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.
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...
Hermès Ceinture A composer 24 mm T95 Black Leather adjustable Belt 38 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A Composer belt, composed of a 2.4 cm wide reversible leather strap with one side in smooth black box calf leather and the other in finely grained Epsom (or Courchevel) leathe...
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 ...
Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather SAC A DEPECHES 26 Shoulder Bag w Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Sac à Dépêches 26 shoulder bag is crafted in Rouge H Veau Box leather with gold-plated hardware. A timeless silhouette, it features the iconic Sac à Dépêch...
Hermès Fuschia Shiny Crocodile Porosus Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2014
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Hermès Birkin 35 in fuchsia shiny porosus crocodile from 2014 is a striking example of the house’s craftsmanship, paired with palladium hardware. The structured silhouette is so...
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 Sac à Dépêches 41 Black Togo Leather PHW Business Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:41cm,height:31cm Designer: HERMES Model:Sac à Dépêches 41 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black Interior Material: Leather ...
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...
Black Hermes Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Black Hermes Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag. The Kelly Elan Shoulder Bag features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, a single flat shoulder strap, and a front clasp closure. 10.75" L x 5.7...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
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 Mouette grey 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 Gris Mouette grey Clemence leather with palladium hardware. It features the house’s signature perforated H motif...
Hermes Lindy 26 Blue Swift Leather Silver HW PHW D Stamp Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: hermes lindy 26 handbag blue stamp d France swift，The corners are worn, and there are scratches on the hardware. Accessories: Dust bag. size: Width:26cm Designer: Herme...
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 Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware Stamp O 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, wear on the four corners, small area of wear at the bottom, leather wear and darkening at the handle, clean interior, and scratches on the hardware. ...
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...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - La Vallee De Cristal - Bleu Blanc Parme - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Vallee De Cristal - Bleu Blanc Parme - NWSTS - 2604231656 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La Vallée de Cristal, The Crystal Valley Artist: Ugo Bienvenu...
Hermes Double Sens 35 Reversible Tote Bag, P Square Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use. Wear along the top opening and corners, minor stains on the body. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:35cm Designer: Hermès Model: Double Sens 35 ...
Hermès 2025 Carré 140 Couvertures et Tenues Cashmere Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, 140 cm, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, "Couvertures et Tenues de jour" (Coverages and Daywear) print by Jacques Eudel, originally published in 1974 and ...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Herbes Folles Lise Coutin White Blue 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "HERBES FOLLES" Quite rare and hard to find in this condition. Colors are gorgeous Designed by Lise Coutin in 1963 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: White, Turquoise Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple "HERMES - PARIS", no copyight before 1967 Measurements: 91 x 86 cm (35,8 x 33,85 inches) Condition: Very Good considering its age. No hole. A small pulled thread hard to see. A small stain (last picture). Hems a bit flat in some places. Will come in its Vintage Hermès Box...
Hermès Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
HERMES white & black leather 32MM REVERSIBLE H Buckle Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 32mm reversible belt in Blanc (white) Veau Epsom leather and Noir (black) Veau Swift leather showcases timeless versatility. Finished with a classic H buck...
Hermes Birkin 35cm Bleu Saphire Novillo Leather Sea Surf & Fun w/Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35 in Black Togo leather with Palladium Hardware embodies the quiet confidence that defines the house's most enduring creations. Rendered in deep noir, the silhouet...
Hermès Per Astra Ad Astra Silk Scarf Pink Green Sandra Laroche 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Per Astra Ad Astra" Designed by Sandra Laroche and firstly issued in 2009 Made in France Made of 100% twil...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier jacket is crafted in rich Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrasting white saddle stitching. Designed i...
HERMES Craie cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (chulk white) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H...
Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Cypress Crocodile Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Cypress Nilo Crocodile Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. A Stamp 2017. Please keep in mind that this is a pre owned i...
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 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 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 ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . As New Plastic on all Hardware. 2019 D Stamp. Please keep in mind that this is not a st...
