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 Constance Slim Wallet Waist Belt Bag Biscuit Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance Slim Wallet Belt bag featured in warm Biscuit. This Hermes wallet is stunning with coveted Gold hardware in epsom leather. Includes removable zi...
Hermès Epsom Black Kelly Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The wallet has a front flap and the Kelly trademark palladium turn-lock. This reveals a black leather inside with a zippered compartment, patch pockets, and a card slot. This fashion...
Hermès Double Carmen Bag Charm BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box double carmen bag charm/keychain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
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...
Hermes Annee De LA Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm 2004
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Annee De La Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm from 2004 is a captivating piece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship synonymous with the Hermes brand. Crafted with palladium plating, this charm features a delicate heart shape paired with a tiny key and padlock, symbolizing love and exclusivity. Its intricate detailing and timeless design make it a versatile accessory that can elevate both casual and formal ensembles. This charm pairs beautifully with designer items such as Chanel leather handbags, Louis Vuitton monogram accessories, and Gucci silk scarves...
Hermes indoor coat 'Library' 2008s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk indoor coat with the 'Library' theme designed by Hugo Grygkar, bottom of the coat edged with multicolored fringes, matching belt. Size 40FR indicated. ...
Hermès Les Haras Nationaux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint "Les haras Nationaux" black , white, cream silk scarf. Deisgned by Hubert de Watrigant. Hand rolled edges and care tag attached.
Hermes Oran Rose Sorbet Doblis (Suede) Sandal 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in limited edition Rose Sorbet Doblis doblis The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Rose Sorbet flat slide sandals. Pretty Blu...
Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1067 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
Hermes Rare Silk Hello Dolly Purple Pink Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill scarf collectible Hello Dolly in purple pink combination. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermes Belt Constance 42 mm Gold / Craie Brushed Gold Buckle 105
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in reversible Gold to Craie Epsom leather. Fabulous over sized brushed Gold signature H buckle. ...
HERMÉS KELLY Sellier 2 way bag 35 cm gold Courchevel leather, stamp B /1998
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A gorgeous Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 cm bag in gold Courchevel leather (Made in France). The gold Courchevel leather is complemented with gold ...
Hermès "Voitures Paniers" by Julia Abadie vintage silk yoke 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Genova, IT
Hermès vintage bob titled "Voitures Paniers," silk scarf by Julie Abadie ABOUT Vintage Hermès Carré entitled "Voitures Paniers" first designed by Julia Abadie in 1984, here in a 1...
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...
Hermes Patchwork Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible patchwork silk scarf in red and white. Hand rolled edges. No box included.
HERMES cognac brown suede BROGUE OXFORD Dress Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès classic brogue dress shoes in cognac brown suede leather. Have been worn and show heavy wear to the sole. Overall in excellent condition. Come with dust bag. ...
Hermès Kachinas Collectible Blue Silk Twill Kermit Oliver Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible silk twill 35" square Kachinas, scarf designed by US coveted designer Kermit Oliver. Issue date 1992. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermes Burgundy Large Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Burgundy Large Box leather notebook cover featuring contrasted stitching, internal logo stamp, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Len...
HERMES Horse Print Runway Fall 2019 Metallic Jacquard Tunic Top NEW W Tags
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare Hermes runway metallic Jacquard tunic top Very special and exclusive fabric 46% Silk 40% Viscosa 14% Metallised Fiber.Brand new never used with tags Hermes hanger...
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Tropical Garden silk scarf. Multicolor pastel color way. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Cashmere Wrap Coat With A Leather Buckle Closure
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Cashmere Wrap Coat With A Leather Buckle Closure Charcoal grey wrap coat fully crafted from premium cashmere. Embellished with a black leather buckle fastening to...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Mini 17 Bag Pink Epsom Leather Stamp Y
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Minor signs of use, scratches inside, and slight scratches on the hardware. Accessories: Original Box，Original Dust Bag size: Width:10cm,height:8cm Designer: HERMES Mo...
HERMES Vintage Silk Carre Scarf Hommage à Mozart by Julie Abadie
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silk carré scarf HOMMAGE A MOZART inspired by MOZART's life and musical works. Designed by JULIE ABADIE. This scarf features : - Hand rolled borders. - Plump hems. -...
$1,014Sale Price|35% Off
HERMES Tresor de Medor grey cotton camel fleece drawstring dress FR40 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Tresor de Medor grey cotton camel fleece drawstring dress FR40 L Reference: KNLM/A00401 Brand: Hermes Collection: Tresor De Medor Material: Cotto...
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Picotin 18 Burgundy Clemence Taurillon Leather 2014 These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. The Hermes Picotin 18 Red...
Hermès Rouge Grenat Togo Birkin 30 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge Grenat Togo Birkin 30 GHW SKU: Z150700 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic di...
Hermès Black Lizard Micro Kelly Bag Charm with Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Micro Kelly bag charm is crafted in sleek black lizard leather, offering a textured, glossy surface that feels refined and tactile. Its min...
Hermès 'H' padlock
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silver pendant/padlock with a pivoting central H. Screw-system opening. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm - Width: 2.2 cm SKU:ACC1
$2,630Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermès Silver Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Messenger Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005 Paris with the authentic 94cm long blue jeans Hermes carrying strap and an addi...
Hermès "Pony Express" Blue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès collectible "Pony Express" 100% silk scarf designed by Kermit Oliver with blue border and hand-rolled edges. No tag. minor discoloration in the corners.Collectible color ...
Hermes Airpods Pro Case Gold Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Air Pods Pro Case featured in Gold. Beautiful in swift calfskin with white topstitch. This case is not only a visual delight but also compatible with all gen...
Hermès foulard 'South Africa flowers'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk foulard entitled "Fleurs d'Afrique du Sud" ('South Africa flowers') designed by Ardmore Artists, produced in 2017. Condition: Very good condition Dim...
