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 Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
Investment Piece and Great Deal SKU 33301488 Comes With Hermès Dust Bag, Keys,Padlock,Clochette Date 2007 Model Birkin 35 Serial Number [K] Metal Palladium Materials Crocodile Leath...
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bottle Opener Orfevrerie Ercuis
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener From the "Chaine d'Ancre" collection (anchor chain) Made in France Designed by "Orfevrerie Ercuis" (OE and centaur hallmark) Made of metal Co...
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
Exceptional Hermès Exclusif Giant Shawl Silk Scarf Oriental Drawings
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Scarf Extremely rare, this scarf is from the vintage "HERMÈS EXCLUSIF" collection Pattern: oriental-inspired designs Made in France M...
HERMES black Togo leather HAC 50 Travel Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès HAC 50 travel bag in black is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Togo leather, offering a refined balance of structure and softness. Inspired by...
Vintage Black Hermes Rio Exotic Lizard Clutch in Very Good Condition
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
Crafted from exotic lizard this Hermes black Rio clutch is lined with buttery soft black lambskin leather. It features the brand's iconic letter "H" in gold-tone on a lovely carved w...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Cowboy Hats Rodeo Texas RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Highly Sought After Authentic Hermès Ashtray Theme: Rodeo, Texas, Horse Riding Print: drawings of 6 cowboy hats :"Brushpopper / Boss of the Plains / Old Fort Worth /King R...
Hermès 'Tourbillons' Autumn Leaves Print Silk Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely Hermès Tourbillons silk twill carré scarf printed with artist Christiane Vauzelles' famous 1968 design featuring a whirlwind of autumn leaves. This autumnal colorway is from t...
Hermès Destier Bolo Tie Necklace Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Necklace Tie From the "Destrier" Collection "Boho Tie", perfect mix between tie and necklace Theme: Equestrian, Horse, Cow bow, Western, Texas ...
Exceptional Hermès Secret Watch Pendant in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Watch A beautiful blend of craftsmanship, elegance, design and functionality, and above all, an exceptional collector's item The pulley-shaped penda...
HERMES Abysse blue crocodile CONSTANCE COMPACT Wallet RGhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance Compact wallet in dark blue shiny alligator leather probably Abysse. Features a structured, compact silhouette...
Hermes Scarf Exposition Universelle Silk 90cm Orange Jaune Multi New
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Exposition Universelle Silk 90cm Orange Jaune Multi New with tags and box Final sale
Sac Hermès modèle Bolide format 35 en cuir légèrement grainé (Epsom anciennement
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide bag, size 35, in slightly grained leather (Epsom, formerly Courchevel) in camel or "gold" color, with a supple leather interior that coordinates with a large slip pocke...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Navy Blue Box Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Made in France Vintage item (Z in circle, 1996) Made of box leather and yellow gold plated ...
HERMES Mangrove Green Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Clutch Bag PBhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Vert Mangrove is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, showcasing a rich deep dark green hue that enhances its elegant, compa...
Hermès Vintage Black 32 Kelly Bag 1990s with Gold Tone Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès black 32 Kelly gold tone hardware shoulder strap inside
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
HERMÈS Ledoux porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès porcelain ashtray Two black horses in the prairie Signed (Philippe) Ledoux Circa cm. 19 x cm. 16 Back suede Made in France Excellent condition
Exceptional Hermès Nutcracker Horse Bit Shaped Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Nutcracker Horse Bit Shaped Can also be used to unscrew a cap Vintage item Made in France Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert Made of metal Colorway: silvery ...
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag Stunning Hermès Constance in rouge braise alligator leather; some shadows or imperfections on the ...
Hermès 30 Togo Calfskin Zanzibar Blue Malachite handlebag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès 30 Togo Calfskin Zanzibar Blue Malachite handlebag Birkin 30 in Togo calfskin in Zanzibar Blue/Malachite, manufactured in 2017 with a subsequent 2023 invoice for the replaceme...
Hermès 1965s Sac Kelly 32 Bandouliere Black Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 32, in black box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather and features two slip pockets and one large zipped pocket. It includes ...
Hermès 1987 Sac a depeches 41 Hermes Black Leather Brief Case Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès briefcase, Sac à Dépêches model, in smooth black box leather and gold-tone metal, 41 cm wide with two gussets, interior with two compartments plus a large front pocket under t...
HERMES black crocodile BEARN COMPACT Wallet Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Bearn Compact wallet in black shiny alligator leather is a timeless accessory of refined craftsmanship. Featuring a structured silhouette, it closes with a...
