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 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 Jacket Terres Precieuses Scarf Print Reversible L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes reversible Annie Faivre scarf print silk jacket. Magnificent Terres Precieuses scarf print jacket with very subtle wadding. Depicts gems from diffe...
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
2011 Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Leather Rouge Capucine Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Hermès handbag, Birkin model, size 35, made of capucine-colored togo leather with silver hardware. Equipped with the classic flap with interlocking closure and buckle. Complete with ...
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 ...
Hermès Beige x Brown Sac a Dos Herbag Backpack 2-in-1 60h429s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: D in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 4" Height: 11" Shoulder Handle Drop: 12.5" Handle Drop: 2" OVERALL FAIR+ CONDITION ( 6.5...
Hermès Ferma Carré 90 Mors - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès scarf ring in palladium silver color. Silver-plated steel with rings on both sides. Customize your look with this chic accessory. Inclusion: box. Material: Silver Plated Me...
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...
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 Reversible Zip Cardigan Hoodie Black 36 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Reversible Zip Cardigan featured in Black on Black. Warm with hood and quilted cotton, wool and plume canvas. Virgin wool wit...
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 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...
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 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...
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 "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, ...
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...
Hermès Silk Scarf "Circus" 2013
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Circus" 2013. This beautiful scarf was designed by Annie Faivre in 1983 and then reissued in 1988 and 2013 in a smaller size due to its popularity. The design is u...
Hermès Silk Tie Illustrated with Leaves
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk tie illustrated with leaves. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Width: 9 cm Seller Reference: ACC67
Hermes Airsilk Duffle Bag Cavalcadour 38 Orange Silk Limited Edition New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Airsilk Duffle Cavalcadour 38 featured in Orange Blue, White, Green and Black. Same size bag is also a...
Hermes Izmir Sandal Jaune Ambre and Mahogany Brown Epsom Leather Men's Shoes 45
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Men's Izmir sandals featured in Jaune Ambre. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Epsom leather. The upper sole is lined in Mahogany calfskin. Sophisticated colour in a silhouette that works for every wardrobe. Wood heel with leather sole. Comes with sleepers. NEW or NEVER WORN. Please see our extensive selection of new Hermes menswear...
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...
HERMES Picotin 18 Bag Clémence Baby Bull Leather
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Condition : very good Made in France Model : Picotin Gender : woman Material : Clémence grained baby bull leather Lining : unlined Color : gold Measurements : 18 x 19 x 13 cm Handles...
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
Hermès Twilly Grand Tralala Silk
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès Twilly Grand Tralala Silk Scarf in pink is a charming and versatile accessory, featuring an intricate design inspired by whimsical elegance and artistry. Made from luxurio...
Hermès Gold Leaf Indian Dancer Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint condition indian dancer porcelain ashtray, suede bottom. 24kt gold leaf, orange blue and cream color combination.
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.
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 ...
Hermès Silk Twill Foulard / Scarf Entitled with 'sextants', 1981
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Multicolored silk twill scarf entitled "Sextants", designed by Loïc Dubigeon, produced in 1981, reproduced in 1999 and in 2001. Additional information: Con...
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 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 Pegasus Rodeo touch Alligator charm in gold color
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Pegasus Rodeo touch Alligator charm in gold color. Material :Agneau/Matt alligator crocodile skin Measurements :(W)8.0×(H)7.0cm Accompanied by the original Hermes :Box and r...
Hermes Silk Shawl Scarf Transformation Cars
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Never worn, Hermes famous " transformation cars " shawl designed by Françoise de la Perrière. The drawings represents old coaches in red, coral, blue and petrol blue towns. Label ind...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Plaza de Toros
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Plaza de Toros Designed by Hubert de Watrigant. 35 by 35 in.
Hermes MC2 Euclide Card Holder Gold Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes MC2 Euclid Card Case featured in Gold. The card holder has 4 slots for business/credit cards and 2 pockets. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store ...
Hermès Reversible Tuareg Black Gold Belt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès limited edition belt with handmade Tuareg sterling silver buckle. Handcrafted by Tuareg tribes in the Sahara Desert. Dated O in a bo...
