wood and Blue Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Pinwhell From the "Petit H" collection Made of Leather and Hackberry Wood Colorways: Blue Grained Leather, Navy B...
HERMES Beige Marfa Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious Beige Marfa Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is ...
HERMES black Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag w Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted in Noir (black) Veau Epsom leather and finished with gold-plated hardware for a timelessly elegant look. The structured sil...
Hermes Picotin Lock Taurillon Clemence Leather Handbag With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Picotin Lock Handbag embodies understated luxury with its minimalist bucket silhouette and refined craftsmanship. Inspired by tr...
HERMES Rouge H red wool ROCABAR LEATHER TRIM PONCHO Jacket OS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Rocabar Poncho in Rouge H is a luxurious tribute to the house’s equestrian heritage. Crafted from a premium blend of 90% Merino wool and 10% cashmere, it f...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
HERMES Argile beige Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Argile Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s signatu...
Hermès Rouge H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML033 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust...
$382Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes "Vive le Vent" Silk Twill Scarf 1992. 35" square or 90cm square
By Laurence Bourthoumieux, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
"Vive le Vent" is a silk twill scarf part of the 1992 collection designed by Laurence Toutsy Bourthoumieux Thioune, most commonly known as L Thioune, and signed as such on this scarf...
$336Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf "Les Voitures en Transformatiom"
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
Beautiful silk scarf, in excellent condition, designed by Francoise de la Perriere in 1965. This scarf represents the evolution of the early motorized vehicles or cars, and the desig...
$1,434
HERMÈS belt
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Collier de Chien belt Vintage - year 1996 Z in circle Rouge casaque courchevel leather Signature gold plated Medor spikes Adorned with four nail heads, carved faced and a rin...
HERMES Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
Hermes Pink Togo Leather Dogon Duo Bifold Wallet Clou de Selle
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the elegance of Hermes with this exquisite Dogon Duo Bifold Wallet, a masterpiece of French craftsmanship. This medium-sized unisex treasure is meticulously crafted from luxu...
Hermès NIB Barenia Faubourg Kelly 25
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 retorunè barenia faubourg leather and gold tone hardware with contrast white stitching. Date stamp K for 2025. Unusual double strap option: leather an...
Hermes Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag Hobo-style shoulder bag inspired by the Marwari horse breed, crafted from the signature Hermes' Clemence leather in Parchemin wit...
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich Tangerine Orange Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Very Rare and Highly Coveted Hermes Birkin 30 Tangerine Orange Ostrich Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware . Like New Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. ...
HERMES Rouge de Coeur red Clemence leather PICOTIN 18 LOCK Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin Lock 18 is crafted from Rouge de Coeur (bright red) Taurillon Clemence leather, featuring elegant Palladium hardware. It closes with a strap and lo...
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Rose Mexico Porosus Crocodile w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Rose Mexico Shiny Porosus Crocodile with palladium hardware is a bold and highly coveted statement piece, combining one of Hermès’ most prized exotic leathe...
HERMES Malachite green Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from stunning jewel-toned Malachite green Veau Togo leather, paired beautifully with gold-plated hardware. The rich green hue evok...
HERMES black Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious black Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in Chèvre (goat skin) and f...
Hermes Horse Buckle Black Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black horse buckle box leather belt featuring inside camel leather, a horse cut out gold plated buckle, a pitted X in a round. Circa 1994 Made in France Belt Size fr:85 Circ...
Hermès Bleu Marine Box Kelly Sport 20 PM
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Marine Box Kelly Sport 20 PM SKU: Z154488 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called t...
Hermès Paris Playing Cards Four Mini Ashtrays Porcelain Gold Ace Poker
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Ace clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥) and spades (♠) Theme: playing cards, poker Also called "guest ashtray", these sma...
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Noir/Gris/Ant 90 CM Scarf NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf Noir/Gris/Ant NEW with tags FINAL SALE
HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Côté-a-Côté in black corduroy with Veau Swift leather trim and gussets. Features palladium plated hardware and cleaning brush for corduroy. Brand new ...
