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.
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 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...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
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 black leather 2010 STRAIGHT Pants 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier pants are crafted in black grained deerskin leather. They feature a mid-rise fit with straight legs, two side pockets, and one back p...
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 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 Constance 24cm Rose Confetti Evergrain Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Constance in Rose Confetti Evergrain with Palladium hardware feels immediately playful yet controlled, where the clean, structured lines of the Constance silhouette keep the c...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - Bagage a Main - Turquoise Rose Pal - New with Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bagage a Main - Turquoise Rose Pal - NWST - 2604131745 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Bagage à Main, Hand Luggage Artist: Rosa Maria Unda Souki Size: 90 ...
Hermès Multicolor Silk Etriers Remix by Françoise de La Perrière Scarf 90, 2021
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Multicolor Silk Etriers Remix by Françoise de La Perrière Scarf 90, 2021 Made in silk twill with hand-rolled edges Includes box Year 2021 Dimensions Height: 35.43 inches ...
Hermès Kelly En Desordre 20cm Black Epsom Sellier Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Subversive in design yet impeccably controlled in execution, the Hermès Kelly En Désordre 20cm reimagines one of the house’s most iconic silhouettes through a deliberately off-center...
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...
$1,438
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...
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 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 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 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 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...
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...
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 ...
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
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 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 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 1986 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Chasse a vol Grey Ecru Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, "Chasse à Vol" (Hunting in Flight) motif by Henri de Linares, first produced in 1982, reissued in 1986 and 1989. The motif is in shades o...
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 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 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...
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 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...
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. ...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Elephant India Asia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Elephant dressed in his finest jewels Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorway...
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...
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...
Hermès "Pony Express" Silk Scarf White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès collectible "Pony Express" 100% silk scarf is designed by Kermit Oliver and with hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition, cara tag attached .
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 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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
HERMES black 2020 SHORT LEATHER Jacket 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black goatskin leather. Features a refined, straight-cut silhouette with a short, structured length that delivers a sleek, modern profile, complemente...
Hermès 2011 Carré 140 Graffiti Kongo Ecru Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 140, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, Graffiti print by Kongo, limited edition 2011, in shades of purple on an ecru background, hand-rolled edges. Wi...
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 bag 'Florida' circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 1970, under the direction ofRobert Dumas. Black porosus crocodile Florida bag with golden metal elements. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Le...
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...
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 Birkin 25 Bleu Nuit Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 in Bleu Nuit Togo leather is a refined and timeless interpretation of the house’s most iconic silhouette. Bleu Nuit—a deep, inky navy that often reads almost bl...
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...
Hermès Black Leather Boots In Excellent Condition, 2000s
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegant, structured Hermès boots in smooth black leather feature a clean, sophisticated silhouette with a sculptural high heel and discreet platform. The model features medium leggi...
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 1961 Carre Cachemire Soie 90 Les Fusils Cashmere Silk Carre Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square scarf in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the "Les Fusils" motif by Henri de Linares, a one-off design from 1961, in shades of burgundy and dark green, with hand...
Hermes White Leather Trim Shoulder Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes white shoulder leather Trim tote bag featuring a shoulder handle, a top zip opening, an inside logo stamp, ar gold-plated hardware. Circa: 1990s Under the attached strap mark...
Hermes Constance H Blue Bicolor Leather Reversible Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Blue bicolor “Constance” leather reversible belt featuring a reversible inside yellow leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted Z in a round. Belt Size fr:80 Circa 1996 (Z in a r...
Hermès Vert Anis Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Anis Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette Product Details Xupes Ref: MML040 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Pochette Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [I] Age: 2005 Accompa...
New In Box 2013 Hermès x Comme des Garçons "Quadrige" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Rei Kawakubo Comme Des Garcons, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
When the Hermès women wear artistic director Bali Barret invited one of the most prominent and influential designers from the East - Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) - to share her v...
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.
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.