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.
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...
HERMES Sauge green Clemence leather EVELYNE 29 Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 29 III crossbody bag in Sauge Taurillon Clemence leather (100%). This luxury Hermès crossbody bag is crafted from supple, richly grained Taurillon Cleme...
Hermès Deep Bleu Epsom Mini Kelly 20 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Deep Bleu Epsom Mini Kelly 20 GHW SKU: Z158678 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown int...
2014 Rare Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Birkin 35 bag Togo leather beautiful and easy to wear blue jean color Palladium hardware Year 2014 R series Double handle Keys and locker 2 Internal pockets (one ...
Hermès Black Crocodile Leather Constance 24 Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
100% Authentic This Hermès Constance 24 is crafted from luxurious crocodile leather, its glossy, deep black scales catching the light beautifully across the structured flap and body...
Hermès Parrot Bird Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Parrot Great gift idea for a parrot lover ! Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold ...
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Christiane Vauzelles
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 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 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...
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...
HERMES Mangrove Green Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Clutch Bag PBhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Vert Mangrove is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, showcasing a rich deep dark green hue that enhances its elegant, compa...
Hermes Brown Amedaba Diago GM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown “Amedaba Diago” GM tote bag featuring brown leather handles, silver-tone hardware, cotton lining with slip pocket. (50%leather 50%polyester) Circa 2000s In good vintage...
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 2023 Constance 24 Black Alligator Limited Edition Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Sublime Hermès Constance 24 Marquete limited edition shoulder bag in black Mat Mississippi Alligator Gold metal trim, a black Alligator leather shoulder strap allowing for shoulder ...
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...
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 Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Re
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML068 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust ...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: Fair Tear at base of handle s...
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather with GHW. Item has protective stickers on the hardware, one on the feet is missing. Corners show light discolouration. (production ye...
Hermes Vintage Beige Leather Bolide 35 Satchel Bag with Strap
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Sophisticated and timeless, this Hermès Bolide 35 is crafted in rich beige leather. Designed with a classic rounded silhouette, it features double-rolled leather top handles, gold-to...
Vintage HERMÈS Fourre Tout Navy Toile Tote GM Unisex Mens
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMÈS Fourre Tout GM tote bag is crafted of navy cotton canvas, featuring sturdy webbed striped canvas handles that sit comfortably on the shoulder. An open top reveals...
HERMES Vintage Minéraux Silk Shirt Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Minéraux silk shirt blouse featuring a refined composition of multicolored gemstones and mineral motifs on an off-white background. This silk shirt captures the...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Hermès Chapeau Bonnet T55 Ecru Wool Whipcord Miki Hat US6 7/8 or 21.5 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès hat or beanie in ecru and beige wool whipcord, with a wide brim and beige satin lining. Size FR 55, which is US 6 7/8 or 21.5 inches. The beanie is vintage but in very good co...
Hermès Medium Raisin Evelyne Poche 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Evelyne PM bag in raisin taurillon clemence with Palladium hardware. The bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body bag. Date stamp R for 2014. Excellent condition, minor...
Hermès Gold Togo Leather Birkin 30 Bag with Gold Hardware, Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Birkin 30 Bag. Gold on gold hardware. The most wanted and best investment combination. Togo leather. Interior clean. Bag looks like new condition. Excellent. Includes clo...
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 Kelly 32 Rose Azalee Bag Palladium Hardware Evercolor Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 32 in Rose Azalée Evercolor leather with Palladium hardware. This striking Hermès Kelly highlights one of the house’s most vibrant and sought-after...
Hermes Black Calf and Suede Gloves
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes black calf glove with suede lace-up cuffs. Made in France.
Very Good condition, Size 6.5
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag in Etain Togo Leather with Gold Trim, 2021
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 handbag strap in Etain Togo calf leather Gold metal trim, single grey leather handle, a removable grey leather shoulder strap allowing a h...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Avantage Sneakers White Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Avantage sneakers. Unworn with box and 2 x dustbags. Made from white leather with coloured H motif, think laces and chunky soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measure approx - 10.25”...
New in Box Hermès Navy Texas Wildlife Scarf Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with care tag and original box . New condition.
Hermès Black Epsom Birkin 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Birkin 30 PHW SKU: 157188 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of ...
$396Sale Price|20% Off
1989 Hermes "Les Tambours" Silk Scarf Designed by Joachim Metz w/Box and Store C
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This striking colorful silk scarf is in excellent condition, and was designed by Joachim Metz in 1989. The design depicts and pays homage to the drums carried by Napoleon III in the ...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Cavalcadour Morning CS140 Caban Bordeaux Vert - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalcadour Morning - CS140 - Caban Bordeaux Vert - NWCT - 2604231619 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Cavalcadour Morning, Cavalcadour Morning Artist:...
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 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 Constance H Black Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Constance” box leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted I in a round. Estimated Belt Si...
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 Women's Quicker Sneakers White Calf Leather Hot Pink Suede Trim
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Quicker sneakers. Unworn with 2 x dustbags. Made from white calf leather with hot pink suede trims, quilted H motifs, thick laces and white soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measur...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Epsom Etoupe 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Brown with a natural leather sole and an etoupe leather heel, features a hazelnut goatskin insole and lining. Italian number 37. Come with double dustcover ...
HERMÈS - Alice Shirley Awooooo Cashmere-Silk Bandana 65x65 cm
By Alice Shirley, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Exquisite "Awooooo" cashmere and silk bandana by Alice Shirley (65x65).
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
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...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML072 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By:...
Hermes Birkin 25 Cote A Cote Tuffetage Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 Côte à Côte Tuffetage in Black Swift with Permabrass hardware. This rare limited edition Birkin introduces Hermès’ Côte à Côte tuffetage techniq...
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch in Brown Crocodile Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel Made in France Stamp A in square (1997) Made of shiny niloticus croco...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Purple Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Pourpre Chevre Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Pristine Excellent Condition,Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018 Addi...
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...
Hermès Women's Spring 2021 Black Leather Zip Front Coat, Size FR38
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxest Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2021 collection - Look 15 on the runway. Bought for £14000 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft and...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 2011 Birkin 30cm Pink Box Calf Leather Women's Handbag New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Bag Birkin 30cm Box Calf Pink New - 2410152001 Brand: Hermès Type : Hermes Birkin Bag Inside Detail: N/A Base Size: 30cm Height: 22cm Depth: 16cm Weight: Material: Box Calf L...
Hermès 2011 Sac Constance 14 Micro Etoupe Epsom Leather Silver HDW Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance model bag, size 14, in taupe-colored Epsom leather ("étoupe at Hermès") and silver-plated metal (palladium-plated), interior in soft matching leather, long shoulder ...
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 Chevaloscope NIB Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is the "Chevaloscope" scarf 90 first released for the Spring/Summer 2022 It was illustrated by Greek artist Elias Kafouros, who is known for his highly dense, storytelling desig...
Hermes Navy cotton Toto Medium Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s "Toto" Medium size Navy cotton Fourre Tout tote bag featuring bicolor handles ( navy and Bordeaux), striped strap, press-stud fastening, side press-stud fastening, slip ...
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026 A rare vision of quiet majesty, the Hermes Kelly Pochette in Bordeaux Mississippiensis Alligator captur...
Hermès "Carre Libre" Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Carre Libre" 100% silk scarf with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Baptiste Virot Comes with ribbon and box.
Hermès Spring 2023 Ring Detail Beige Goatskin Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra chic Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2023 collection. Bought for £16000 and worn once. Made from super malleable rich beige goat leather...
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.