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 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 Grenat red Clemence leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag is crafted from luxurious Rouge Grenat (Pomegranate Red) Taurillon Clemence leather and features elegant palladium-tone hardware. The...
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 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...
Hermès Kelly 28 Handbag Orange
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier handbag strap in Orange H Epsom calf leather, gold metal hardware, orange leather handle, and removable orange leather shoulder strap allowing for ha...
HERMES Cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Cream (new color) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H" ...
Hermès NIB Mystère Au 24 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mystère au 24 Scarf 90 in silk twill with hand-rolled edges, featuring an intricate illustrative interior scene designed by Jonathan Burton. Brand new with original box.
Hermès Vintage Safari Jacket by Martin Margiela (1997–2003)
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
Located in PARIS, Paris
Hermès Jacket by Martin Margiela (1997–2003) Made in France 100% Cotton Size 44 FR (fits Medium to Large) Measurements: - Shoulders: 49 cm (19.29 inches) - Chest: 47 cm (18.50 inch...
Hermès Veste Caban FR34 Black Wool Whipcord Oversized Pea Coat UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès oversized pea coat in thick black whipcord wool, notched collar with double-breasted button closure, Hermès logo buttons in blackened silver-tone metal and black leather, two ...
Hermes Red Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès red silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over flower print, a red border and a center pleat. Circa 1990s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (114cm) X 6.7...
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared belted long leather coat FR34
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared formal belted long leather coat FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00665 Brand: Hermes Collection: 2024 Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver P...
Hermès Baleines Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare vintage Hermès "Baleines" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 90 x 60 cm Une petite tâche de décoloration visible sur la photo
Hermès Birkin 29 Shoulder Light Vert Moyen Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Make a statement with this exceptional Hermès Birkin Shoulder 29cm, crafted in sophisticated Vert Moyen Evercolor leather and finished with elegant Palladium Hardware (PHW). The Herm...
Hermès Set of 2 Matching Ashtrays Russian Ballets Russia Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Set of 2 Matching Hermès Ashtrays Print: Dancers These patterns come from the Silk Collection Scarf called "Les Ballets Russes" (the russian ballets); desinged by...
Hermès Sandales Chypre Noir EU37 Black Leather Sandals Mules UK4 US6.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chypre sandals in black leather with wide adjustable Velcro straps, black leather insole on an anatomical rubber footbed. Size 37FR (UK 4, US 6.5). The sandals have been worn ...
Hermes Birkin 35 Bougainvillea shiny Porosus crocodile bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35 Bougainvillea Shiny Porosus Crocodile bag. PHW. O stamp. It was a small stain inside which was professionally cleaned. Bag is in great condition with minor scuffs on...
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag Orange
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Orange feu Epsom leather, gold metal hardware, orange single leather handle, removable leather orange shoulder strap a...
Hermès "Grands Fonds" Blue Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Grand Fonds" beach sarong in the blue and white color way. The luxurious sarong is made from 100% cotton and features a vibrant fish motif.
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...
Hermès Birkin Sellier 25 Gold Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin, in the Sellier style, is in Gold Epsom leather with palladium hardware, has contrast stitching, a front flap, two straps with a center toggle closure, a lock and two key...
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 ...
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 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 Wrap Skirt in Woll and Cashmere Size 36 Small
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Skirt "Wrap Skirt" Made in France Probably vintage Made of 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere Top is lined with a beige canvas made of Acetate and Bemberg Colo...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135 x 95cm - Ecru Camel - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
laid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel – NWCTS - 2602181809 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37...
Hermes Birkin 35 White Clemence Palladium Hardware Rare New Never Carried
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermes Birkin 35 in White Clemence leather which is an exceptionally elegant collector classic, defined by purity, rarity, and timeless appeal. White remains o...
Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 Rouge Vif Courchevel Toile Limited Edition Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 in Rouge Vif Courchevel leather and Toile which presents an exceptionally rare limited edition interpretation of the iconic Birkin. Bril...
Hermès Silk Scarf Flamingo Party Bourthoumieux 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: the green is actually lighter than the photos Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Flamingo Party" Designed by Laurence ...
Hermès 2025 Chale Maxi Triangle Robe Legere Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle scarf/shawl in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the Robe Légère print by Théo de Gueltzl in shades of orange on an ecru background, with hand-rolled orange edg...
