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.
Hermes Birkin 25 Gray Swift Leather Silver Hardware T Stamp 2015
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Minor signs of use Accessories: KEY,LOCK,DUST BAG size: Width:25cm,height:20cm Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin 25 handbag Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: ...
Hermès "Les Bassets" NIB Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Xavier de Poret.
Hermes Les Jardiniers du Roy by Maurice Tranchant Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf “Les Jardiniers du Roy” par Maurice Tranchant, featuring a taupe border and an Hermès signature. First issue 1967 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in...
Hermès Long Opera Gloves Burgundy Lambskin Leather Size 6.5 in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and so elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves Made in France Made of Lambskin Leather Decorated with small silver balls, grouped by 4 Colorway: Burgundy, Silver-Tone Lined wi...
Hermès Toile H Vibration Herbag Zip Cabine Retourne 50 travel bag Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, worn corners, scratches on metal hardware, and clean interior. Accessories: Key ,Lock,Pouch size: Width:50cm,height:37cm Designer: Hermès Model: Toile...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Beton Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Beton Togo with Palladium hardware. Togo is the house's most popular grained calfskin, valued for its scratch resistance and ability to hold structure while de...
Hermes Constance H Blue Bicolor Leather Reversible Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Blue bicolor “Constance” leather reversible belt featuring a reversible inside yellow leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted Z in a round. Belt Size fr:80 Circa 1996 (Z in a r...
Hermes Orange Vespa PM Shoulder Bag Silver Hardware Crossbody Stamp L 2008
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: There is color touch-up on the corners; slight scratches, indentations and darkening on the bag bo...
Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu De Prusse Togo Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès' Blue de Prusse is a captivating, deep navy blue hue that made its first appearance in the brand's color palette in 2003. Recognized for its elegance, this color has become a ...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 Bleu Zanzibar Silver Hardware Stamp A
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Light signs of daily use. Worn corners, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories:Dust bag,key,lock size: Width:18cm Designer: Hermes Model: Picotin Lock 18 ...
HERMES Mouette grey Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Gris Mouette grey Clemence leather with palladium hardware. It features the house’s signature perforated H motif...
Hermès Sellier Limited Edition Jumping Bridle Black Leather Red Stitch Reins
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès limited edition Sellier jumping bridle is crafted in black leather with distinctive red topstitching and includes matching reins. The contrast stitching...
HERMES Blue Jean Clemence leather PICOTIN 22 Bag Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Picotin 22 bag in Bleu Jean (jeans blue) Taurillon Clemence leather featuring contrasting white stitching and Palladium hardware. Unlined. Has been carried and ...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf - Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert - Mint Rare
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert – MWCT - 2602181848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Antoine de Jacquelot Design Name: Casse Noisette - Nutcracker Siz...
HERMES Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
Hermès NIB "Les Bassets" Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Xavier de Poret, and features detailed sketches of dachshund hounds in vario...
HERMES Rouge de Coeur red & Nord blue SANGLE ZIGZAG 25mm Bag Shoulder Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Sangle Zigzag bag strap is a vibrant and versatile accessory crafted in Rouge de Coeur (bright red) and Bleu du Nord (light blue) canvas. Accented with Rou...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Tan Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New , Plastic on all Hardware. U Stamp 2022. Dimensions: 9.75 W x 5 D x 8 H in Thank you for ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Alligator Leather Black Noir Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Matte Alligator Black Noir . Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New 2020 Y Stamp. This is not a store fresh item. It has been displayed and handled. T...
Hermès Chale Triangle a franges 1990s Cashmere and Leather Fringes Shawl Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Maxi Triangle shawl with fringe in burgundy cashmere and long knotted fringes in matching leather. Approximately 200 cm wide x 100 cm high (excluding the 45 cm fringe). The sh...
Hermes White Leather Trim Shoulder Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes white shoulder leather Trim tote bag featuring a shoulder handle, a top zip opening, an inside logo stamp, ar gold-plated hardware. Circa: 1990s Under the attached strap mark...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy Box leather CONSTANCE 23 Bag w Gold VINTAGE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 23 shoulder bag in Rouge H Veau Box leather featuring gold-plated hardware. Vintage from 1976. Lined in burg...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Azalee Azalea Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Rare Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Rose Azalee Epsom leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Almost Like New Prisitne with Plastic on Hardware and Feet. Please keep in mind the bag...
Hermès 2011 Ceinture T80 Klein Blue Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt 32in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès dog collar belt (or Médor belt for those in the know ;-) 50mm wide in slightly grained Epsom leather in blue and silver-tone metal (palladium)...
HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Birkin 30' bag in Rose Poupre pink Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper po...
HERMES Craie cream Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Craie (chulk white) Taurillon Clemence leather is a timeless addition to any collection. Featuring the iconic perforated "H...
Hermès "Jour de Casting" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jour de Casting scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by artist Liz Stirling. This whimsical design, features seven well-groomed dogs dressed in collars and a...
HERMES Indigo blue & ecru HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile Criss Viking / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Retourne Cabine 50 travel bag is crafted in cream and black Toile Criss Viking canvas with Indigo blue Vache Hunter leather trim, combining dura...