Hermès Vintage Kelly Bag 32 cm Horse Hair Crinoline New Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès KELLY bag Outside stitching for a rigid shape Made in France Stamp V in Square (1992) Made of Crinoline (Horse Hair) and smooth leather NEW Yellow g...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of yellow gold and silver "HERMES PARIS", serial number, craftman's hallmark and 75...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
Exceptional Hermès Spats Mini Chaps Brown Suede Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Spats Made of suede leather and silver-tone buckles Inside is lined with brown leather Colorway: Brown Please note: The color variations com...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
Hermès Cashmere Silk Shawl Brandebourgs Latham 55'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Shawl in the most coveted colorway Print: "BRANDEBOURGS" Designed by Caty Latham in 1972, this shawl is from 2015 Made in France Made of 65% Cashmere an...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Les Chevaux Dechaines - CS140 - Noir Naturel Rouge - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Chevaux Dechaines - CS140 - Noir Naturel Rouge - NWSTS - 2604231614 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Chevaux Déchaînés, The Unleashed Horses Ar...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Red Ostrich Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Made in France Vintage item (V in circle, 1992) Made of ostrich and yellow gold plated hard...
Hermès Silver Micro Kelly Bag Pill Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Smallest "Kelly" bag ever made This baby kelly has nothing to envy of the grown-ups, because she opens up too Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pi...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Bottom covered with...
Hermès Ceinture A composer 24 mm T75 Black Collier de chien Belt 30 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A Composer belt featuring a gold-tone metal buckle in the style of a dog collar or Medor, and a reversible leather strap, black on one side and camel on the other. Size 75 cm ...
HERMES pink leather ORAN LIZARD Slides Sandals Shoes 40 fit 39
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in vibrant pink lizard leather, showcasing the house’s instantly recognizable minimalist elegance. Defined by the iconic “H” cut-out upper an...
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New W/T
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New With tags and box 90 cm .Made in France Final sale
Hermès 7 Drawers Chest Semainier in Wood for Scarves or Jewels
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Drawer To store scarves, but can be used for jewels as well Made of burl wood veneer Edges decorated with "H" marquetry Includes 7 drawers in w...
Hermès Vintage 1990s Unisex Orange Vinyl Kelly Handbag with Turn Lock
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
The Vinyl Kelly handbag features a see-through vinyl body, a flat top handle, and a front flap with a turn lock closure. Condition Good Color Orange Size 28 x 39.5 x 11 cm Type of Ma...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse The purse is a vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of silver (crab hallmark) "HERMÈS" and crab hallmark enbraved on one...
Hermes Yellow Togo Leather Tsako Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Tsako” Yellow togo leather shoulder bag featuring a cotton shoulder handle, a logo fastening strap with a fastening snap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1988 In good vintage co...
Hermès Silk Scarf Tea Time Jonathan Burton Hearts Valentine's Day
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TEA TIME" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: ORANGE / GRIS / BLANC (orange, grey, white) Lov...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
$9,416Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
$51,788Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Bag Shiny Red Lizard Gold Hdw Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Among the most coveted Hermès bags Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Will come with its matching pencil case and ring scarf cl...
Hermès Women's Spring 2021 Black Leather Zip Front Coat, Size FR38
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxest Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2021 collection - Look 15 on the runway. Bought for £14000 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft and...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron - NWST - 2604131912 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Trois Grâces, The Three Graces Artist: Alice Shir...
Hermès Micro Kelly 15 cm Sellier Red Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Adorable Authentic Hermès Micro Kelly Rare item, a must-have for any Hermès lovers Sellier Version (outside stitching) for a rigid shape...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Fox Terrier Dog Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "FOX -TERRIER" dog Made in France Made of porcelain Beige Leather at bottom, "HH" in golden letters in middle Colorways: white, ora...
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermès Bag Constance 18 cm Metallic Silver Leather Phw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Constance" Made in France Stamp H in square (2004) Made of chèvre leather (Goatskin) and palladium plated hardware (silver-tone) ...
Hermes Toilette Annes MM Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach set up for sale: yellow and white striped bag with matching sarong. Mint condition. Beach sarong is in mint condition, - 28” x 58” 100% cotton
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...
HERMES black Epsom leather MINI KELLY 20 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag in Noir is the epitome of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in structured Epsom leather, this mini version of...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 cm Sellier Bag Satin Doblis Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Kelly" Sellier version, rigid, so Chic ! Collector piece ! Only a few in the world. A true collector bag Made in France Stamp U in a circ...
HERMES Constance Kiwi Green Leather Shoulder Bag Y Stamp France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES CONSTANCE Kiwi Green shoulder bag stamp Y France Accessories: Dust bag. size: Width:18cm,height:14cm Designer: Hermes Model: CONSTANCE 18 MINi Exterior Materia...
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.
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