HERMES Hydra blue Togo leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Bleu Hydra Taurillon Clémence leather. Designed in the house’s iconic, relaxed saddle silhouette, it features gold-plated hardware, ...
Hermès Nata Togo 24/24 Handbag 29 Unisex PHW with Removable Strap
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The Hermès 24/24 is one of the house's more contemporary designs, blending the relaxed feel of a casual day bag with the refined craftsmanship of a classic Hermès handbag.The 24/24 2...
Hermès Soleil Clemence Shoulder Birkin 42 JPG PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Soleil Clemence Shoulder Birkin 42 JPG PHW SKU: 157214 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has g...
Vintage Hermès "Toucans" Fine Limoges Porcelain Cigar Ashtray / Change Tray (GM)
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Vintage Hermès "Toucans" Fine Limoges Porcelain Cigar Ashtray / Change Tray (Grand Modèle) An exceptional and highly collectible rectangular white porcelain cigar ashtray / valet tr...
$14,586Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
Hermès NIB "Jour de Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour de Casting" scarf, silk with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). The 70 scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed by...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf - Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert - Mint Rare
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert – MWCT - 2602181848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Antoine de Jacquelot Design Name: Casse Noisette - Nutcracker Siz...
Hermes foulard/scarf 'Della Cavalleria' by Virginie Jamin 2020
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Della Cavalleria" theme designed by Virginie Jamin. 2020 Edition. Dual-sided silk twill foulard topstitched by hand. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
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...
Hermès Towel and Sweatband Sports Set Tennis in Combed Cotton
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Sport Set The set includes a Towel and a Sweatband for wrist Pattern: "Chevrons" (Herringbone) Made in France for Sweatband and Belgium for Towel Made of 1...
Hermès "Nautical" Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Nautical" Ashtray is porcelain, with a stamp, gold trim, blue felt bottom, and features a seagull on a boat.
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Pavement
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Pavement" This pattern was designed by Maurice Tranchant in 1970 The design is a breathtakingly beautiful micromosaic. T...
Hermès Etoupe Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Epsom Sellier Mini Kelly II 20 GHW SKU: Z159016 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has g...
Hermès Kelly Pochette Noir Swift Leather With Gold Hardware Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Hermès Kelly Pochette, beautifully crafted in luxurious Noir Black Swift leather and finished with sophisticated Gold Hardware. Inspired by the ...
2016 Hermès Vert Verone Togo Birkin 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
• Brand: Hermès • Model: Birkin • Size: 30cm • Color: Vert Verone • Leather: Togo • Hardware: Gold Hardware • Year: 2016 • Accessories: Lock, Keys • Condition: Excellent
HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes "Bolide" travel bag in Havane (chestnut brown) Taurillon Clemence leather. Open with a zipper on top. Lined in leather and beige cotton. Has been carried with two small black ...
Hermes Brown Amedaba Diago GM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown “Amedaba Diago” GM tote bag featuring brown leather handles, silver-tone hardware, cotton lining with slip pocket. (50%leather 50%polyester) Circa 2000s In good vintage...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Tennis Racquet Shaped Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Tennis Racquet Shaped Vintage item Made of metal The lid is made of transparent plastic on which are drawn lines representing the r...
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...
$53,169
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag Gold
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Gold Epsom leather, palladium silver metal hardware, gold single leather handle, gold removable leather shoulder strap...
Hermès Rare Beige "Kachinas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Kachinas" scarf. This chic scarf is 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. It features bright bold colors with a Pueblo Indian motif. Comes with no box.
$1,367Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Cotton Bathrobe "Les Leopards" by Christiane Vauzelles
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare soft cotton terry bathrobe the motif and the iconic one of the Carrè "Les Leopards" designed by master Christiane Vauzelles - This ...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
HERMES silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Diamond Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Product Title: Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Cro...
Hermès 2003 Black Togo Leather Vintage Kelly 35cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo Leather Vintage Kelly 35cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Product Title: Black Togo Leather Vintage Kelly 35cm Sellier Type: Top Handle, S...
HERMES Piment red leather JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Boots' in Piment veau swift leather with Ruthenium Kelly buckle. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Impr...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
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 ...
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.