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 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...
Hermès Mini Lindy 20 Orange Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2453 Comes With Hermès Box, Dust bag, Strap, and Care booklet Model Lindy Mini Metal Palladium Serial Number Y stamp Date 2020 Condition Excellent Other Info Shoulder Strap Dr...
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.
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.
Hermes Twilly Ex Libris Gris / Orange / Rose Silk Scarf New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Twilly Ex Libris featured in Gris, Orange and Rose colorway. The iconic Ex Libris, emblem of Hermes, was designed by Hugo Grygkar. This iconic Hermes acce...
Hermes by Martin Margiela Belted Long Robe Coat w/ Hood in Black Cotton Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES BY MARGIELA BELTED LONG ROBE COAT W/ HOOD IN BLACK COTTON CASHMERE 44 FR Oversized silhouette with removable belt with dark brown plastic buckle. Wide sleeves with button det...
Hermès Vendanges Purple Red Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Vendanges" silk scarf in red and purple color combination. Hand rolled edges. No care tag.
New in Box Hermès Gold Epsom Passport Cover
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Beautiful passport cover from Hermes in the classic color palomino. Brand new in box. Date stamp B.
Hermès Picotin Lock 18 Rouge Grenat Taurillon Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Chic Hermès Picotin Lock 18 bag. A design inspired by horse troughs, the Picotin is a classic and timeless Hermès bags. The exterior of this P...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf was created on the 150th anniversary of Texas independence. Made from 100% silk. Hand rolled edges. Please refer to photos for minor defects.
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pencil Case in Pink Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Pencil Case From the "Petit h" collection Made of crocodile leather, inside lined with regular pink leather Outs...
Hermes Cabas H En Biais Black / Ecru Canvas / Swift 40 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cabas H En Biais Tote 40 bag featured in Black and Ecru. Black Swift leather trim. Lightweight and feminine this Hermes tote bag...
Hermes Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4154 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Colour: Roug...
Hermes Neobain Waves Case Colvert Medium Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Neobain Waves case featured in Colvert. Perforated "vagues" detail forms 2 waves. This Medium model has Hermes Bain Paris...
Hermes foulard / scarf 'The original New-Orleans Creole Jazz 1923'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk twill foulard topstitched by hand with the "The original New-Orleans creole Jazz 1923" theme designed by Loïc Dubigeon. Produced in 1996, never reprodu...
$959Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Old Car Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: a couple traveling in an old hand-cranked car, edges decorated with a drive chain design. A refined gift, ideal for all lovers of vi...
Hermes H Casaque Pillow Marine / Acier New w/ Sleeper
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Casaque H Pillow featured in Marine and Acier. A modern expression of the classic H pillow inspired by the horse racing worl...
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 BNIB Grey/Black Felt Evelyne PM
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gray felt and black leather (PM) Evelyne with palladium hardware. Adjustable shoulder strap, can be worn crossbody. Comes with original duster, shoulder strap, box, and ribbon.
2018 Hermes Blue Zanzibar Swift Tressage Lindy 26 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Lindy 26 in blue zanzibar swift leather with epsom tressage detailing on the strap with palladium hardware. Overall in very good condition with minor scuffings. Stamp C (2018). Comes...
Hermès Large Butterflies Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage celeste butterflies cotton beach tote with green shoulder straps. Handle drop 11". Please refer to photos for little spots inside.
Hermès Craie Clemence Evelyne III PM GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Craie Clemence Evelyne III PM GHW SKU: Z152317 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Designed in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, the Evelyne shoulder bag from ...
Hermes Bag Charm Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe Orange New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe bag charm. This equestrian charm is featured in rare Orange and will add a delightful touch to ...
Hermes Herbag Zip Retourne 31 Rose Shocking Berline/ Rouge Sellier Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Herbag Zip 31 featured in Rose Shocking Berline, a coated canvas and Rouge Sellier leather. The coated Berline canvas ...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf was created on the 150th anniversary of Texas independence. Made from 100% silk. No tag, comes with original box.
Hermès Silk Scarf Quai aux Fleurs Vanilla Hugo Grygkar 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Most beautiful colorway Print: "Quai xux Fleurs" (flower quay) Designed by Hugo Grygkar in 1952, this scarf is a reissue Made in France Made of ...
Hermes Pochette Pomme Pouch Buckle 24 mm Bamboo Mysore Chevre Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Pochette Pomme Pouch Buckle featured in Bambou. Fits a 24 mm belt for a fun accessory perfect for earbuds, credit cards, keys or change. This charming Hermes change...
Hermes Rodeo MM Horse Bag Charm Rare Anemone Blue Izmir and Fauve
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited Hermes Rodeo MM Anemone Rodeo horse bag charm with Bleu Izmir tail and mane. Saddle and holder are Fauve. Skin is lamb...
Hermes, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in green
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Art des Steppes cashmere scarf in green. The item has a few very small holes, but is further in good condition. CONDITION: good condition MEASUREMENTS: length 140 cm, wid...
Hermès Black Box Rio Clutch Hand Painted
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage black box calf rio clutch, hand painted by an American artist. The inspiration for this art deco design is the Chrysler building . Comes with original dust cover.
Hermès Green Jige Clutch Box Calf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jige Clutch Box Calf . The bag is in excellent condition. The exterior is made of black calfskin leather the interior made of a beige linen fabric. The clutch closes with a H ...
