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.
$562Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Chaine D'Ancre red cotton blend buckle pleated shorts FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Chaine D'Ancre red cotton blend buckle pleated shorts FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00131 Brand: Hermes Collection: Chaine D'Ancre Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Elasticated Extra Details: Hermes Beach shorts...
Hermes On-The-Go Dog Pouch Kaki Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes On-The-Go-Dog-Pouch dog treat pouch. Featured in water resistant Kaki and Feu fabric. Portable treat pouch with water resistant Feu (Orange) lining with H...
Hermès Kelly 32 Au Trot Electric Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 32 with gold hardware, and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, a single rolled handle and a removable shoulder strap, the interior is lined with chev...
Hermès Vintage Corrado Luxury Blazer in Cashmere Houndstooth, Size 42
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Splendid Blazer in pure cashmere houndstooth pattern with leather trim, the collar is purple velvet and has a mark at the fold due to sto...
Hermes "Guivreries" Designed by F. de la Perriere Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes "Guivreries" designed by F. de la Perriere silk jacquard scarf measures 34" x 35" and finished with hand-rolled edges. Made in France. Condition is fair.
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch Rose Confetti
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in rose confetti is crafted of luxurious epsom leather. There is a cross-over flap and a strap that tucks u...
Hermès Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1463 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Should...
Hermès Bridado Red Backpack
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Bridado Backpack in Calfskin features two adjustable shoulder straps, palladium ring hardware detailing and the drawstring fastening makes i...
Hermès Black Kachinas Silk Scarf, Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black silk twill Kachinas print scarf by Texan artist Kermit Oliver. One of his most coveted designs with a 1992 issue date. Showcasing American Indian Kachina dolls. Hand-rol...
Hermes Gris Asphalte Birkin 30 Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Gris Asphalte Birkin 30 in Togo leather is a sophisticated and timeless piece. Its deep grey hue adds a refined touch, while Togo leather offers du...
New in Box Hermes Imperial Tiger Celeste Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition "Imperial Tiger" small silk scarf in celeste , yellow and green trim. Brand new in original box.
Hermes Hommage A Charles Garnier Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Hommage A Charles Garnier Silk Scarf Blue scarf fully crafted from silk with Hommage A Charles Garnier Architecte De L'Opera De Paris print designed by Caty Latham. Featurin...
Hermès Light Pink Clutch Rose Swift Leather Rio 221345 Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: E (square) 2T9 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.05" Width: 0.39" Height: 6.29" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+) Signs of Wear: Exterior ...
Hermes Chypre Brun Fume Woolskin / Shearling Men's Sandal 43
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Men's Brun Fume and Ecru Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin sandals featured in suede. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Doblis with...
Hermès Scarf "L'Or Des Chefs" 1997
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "L'Or Des Chefs" 1997. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful scarf designed by Joachim Metz in 1997, with onl...
Hermès H Deco Mug New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès H Deco collection is inspired by the Art Deco ironwork of Hermès' Parisian stores. This Parisian tea service, stamped with the initials HH, around which an intricate deco...
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES navy virgin wool white striped oversized knitted cardigan sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy virgin wool white striped oversized knitted cardigan sweater FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00556 Brand: Hermes Material: Virgin Wool, Wool Color: Navy, Off White Pattern: Stri...
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Marwari GM Tote bag Gris Perle (light grey) Taurillon Clemence leather with contrasting brown leather shoulder strap and trim. Palladium buckle closure. Date stamp ...
Hermès Cuillers d'Afrique Scarf, Latham
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Cuillers d'Afrique light blue silk scarf by Latham. Dry clean only. Does not include box.
Hermès "Voitures En Equilibre" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Voitures En Equilibre" scarf in silk twill designed by Daiske Nomurawith. Features hand-rolled edges and is made in France. Whether it's in your hair, around your neck or on ...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Bleu Indigo Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in bleu indigo and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
Hermes Silk Scarf, Carp Diem
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Carp Diem Signed, designed in 1994 by Joachim Metz. Golden sun motif with multi-colored stellar motifs on a golden ground, appears to have been never worn, with H...
Hermes Brides de Gala Bandana Zip Jacket Black and White Silk 40 / 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Brides De Gala Bandana bomber jacket featured in Black and White. Zip front with palladium Touret pull. Two pockets. Ribbed cashmere at collar, cuffs and ...
Hermès Lim. Ed. Pawnee Bandana Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in turquoise with blue color. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Limited edition reissue "bandana" with reverse black and white design...
Hermes Galop'H Losange Triangle Scarf Naturel Blue Etoupe Cashmere and Silk
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes scarf Galop'H Losange designed by Anamorphee. Featured in Naturel, Bleu and Etoupe colorway. Depicts a composition of H's which form a gall...
Exceptional Hermès Pli H Change Tray in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Height of elegance for this gorgeous authentic Hermès change tray From the "Pli'H" collection Made in France Made of smooth bridle leather, a raw and authentic leather, which deve...
Hermes Vintage Silk Scarf Brides de Cour 1969 Françoise de la Perrière
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
A timeless emblem of equestrian elegance, this Hermès silk scarf is the iconic 'Bride de Cour', originally designed by Françoise de la Perrière in 1969. Rich in regal detail and insp...
New Hermes Silk Colombus Taupe Orange Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Columbus by Kermit Oliver taupe silk scarf. 100% silk. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermès Just In Case Cashmere Silk Scarf Navy Blue With Pocket
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf "Just in Case" For both men and women Made of 70% Cashmere and 30% Silk One of the ends is decorated with a nylon pocket, allowing you to store your...
Hermès Collectible Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. Care tag attached . Mint condition.
Hermès Black Navy Pony Express Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This beautiful Hermès 100% silk button down is a classic piece to compliment any wardrobe. Features Native American Indian print by world...