Hermès Small Silver Plate Metal Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès abstract silver plate small petal vase. Minor wear and scuffs. Top opening 1.5”. Please refer to the last photo to see the same vase in the same shape in glass and silver pla...
Hermès Cravate Twilly 1989 Tambours Light Brown Silk Twill Scarf Tie Knot Hermes
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès silk twill tie titled "Les Tambours" by Joachim Metz, first published in 1989 and reissued in 1990, light brown background with gold and red motifs. The tie is vintage but rem...
Hermes Scarf Eperons d'Or et Couvertures et Tenues de Jour - CS90 - Limited ED
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Eperons d'Or et Couvertures et Tenues de Jour - CS90 - Gris Fonce Claire - Ornementation - NWST - 2607011301 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Éperons d'...
Hermes Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Serviette / Drap / Tapis de plage ou Bain Hermès "Bali" Neuf Jamais utilisé, avec boite. Dimensions : 60 x 90 cm 100% Coton.
$1,467
Hermes 'Medor' belt 1987
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1987 ready-to-wear Collection. Ink-blue box leather belt with gold-plated jewelry, Medor design. Size 60 Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size ...
Fuchsia & Multicolor Hermes 'La Danse du Cheval Marwari' Motif Printed Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Fuchsia and multicolor 'La Danse du Cheval Marwari' motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 34" width, 34" length.
Hermès Anneau de Carre Trio Loop New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Try new scarf-wearing techniques with this small accessory that glides intuitively onto your scarf! The glass provides approximately two times magnification, allowing you to discover...
Hermès long sleeve button-up top
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès long sleeve button-up top Size – L but but runs small on size M Bust: 33.5″ / 85 cm Waist: 30″ / 76 cm Length: 23″ / 58,5 cm Fabric – 100% Cotton; Trim 100% Leather Co...
HERMES Sienne chestnut brown grained leather Bucket Hat 57
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bucket Hat in Sienne chestnut brown grained leather. Has been worn and shows some wear on the lining. Overall in very good cond...
HERMES Constance 24 Epsom Leather Rouge de Coeur PHW Shoulder Bag Stamp D
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Ultra slight signs of use. size: Width:24cm,height:20cm Designer: Hermes Model: Constance 24 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Red Interior Material: Leathe...
HERMES black white beige silk 2021 BRIDES DE GALA BANDANA Blouse Shirt Top 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Fall/Winter 2021 Brides de Gala Bandana shirt in black, white and beige silk (100%). Features 3/4 sleeves and buttoned cuffs. Opens w...
Hermès "Poste et Cavalerie" Blue Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Poste et Cavalerie" blue and bluette silk twill scarf. Hand-rolled edges.
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox cube 37 Chamois Capucine. This tote is crafted of durable calfskin leather in grey. The bag features a smooth tall ...
1980s Hermes Mineraux Geo Rock Print Silk Printed Button-Up Top
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your wardrobe with this stunning 1980s Hermès Mineraux Geo Rock Print Silk Printed Button-Up Top. This exquisite piece showcases a vibrant, mul...
HERMES Bearn brown pink leather H logo strap bifold square wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Bearn brown pink leather H logo strap bifold square wallet Reference: AAWC/A00989 Brand: Hermes Model: Bearn Material: Leather Color: Pink, Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Loop ...
New Hermes Ex Libris Atlantis 27" Scarf in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box collectible "Ex-Libris Atlantis" silk medium scarf. Red trim and multicolor. Hand rolled edges.
Hermès Yellow Parrots Bucket Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès adjustable shoulder bucket bag in multicolored parrots design. Shoulder drop, 12"L.
Hermes Constance Belt 42 mm Bleu Tempete Matte Porosus Crocodile Palladium 85
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt features reversible Bleu Tempete Matte Porosus Crocodile to Gold leather. Fabulous over sized brushed Palladium signature H buckle. ...
HERMES white cotton jersey 2013 ECHEC AU ROI T-Shirt Shirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès t-shirt in white cotton jersey (100%) with Echec au Roi print in beige, brick, orange, yellow and black. Has a small spot on the left shoulder and on the front....
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: HERMES roulis Slim Wallet Wallet Evercolor Calfskin red France Accessories: Box,Puuch size: long:1...
Hermes Scarf "Concerto" by Jean-Louis Clerc Silk Top
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes Scarf "Concerto" by Jean-Louis Clerc Silk Top Description Title: Concerto print Artist: Jean-Louis Clerc Years of Issue: 1963, 1996/97, 1998, 2003 Size 42 Shoulders: 36 c...
New in Box Hermes Red Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes red guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
Hermès Evelyne GM Red Ardennes
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne GM featuring Ardennes leather in red. It comes with palladium gold hardware and has a shoulder strap made of fabric. Date stamp Y in a circle. The bag is in excellent...
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...
Hermès “Jungle Love“ Silk Scarf Dallet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The forever scarves are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in...
Hermes Wool Fisherman Hat
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Command your wardrobe with this Hermes Wool Fisherman hat. This wool silk blend hat is perfect for winter and fall festivities. It will offer you the warmth and comfort you need for the winter months without sacrificing you any style points. Pair with your favorite Chanel tweed or Ysl trench coat...
Hermès Pani Etoupe Triangle Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible "Pani la Shar" scarf by Kermit Oliver in a rare triangular shape. Pure silk in etoupe color way. Hand rolled edges.
HERMES grey & purple cotton 2020 BRIDE DE COUR Sweatshirt Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès sweatshirt in grey cotton (86%) and camelhair (14%). Features Bride de Cour print in smokey purple, a crewneck, dropped shoulders and rib-knit neck, cuffs and h...
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.