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 Black Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black Box leather notebook cover featuring inside small compartments and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 1980s 100% box leather In good vintage condition. Made in France. L...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES black viscose OPEN BACK HALTER SLEEVELESS CREPE Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès halter neck wide leg open back jumpsuit in black viscose (100%). Closes with a concealed zipper and one hook in the back. Unlined. ...
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 ...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
Hermes Constance H Camel Large Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Camel large “Constance” leather belt featuring an inside camel leather, a large “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted B in a square. Belt Size fr:80 Circa 1998 (B in a square.) M...
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 ...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Depeches VEAU Togo Etoupe Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 in Etoupe Veau Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a sophisticated, modern reimagining of the classic Kelly aesthetic. Moving away from the tra...
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 ...
New In Box 2013 Hermès x Comme des Garçons "Quadrige" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Hermès, Rei Kawakubo Comme Des Garcons
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 Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring make it an easy way to update your fashion statement. Crafted in gold-tone metal, this Hermes ring comes detailed with Jumbo Hook pattern. Scarf in pic...
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 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 Picotin Lock 18 PM Bag Red Taurillon Clemence Gold Hardware Stamp C 2018
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear, corner abrasion, minor scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust bag,lock, k...
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...
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 Scarf Cashmere 140CM Selle De Dignitaire NEW With Tags
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Scarf Cashmere 140CM Selle De Dignitaire Bandana Print NEW With Tags.Colors:Vieux/Naturel By Wlodek Kaminski 70% Cashmere 30% Silk.Made in Fra...
Auth. Silk Scarf Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange New S Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange - NWSTS - 2604131904 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print Name Design: Guepards Bandana, Guepards Ba...
Hermès Ceinture A composer 24 mm T95 Black Leather adjustable Belt 38 in Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A Composer belt, composed of a 2.4 cm wide reversible leather strap with one side in smooth black box calf leather and the other in finely grained Epsom (or Courchevel) leathe...
Hermès Birkin 35 Black De Coromandel Chevre Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 35 in Black De Coromandel D Chevre with Gold hardware. Chevre goatskin is prized for its tight grain, color vibrancy, and exceptional durability. It's lighter than ...
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 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...
Hermès 1975 Foulard Carré 90 Soie Jumping Beige Silk Twill Carre Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Philippe Ledoux
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Jumping motif by Philippe Ledoux, first produced in 1971 and reissued in 1975 (as seen here). The motif features camel and red tones on a...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Maison Martin Margiela, Hermès
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress Martin Margiela served as Hermès’ creative director for women’s ready-to-wear, shaping 12 iconic and unforgettable coll...
HermesBlue 2001 Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue “2001” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a blue border, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 2001 Made in Frace In good vin...
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...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf La Comédie Italienne - Jacquard - Jaune Or - Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Comédie Italienne - Jacquard - Jaune d'Or Écru Taupe - EXCWOCT - 2604131748 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Jacquard Name Design: La Comédie Italienne, The Italian ...
Hermès by Martin Margiela, lambskin skirt, Spring 1999
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès skirt by Martin Margiela, Collection Spring 1999 Composition: 100% lambskin - silk lining Made in France Marked size: 40 (large) Measurements: Waist width: 38 cm Length: 61...
Hermès Starfish Leather Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Charm In the shape of a starfish Limited edition for Cannes from 2003, Year of the Méditerranée Sea Perfect gift if you have a souvenir from Cannes, Franc...
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Black Madame Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier in Black Madame Leather with Gold Hardware represents one of the most refined interpretations of the iconic Birkin silhouette. features the rare Sellier ...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Red
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in red leather. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features a rear exterior zi...
HERMES silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Hermès Bleu Iris Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Bleu Iris Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML036 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: C Age: 2018 Ac...
A 1982 Full Set Hermes Carrè Silk Scarf Masques et Casques by Julia Albadie
By Hermès, Julia Abadie
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic Hermès silk carré features the iconic "Masques et Casques" design by artist Julia Abadie, a masterpiece first introduced in 1982 that showcases a vibrant collection of...
Hermès Amethyst Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Amethyst Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML029 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [P] Age: 2012 Acco...
Hermes Rose Quartz Double Faced Cashmere Cape Fit Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Rose Quartz pink double faced cashmere with burgundy leather trims. It has a loose,...
Hermes Black Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a black border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X ...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Tricolor Gris Vert Fizz Graphite Epsom w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25cm in Tricolor Gris, Vert Fizz, and Graphite Epsom leather delivers a highly graphic interpretation of the Birkin silhouette, where contrast and segmentation defi...
Hermes Mimile Navy Cotton Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s navy "Mimile-Marin”cotton backpack bag featuring a front “H” embroidered logo, a natural leather shoulder tie and a fabric logo label. 100% cotton. Circa1990s In good...
HERMES Gris Tourterelle grey Clemence leather & Palladium KELLY 35 Retourne Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès "35cm Kelly Retourne" handbag in Gris Tourterelle Togo (Calfskin leather) with palladium hardware. Lined in Gris Tourterelle goat skin leather with two open pockets against th...
HERMES black leather 2023 FRENCHIE 50 Ankle Boots Shoes 37.5 fit 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Frenchie 50 ankle boots in black calfskin leather blend classic craftsmanship with a modern edge. Featuring rounded toes, block heels, and thicker soles, t...
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 Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML026 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 40cm HAC Type: Tote, Travel Serial Number: K Age: ...
Hermès Twilly Les Folies Du Ciel Scarf Silk Light Blue
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès Twilly Les Folies Du Ciel Scarf in Light Blue is a delicate and playful accessory crafted from luxurious silk. Featuring an intricate sky-inspired design with whimsical de...
Hermès Ceinture A composer T80 Constance Rose Gold Reversible Leather Belt US32
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès model A Composer belt including a Constance model belt buckle in rose gold-plated metal and a reversible black leather link on one side and ecru cream on the other, all delive...
HERMES beige 2015 MINK FUR Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès collarless jacket in beige mink fur (100%). Fall/winter 2015. Features raglan sleeves (sleeve measurements taken from the neck) and two slit pockets on the fron...
Hermès Lime, Sésame, Rose Confetti & Terre Battue Epsom Leather Sunrise Birkin 3
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Lime, Sésame, Rose Confetti & Terre Battue Epsom Leather Sunrise Birkin 35cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML027 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Numb...
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...
Hermès Sac Coins or 1979 Dark brown Leather Precious Shoulder Bag Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Coins d'Or clutch bag in precious leather and gold metal, interior in soft leather with 1 compartment and 1 front pocket marked with the Hermès carr...
Hermes Silk Rare Colombus Red Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Columbus red scarf by coveted designer, Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Does not include box. No care tag.
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML037 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Nu...
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML038 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial N...
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 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...
HERMES brown alpaca HOODE Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès chunky knit muffler scarf is crafted from light brown alpaca (100%) for ultimate warmth and softness. It features a practical hood, two patch pockets, and ...
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...
Hermès Birkin 35 Etoupe Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Etoupe togo leather with palladium hardware and has contrast stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and dou...
Hermès Black Leather Boots In Excellent Condition, 2000s
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegant, structured Hermès boots in smooth black leather feature a clean, sophisticated silhouette with a sculptural high heel and discreet platform. The model features medium leggi...
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.