Hermès Cashmere & Silk Shawl "Folklore" 2010
By Henri D'Origny, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Cashmere & Silk "Folklore" 2010. This beautiful scarf was designed by Henri d'Origny in 1980 and then reissued in 2010 due to its popularity. This piece can be considered a co...
Hermès Celeste Mythologie Silk Top
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Celeste Mythologie Silk Shirt features a tribal print down the front, the hem, arms and neckline are trimmed with croton. Collectible design by famous Texas artist Kermit...
Hermes Himalaya Colorblock Artisanale Cashmere Mufffler Brun / Taupe / Camel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Himalaya Colorblock Artisanale Muffler featured in Brun, Taupe and Camel. Hand dyed and woven very soft cashmere muffler is...
Hermès sweater dress Pre-Fall 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in United Kingdom) Cashmere sweater dress with houndstooth pattern in beige and brown tones. Matching neckerchief and tiny brown scarf. Size 42FR indicated. 2019 Pre-F...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress 1970s 42
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress size 42 from the 1970s...Jewel neckline dress closes with zippers at either shoulder and a side zipper...Fully lined in silk...Beautiful navy g...
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...
Hermès Scarf "Ferronnerie"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Ferronnerie" scarf is a timeless piece that showcases the brand's dedication to artistry and craftsmanship. Designed by Caty Latham and first introduced in 1970, this sca...
Hermes Shearling Oran Teddy Sandal Orange Limited Edition Flats 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran Shearling limited edition flat sandal slide featured in Orange. This beautiful Hermes Oran shearling sand...
HERMÈS HARNAIS de CÉRÉMONIE 1959 silk Scarf designed by Grygkar Hugo
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Ceremonial Harness Silk Scarf This scarf is a testament to the House of Hermès, both for its age (67 years) and its equestrian theme. The design is finely traced with arabesqu...
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...
Hermes Rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs Du Desert" Zippered Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs du Desert" silk jacquard zippered shirt measures 26 1/2 inches in length. "Cuirs du Desert" des...
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation Plissé Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Les Voitures à Transformation plissé black silk scarf. Comes in box. Dry clean only.
Hermes Collectible Niege D Antan Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible "Niege d'Antan" silk scarf, 100% hand rolled trim, beige and caramel color combination.
Hermés 1990s Celestial Sun Midi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The dress to accompany you on all your vacations is here! Circa 1990s, this cotton midi dress features a subtle scoop neck, short sleeves, black stripes and a celestial sun signed He...
$18,080
Hermes Orange Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Orange Kelly 28 Bag. Classic orange color with silver palladium hardware. Interior clean. Good condition. Rare size 25 Kelly. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Gua...
Hermès Blue Silk Buttoned Vest
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Blue Silk Buttoned Vest Size 36 Excellent condition Bust 34" Waist 30" Length 22 1/2" 100% silk
1970s HERMES Brown And creme Silk Print Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Chic HERMES Silk Jacket/ Blazer silk print in Brown and creme. label : HERMES Sport Fit size Small / US 2/4
HERMES Soie Cool Azap red geometric print silk blue leather zip around wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Soie Cool Azap red geometric print silk blue leather zip around wallet Reference: NILI/A00104 Brand: Hermes Model: Azap Soie Cool Material: Silk, Leather Color: Red, Blue Patt...
Hermes Cheval Rebelle Tie 7 Ciel Blanc and Marine Heavy Silk Twill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tie 7 Cheval Rebelle featured in Ciel, Blanc and Marine colorway. Hand sewn heavy silk twill. Fun equestrian motif - Punk Mane! Hand-sewn silk twill. Made...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Instructions Sur L'Art De Nouer Et Porter Votre Carré Hermès"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Instructions Sur L'Art De Nouer Et Porter Votre Carré Hermès" 2002. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This be...
Hermès Black leather waist belt with decorative Gold square detail
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Vintage Hermès Black leather waist belt with decorative Gold square details on the front and tan leather lined interior. Circa 1950. The belt is Stamped in gold lettering ‘HE...
Hermes Vintage Vest Les Legendes De L'Arbre Scarf Print 38 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Les Legendes De L'Arbre (Legend of the tree) silk scarf print vest. Black background and exquisite drawings. 6 black front buttons with collar. 2 slot po...
Hermes Kelly Moove Black Swift Calfskin Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly Moove Black swift calfskin leather with palladium hardware features tonal stitching, a round half-moon shape, pull straps attached to a toggle closure, and an adjustable f...
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...
Hermes Egerie Sandals in Black rubber
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Egerie Sandals are in Black rubber and feature the iconic Chaine D'Ancre motif. The sandals are waterproof. Size 37 with box and dustbags
Vintage Hermès 2006 Cashmere Silk Shawl 'Monsieur et Madame'
By Hermès, Christiane Vauzelles
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare cashmere and silk shawl with iconic Carrè "Monsieur et Madame" pattern designed by master Christiane Vauzelles in 2006 - In this v...
Hermes Collectible Flamingo Party Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Flamingo Party silk Shawl. Fun and vibrant flamingo party motif. Features hand rolled hem. Comes with no box.
Hermès Cotton Knit T-shirt Orange
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès Cotton Knit T-shirt in Orange is a refined essential that blends comfort with effortless luxury. Crafted from soft, high-quality cotton knit, it offers a smooth, breathabl...
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 ...
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.