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 Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
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...
Hermès Long Ghillies Gloves Leather Silk Size 7
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves The top beautifully adorned with a band decorated with holes and nicely cut on the edge in the ghillies style Made in France Made of s...
HERMES orange Swift leather MINI JYPSIERE 22 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Jypsière 22 crossbody bag in classic Hermès Orange Veau Swift leather. A refined, modern icon blending equestrian herit...
Hermès Birkin 30 Gris Meyer Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 30 in Gris Meyer Togo leather is a sophisticated and contemporary interpretation of one of the house's most iconic handbags. Gris Meyer—a refined medium grey with ...
A 2000s Monsieur et Madame Blue Silk Square Scarf by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A playful blend of classic Hermès equestrian heritage and modern graphic flair, this authentic 41x41 cm silk pocket square features the celebrated "Monsieur et Madame" motif designed...
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club grey leather top handle bag
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club etain grey clemence leather top handle bag Reference: TGAS/F01045 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Birkin 30 Club Colle...
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: ...
Sac Hermès HAC 32 Vintage Vache Naturelle
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès HAC 32 vintage en cuir vache naturelle, finitions gold. Patine authentique et traces d’usage. Ce sac Hermès HAC 32 vintage, réalisé en cuir v...
Hermès Duck Shaped Change Tray Ashtray Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptonal and Rare Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a Duck The 2 wings open and reveal a storage space. Wings are removable. Can also be us...
Hermès Carré 90 Grands Fonds Detail 2001 Navy Silk twill carre Scarf Hermes Box
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Grands Fonds print (detail) by Annie Faivre, first released in 2001 in shades of blue and camel beige, with hand-rolled navy blue edges. Approxim...
Hermès Shawl Scarf Les Plaisirs du Froid Grygkar Cashmere Silk 53 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Shawl Print: "Les Plaisirs Du Froid" Very rare, hard to find, this is the perfect print for the winter season. Soft and supple, the best friend when it's ...
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch Reference: JACG/A00161 Brand: Hermes Model: Goodlock Material: Leather Color: Green Pattern: Animal Prin...
Hermès New Fuchsia Bride-a-Brac Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Bride-a-Brac Case in small features 100% cotton, lining in herringbone canvas, strap in polycotton, embroidered "H" motif, and three interior pockets. Includes a handle for ha...
Brand New Hermes Black Mini Kelly 20 HSS verso Gold
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Mini Kelly 20 Hermès Neuf Jamais porté, HSS Commande Spéciale en cuir Epsom Noir verso Gold - stamp K de 2025. Tous les plastiques de protection sont p...
Hermès 2024 Constance Slim Pochette Ceinture Pink Leather Bag on belt Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance Slim model clutch in pink Epsom leather (Mexico), interior in smooth pink leather and matching removable coin purse, H click clasp in shiny silver metal (palladium),...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Hermes Kelly II Sellier 32 Toile H Berline Toile H Plume Swift Leather Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly II Sellier 32 bag. This striking bag is featured in Toile H Berline, a coated canvas, and Toile H Plume. Finished in Black Swift le...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Swift Rose Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 cm retournè is in new condition, rose etè swift leather with tonal stitching and palladium hardware. Date stamp Y. comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Co...
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
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...
Dessous de bouteille Hermès Cordage 1970
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Maison : Hermès • Type : Dessous de bouteille • Époque : Années 1970 • Matière : Métal argenté • Décor : Guilloché et motif cordage • Dimensions : À compléter • État : Très bon...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron - NWST - 2604131912 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Trois Grâces, The Three Graces Artist: Alice Shir...
Hermès Yellow Gold Money Clip Numbered Stirrup Spur Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exeptional and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Moeny Clip In shape of stirrup with a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made of yellow gold (eaggle head hallmark ...
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...
Hermès NIB Oasis Sandal White 37.5
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal in White calfskin with an iconic "H" cut-out is an essential piece in every wardrobe. Leather sole with an hazelnut insole and lining. Italian number 37.5. C...
HERMÈS Vintage Les Perroquets Printed Canvas XL Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Vintage Les Perroquets printed canvas XL tote bag. This bag features : - Les Perroquets print on coated canvas, showcasing an opulent composition of parrots and foliage in vi...
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 Argile Evercolor Jige Elan 29
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Argile Evercolor Jige Elan 29 SKU: 155644 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one...
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 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 Picotin 22 orange Clemence leather palladium hardware tote bag MM
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Picotin 22 orange Clemence leather palladium hardware tote bag MM Reference: VNWG/A00008 Brand: Hermes Model: Picotin Lock 22 (MM) Material: Leather Color: Orange, Silver Patt...
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 Voiliers Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Voiliers" Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : Pristine
Rare Vintage HERMÈS Cotton Beach Towel by Robert Dallet, 150x90 cm
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton ( 150 x 90 cm. ). This beautiful design is by the master Robert Dallet, a designer for the Maiso...
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 "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 .
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...
HERMES cream silk CIRQUE MOLIER 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Cirque Molier 90' scarf by Philippe Dumas in cream silk twill (100%) and multicolored details. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Widt...
$17,819
Sac Hermès HAC 45 iconique
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès HAC 45 en cuir rouge-orangé, finitions dorées. Traces d’usure discrètes, superbe allure. Modèle rare, très bon investissement Hermès. Le sac ...
Hermès Puzzle 140 Pieces
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Hermès Puzzle 140 pieces Colorways: Bue, Pink, Black No photo of the drawing inside Measurements: 42 x 30 cm (16,53 x 11,81 inches) Condition: New condition. Done once...
Hermes Toilette Annes MM Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach set up for sale: yellow and white striped bag with matching sarong. Mint condition. Beach sarong is in mint condition, - 28” x 58” 100% cotton
Hermès dress 'Jungle Love' by Robert Dallet circa 2000
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 2000 with the "Jungle Love" theme designed by Robert Dallet. Kaftan-style dress made of silk and thin cashmere knitting, with a flowing str...
HERMÈS - Vintage Cotton Nightgown Set with Unique Stitching, Circa the 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure-cotton robe with distinctive craftsmanship and stitching (Made in England). The robe is paired with a shirt and comes with a s...
$55,996Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Kelly 35 Sellier Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
HERMES Kelly 35 Sellier Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag Pre-Owned Condition Black Shiny Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware Includes Keys, Clochette, Dust Bag 100% ...
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...
Hermès Shawl 140 "Jungle Love"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Jungle Love" en Cachemire et Soie, dessiné par Robert Dallet, dans sa boite. Modèle collector.
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Linen Blazer Circa 1997-2003 Size 38
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A sand-coloured linen coat from Martin Margiela's tenure at Hermès (1997–2003). The coat features two patch pockets, a breast pocket, and a single interior pocket. Its open front ext...
HERMES taupe leather & cashmere Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès by Martin Margiela reversible shawl in khaki green lambskin leather and cashmere. Features an effortless, fluid silhouette with an open front, softly rounded sh...
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...
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 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...
1990's Hermès Silk and Cashmere Chasse En Inde Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Hermès silk and cashmere Chasse En Inde scarf/shawl. Designed by Michel Duchêne, depicting a scene of hunting in India. Warm browns, golds and reds with an intricate overall p...
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...
Hermès Silk Pocket Square or Scarf Les Chevaux Se Rendent au Départ Jockey Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pocket Square or Scarf Print: "LES CHEVAUX SE RENDENT AU DEPART " (the horses are heading to the starting point) Pattern: Jockey suits Made in France M...
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 Hermès Blue Red Giraffes Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermes blue and red "three giraffes" in box silk scarf. Design by Alice Shirley. In original box.
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
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...
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.