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.
New In Box 2013 Hermès x Comme des Garçons "Quadrige" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Hermès, Rei Kawakubo Comme Des Garcons
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...
HERMÈS scarf VENDANGES
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf VENDANGES Designed by Valerie Dawlat-Dumoulin 2001 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Ivory, red, brown Approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x ...
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...
Vintage Hermès Constance 23 Rouge H Box Calf Leather
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
An authentic and exceptionally rare vintage Hermès Constance (size 23), crafted in 1971. While it retains beautiful structural integrity, this 50+ year-old collector's piece features...
HERMES Sac à Dépêches 38 Black Togo Leather Briefcase Palladium Tone HW 2014
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, worn corners, scratches on metal hardware, minor stains on the interior and exterior in tiny areas. Size Width: 38cm Designer Hermes Model Sac à Dépêc...
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...
Collection of Vintage Hermes and Gucci Designer Skirts, France & Italy, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
An elegant collection of three vintage designer skirts from two of Europe's most celebrated luxury houses, Hermès Paris and Gucci, dating from the 1980s. Together they offer a sophis...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Grey Virgin Wool Ensemble (1997-2003)
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A steel-grey virgin wool shirt and trouser ensemble from Martin Margiela's tenure at Hermès (1997–2003). Runway piece. The sleeveless shirt features an asymmetric hem and a front but...
Hermes Vintage 1950's Haut à Courroies Hac 50 Birkin Natural Toile Travel Duffle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Brass Hardware - Toile Exterior - Circa latre 1950's - Absolutely amazing patina Condition: The bag presents very well considering its age. It features a rich, well-develop...
Hermès New Toile Case Traffic Jam
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Flat case in H canvas with "Traffic Jam" print 100% cotton, screen printed. Made in France and designed by Katie Scott. New in unused condition.
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 Gris Misty Swift and Toile Canvas Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 Gris Misty Swift & Toile Canvas with Palladium Hardware is a rare limited-edition handbag that reimagines the iconic Bir...
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...
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag Reference: KYCG/A00038 Brand: Hermes Model: Twins Collection: SS 2019 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Flap Lining: Blue Leather Extra Details: Hermes Twin...
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...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Beige Clemence Leather Crossbody Bag Unisex 2025
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Beige 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 K. Year 2025 Condition: Pri...
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 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 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...
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 Etain Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35 Etain Togo Leather with Gold Hardware is a timeless luxury handbag that perfectly balances elegance, functionality, and inv...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glasses Case Beige Ostrich Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Glasses Case Exceptional Piece, extremely rare Made in France No datation stamp, Vintage item Made of ostrich leather, inside ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Pivoine Togo Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box. Date stamp P, 2012....
HERMES black Toile Militaire & Box leather KELLY 40 LAKIS Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 40 Lakis shoulder bag in black Toile Militaire and black Box leather featuring Palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather. Has been carried and ...
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 ...
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 ...
Faune et Flore du Texas Forever Scarf 90 NEW 2025
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Faune et Flore du Texas forever scarf 90 cm Jaune Vif / Bleu Azur / Multicolore Last piece ,sold out in stores and this is our last piece . New with tags and box. Final sale
Hermes Vintage Herbag 50 Toile Ecru Natural Tan Leather Shoulder Carry On Duffle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Beige coated canvas exterior - The exterior is toile and has been coated to prevent water stains. The exterior has a glazing water protectant to preserve the longevity of the bag. ...
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...
Hermes Birkin 40 Black Ardennes Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Ardennes Birkin 40 in Black. This classic Birkin tote is crafted of beautifully textured calfskin leather in black. The bag...
Hermes Gao Etoupe Dark Grey Clemence Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag 2008
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Gao Étoupe Dark Grey Clemence Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag 2008 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved bag is in...
Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW SKU: 154862 MSRP: 5200.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Commen...
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...
Hermes Vintage Navy Blue and Black Fourre Tout PM Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step back into the late 90s with this iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model that redefined functional luxury for the modern woman. Meticulously crafted in France from durable navy blue ...
HERMES Picotin Lock 22 MM Tressage Epsom Rouge de Coeur Bucket Bag PHW 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of wear, minor scuffs and stains on the leather surface, scratches on hardware.. Size Width: 22cm Designer HERMES Model Picotin Lock 22 MM Exterior Material L...
Hermes Kelly 25 Bag Rose Sakura Palladium Hardware Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 25 in Rose Sakura which captures the house’s mastery of color through one of its most coveted pastel hues. Soft and luminous, this delicate pink evo...
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
Hermes Paris Vintage Red Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of 1990s Parisian chic with the iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model celebrated for its perfect blend of utility and effortless style. This PM tote, expertly crafte...
Hermes 1970s Haut À Courroies HAC 50 Black Gold Veau Grènè Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black grained leather exterior - New handles ( Fresh from the Hermes spa ) - Stamped " Circle G " - 1977 - Comes with dust bag lock & key Base Of the Bag: 19.5 x 10.5 Height: ...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather CONSTANCE 23 Bag w Gold VINTAGE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 23 shoulder bag in Rouge H Veau Box leather featuring gold-plated hardware. Vintage from 1976. Lined in burg...
Hermes Bolide 45 Relax Travel Bag Orange Leather Silver Hardware 2016
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear, corner scuffs, minor leather damage in a small area, hardware scratches, and cl...
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...
HERMES ivory paper EMMA Cap Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Emma cap in off-white braided paper (with 19% polyester). Featuring and "H vagues" woven band on the interior and "H vagues" detail on the back. Lacquered Clou ...
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 Clemence Evelyne Gris Pale NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This bag features a white canvas crossbody strap, polished gold plated hardware, and a perforated Hermès H oval logo. The top of the bag opens with a crossover strap to a suede inter...
Hermes Lady Vest - 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - Excellent Condition Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Lady Vest Hermes 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - 2502241942 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Vest Name Design: Charreada, Mexican Rodeo Artist: Jean de Fougerolle External Material Back: 1...
HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the fro...
Hermès Chale Triangle a franges 1990s Cashmere and Leather Fringes Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle shawl with fringe in burgundy cashmere and long knotted fringes in matching leather. Approximately 200 cm wide x 100 cm high (excluding the 45 cm fringe). The sh...
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 Kelly 20 Sellier Mini Kelly II Gold Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 20 in Gold which distills the house’s aesthetic to its most essential form—balanced, refined, and enduring. Rendered in one of Hermès’ most recogniz...
Auth Hermes Scarf Della Cavalleria Double Face Blanc Orange Rose - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Della Cavalleria Double Face - Blanc Orange Rose - NWST - 2604131909 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print. Name Design: Della Cavalleria, Della Cavalle...
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 ...
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 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...
HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather EVELYNE III 29 PM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Evelyne III 29 crossbody bag in Lime (bright yellow) Veau Epsom leather with contrasting ivory stitching. Adjustable canvas...
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a removable shoulder strap in coordinated leather for carrying on the shoulder or across the body, keys, padlock, bell, zipper, dustbag, year 1991. Width 35 cm x height 27 cm x depth 13.5 cm, handles 32 cm, shoulder strap 93 cm. The bag was the subject of a "spa" at Hermès very...
Hermès Fauve Barenia Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Fauve Barenia Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z156378 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one ...
HERMES Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 soulder bag in Bleu Encre Togo leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in Bleu Saphir goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zi...
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.