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 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 by Martin Margiela Wool & Silk Two-Piece Set (1997–2003)
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Martin Margiela Wool & Silk Two-Piece Set (1997–2003) Made in France Color: Navy blue Both the trousers and the top are size FR 40 (Large). Please note that the trousers ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Gold. This classic handbag is beautifully crafted of Togo calfskin leather in golden brown. The bag features rolled leather top handles ...
Hermes Black Leather Cover Diary
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black leather cover diary featuring a lizard effect, foldover rectangular shape, inside pockets, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made i...
HERMES blue silk TRESSES H TWILLY Scarf Jean Pearl Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tresse H Twilly scarf by Gianpaolo Pagni in Blue Jean blue, Gris Perle grey and Vert green twill silk (100%). This refined design d...
Hermès Women's Béarn Wallet in Rose Pop Chèvre Leather
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Hermès Béarn wallet in Rose Pop Chèvre Mysore leather Silver palladium metal hardware alloing a hand carry Closure: Tab with H closure Pink leather lining, four flat poc...
Hermès Black Box So Black Birkin 35 PVD
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Box So Black Birkin 35 PVD SKU: Z157889 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into ...
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 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 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 2024 Evelyne TPM Dark Green Clemence Leather Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Dark green Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp W. Year 2024 Condition...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 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...
Hermès Kermit Oliver Kachinas Scarf Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Signature Hermès silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Very collectible series. Hand rolled edges in a 35" square.
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: ...
2026 As New Hermès Herbag 20 Viking
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Splendid and classy Hermès bag Brand new, purchased in may 2026 ! Herbag in Viking canvas and black leather External zip pocket Metal As new conditions, with dustbag, box and bills C...
Hermès 2020 Birkin 30 Vert Amande Epsom Leather Handbag for Women
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 30 retourne handbag in Vert Amande Epsom leather, golden metal hardware, double green leather handle allowing a hand carry. Closure by flap Inner lining in g...
Hermès Vintage Aline Cotton Unisex Crossbody Bag in Good Condition
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage Aline-style crossbody bag in cotton and leather. It is in good condition; there are no stains, just a few tears in the fabr...
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...
$10,314Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 1990s Kelly 32 Black Box Leather Unisex Top Handle Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
The Hermes Kelly 32 in black Box leather captivates with its structured lines and iconic look. Its Box leather, emblematic of the House of Hermes, offers a smooth feel and a refined ...
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 Orange Minium & Fauv HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Cabine 50 Bag is a refined travel companion that fuses functionality with timeless style. Crafted from vibrant Orange Minium Toile Militaire can...
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 ...
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 Toile & Cuir 1965
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare sac Hermès Kelly 28 en toile Officier et cuir Box bleu marine avec finitions dorées. Datant de 1965, il est présenté dans un très bon état et co...
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...
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...
New Hermes Rare Birkin 25 Black Togo Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 25cm Birkin in black togo leather with rose gold hardware. Rare and collectible. Handle drop, 3"L. Date stamp U fro 2022. Brand new in box with full set: lock, two keys, cloch...
Hermès Mosaic Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Serviette / Drap / Tapis de plage Hermès "Mosaic Fishes" 100% Coton. Parfait état Dimensions : H: 90 x L: 150 cm.
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
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...
New in Box Hermes Orange Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes orange guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
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...
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 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 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 ...
Sac Hermès HAC 40 Taurillon Noir
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès HAC 40 en cuir taurillon noir avec finitions palladium. Très bon état. Ce sac Hermès HAC 40, réalisé en cuir taurillon noir avec bijouterie palladium, incarne parfaitemen...
Hermès Silk Scarf Christophe Colomb Decouvre l'Amerique 12 Oct 1492
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Christophe Colomb découvre l'Amérique 12 Octobre 1492" Designed by Carl de Parcevaux in 1992 A true collector scarf ! Made in Fra...
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 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...
Hermès Vintage Black Box Sellier Kelly 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vintage Black Box Sellier Kelly 35 GHW SKU: 156085 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown ...
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...
Brand New Hermès "Flowers of South Africa" 140 Giant Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Carré Géant 140 en Soie Plume Hermès "Flowers of South Africa" Neuf dessiné par Ardmore Artists en Soie Plume, avec boite. Le twill plume, plus fin et aérien qu’une soie classi...
Sac Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu Saphir Swift leather
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Découvrez ce magnifique Birkin 25 en cuir Swift Bleu Saphir datant de 2015. Son cuir souple, sa couleur profonde et ses finitions Gold en font un modèle particulièrement recherché pa...
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 ...
1990s Hermès Green “Plumes” Silk Scarf by Henri de Linares
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Hermès “Plumes” Silk Scarf by Henri de Linares features beautifully illustrated array of colourful feathers scattered across an ivory background and framed by a solid olive green bo...
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 2026 Sac Evelyne TPM Amazone Black Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes NIB
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Evelyne bag (size 16 or TPM) in black Clemence leather, featuring a cotton webbing and black leather shoulder strap and silver-tone (palladium) hardware; snap-button closure o...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
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 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...
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...
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 Blanc white Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40mm Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etriviere 40mm belt is crafted from Blanc (white) Taurillon Clemence leather, offering a luxurious and timeless design. It features a sleek palladium-plate...
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
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...
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 Garden Party 36 PM Rose Negonda Leather PalladiumHardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Accessories: No Accessories size: long:36cm,height:27cm Designer: Hermès Model: garden party 36 Exterior Material: leather Exterior Color: rose Interior Material: canvas Inter...
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.