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 petrol blue wool PUSSY BOW BELL SLEEVE Shift Dress 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes oversized 3/4 ruched sleeve dress in petrol wool (100%) with pussy bow detail around the neck. Lined in petrol silk (100%). Has been worn once and is in excelle...
Hermès Sous l’egide de mars Shawl NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès cashmere/silk blend oversize 54" square shawl Sous l’egide de mars. Comes with original box.
Hermès "Voiles De Lumiere" Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Voiles De Lumiere" 100% silk scarf, with hand hand-rolled edges. Features a beautiful map of the seas as ships were discovering the New World.
Hermès Pani La Shar Pawnee Pochette
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Pani La Shar Pawnee silk twill pochette scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermès Blue Agate Clemence Evelyne 33 GM GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Blue Agate Clemence Evelyne 33 GM GHW SKU: 155652 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown ...
Hermès Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original box.
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Platinum Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Dessert Plate Set of 2 in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at t...
Hermès Napoleon Celest Silk Scarf Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill scarf with hand-rolled edges. Dry clean only. No box, with composition and care instructions label. Small spot.
Hermes Chypre White Calfskin Sandal 40 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Sandal featured in White. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable wi...
HERMES red wool TWO BUTTON NOTCH COLLAR Blazer Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès notch collar blazer in red virgin wool (100%). Features slits at the back, a chest pocket and two sewn shut flap pockets on the fr...
Hermes Fuchsia/Pink Silk Scrunchie BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box pink and fuchsia silk scrunchie. Patchwork de sole imprimee. Original box.
Hermès Caleche Elastique Triangle Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Caleche Elastique Triangle Scarf is 100% silk and features stretched abstract mirrored horse images and shapes on a blueish grey b...
Bijou de sac Hermès Cœur Argenté "Vive l'idée" 2004
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Bijou de sac Hermès cadenas cœur argenté “Vive l’Idée” 2004. Très bon état. Maison : Hermès Type : Bijou de sac / cadenas Thème : Vive l’Idée Année : 20...
HERMES Neve grey Clemence leather MINI EVELYNE 16 TPM Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Gris Neve (light grey) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated...
Hermès Beige Lambkin Long Vintage Gloves
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès butter lambskin long women s gloves. Camel /beige tone. Size 6. Show medium wear.
Hermes Green Constance 18 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Green Constance 18 Bag. Palladium silver hardware. Box smooth leather. Rare color and size. Interior clean. Great investment bag. Includes dust bag and box. Guaranteed authent...
HERMES Circus Bolide Case in Pale Pink Embroidered Canvas toileries bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Circus Bolide Case in Pale Pink Embroidered Canvas toileries bag Reference: KYCG/A00223 Brand: Hermes Model: Circus Bolide case Material: Canvas Color: Pink, Multicolour Patte...
Hermes Rodeo PM Bag Charm Craie Lime Chai Milo Lambskin Horse Leather
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
True style thrives in the finest details, transforming the everyday into a joyful expression of personality and heritage. Born from the historic equestrian soul of Paris, the iconic ...
Brown wool skirt HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown wool skirt . Main fabric composition: 92% wool, 5% nylon, 3% lycra. Lining composition: 60% acetate, 40% bemberg. Pocket on the front with zip closure and leather zip-puller. ...
Hermès Red Kachinas Silk Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint condition collectible Kachinas red coral silk scarf . Designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges.
Hermes Carre 90 Brazil Feather Print Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Embrace the allure of the exotic with the Hermes Carre 90 Brazil Feather Print Silk Scarf. Featuring a striking black base adorned with a vibrant fea...
Hermès 2004 White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG075 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [H] Age: 2004 Accompan...
Hermes Roulis Slim Wallet Red Evercolor Leather Belt Bag 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of use, clean interior, minor scratches on the hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag,Pouch ...
Hermes Mini Evelyne Vert Vertigo Silver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes vert vertigo Evelyne TPM in clemence leather with canvas strap. Smallest model of Evelyne has tonal stitching, a large perforated H icon in circle at front, pull tab top closu...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf in black & yellow, featuring Hand-Rolled Edges. Famous Kermit Oliver design.
HERMES Silver Padlock Keychain Bag Charm Amulet
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES silver padlock keychain or bag charm. Opens and closes by pulling on the padlock’s shackle. Embossed HERMES Made in France. AG 925. Silmersmith hallmark. Indicative measure...
Hermès White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35 Product Title: White Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
Hermès 1990 "Les Tuileries" Silk Shirt Jacket – Joachim Metz
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Brand: Hermès Material: 100% silk Color: Gold, black & beige Print: Black, gold and beige colorway with an ornate equestrian-inspired baroque motif with scrolls, medallions and winge...
Hermes Women Belt - Black Calf Leather, Gold HW - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Women Belt - Black Calf Leather, Gold HW - New - 2501111830 Brand: Hermès Type: Women Leather Belt Model Name: NA Artist: NA Material: Calf LEathe...
Hermès Black Swift Leather Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Swift Leather Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG127 Brand: Hermès Model: Shadow Birkin Cut Clutch Type: Clutch Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompan...
Hermes Rare Rouge H Men Toiletry Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes 1960’s rare and collectible men toiletry case. Rouge H box calf leather and palladium hardware. Excellent condition with all interior parts in pla...
Hermes Constance 24cm Limited Edition "Au Bout Du Monde" Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Hermes Product: Constance 24cm Limited Edition "Au Bout Du Monde" Size: CM: 24 l x 15 h x 5 d INCH: 9.5 l x 7 h x 2 d Strap: Versatile design allows it to be worn as a sing...
HERMES pistachio green silk AMAZONIA 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Amazonia 90' scarf by Laurence Bourthoumieux in pistachio green silk twill (100%) with darker border and details in beige, pink, violet and grey. Has been worn...
