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 - 1990s Vintage Cotton-Embroidered Unisex Clutch Bag with Box
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Cotton clutch with beautiful embroidery, white fabric interior with gussets, zipper closure. The bag comes with its original box!
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Black Leather Silver Hardware Strappy Flat Sandals Size 39
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Hermès black leather flat sandals feature a strappy open toe design with polished palladium tone Kelly hardware accents at the front. The sandals are crafted in black leather w...
Hermès Black Togo Leather Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo Leather Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 40cm HAC Product Title: Black Togo Leather Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne Type: Tote, Travel...
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 Orange Poppy Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Orange Poppy Toile Vache Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM PHW SKU: 155759 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, He...
Hermès Etoupe Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Etoupe Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: 156812 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown into one of ...
Hermes HAC 50 Cosmos Ombre Togo Palladium Limited Edition Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermes HAC 50 Cosmos - an extraordinary limited edition travel bag distinguished by its hand applied spray ombre in celestial shade...
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 New Bleu Jean blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag is crafted from New Bleu Jean (jeans blue) Taurillon Clemence leather and features a matching uni wool sangle strap. The desig...
Hermès "Carmen Tassel Key Ring" NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Carmen Tassel Key Ring" is in a lambskin leather, with a stainless steel key ring. Comes new with original box.
Hermès 2017 Braise Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Braise Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Product Title: Braise Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 35cm...
Hermes Birkin 30 Himalaya Crocodile Gris Cendre Bag Palladium Rare Collector
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptionally rare Hermès Birkin showcases the coveted Himalaya effect, achieved through meticulous hand-dyeing that creates a subtle gradient from soft Gris Cen...
Hermès 1998 Black Box Calf & Toile Canvas Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf & Toile Canvas Vintage Kelly 32cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Product Title: Black Box Calf & Toile Canvas Vintage Kelly 32cm Selli...
Hermès Owl Printed Necktie in Blue Silk
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Owl Printed Necktie in Blue Silk is a whimsical yet refined accessory, featuring a charming owl motif rendered in exquisite detail on luxurious s...
Brand New Hermès "The Savana Dance" 140 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Carré Géant Wash 140 Hermès "The Savana Dance" dessiné par Ardmore Artists en Soie Plume. Créé par le collectif sud-africain Ardmore Artists, Savana Dance est un carré spectac...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
Hermès Women's H Cashmere Leather Coat, Size FR36/UK8, Excellent
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes "Bolide" travel bag in Havane (chestnut brown) Taurillon Clemence leather. Open with a zipper on top. Lined in leather and beige cotton. Has been carried with two small black ...
Hermes HAC 40 Connect the Dots Limited Edition Black Evergrain Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès HAC 40 limited edition Connect the Dots bag introduces a clever reinterpretation of a historic silhouette. This striking design applies a graphic concept that subtly traces an...
Exceptional Hermès Porcelain Change Tray Pani La Shar Pawnee Indian K. Oliver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Pani La Shar Pawnee" This pattern designed by Kermit Oliver in 1984 depicts a Pawnee Indian chief holding a peace pipe,...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
HERMES dark brown suede LOCK Knee High Boots Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high almond-toe boots in brown suede leather embellished with Palladium lock depeches. Open with a zipper on the inside. Have been worn and are in excelle...
HERMES black Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly II 35 bag in black Veau Togo leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in black chèvre (goatskin) with a zipper pocket against the back and divided patch p...
HERMES Vintage Minéraux Silk Shirt Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Minéraux silk shirt blouse featuring a refined composition of multicolored gemstones and mineral motifs on an off-white background. This silk shirt captures the...
2014 Rare Hermès Birkin 35 Blue Jean
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Birkin 35 bag Togo leather beautiful and easy to wear blue jean color Palladium hardware Year 2014 R series Double handle Keys and locker 2 Internal pockets (one ...
HERMES cream silk TERRES PRECIEUSES 90 TWILL Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Terres Précieuses 90 scarf by Annie Faivre in cream twill silk (100%). Features a refined, fluid square silhouette showcasing an int...
Hermes Constance H Black Box Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black “Constance” box leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted I in a round. Estimated Belt Si...
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...
HERMÈS silk scarf EX-LIBRIS À CARREAUX
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk scarf Title: EX LIBRIS À CARREAUX Designed by Anamorphée Year: 2014 100% silk with hand-rolled edges cm. 90xcm.90 circa Made in France Blue dur/Fuchsia/ Violet Conditio...
HERMES Blanc white Clemence leather ETRIVIERE 40mm Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Etriviere 40mm belt is crafted from Blanc (white) Taurillon Clemence leather, offering a luxurious and timeless design. It features a sleek palladium-plate...
