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 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...
Auth. Hermès Scarf Le Carnaval des Animaux - Multicolour New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Le Carnaval des Animaux - Multicolour - NWCTS - 2503240859 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Carré 90 Silk Twill Artist: Thibaut Huchard Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Multicolo...
Hermès Silk Scarf Faubourg Tropical Orange Kaki Saumon 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Faubourg Tropical" Designed by Octave Marsal et Théo de Gueltzl in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorway 05: ORANGE / KAK...
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
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...
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)...
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 Muscat taupe Eversoft suede COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 belt is crafted in Muscat (taupe) Veau Eversoft unbuckle leather with contrasting white stitching and finished with palladium-plated Mé...
Hermès Amethyst Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Amethyst Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z154203 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after...
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 "The Three Graces" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "The Three Graces" silk and cashmere shawl features three giraffes amidst an orange, red, and blue jungle pattern, designed by Alice Shirley. Highly collectible.
1990s Vintage HERMÈS Fourre Tout Toile Tote MM Military Green
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMES Fourre Tout MM tote is crafted of cotton in military green featuring sturdy handles of stripe canvas. Wide top with snap closure opens to an interior of the same ...
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 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 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 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 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...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Designed by Kermit Oliver the silk scarf is a classic, featuring Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a ...
HERMÈS silk scarf EX-LIBRIS À CARREAUX
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk scarf Title: EX LIBRIS À CARREAUX Designed by Anamorphée Year: 2014 100% silk with hand-rolled edges cm. 90xcm.90 circa Made in France Blue dur/Fuchsia/ Violet Conditio...
Hermes Picotin Lock Taurillon Clemence Leather Handbag With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Picotin Lock Handbag embodies understated luxury with its minimalist bucket silhouette and refined craftsmanship. Inspired by traditional horse-feed bags, this iconic Herm...
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 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 ...
$1,432
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...
Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Box Lid engraved with Tennis racquets and balls This is a vintage item, originally created to store cigarettes, but can be used for anything else M...
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 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...
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes 1994 "Astres et Soleil" Rare Silk 16.5"x16.5" Scarf by A. Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This a collector's Hermes scarf! The 1994 silk scarf designed by Anne Faivre is an hommage to ancient Inca civilization. The scarf predominantly features people in traditional dress ...
Hermès Vintage Silver Chain Mail Coin Pouch Bag with Bracelet Chain Handle
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES RARE VINTAGE SILVER CHAIN MAIL COIN POUCH BAG WITH CHAIN HANDLE Extremely rare Hermès chainmail coin pouch in silver. Chainmail mesh pouch bag (commonly known as an "aumôniè...
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 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 ...
Hermes Silk Scarf Fleurs de Giverny Christine Henry Parme 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs de Giverny" / Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2017 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: Parme / Vert / Bleu...
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...
Hermès Contemporary Burgundy White Cotton Bucket Hat, Size 55 cm
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Burgundy and white cotton bucket hat. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Head circumference: 55 cm SKU:CHP143
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Atoll Epsom, presented in a structured mid-size silhouette that balances everyday functionality with a distinctly refined, high-visibility presence, where ...
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...
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 Centered Rhyme Pink Orange Navy Silk Scarf Elaine Lustig Cohen 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Centered Rhyme" Designed by Elaine Lustig Cohen Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: "ROSE PALE / ORANGE ...
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 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...
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...
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 Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm with Gold Hardware, 1991.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm Bag with Gold Hardware, 1991. Originally introduced in 1958, the Trim bag design pays homage to the brand’s long-running equestrian roo...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 Flag Blue White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Kelly 35 sellier Flag Handbag in Bleu Thalassa and White Epsom leather with Palladium hardware is a classic and rare find. Limited production customized item. Date stamp R...
Hermès by Reuge Sainte Croix Keychain Key Ring Music Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Hermès Key Ring Music Box Made by Reuge Sainte Croix, specialist manufacturer of music boxes, located in Sainte Croix, Switzerland, for Hermès Turn the mechanical key (...
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens Permabras K Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens Permabras K Stamp The Hermès Mini Kelly in Graphite embodies understated elegance and timeless refinement. Its sleek Sell...
HERMES black MATTE CROC BEARN Wallet Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Soufflet wallet in black matte alligator is a timeless statement of luxury and refinement. Featuring an elegant silhouette, it closes with a leather ...
Hermès Silk Scarf Chacun Fait Son Nid Beige Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Chacun fait son Nid" (each one makes their nest) Designed by Nigel Peake in 2016 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colo...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Gold GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Gold brown - Evelyne 16 - Gold-tone hardware - Signature perforated H logo - Press-stud fastening - Main compartment - Internal logo stamp - Comes with detachable canvas shoulder ...
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 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 Box Leather Onimaitou Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black box leather “Onimaitou” shoulder bag featuring a thin long strap 44.5 in. (113cm), a flat shape, unlined leather, stamped at the side. Circa 2000 In good vintage condi...
Hermès by Martin Margiela, lambskin skirt, Spring 1999
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès skirt by Martin Margiela, Collection Spring 1999 Composition: 100% lambskin - silk lining Made in France Marked size: 40 (large) Measurements: Waist width: 38 cm Length: 61...
Hermès Constance 18 Turquoise (T9) Matte Alligator – Palladium Hardware - '00s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A truly exceptional and rare piece, this Hermès Constance 18 in Turquoise (T9) Matte Alligator represents one of the most refined expressions of the Maison’s exotic craftsmanship. T...
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 ...
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...
Hermès diamond-shaped stole 'Eperon d'or'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silk and cashmere diamond-shaped stole with topstitches and illustrated with the 'Eperon d'or' theme. Designed by Henri d'Origny. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions...
Hermès Birkin 35 Clemence Bougainvillea GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Clemence leather - Gold-tone hardware - Twist-lock fastening - Two rolled top handles - Stamp M Square, Year 2009 - Comes with dust bag, padlock, keys, clochette and raincoa...
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
Hermès Printemps Eté 69 Automne Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Printemps Ete 69 Automne" 100% silk small scarf in blue with Printemps Ete 69 Automne Hiver motif. Featuring hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
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.