Hermès 1984 Foulard Soie Carré 90 Jeu de Paille Straw Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 titled Le Géographe by Sandra Laroche (published in 1992, reissued in 1995) on a black background, in addition to the pattern, the silk is embroidered with anc...
New Hermes Kelly 20 Epsom Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 20, commonly known as the Mini Kelly II, in Etoupe Epsom leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is one of the most coveted and difficult-to-acquire pieces in the world of ...
Hermes caftan dress 'Kaleidoscope' by Jean-Paul Gaultier circa 2004
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 2004, under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Silk caftan dress with a "Kaleidoscope" pattern in beige, white, off-white, and gray tones. Si...
HERMES Nuit blue Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Rose Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag in Bleu Nuit (midnight blue) Veau Togo leather with rose-gold plated hardware. Lined in Chèvre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front a...
Hermes Light Pink Grand Uniforme by J Metz Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Light pink silk scarf "Grand uniforme" by Joachim Metz featuring a Light pink ground and a Hermès signature. Circa 1985 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (9...
Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z154269 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic direct...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
Hermès "The Three Graces" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "The Three Graces" silk and cashmere shawl features three giraffes amidst an orange, red, and blue jungle pattern, designed by Alice Shirley. Highly collectible.
Hermès Customised Heron Jige Elan PM
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Burgundy leather trim - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted heron design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Includes original box (damaged) - Stamp K ...
HERMES New Bleu Jean blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag is crafted from New Bleu Jean (jeans blue) Taurillon Clemence leather and features a matching uni wool sangle strap. The desig...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
Hermès "La Vie de la Méditerranee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Vie Précieuse de la Méditerranée" is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Robert Dallet. Features an ocean life motif with various marine animals and birds, in...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
HERMES black leather 2023 FRENCHIE 50 Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5 fit 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Frenchie 50 ankle boots in black calfskin leather blend classic craftsmanship with a modern edge. Featuring rounded toes, block heels, and thicker soles, t...
Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Veil Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Jean Paul Gaultier took over as Hermès Creative Director in 2003 and brought creativity and innovation while ...
Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm Grey Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Experience the ultimate expression of refined travel luxury with the Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm, an exceptionally rare and sophisticated inter...
HERMES black Box leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Noir (black) Veau Box leather is a true collector's piece, crafted from one of Hermès' most coveted and rare leathers. Veau Box lea...
Hermes Birkin 30 Bubblegum Pink Ultra Violet Epsom Brushed Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Special VIP Order Hermes Birkin 30 Pink Bubblegum & Ultra Violet Purple Epsom Leather complimented by Brushed Gold Hardware. As new with Plastic on all Hardware and Feet Pleas...
HERMES orange Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in orange Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper pocket...
HERMES Nuit blue Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Bag in Nuit is a timeless icon of refined luxury and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted from supple Togo leather, the Retourne construction ...
Hermès Horse Leg Bottle Opener Horseshoe
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Shaped like a horse's leg, the hoof concealing a horseshoe-shaped bottle opener Made in France Vintage Item Made of silver-ton...
HERMES black Box leather BOLIDE 35 Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bolide 35 in black Box leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in black lambskin. Has been carried and is in excellent condi...
HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 30' bag in Rouge Grenat (dark red) Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
Hermes Mimile Navy Cotton Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s navy "Mimile-Marin”cotton backpack bag featuring a front “H” embroidered logo, a natural leather shoulder tie and a fabric logo label. 100% cotton. Circa1990s In good...
HERMÈS silk scarf EX-LIBRIS À CARREAUX
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk scarf Title: EX LIBRIS À CARREAUX Designed by Anamorphée Year: 2014 100% silk with hand-rolled edges cm. 90xcm.90 circa Made in France Blue dur/Fuchsia/ Violet Conditio...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Jaune Ambre GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML035 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: D Age: 2019 A...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
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.