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...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Crocodile Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Shinny Porosus Crocodile Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Collectors Dream! Excellent Condition, Plasti...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge H Red Alligator Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE & Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge H Mississippian Alligator Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Condition with Plastic on Hardware Dimensions: 12 W x 6 D x 9 ...
HERMES Sesame Swift leather & Toile Viking canvas 24/24-35 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 24/24-35 bag in ecru-beige Toile H Viking with Sesame (beige) Veau Swift leather trims. Features an open pocket on the outside back. Closes with a gold-plated t...
Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Dore Chevre Chamkilight Permabrass Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Dore Chevre Chamkilight Permabrass Hardware. New, K Stamp 2024. Includes all Accessories and Box. Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermès Corkscrew Bottle Opener Bottle Coaster Matching Set Cordage Rope D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Matching Set of 3 pieces - Corkscrew - Bottle Opener - Bottle Coaster Absolutely perfect for decorating the table in your seaside home or on your boat ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Alligator Leather Vert Cypress Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Shinny Alligator Vert Cypress. Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New 2020 Y Stamp. Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Flora Marqueterie Francoise Heron 1960
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "FLORA MARQUETERIE" Pattern: flowers and butterflies Designed by Françoise Héron in 1960 Made of 100% Silk Col...
Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z155617 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown ...
Hermès Black Togo Mississippiensis Matte Alligator Touch Birkin 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Togo Mississippiensis Matte Alligator Touch Birkin 25 PHW SKU: Z155673 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness ...
Hermes Vintage 1980s Haut a Courroies Hac 55 Naturel Vache Hunter Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Vache Hunter Naturel Exterior - Brass Hardware - Circa late 1980's - Absolutely amazing patina Condition: The bag is in overall decent condition with no major imperfecti...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Gold Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. Includes all Accessories and Box. Thank you for stopping by Lux Add...
Hermès Twilly Galons et Brandebourgs Black Gold White in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Twilly Scarf Print: "Galons et Brandebourgs" Twilly can be used as small scarf but also to cover the handle of your Hermès bag Made in France Made of 100%...
Hermes Birkin 25 Mushroom White Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Mushroom Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh bag. It has...
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 bag 'Ring' by Catherine de Károlyi 1975
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection from 1975, under the artistic direction of Catherine de Károlyi. 25cm coffee-colored Crocodylus Porosus 'Ring' bag with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a...
HERMES Trim 31 Orange Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag Stamp H 2004
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Obvious signs of usage with scratches on hardware fittings. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:30cm,height:22cm Designer:Hermes Model:Trim Exterior Material: Lea...
Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Colvert Togo Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare and highly coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Colvert Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitine Condition 2016 X Stamp. Plastic on all Hardware! Please keep in min...
Hermes Limited Edition Octogone Pochette Clutch Bag Blue Indigo Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare authentic never worn Hermes Limited Edition Octogne Pochette Clutch in navy Bleu Indigo color. This was the first edition of the Octogane series. Extremely durable epsom leather...
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 Halter Wrap Top Les Léopards Size S/M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Top Pattern: "Léopards" Ties to cross and tie in front or back, halter neck Made in France Made of 100% Cotton Colorways: White, Yellow, Black Size: Tag s...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Etoupe Gray Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 EtoupeEpsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Excellent Pristine Condition, Plastic on Hardware. Thank you for s...
Hermès Long Opera Gloves Burgundy Lambskin Leather Size 6.5 in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and so elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves Made in France Made of Lambskin Leather Decorated with small silver balls, grouped by 4 Colorway: Burgundy, Silver-Tone Lined wi...
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 Kelly Mini 20 Blue Tie Epsom Electrum Palladium Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Very Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Blue Tie Epsom Leather Complimented by Electrum Hardware. As New 2025 K Stamp. Includes all accessories and box. Thank you for stoppi...
Hermes Birkin 30 Gris Etain Gray Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
One of the most coveted colors. Hermes Birkin 30 Etain Togo Leather Gold Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. As New. Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep in mind that this is not a store fresh i...
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.