Hermès Corkscrew Bottle Opener Bottle Coaster Matching Set Cordage Rope D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Matching Set of 3 pieces - Corkscrew - Bottle Opener - Bottle Coaster Absolutely perfect for decorating the table in your seaside home or on your boat ...
HERMES black Toile Militaire & Box leather KELLY 40 LAKIS Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 40 Lakis shoulder bag in black Toile Militaire and black Box leather featuring Palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather. Has been carried and ...
HERMES Mini Roulis 18 Shoulder Crossbody Bag Silver Hardwear 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Mini Roulis 18 Shoulder Crossbody Bag gold faubourg barenia France...
Hermès Limited Edition Birkin 35cm "Fray Fray" Brown Swift Leather Beige Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition bag from Hermès featuring the Birkin 35 Fray Fray design. Crafted in Biscuit Swift leather with Toile canvas, the construction blends sm...
$6,288Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Cerulean Blue
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian leather jacket. Unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable cerulean blue deerskin with Her...
Hermes Epsom Paris Bombay White Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Up for sale the perfect summer bag: Hermès Paris Bombay bag, 37 cm. White clemence leather with palladium hardware. Dated L for 2008. Excellent condition wi...
HERMES pink leather BIRKIN 25 Bag Rose Azalee Swift Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 bag in Rose Azalee (pink) Veau Swift leather with palladium-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a removable shoulder strap in coordinated leather for carrying on the shoulder or across the body, keys, padlock, bell, zipper, dustbag, year 1991. Width 35 cm x height 27 cm x depth 13.5 cm, handles 32 cm, shoulder strap 93 cm. The bag was the subject of a "spa" at Hermès very...
Hermes Drag De Voyage Travel Bag Tan Brown Leather Carry On Luggage Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Brown leather exterior - Silver colored hardware - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition, has some minor discoloration on the piping throughout t...
Hermes Troca Black Cotton Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s black Troca cotton tote bag featuring leather trim, stripe detailing, two top handles, press-stud fastening, main compartment, internal zip-fastening pocket, slip pocket...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 II Red Chevre Leather Silver HW PHW Stamp T France Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Hermès Kelly Mini20 Chevre Women Red shoulderbag France，There is wear on the corners, scratches on the hardware, and local spray color care. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
Hermès Customised Heron Jige Elan PM
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Burgundy leather trim - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted heron design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Includes original box (damaged) - Stamp K ...
HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 30' bag in Rouge Grenat (dark red) Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
HERMES black leather CHYPRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Chypre sandals in smooth black calfskin leather, defined by the house’s iconic minimalist silhouette and bold H-cut straps. Designed with a rounded toe and ergo...
Hermès 1986 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Chasse a vol Grey Ecru Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, "Chasse à Vol" (Hunting in Flight) motif by Henri de Linares, first produced in 1982, reissued in 1986 and 1989. The motif is in shades o...
Hermès Bi-Color Lime Nata Picotin Lock 18 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bi-Color Lime Nata Picotin Lock 18 PHW SKU: 153816 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Hermès has a long history of ties with the equestrian world, whi...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather with. Complimented by Gold Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. Prisitne Condition, Plastic on Hardware. Dimensions: 9.75 W x...
Hermès Birkin 35 Bag Black Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
An iconic Hermès Birkin 35 crafted in luxurious black Togo leather and finished with elegant gold hardware. This timeless handbag showcases the classic relaxed Retourne structure, of...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Hermes Herbag Zip 31 Quadrille Viking Canvas Blue Saphir Palladium Stamp Z
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, clean inside and out. Accessories: Dust bag,key,lock,box size: Width:31cm Designer: hermes Model: Herbag 31 Exterior Material:Canvas Exterior Co...
Hermès Customised Bandana Print Kelly 28 Black Box GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Hermès Kelly in Box Leather features a white intricate bandana print . The bag is customised and the stencil is not original to the piece. Its black leather facade...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Gold Leather
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Partial lastic on hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather int...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
Hermès Gold Tone "Bouet" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Bouet" Scarf Ring Gold is a classic accessory that can be used to update and wear your scarves in a different stylish way. Comes with the original box. Scarf in picture not i...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Verso Jaune Naples Chèvre Palladium Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Verso Jaune Naples Yellow Chèvre Leather Complimented by Orange interior and Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition. Plastic on a...
HERMES Constance 18 Mini Nata Beige Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 18 Nata Epsom Leather Gold Hardware. 2021 Z Stamp. Dimensions: 7 W x 3 D x 5 H in Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermes Apricot Hermes Story by Jonathan Burton Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Hermes Story" by Jonathan Burton featuring an apricot ground and an Hermès signature. 100% silk. Circa 2022 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather & Indigo EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag in Etoupe Taurillon Clemence leather with a indigo blue wool sangle strap, perforated leather "H", leather tab closure and gold-ton...
Hermes Nut Soft Leather Six Hook Clous de Selle Key Case
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Nut soft leather six-hook “Clous de Selle” key-case featuring a tri-fold design, a logo press-stud fastening, silver-tone hardware, internal key hooks, an internal logo stam...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Mediterranean Sea Coasts
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the coasts of the Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea): France, Egypt (Giza Pyramids), Spain (bull, the arenas), Italy (Rialto Bridge) ...
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.