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 foulard 'At the palace doors'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk foulard entitled "Aux portes du palais" ('At the palace doors') designed by Christine Henry, produced in 2008. Never reproduced. Condition: Very good ...
Hermès Collectible Mythologies Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Box included. Please refer to photo 4 for minor stain. item has been worn once and has not been dry cle...
Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure with lacquered pall...
Hermes Recto-Verso PM Muffler Light / Medium Gray Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Recto Verso PM Cashmere fringe muffler featured in a medium and very light Gray on Gray. Hermes embroidered on corner. Muffler has a 3" fringe. Can be wor...
Hermès Qalamdan Baschet Silk Scarf Black 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "QALAMDAN" A Qalamdan is a persian box or case for storing a pen Designed by Catherine Baschet in 1990 Made in France Made of 1...
Hermes Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather that is a bold and striking statement piece. Its vibrant blue hue enhances the structured si...
Hermès Red Orange Brandeburg Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Brandeburgo ashtray in the red and orange. The center of the piece shows a print of a black jacket. Suede stamped bottom. New with original box.
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Ecru Beige Fauve Military Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne 20 Made In: France Year of Production: 2024 Color: Ecru Beige Fauve Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Canvas & le...
HERMES Brazil Bird Print Maxi Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk twill Brazil Laurence Bourthoumieux bird of paradise print Maxi Twilly scarf Reference: VACN/A00155 Brand: Hermes Model: Maxi Twilly Collection: Brazil by Laurence...
Hermes Pegase Rodeo PM Rouge Sellier / Bleu Sapphire /Mauve Sylvestre Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes PM Rodeo bag charm featured in Rouge Sellier, Blue Sapphire and Mauve Sylvestre Charming and playful she easily adorns a myriad bag colours in your fabul...
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.
2020 Hermes Felt Grooming Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes grooming bag in grey felt wool. Beautiful bag perfect for travel or diaper bag. Minimal signs of wear. The handles has suppled so its a litt...
New Hermes Mini Lindy Rouge De Coeur Swift Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box mini lindy verso rouge de coeur et rouge pilent swift with palladium hardware. Date stamp Z, 2021. Coveted new size , can be wor...
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
Hermès Scarf entitled Paris qui Roule by Hugo Grygkar Circa 2006
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2006 France Hermès Scarf entitled "Paris qui Roule" in a design by Hugo Grygkar, the first edition of which dates from 1951, this being the second edition dating from 2006. Fl...
Hermès Celeste Dolphins Silk Print Polo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Silk Print Polo features a collred neck with three buttons down the front, and a sea life print down the front. The arms and back are made from cashmere. Size S Shoulder...
Hermès Scarf "Les Ponts De Paris"
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Les Ponts de Paris" scarf is a celebrated design that pays tribute to the iconic bridges spanning the Seine River in Paris. Originally introduced in 1953, this scarf was ...
Hermes Oran Sandal Black Calfskin White Top Stitch Flat Shoes 37 / 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran exquisite Black calfskin slides. The iconic bone top stitched H cutout over the top of the foot in sublime calfskin. Black embossed calfskin i...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf in black & yellow, featuring Hand-Rolled Edges. Famous Kermit Oliver design.
Hermes Do Re Boucles Silk Twilly
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This vibrant red and white twilly from Hermes is expertly crafted using luxurious French silk. This versatile piece can be worn around the neck, head, as a bag accessory and even as ...
Hermès White Cotton Print Scarf Visor
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This vintage Hermès White Cotton Print Scarf Visor circa offers a chic and versatile accessory that combines timeless elegance with practical sun protection. Crafted from high-qualit...
Hermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès "Persona" Silk Chiffon 90 cm Scarf by Loïc Dubigeon, 1997. "Persona" depicts various tribal masks from the African/Egyptian region on an off white background and is considered...
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck. The item is in good condition
Hermes Oran Sandals Etoupe Epsom Leather Flat Shoes 38 / 8
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...
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Quilted Taupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian quilted leather jacket. Bought for £7750 and unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable ta...
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.
Hermes H Diagonale Cashmere Blanket Petunia and Mandarine
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes H Diagonale blanket featured in Petunia and Mandarine. Inspired by a 1929 Hermes advertisement for male and female acc...
Hermes Vintage Art de la Table Wood Shelf Talker Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Hermes Shelf talker/Plate with 'Hermes Art de la table - Paris' lettering. Square-shaped. Made in wood, with upper side in light gold colored metal. Measurements: 6.5 x 6.5 i...
New Hermes Mini Evelyne Felt Swift in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare mini Evelyne shoulder bag in brown felt, brown swift leather with palladium hardware. Never used. Dated "Y" for 2020. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Comes with original duster, box...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES cream light grey cashmere wool H logo square throw blanket
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES cream light grey cashmere wool H logo square throw blanket Reference: AAWC/A01559 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Wool Color: Grey, Cream Pattern: Solid Made in: Italy COND...