Hermès Vintage Hat Head Scarf in Silk Les Coupés
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Head Scarf / Hat Pattern: "Les Coupés" Designed by Fançoise de la Perrière in 1970 Vintage item Outside made of Silk Inside line...
Hermes Balusoie Green Print Silk Scarf & Leather Handbag circa 2023
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Balusoie Green Print Silk Scarf & Leather Handbag circa 2023 is a versatile and chic accessory that seamlessly blends functionality with high-end fashion. Crafted from a v...
Hermès “Tigre à l‘ananas“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Tigre a l'Ananas" print designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy is made from 100% cotton, featuring a multi-color design. Woven in Germany and ...
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 Hermes Imperial Tiger Fuchsia Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition "Imperial Tiger" small silk scarf in fuchsia , white and pink trim. Brand new in original box.
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Mythologie des Hommes Rouges" 1999
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Mythologie des Hommes Rouges" 1999. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This rare and iconic scarf was desi...
Hermes Silk Rare Colombus Red Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Columbus red scarf by coveted designer, Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box.
Hermes La Promenade de Longchamps Scarf in red c.1960s
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes La Promenade de Longchamps Scarf in red in very good condition. Original silk screen design c1965 by Philippe Ledoux features a...
Hermès Bridges De Gala Shadow Twilly
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Bridges De Gala Shadow Twilly is in Rose, White and Fuchsia. Made from 100% silk. It can be worn in different ways with a slide medor in gold...
Dark Green & Multicolor Hermes Bull & Mouth Motif Printed Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Dark green and multicolor Bull & Mouth motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 35" width, 35" length.
$16,052
Hermès purple Elan Constance
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Hermès Constance Elan bag in purple crocus Epsom leather. Comes in its original HERMES dustbag ! Condition : very good Made in France Collection : Constance Elan Gender : wo...
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandal shoes featured in neutral Etoupe Epsom leather. The iconic top stitched H cutout over the top of the slide. Matching embossed calfskin insole. W...
Hermès Togo Dogon Card Case Key Holder Anemone
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Stamp R Square, Year 2014 - Aubergine purple - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal card slots - Condition: Very Good This pre-owned item is in very good condition, with minima...
Hermes, reversible box and togo leather admiral belt
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, reversible box and togo leather admiral belt in black and cognac. The item is in good condition. Scratches on the hardware and leather. CONDITION: good condition SIZE: 80 ...
Hermes Oran Sandal Jaune Ambre Alligator Flat Slide 39 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in Jaune Ambre Alligator. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandal is a warm honeyed yellow. The iconic H cutout ove...
Hermes, Ines leather wedge sandals
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Ines leather wedge sandals. The item is in very good condition and comes with box and dustbag. CONDITION: very good condition SIZE: 39 INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm HEEL ME...
Hermès Rose Pourpre Rodeo Charm MM
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Rodeo Charm in pink. This piece is made out of lambskin leather and comes in a bright pink. The handle drop is 7.25" and the charm is brand n...
Hermès 70cm Silk Scarf "The Pony Express" 2012
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès 70cm Silk Scarf "The Pony Express" 2012. Rare and exceptional silk scarf. The design is a perfect representation of how attentive to details the brand is, really sought after ...
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater Reference: TGAS/F00469 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Navy, Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Ex...
Rare Hermès French Flag Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie French flag theme 100% Silk Made in France Green color Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
New in Box Hermes Lime Epsom Passport Cover
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès lime epsom leather passport holder. Date stamp U for 2022. Brand new with box and ribbon.
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 additional adjustable long strap to carry the bag comfortably cross body. An outside pocket. A true daytime bag with ample room. So chic and sporty. About EVELYN BAG...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange Swift Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Highly coveted and hard to acquire Kelly Pochette in house legacy color Orange. Excellent condition includes box and dustbag. Year stamp N sqaure from 2010. Guaranteed Authentic.
$1,606Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Vintage Iconic Bolduc Print Silk Shirt Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage iconic Bolduc print silk shirt blouse. This shirt features : - Orange HERMES PARIS Bolduc print featuring white carriages and stitching on a black background. -...
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.