Hermès New Gold Scarf Ring W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new gold tone scarf ring. Comes with original dustcover and original box. Scarf in photos not included.
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Evelyne TPM Product Title: Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Numbe...
HERMES Bleu Noir blue leather 2021 PANELLED MINI Skirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès skirt in midnight blue leather showcases the house’s signature precision and timeless sophistication. Featuring a straight cut and flattering mini length, ...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Avantage Sneakers White Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Avantage sneakers. Unworn with box and 2 x dustbags. Made from white leather with coloured H motif, think laces and chunky soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measure approx - 10.25”...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin features rolled leather top handles, a short flap in rose pourpre togo leather with tonal stitching. Palladium hardware including the turn lock, padlock and keys w...
Hermès 2021 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier - Unworn
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Product Title: Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Kelly 28cm Sellier Type: Top Handle, S...
Hermes Birkin 50 HAC noir PHW brand new , invoice July 2026
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Hermes Birkin 50 HAC Noir PHW Bag Full store set ! Condition : opened only for pictures , keeping in the original packaging Size : 50 cm Thank you for considering, Golde...
Hermès Orange Silk Scarf with Ribbon Print
By Hermès
Located in Amman, JO
Hermès Orange Silk Scarf with Ribbon Print An unmistakable symbol of French luxury, this Hermès Silk Scarf is crafted from luxurious silk in the house's signature Hermès orange. Fea...
HERMES black leather TIPOLI Wedge Espadrille Sandals Shoes 41 fit 40
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tipoli espadrille wedge sandals in smooth Noir goatskin with iconic Palladium plated buckle, wrap-around ankle strap and natural rope heel. Brand new. Measure...
Hermes Navy cotton Toto Medium Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s "Toto" Medium size Navy cotton Fourre Tout tote bag featuring bicolor handles ( navy and Bordeaux), striped strap, press-stud fastening, side press-stud fastening, slip ...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Togo leather KELLY 32 RETOURNE Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne bag in Etoupe Togo calfskin leather (100%). This luxury Hermès handbag is crafted from richly grained Togo calfskin leather (100%) in the Mais...
Hermes Massai Cut 32 Hobo Bag Slouchy Shoulder Tote Red 2010
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal wear. Corners are scuffed, and there are scratches on the surface. Size Width: 32cm, Height: 17cm Designer Hermes Model Massai Cut 32 Exterior Material Lea...
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Turkish Horse motif by Christiane Vauzelles, first produced in 1970 and reissued in 1989, 1991, and 2002. The original motifs are in Herm...
Hermès Medium Raisin Evelyne Poche 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Evelyne PM bag in raisin taurillon clemence with Palladium hardware. The bag can be worn as a shoulder or cross body bag. Date stamp R for 2014. Excellent condition, minor...
HERMES Piment red leather JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Boots' in Piment veau swift leather with Ruthenium Kelly buckle. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Impr...
Hermès 1991 Foulard Carré 90 Soies Volantes Navy Ecru Silk Scarf Hermes
By Loïc Dubigeon, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Soies volantes pattern by Loïc Dubigeon, published in 1991, in shades of red and blue on ecru, navy blue edge. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approx...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermes Kelly 32 Rose Azalee Bag Palladium Hardware Evercolor Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 32 in Rose Azalée Evercolor leather with Palladium hardware. This striking Hermès Kelly highlights one of the house’s most vibrant and sought-after...
$5,471Sale Price|30% 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...
Hermès Rose Azalee Swift Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Azalee Swift Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Product Title: Rose Azalee Swift Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Type: Tote Seria...
Hermes Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a dark pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35...
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Jaune Blue Bleu Rodeo Horse NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Jaune Blue Bleu Rodeo Horse NEW with Hermes box. Made in France FINAL SALE.
Hermès Birkin 25 Griolet Tadelakt Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Hermès Gender: Ladies Length: 10.00 inches Height: 7.50 inches Depth: 5.00 inches Weight: 530.00 grams Hermès Birkin 25 Griolet Tadelakt Palladium Top Handle Bag. Engrav...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Birkin 30 Handbag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
100% Authentic This Birkin 30 is crafted in structured black Epsom leather that holds its crisp, architectural silhouette, a hallmark of Epsom's textured, saffiano-like grain that r...
Hermes Paris Equestrian Print Red Silk Necktie in Hermes Box
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Equestrian silk print red necktie in Hermes Box c 1990s The stylish silk necktie is illustrated with a series of facing horse figures set against a muted red background. Hermes' H initial...
Hermès Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Cote A Cote Tuffetage Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 Côte à Côte Tuffetage in Black Swift with Permabrass hardware. This rare limited edition Birkin introduces Hermès’ Côte à Côte tuffetage techniq...
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.