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 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 Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Saddles Equestrian Riding Horse Texas Themes "Amazone / Dressage / Course / Chasse / Randonnée / Jumping" (Amazon / Training / R...
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 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 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...
Hermès Kelly 25 Epsom Black Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware, 2026
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Epsom Black leather. Gold metal hardware, single leather black handle, removable leather black shoulder strap all...
Hermès Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès Fetes Venitiennes Silk Scarf Venice Carnival Venezia Italy
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Here is an opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful Hermès scarves Print: "FETES VENITIENNES" (Venetian festivals), also known as "Le Carnaval de Venise" Designed by Huber...
Hermes Birkin 25 Cote A Cote Tuffetage Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 Côte à Côte Tuffetage in Black Swift with Permabrass hardware. This rare limited edition Birkin introduces Hermès’ Côte à Côte tuffetage techniq...
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 Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather with gold plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
Hermès 2020 Epsom Kelly II Sellier 28 Brown Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Gold-tone hardware Single top handle Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal patch pocket Detachable shoulder strap Comes with padlock, keys and clochette and n...
Hermes Silver Tone Cornucopia Metal Matchbox
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Silver-tone metal matchbox featuring a “Cornucopia design” (Horn of abundance) and a leather box that fits into the metal sleeve, engraved Hermes Paris on the bottom. Circa 19...
HERMES Jumping So Black calfskin leather matte hardware tall riding boots EU38
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Jumping So Black calfskin leather matte hardware tall riding boots EU38 Reference: MELK/A00367 Brand: Hermes Model: Jumping Boot (Botte Jumping) Collection: "So Black" Hardwar...
Hermès 1990s Veste Soie Insectes FR38 Ecru Silk Twill Jacket UK10 US8 Hermes
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès long jacket circa 1990 in ecru silk twill with the Insectes print by Hugo Grygkar & La Torre (first produced in 1958), notched collar fastened with three mother-of-pearl butto...
Hermes Brown Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown leather notebook cover featuring an inside small compartments, an internal logo stamp. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Length: 3.5in. (9cm) Hei...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin features rolled leather top handles, a short flap in rose pourpre togo leather with tonal stitching. Palladium hardware including the turn lock, padlock and keys w...
HERMÈS scarf PÉKINOIS Xavier De Poret 1965
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PÉKINOIS Very rare Designed by Xavier De Poret 1965 100% silk Hand rolled hem Made in France Pink, grey, ivory Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Ve...
2023 Hermès Mini Gold Della Cavalleria Bag
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Splendid and classy Hermès bag Della Cavalleria, year 2023 Mini gold Epsom leather Brown color Amazing conditions Top quality constuction, elevating the Hermès craftsmanship at the ...
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in 1 in Gold Togo Leather with Gold hardware.
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in- in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware. This exceptional limited edition Birkin features a rare 3-in-1 configuration, offering both classic structure and mo...
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Epsom Etoupe 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Brown with a natural leather sole and an etoupe leather heel, features a hazelnut goatskin insole and lining. Italian number 37. Come with double dustcover ...
Hermes 1980's Haut à Courroies Hac 55 Birkin Veau Courchevel Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Steamped Circle P ( 1986 ) - Brass Hardware - Comes With Lock & Key - Natural Tan Leather Exterior - Discontinued 55 Size - The bag holds it shape when empty Condition: ...
HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Birkin 30' bag in Rose Poupre pink Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper po...
HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in Potiron (pumpkin orange) Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in orange goat skin leather with two open pockets ag...
HERMES black leather TIPOLI Wedge Espadrille Sandals Shoes 41 fit 40
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tipoli espadrille wedge sandals in smooth Noir goatskin with iconic Palladium plated buckle, wrap-around ankle strap and natural rope heel. Brand new. Measure...
Hermes Medor 23 Clutch Bag Black Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Médor 23 in Black alligator with Gold hardware. This striking limited edition Médor clutch represents one of the house’s most distinctive and bold designs...
Hermès Tressage De Cuir Picotin Jaune
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Tressage De Cuir Picotin Lock Bag in Jaune Ambre Brique Blanc with palladium hardware, a woven red and white esom leather detail handle and a yellow suede interior. Date ...
HERMES Blue Jean Clemence leather PICOTIN 22 Bag Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Picotin 22 bag in Bleu Jean (jeans blue) Taurillon Clemence leather featuring contrasting white stitching and Palladium hardware. Unlined. Has been carried and ...
Hermès Gold Mini Evelyne Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features, Clemence leather, contrast stitching, palladium hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo ...
