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.
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 Beloved India Pillow GM Grey / Brown / Orange New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a extremely rare Hermes Beloved India GM Pillow. Designed by Philippe Dumas in 2009. The removable cover is silk cotton and viscose. Co...
New in Box Hermes Guepards Fuchsia Thin Maxi Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes fuchsia guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
Hermes Steve Messenger 35 Bag Rouge Casaque Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Steve Messenger bag featured in Rouge Casaque. Plush clemence leather. Soft flap with two slide tabs. This retired colour is coveted. Wide adjustable cro...
Hermes Scarf Equateur Wash Silk Twill Aqua Emeraude Fauve 90 nwt
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Equateur Wash Silk Twill scarf by Robert Dallet. Tropical Aqua, Emeraude and Fauve depicts equatorial animals, birds and ...
Hermes Neobain Les Leopard Embossed Orange Case Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Neobain Les Leopards case featured in the medium model. Beautiful signature Orange with two leopards embossed o...
Hermès Rocaille Natural Buffalo Horn Hair Pick
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Rocaille Natural Buffalo Horn Hair Pick is a luxurious accessory that combines elegance and functionality. Crafted from natural buffalo horn, ea...
Hermès Green Les Cheyennes Scarf, Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Lea Cheyennes green silk 35" square scarf by coveted designer, Oliver. Issue date 1993. Hand-rolled edges.
HERMES Silk Vintage Sweatshirt Size 38FR Mint NEW Condition
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes 100% silk vintage sweatshirt Multicolor with peacock and swan print. Fabric looks new and unworn. Size 38 Fr.Made in France FINAL SALE
Hermes Azap Portefeuille Wallet Gris Perle Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Azap Portefeuille Wallet featured in Gris Perle. Beautiful in timeless Chevre leather. Zip around closure opens completely to 10 credi...
Hermes Sac A Depeche HSS 27 Limited Edtion Bag Blue Nuit and Etain Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Sac à Dépêches 27 presented in Blue Nuit and Etain Togo leather, creating a refined tonal contrast with subtle depth. The addition of gold hardware introd...
HERMES Rose Jaipur Epsom leather CONSTANCE 18 MINI Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 18 mini shoulder bag in Jaipur Veau Epsom leather. Palladium H-Buckle closure. Lined in Veau Swift leather. ...
Pair of Hermès Ladies Les Gants en Chevreau et Agneau
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Hermès Ladies Les Gants en Chevreau et Agneau, (kid and lamb gloves) Chocolate brown leather with gold toned metal clasp, size 8.5, with Hermes tag and box, never worn. Condi...
Hermes En Désordre Finesse brown silk printed dress
By Hermès
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermes « En Désordre Finesse » brown silk printed dress. Size34.
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 orange silk twill LES VOITURES A TRANSFORMATION Twilly Scarf Cobalt
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Twilly Les Voitures A Transformation in Orange, Cobalt and Vermillon silk (100%). Has been carried with some faint stains on the front (see pictures). Overall i...
HERMES beige 100% wool 3 pockets handstitched details blazer suit FR48 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige 100% wool 3 pockets handstitched details blazer suit FR48 M Reference: LACG/A00439 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Checkered Closure: Button Lining: Cr...
Hermes red ETUDE POUR UNE PARURE DE GALA 90 Scarf Rouge VIF Bordeaux Rouge
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Etude Pour Une Parure de Gala 90 Scarf in Rouge Vif, Bordeaux and Rouge silk (100%). Brand new. Measuremen...
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES brown suede gold Kelly toggle hardware point toe ankle boots EU37.5 Reference: LACG/A00466 Brand: Hermes Material: Suede Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: N...
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès 90cm Silk Twill Scarf 90*90cm
Hermès White Green Pony Express Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès highly collectible "Pony Express" 100% silk twill scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Ornate detail. Hand rolled edges. Stains, please refer to photos. Comes with original ...
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...
Borsa a Mano Hermès Picotin 18 Clemence Vert Anis
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Picotin, misura 18, realizzata in morbida pelle Clemence con una finitura martellata al tatto. Questa raffinata borsa si distingue per il suo colore Ver...
Hermès "Les Tambours" Green Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Hermès "Les Tambours" silk scarf designed by Joachim Metz, 1989. Made from 100% silk with hand rolled edges.
Hermès Flowers Beach Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès green and red multi flowers beach cotton sarong. One pulled thread, please refer to photo. No box.
Hermès "Feria De Sevilla" Yellow Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Feria de Sevilla" silk square scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Minor stains.
Hermès NIB Set Of 2 Art Deco Coffee Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, white and red art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
Hermes Paris Monsieur Et Madame Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Paris carre 90 Monsieur Et Madame silk scarf Excellent condition Comes with the box
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards New, unopened, with Hermes box. 4.5 by 2.5 in. Condition Report New
HERMES black suede HER COLLIER DE CHIEN Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 39.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Her Boots' in Noir veau velours suede with Collier de Chien buckle in palladium. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 39.5 Shoe...
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.
Hermes Fuchsia Graffiti Silk Small Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This multi-pink silk scarf was created by graffiti artist and Co-founder of the International Graffiti Festival Kongo. Brand new in box.
Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare Print
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...
Hermes Passifolia Small Tray no 1 / Sushi Plate New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Guaranteed authentic Hermes Soy Dish / Sushi Plate featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the ...
Hermes Jacket Vintage Very Rare Ex-Libris Reversible Scarf Print L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes very rare Ex-Libris reversible scarf print silk jacket with gorgeous carriages. Beautiful shades of taupe scarf print jacket....