Hermes "Les Folies du Ciel" Hot Air Balloon Print Button-Up Shirt circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Les Folies du Ciel" Hot Air Balloon Print Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1980s is a striking example of vintage luxury fashion. Feat...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 7430 HA yellow red blue cherry basket print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7430 HA yellow red blue cherry basket print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00702 Brand: Hermes Model: 7430 HA Material: Silk Color: Beige, Pink Pattern: Cartoon Lining: Beige Silk ...
Hermès “Orange Dance Pacifique“ Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès “Orange Dance Pacifique“ scarf silk scarf by Laurence Bourthoumieux, pays tribute to the culture of New Guinea. The scarf features the feather and cowry adorned headdresse...
Hermès Constance Mini 18 Bleu Paon Alligator Matte Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Constance Mini 18 in bleu paon and alligator matte leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y ...
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...
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...
Hermes Playing Cards H Basket Weave Design New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Playing Cards. The 2 sets are multicolored depicting a basket weave design - a fresh take on the "H" design The cards are...
Hermès Jeux dans la jungle Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new beach towel in terry cloth with "Jeux Dans la Jungle" print (100% cotton). No box.
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...
Hermes Octogone Pochette Clutch Bag Blue Indigo Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Octogone Pochette clutch bag featured in Bleu Indigo. "A naturally geometrical and pure line, the Octogone draws its inspiration from a fla...
Hermès Feux D Artifice Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new blue feux d artifice silk gavroche scarf. Hand rolled edges. Highly collectible design .
HERMES navy grey cashmere silk reversible H anagram long jersey scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy grey cashmere silk reversible H anagram long jersey scarf Reference: PRWU/A00213 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Navy, Grey Pattern: Solid Extra Details: Sm...
Hermes Oran Rose Sorbet Doblis (Suede) Sandal 38 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Oran sandals featured in exquisite Rose Sorbet Doblis slide. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Rose Sorbet flat sandals. Pretty Blue embossed c...
$1,436
Hermès foulard 'Ashanti'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk muslin foulard entitled "Ashanti", designed by Annie Faivre and produced in 1997, never reproduced. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 135 cm...
Hermes Navy Blue Silk Shimmering Sheer Lurex Small Scarf Handkercheif
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hermes navy blue silk and lurex woven scarf in excellent condition. Sheer navy blue silk woven with shimmery silver lurex in a classic Hermes print design. made in France. original tag attached. Signed Hermes. Would make a wonderful gift for the Hermes lover...
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 ...
Hermès La Fontaine Silk Scarf With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès La Fontaine de Bartholdi gold silk scarf with silver and grey details. Hand-rolled edges. Original box included.
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 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 Collier de Chien Bangle Bracelet white epson Leather Pink Gold Finish
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
HERMES Collier de Chien Bracelet white epson Leather Pink Gold Size Medium T3 M 16.5cm With Box In 1837, within the walls of his workshop at 56 rue Basse-du-Rempart, Thierry Hermè...
Hermès Paris 'Mexique' Silk Scarf by Caty Latham
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermès 'Mexique' Silk Scarf by Caty Latham Size: Square 90cm Material: silk Green/Blue color Designer: Caty Latham Purchased at Hermes in 2013 Excellent condition
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 Silk Scarf, Jungle Love
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Jungle Love, designed by Robert Dallet, with box and ribbon. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
Hermès Kelly 32 retourné from 2015
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Amazing Hermès Kelly 32 in blue togo leather, delivered in its original HERMES dustbag. Condition: very good Made in France Model : Kelly 32 Material : togo leather Interior : blue l...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Blazer 'Les Cheyennes' by Oliver Kermit Circa 1993
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - We present an extraordinary item a pure silk blazer with the iconic Carrè pattern "Les Cheyennes" by the important designer Oliver Kermi...
Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench from the 2000's. Classic cut with interesting details reminiscent of Margiela's tenure at the house. Each detail is extremely well thought ...
Hermès New Blue White Striped Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in original box blue and white striped cotton sarong. Unused condition.
HERMES Vintage 'Bolide' bag in Cannelle Grained Leather
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes vintage Bolide bag in cannelle grained leather. In very good condition. Stamp W in a circle (1993). It is lined with a leather. Golden hardware...
Hermes Jacket Gibiers Scarf Print Rare Vintage H de Linares 38 / 6 Mint
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Lightyly wadded silk jacket feaures magnificent Gibiers print designed by by Henri de Linares. Created in 1966, this rare and distinctive palette is a co...
Hermès Black Silk Kachinas Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and brown silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges.
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.