Hermes Halzan 31 Rose Jaipur Taurillon Clemence Leather Stamp C
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermes Halzan 31 Handbag leather Chai Pu-erh powder. 2way handbag Origin France，The condition is as depicted in the image. Accessories: Du...
Hermès Birkin 35cm Rose Tyrien Epsom Leather w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vivid and unmistakably feminine, this Hermès Birkin 35cm in Rose Tyrien brings a bold, energetic spirit to one of the house’s most iconic silhouettes. The color is intensely saturate...
HERMES burgundy Loden green cashmere CASAQUE CHEVRON Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Casaque Chevron muffler in Loden green and burgundy cashmere (100%) with fringed ends. Brand new. Measurements Model H259065S 08 Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 140...
Rare Hermès "Musée Vivant du Cheval" by H. de Watrigant Silk Carré Scarf 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An Exceptional and Rare Hermès "Musée Vivant du Cheval" 90 cm Silk Carré Scarf Designed by the celebrated French artist Hubert de Watrigant for Hermès' Spring/Summer 2002 Collection...
Hermes Splendeur des Maharajas I Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: Silk twill scarf from Hermes. Designed by Cathy Baschet in 1996, the 'Splendeur des Maharajas I' depicts the inside of an opulent palace complete with musicians with sit...
Hermés Black Box Leather Jumping Boot
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Now these boots were made for walking! Crafted from black box calfskin leather with a Kelly strap in Palladium hardware and a stacked heel, these jumping boots give a nod to the brands Equestrian roots. Interior is lined with calfskin leather and insoles are stamped 'Hermés Paris'. Please note that there are two models of Hermes jumping boots...
Hermes Chiens et Valets by Charles J. Hallo Silk Scarf France 1963
By Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hermes Chiens et Valets by Charles J. Hallo Silk Scarf 1963. Gorgeous silk scarf carre Hermes in brown, blue and gold colors, featuring a 19th ...
1990s Hermes Bolide 35 Bag in Navy Blue and Red Leather
By Hermès
Located in Arnhem, NL
Hermes Bolide 35 handbag made of textured navy blue leather with red leather finish. The hardware is gold toned. The interior is lined with smooth nav...
HERMES Vintage Clé de Sellette Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Clé de Sellette (saddle key) bottle opener. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 12.5 cm (4.92 inches) / diameter of the ring a...
Hermès "Dogs and Valets" blouse by Charles J. Hallo circa 1963
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter "Chiens et valets" par Charles J. Hallo circa 1963. Blouse en soie à manches bouffantes se fermant dans le dos par un zip. Taille 38FR. Made in Fr...
$4,452
Hermès bag 'Piano'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) 'Piano' bag made of golden Courchevel leather and marled H canvas, with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a shoulder strap. A design circa 1950-1960. C...
Hermès Scarf "Christophe Colomb D'écouvre L'Amérique" 1992
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf "Christophe Colomb Découvre l'Amérique", designed by Carl de Parcevaux and first issued in 1992, is a tribute to the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arri...
Hermès "Paris Cheval" Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Paris Cheval" Ashtray features a white horse, with a blue and gold trim border.
Hermès Black Sombrero Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Handbag, 2020
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Sombrero Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1476 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Y Age: 2020 Accompanied...
Hermès Yellow Pawnee Triangle Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible design "Pani la Shar Pawnee " by Kermit Oliver. Unusual triangular shape in yellow 100% pure silk with green trim. Designed by Kermit Oliver in 1984. No tag.
Hermes Kelly 18 Etoupe Epsom Calfskin Leather with Kelly Buckle Belt Gold Plated
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly 18 Belt. Inspired by the legendary Kelly bag, this belt features the unmistakable turn-lock clasp, transforming classic Hermès craftsman...
Hermes Vintage Jacket Exquisite Silk Moire Puffer Dramatic 36 / 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage Hermes dramatic reversible silk moire wadded jacket. Striking balloon hem in muted burnt pumpkin. This is a changeable mo...
Hermes Kelly 28 Togo Leather Gray Palladium Hardware Stamp R France Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Kelly 28 Togo Leather gray shoulder bag handbag France r，Local care of the corners and edges of the body Accessories: Dust bag,...
Hermès Sanguine Mini Kelly Twilly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A charming accessory - an adorable Hermès Mini Kelly Twilly bag charm. The exterior of this Kelly bag charm features a Sanguine Tadelakt leath...
Rare Hermès Spades Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Spades theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print on orange base Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included i...
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
Hermès "Kelly en Perles" Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kelly en Perles twilly is a great accessory made from 100% silk. It can be worn in different ways with a slide medor in gold tone hardware. Comes with original box. Brand...
Hermès Lujo Criollo Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Lujo Criollo” cashmere/silk blend cashmere shawl.
Hermes "Croquis Champs de Courses" 90 cm Mint Equestrian Print Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Hermès "Croquis Champs de Courses" silk printed scarf, measuring 90 cm. This stunning scarf features a captivating mint Tiffany blue-green hue, beautifully ...
Hermes Hac A Box Limited Edition Phone Case Craie Epsom Leather Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Hac a Box Phone Case featured in Craie Epsom leather. Crisp with Palladium hardware. This very rare to find versat...
HERMES Chypre grey shearling H adjustable strap techno sandal EU41
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Chypre grey shearling H adjustable strap techno sandal EU41 Reference: CNLE/A00445 Brand: Hermes Model: Chypre Material: Shearling Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Magic Ta...
Hermes Black Toile Canvas Feedbag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes black herringbone toile feed bag with black leather straps . Can be worn as a shoulder bag or as a backpack. Shoulder drop 17” . Original dust cover .
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.