Hermès Smiles in Third millenary, silk scarf year 2000
By Hermès
Located in Genova, IT
Hermès silk scarf titled "Smiles in Third Millenary" ABOUT Rare Hermès bob made in the year 2000 to celebrate the beginning of the third millennium with a colorful and contemporary...
Hermès New Passport Holder Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Passport holder in chevre (goatskin) calfskin features a snap closure that is palladium plated. Classic rouhe H color. The slim desi...
Tan Hermes Logo Belt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Tan leather logo belt by Hermes. Gold-tone peg-in-hole closure at front. 1" width, 39" length.
rare HERMES Silk Et Cuir Pompons Bag Charm pompom leather cord handbag charm
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Silk Et Cuir Pompons Bag Charm silk pompom leather cord handbag charm Reference: AAWC/A01595 Brand: Hermes Model: Charm de balsa pompom Material: Silk, Leather Color: Br...
HERMES silk HERMES FACTORY SUITE Twilly Scarf Noir Rose Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Hermes Factory Suite twilly scarf in black white silk twill (100%) with details in black, pink, yellow and light blue. Brand new w...
Hermes Shawl - Losange Diamond Geant - Natural - CS 108 x 104 x 80cm
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Shawl Losange Diamond Geant - Natural - CS 108x104x80cm - NWCT - 2411021855 Brand: Hermes Type: Shawl Losange Diamond Geant Artist : Size : 108x104x80cm Colour : Natural Dark...
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 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 Limited Edition Micro Constance Bag Rouge Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Micro Constance in Rouge Lizard, a vivid red tone that enhances the natural sheen of the exotic leather. The polished surface reflects light with depth, g...
Hermès New Cashmere Faubourg Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new “Faubourg tropical” cashmere and silk shawl. Crean and black color combination. Comes with ribbon and original box.
Hermès Pleated Oliver Kachinas Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill pleated "Kachinas" scarf by artist Kermit Oliver. Turquoise and blue color combination. Hand-rolled edges. New condition.
Hermès Kelly 28cm Bleu Pale Clemence Leather ww/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Softly understated yet unmistakably refined, this Hermès Kelly 28cm in Bleu Pale offers a delicate interpretation of the house’s iconic silhouette. The color carries an airy, powdery...
Hermès Black Feux d'Artifice Pochette
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Feux d'Artifice black silk twill pochette scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Does not come with Box
Hermes Vintage Les Fetes Du Roi Soleil Remarkable Reversible Jacket 38
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes dramatic reversible silk Les Fetes Du Roi Soleil wadded jacket. Striking balloon hem with drawstring waist an...
$3,850
Hermès Double Sens 36
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Double Sens 36 is a versatile and elegant tote bag introduced by Hermès in 2010. Its name, "Double Sens," reflects its reversible design, offering two distinct looks in on...
Hermes MC2 Copernic Sesame Bifold Wallet Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's MC2 Copernic compact bi-fold wallet featured in Sesame. Light and slim in Epsom leather. Interior has eight credit card slots, two flat pockets and one paper money...
Hermès 'Balade Oceane' 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Julie Abade, 1999.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès 'Balade Oceane' 90cm Silk Twill Scarf by Julie Abade, 1999. "Balade Oceane" or French for "Ocean Ride" was originally designed in 1999 and was never re-issued, making this pie...
Hermès Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Tri-Color Rouge De Coeur Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly sellier mini 20 in tri-color: rouge de coeur/rose extreme/bleu zanzibar and epsom leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn an...
HERMES Mini Roulis Shoulder Crossbody Bag Evercolor Blue A Stamp France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES Mini Roulis Shoulder Crossbody Bag Evercolor Blue A Stamp France，Minor color correction on the edges, slight scratches on the metal fitti...
$1,093
Hermes belt with buckle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes thin belt double sided, in pink confetti color and red, with double H buckle in white and burgundy colour. Belt buckle in metal & Reversible leather strap in Swift and Epsom c...
HERMES blue cashmere silk IMPOOSSIIIBLE 100 Scarf Orange Ciel Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shawl 'Impoossiiible 100' by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber in orange cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with details in light and dark blue, green, yellow and ivory. Has been worn and is in virtually new condition. Measurements Width 100cm (39in) Height 100cm (39in) The story behind: The design of the trinket tray created by Anne Kepler and Veronika Wildgruber reveals mystifying perspectives. Letters and shapes appear distorted, impossible to decipher. Equestrian accessories...
Hermes Ulysse Nano Bag Charm Vert Criquet / Blue de France Verso
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Ulysse Nano bag charm featured in Vert Criquet Evercolor and Bleu de France Swift. Bi-Color verso Notebook with refillable note paper. Palladium plate...
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Tadelakh Sellier Gold HW Complete Original Receipt 2022
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Sellier Tadelakh Gold Hardware Z The Hermès Kelly 25 in Black Sellier Tadelakt Leather with Gold Hardware, stamped Z, is an exceptionally coveted piece that re...
Hermès Gants Mitaines EU6.5 Shearling Fingerless Gloves Mittens 6.5 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès gloves and mittens in shearling (Martin Margiela era). Size indicated 6.5, total length 16.5 cm. The gloves are from private sales, in very good condition. Please note that t...
Hermes Eperons D or Maxi Twilly - Orange Gris Or - New / Store Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Eperons D or Maxi Twilly - Orange Gris Or - NWST - 2411041815 Brand: Hermès Artist : Kermit Oliver Size : 220x20cm Colour : Orange Gris Or Type : 100% Silk Twill Manufactred:...
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.