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.
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
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...
New In Box 2013 Hermès x Comme des Garçons "Quadrige" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Rei Kawakubo Comme Des Garcons, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
When the Hermès women wear artistic director Bali Barret invited one of the most prominent and influential designers from the East - Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) - to share her v...
Hermès 2011 Carré 140 Graffiti Kongo Ecru Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 140, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, Graffiti print by Kongo, limited edition 2011, in shades of purple on an ecru background, hand-rolled edges. Wi...
Hermès In-the-Loop 18cm bleu Royal Taurillon Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A new nautical-inspired essential, the Hermès In-The-Loop embraces the silhouette with flexibility and elegance. Featuring the emblematic Chaine d'Ancre motif, this unlined handbag e...
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 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 Constance 18 Turquoise (T9) Matte Alligator – Palladium Hardware - '00s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A truly exceptional and rare piece, this Hermès Constance 18 in Turquoise (T9) Matte Alligator represents one of the most refined expressions of the Maison’s exotic craftsmanship. T...
Hermès Silk Scarf Faubourg Tropical Orange Kaki Saumon 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Faubourg Tropical" Designed by Octave Marsal et Théo de Gueltzl in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorway 05: ORANGE / KAK...
Hermès Centered Rhyme Pink Orange Navy Silk Scarf Elaine Lustig Cohen 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Centered Rhyme" Designed by Elaine Lustig Cohen Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: "ROSE PALE / ORANGE ...
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes 1994 "Astres et Soleil" Rare Silk 16.5"x16.5" Scarf by A. Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This a collector's Hermes scarf! The 1994 silk scarf designed by Anne Faivre is an hommage to ancient Inca civilization. The scarf predominantly features people in traditional dress ...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Sacred Cow Adorned With Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: sacred cow adorned with gold ornaments Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine g...
Hermès Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Designed by Kermit Oliver the silk scarf is a classic, featuring Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a ...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Gold GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Gold brown - Evelyne 16 - Gold-tone hardware - Signature perforated H logo - Press-stud fastening - Main compartment - Internal logo stamp - Comes with detachable canvas shoulder ...
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm with Gold Hardware, 1991.
By Hermès
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Hermès Gold Courchevel Leather Micro Trim 15cm Bag with Gold Hardware, 1991. Originally introduced in 1958, the Trim bag design pays homage to the brand’s long-running equestrian roo...
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 ...
Hermes Khaki Cotton Toto PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Khaki cotton “Toto” PM (small size) tote bag featuring navy stripy details, top handles, top logo snap opening, inside zipped pocket. 100% cotton. Circa 1990s In good vintage ...
1989 Hermes Black Box Leather Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes Kelly 32 in vintage box leather. Very good vintage condition with minor scuffs on the leather. Missing its clochette and key padlock. The version with lobster claw hardware on...
HERMES Cavalleria Favolosa Silk Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Virginie Jamin Split Pegasus double face silk twill scarf Reference: TGAS/F00961 Brand: Hermes Model: Della Cavalleria Favolosa 140 Material: Sil...
Hermès Fetes Venitiennes Silk Scarf Venice Carnival Venezia Italy
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Here is an opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful Hermès scarves Print: "FETES VENITIENNES" (Venetian festivals), also known as "Le Carnaval de Venise" Designed by Huber...
Hermès Birkin 35 Clemence Bougainvillea GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Clemence leather - Gold-tone hardware - Twist-lock fastening - Two rolled top handles - Stamp M Square, Year 2009 - Comes with dust bag, padlock, keys, clochette and raincoa...
Hermès by Reuge Sainte Croix Keychain Key Ring Music Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Hermès Key Ring Music Box Made by Reuge Sainte Croix, specialist manufacturer of music boxes, located in Sainte Croix, Switzerland, for Hermès Turn the mechanical key (...
HERMES sage ivory taupe silk twill 5644 STIR UP Tie
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Stir-Up Striped ties in sage ivory, taupe and Gray silk twill (100%). Has been worn and is in excellent condition. No Box. Measurements Model 5644 Length 156cm...
Hermes Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - New - Rare Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - NWCTS - 2406081654 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pareo (Large cotton pareo), “Jungle Love” by Robert Dallet Size: Approx. 142 x 178 cm (55.9 x 70.1 in) Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg (0.66 lb) Color: Green (primary), cream/white (secondary), multicolor animal/accent tones Fabric: 100% cotton (light cotton voile) Approx. Issue Date: Original motif 2000; pareo reissues in later beach collections Condition: New With Care Tag, New, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: France Story about the Design: Drawn by wildlife artist Robert Dallet, “Jungle Love” depicts a pair of leopards amid lush foliage—an emblematic Hermès scene celebrating big cats and their habitats. The motif became one of the house’s modern classics. Craftsmanship Note: Hermès pareos...
Hermès Vintage Sac Mallette Red Leather Doctor Bag with Gold Plated Accents
By Hermès
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
Hermes Vintage Sac Mallette was originally designed in the 1920's .Very unusual, this exceptionally stunning piece is a must have for all Hermes collectors. It features beautiful, ri...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 Flag Blue White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Kelly 35 sellier Flag Handbag in Bleu Thalassa and White Epsom leather with Palladium hardware is a classic and rare find. Limited production customized item. Date stamp R...
HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather with gold plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
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 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...
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 Limited Edition Navy Kelly Ghillies Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Navy - Exotic alligator leather - Gold-tone hardware - Internal red lining - Partitioned smooth leather interior - Card slots, patch pockets - Inner zipper compartment - PVC still ...
Hermès Yellow Gold Money Clip Numbered Stirrup Spur Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exeptional and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Moeny Clip In shape of stirrup with a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made of yellow gold (eaggle head hallmark ...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Oranges Lemons
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Citrus fruits and foliage, oranges and lemons Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with platinum (s...
Hermès Amethyst Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Amethyst Matte Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z154203 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after...
HERMES eggplant silk UN SIECLE DE COURSES A DEAUVILLE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Un Siecle de Courses a Deauville 90' scarf by Hubert de Watrigant in beige and orange silk twill (100%) with eggplant border and details in lilac, blue and gre...
Hermes Chaine D Ancre Blue Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Chaîne D'Ancre" Porcelain organizer or Ashtray featuring a Chaîne d'ancre design, contrasting trim, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Maxi Length ...
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 ...
Hermès Vintage Silver Chain Mail Coin Pouch Bag with Bracelet Chain Handle
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES RARE VINTAGE SILVER CHAIN MAIL COIN POUCH BAG WITH CHAIN HANDLE Extremely rare Hermès chainmail coin pouch in silver. Chainmail mesh pouch bag (commonly known as an "aumôniè...
HERMES Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 soulder bag in Bleu Encre Togo leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in Bleu Saphir goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zi...
HERMES black Grainee leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in black Vache Grainee leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
Hermes Black Calf and Suede Gloves
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes black calf glove with suede lace-up cuffs. Made in France.
Very Good condition, Size 6.5
Hermes Black Box Leather Onimaitou Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black box leather “Onimaitou” shoulder bag featuring a thin long strap 44.5 in. (113cm), a flat shape, unlined leather, stamped at the side. Circa 2000 In good vintage condi...
Hermès Birkin 25 Bleu Nuit Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 in Bleu Nuit Togo leather is a refined and timeless interpretation of the house’s most iconic silhouette. Bleu Nuit—a deep, inky navy that often reads almost bl...
HERMES Muscat taupe Eversoft suede COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 belt is crafted in Muscat (taupe) Veau Eversoft unbuckle leather with contrasting white stitching and finished with palladium-plated Mé...
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3700 beautiful & elegant summer tote
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3,700 Bag is NEW Beach bag in water-repellent cotton with "Noeuds Marins" print and interior pouch Made in France Dimensions: L 49 x...
Hermès Birkin 25 Retourne Blue Sapphire Togo PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Blue - Togo leather - Palladium hardware -Retourne shape - Stamp C, Year 2018 - Condition: Excellent This bag is in excellent condition, with the PVC on hardware. Please note this ...
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...
HERMES beige Natural Box leather KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Kelly I 32 Retourne in Natural Box leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the fro...
HERMES orange Togo leather KELLY 35 Retourne Bag w Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne bag is crafted from supple orange Veau Togo leather and finished with elegant gold-plated hardware. The soft Retourne construction gives ...
Hermès 2009 Carré 45 Gavroche Sulfures Silk Twill Carre 45 Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 45cm square gavroche scarf in silk twill, featuring the Sulfures & Presse Papier print by Cathy Latham, first released in 1979 and reissued in 2002 (Détails version) and again...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 pairs of Chopsticks in wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super RARE and lovely Authentic Hermès Chopsticks The set include 2 pairs of chopstickes and 2 supports Made of wood and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS...
Hermes Blue Les Armes De Paris or Fluctuat Nec Mergitur Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes blue silk scarf "Les Armes De Paris" or "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur" by Hugo Grygkar featuring a blue border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1992 In good vintage condition. Made in ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Tri Color Etoupe Gris Pale Ebene Epsom Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning As New Hermes Birkin 25 Tri-Color Etoupe, Gris Pale & Ebene Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New W Stamp 2024. Additional Informat...
Hermès "Grands Fonds" Blue Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Poissons" beach sarong in the blue and orange color way. The luxurious towel is made from 100% cotton and features a vibrant fish motif.
Hermès 1999 Pythagore Vintage Silk Twill Scarf Pink Aqua Unisex 36"
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès "Pythagore" silk twill scarf (100% silk) - Vintage Designed by Zoe Pauwels in 1999 Measures 36" x 36" Signed Care Tag Hand Rolled Hem Made in France Pink/Aqua/White Excellent...
Hermès "The Savana Dance" Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk and cashmere blend shawl, “the savana dance” with multicolor design. Hand rolled trim, design by Ardmore Artists.
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new pastel Tropical Garden silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Silk Scarf Fleurs de Giverny Christine Henry Parme 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs de Giverny" / Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2017 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: Parme / Vert / Bleu...
Hermes Gold Bolide 35”Courchevel Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold “Bolide 35” Courchevel leather handbag featuring gold plated hardware with top zipper closure. Circa 1990 stamped T circle, leather lining with inner slip pocket, set ke...
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.