Hermes scarf / foulard 'Stars and Sun'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS -(Made in France) Silk twill scarf entitled "Astres et Soleil" designed by Annie Faivre. Produced in 1994. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 90 cm x 90 cm SKU:FFH9
1980's Vintage Hermes Rare Black Porcelain Fan Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare and collectible black porcelain ashtray with beige suede bottom, Fan and flowers design. Mint condition.
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Women's Silk Blazer, Mont Saint Michel Print
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk blazer iconic Carrè "Mont Saint Michel" pattern the jacket is in excellent condition to report yellow stains due to storage al...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Torana
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Torana Designed by Annie Faivre, 1987, appears to have never been used. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
Hermès Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Hermès Birkin Bag 30cm Rouge Casaque Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Stamp Q_Year 2013. This bag is still in excellent condition. The leather smells as fresh as when it was new...
Hermès Open Gloves Mittens Teddy Plush Shearling Leather Wool Purple Size 6.5
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Warm and Cozy Authentic Hermès Mittens "Teddy Plush" version Mittens that can be put on over your gloves Made in France Made of Shearling (leather a...
Hermes Les Rubans Du Cheval Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Vintage 100% Silk Scarf Les Rubans Du Coeval by Joachim Metz. Please note a spot in an edge, please refer to photo.
Hermès Rare Jungle Love Twilly BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Jungle Love limited edition hearts twilly . Designed by Robert Dallet, iconic subject. Comes with original box.
Hermes Scarf Objets de Curiosite Bleu Lavande / Gris Silk 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes scarf Objets de Curiosite designed by Rosa Maria Unda Souki. In Bleu Lavande and Gris colorway. Made in France. Signatur...
Hermes Rodeo PM Bag Charm Mauve Sylvestre / Bleu de France / Rouge Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes PM Rodeo bag charm featured in Mauve Sylvestre, Blue de France and Rouge Sellier. Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colors in your fabul...
Hermes Rocabar Plaid Dog Blanket Reversible
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rocobar Plaid dog blanket is inspired by the iconic Rocabar blanket. Reversible 100% Wool and is very resistant to wear. Your chic fashionista pup will l...
Hermès Black Leather Belt with Silver Hardware, Unisex, 8x80 cm
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black leather silver hardware belt Totally made in france Measurements: 8x80 cm
Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes 'H' Touareg 925 Sterling Silver Buckle Leather Belt Burgundy calfskin leather belt in Rouge H designed with a signature sterling silver 'H' buckle detailed with in...
Hermès Pierres d'Orient Serving Platter
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident plate is a collectible from the Hermés tableware collection. Features an octagon shape with lapis. Comes wit...
Hermès Black Kachinas Printed Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Kachinas" design is a rare, vintage print by American artist Kermit Oliver, originally featured on silk scarves. The print has also been used on various apparel items, in...
Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Kelly Retourne Togo Leather 32cm Bag True investment piece - Beautiful example, Kelly bag crafted from Hermes's iconic Togo leather in Noir with gold hardwa...
Hermès 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit Brown x Black x Gold 1H96a
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: Y in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 29.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.1" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Size 60 Waist Range in Inches : 2...
Hermes Men's Cardigan Appliques Marine Cashmere S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Men's collared cardigan featured in Marine with spaced black knit stripes. Abstract design created with appliqued wool and lambskin strips of Etoupe ...
Hermes BNIB Mini Lindy Feu Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy feu taurillon clemence with palladium hardware. Date stamp U 2022. Coveted new size , can be worn in three ways, also cro...
Hermes Collier De Chien Reversible Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Collier De Chien Reversible Leather Belt This reversible belt is black on the outer side and camel brown on the inner side. Crafted from Swift and Epsom leathers and designe...
Hermès Scarf "École Des Gabiers"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Designed by Philippe Ledoux and first issued in 1961, this scarf pays homage to maritime traditions. The term "gabiers" refers to sailors responsible for handling the sails on a ship...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Invasion Of Creatures On Metro" Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully Wicked yet Whimsical (Waiting List) "Limited Edition" MultiColor "Invasion of Creatures on Metro" Silk Jacquard scarf accented with fine hand-rolled edges, ...
Hermès Guitar Charm Bag w/Pick Tadelakt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Rock Charm guitar Bag with Pick Tadelakt. Great and unique handbag charm accessory. Made with Chevre, Swift, and Tadelakt leather. Date stamp B ...
Hermes Bride-A-Brac Natural Canvas GM
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Bride A Brac Natural / White / Grey Canvas GM clutch bag features a stylish combination of gray and ivory colors, complemented by silver hardware. ...
Hermès Red Foure Tout GM Tote bag 11her104
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 4" Height: 11.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Accessories: Signs of Wear: Cotton Exterior: Some...
Hermes Silk Carre Scarf "Cheval de Légende" by Benoit Pierre Emery
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES silk carre scarf "Cheval de Légende" in orange, silver and grey shades. Designed by BENOIT PIERRE EMERY. First issued in 2010/11. This scar...
Hermes Herbag Zip Lime PM 31 Toile Berline / Vache Hunter Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Herbag Zip 31 featured in Lime Berline Toile, a coated canvas, and Natural Sable Vache Hunter leather. Water resistant...
Hermes Steeple Tote Limited Edition Marine Toile Hackberry Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Guaranteed authentic limited edition Hermes Steeple Tote bag featured in Marine. Braided micocoulier (hackberry wood) double handles. Black leather accents at the...
2008 Hèrmes Birkin 35 Hevercalf Trench Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Iconic Hermès bag, Birkin model size 35, made in Trench-colored Hevercalf leather with silver hardware. The bag has a front flap equipped with a twist lock with two side bands. Equip...
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.