Hermes Constance H Black Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Constance” box leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted I in a round. Estimated Belt Si...
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack Reference: TGAS/E00354 Brand: Hermes Model: Herbag A Dos Material: Leat...
Hermès Havane Courchevel Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Havane Courchevel Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details CB1713 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [A] Age: 1997 Accompanied By: Hermès ...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather CONSTANCE 23 Bag w Gold VINTAGE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 23 shoulder bag in Rouge H Veau Box leather featuring gold-plated hardware. Vintage from 1976. Lined in burg...
HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zipper p...
Hermes crocodile '404' bag circa 1960-1963
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 31cm black alligator '404' bag with gold-plated fastening on a ridig frame, a handle, and a key. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 25 cm ...
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich Fuchsia bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich pink bag.PHW. Fuchsia color. L stamp. Great codntion,nor wear on the corners. Comes with dust bag, keys,Clochette and locker.
Hermès "Rendez-Vous Galant" Scarf 70 NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Rendez-Vous Galant" Scarf 70 in 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Ugo Bienvenu. Comes with ribbon and box. Brand new .
Hermès Kelly 28 Black Box Calf Leather Handbag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermes Kelly 28 sellier handbag strap in Black Box calf leather. Palladium silver metal hardware, single black leather handle, removable black leather shoulder strap all...
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...
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
HERMES pink leather BIRKIN 25 Bag Rose Azalee Swift Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 bag in Rose Azalee (pink) Veau Swift leather with palladium-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
Hermès Birkin 30 Orange Togo Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Orange Togo Leather with Gold Hardware is a timeless luxury handbag that combines the iconic Birkin with a bold and vibrant colorway. Expertly crafted by Herm...
Hermès Chapeau Bonnet T55 Ecru Wool Whipcord Miki Hat US6 7/8 or 21.5 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès hat or beanie in ecru and beige wool whipcord, with a wide brim and beige satin lining. Size FR 55, which is US 6 7/8 or 21.5 inches. The beanie is vintage but in very good co...
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...
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 2011 Birkin 30cm Pink Box Calf Leather Women's Handbag New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Bag Birkin 30cm Box Calf Pink New - 2410152001 Brand: Hermès Type : Hermes Birkin Bag Inside Detail: N/A Base Size: 30cm Height: 22cm Depth: 16cm Weight: Material: Box Calf L...
Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
Sac Hermès Birkin 35 Taurillon Clémence Bleu Jean 2009
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Hermès Birkin 35 en cuir taurillon Clémence bleu jean, finitions palladium. Daté de 2009, bon état avec léger défaut au fermoir. Élégant et authentique. Ce Birkin 35 Hermès en cuir ...
Hermès Padlock Charm Keyring Horse Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Padlock Can be used as a charm or keyring thanks to its ring In shape of a horse's head Made of brushed metal on the faces, unbrushed metal on the...
Hermes Kelly 28 Braise Shiny Alligator Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Braise Shiny Alligator Bag. A square stamp. GHW. Great codntion. Very rare color. Protective plastic on the plates. Bag comes with the box,dust bag, authentic, keys,...
Hermès Black Birkin 30 Bag in Togo Leather with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Gold hardware. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Looks like new. Interior clean. Highly desired combination. Classic bag and most wanted size 30. Include...
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag Stunning Hermès Constance in rouge braise alligator leather; some shadows or imperfections on the ...
Exceptional Hermès 18K Yellow Gold Belt Buckle Wings for 32 mm Belt
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Belt Buckle Shaped like two wings held together by a ring Front is made of matte brass metal, back of yellow gold 18K ("750" engraved at back of ...
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Christiane Vauzelles
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Turkish Horse motif by Christiane Vauzelles, first produced in 1970 and reissued in 1989, 1991, and 2002. The original motifs are in Herm...
HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly II 35 bag in black Veau Togo leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in black chèvre (goatskin) with a zipper pocket against the back and divided patch p...
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a removable shoulder strap in coordinated leather for carrying on the shoulder or across the body, keys, padlock, bell, zipper, dustbag, year 1991. Width 35 cm x height 27 cm x depth 13.5 cm, handles 32 cm, shoulder strap 93 cm. The bag was the subject of a "spa" at Hermès very...
Hermès Spinning Top Toopy Leather Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Spinning Top "TOOPY" Rare item Made of smooth young bull leather and mahogany wood (cuir de taurillon lisse et bois d'acajou) "HERMÈS" engraved on th...
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.