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 Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beach bag in H canvas with "Quadrige" print, effortless yet unmistakably steeped in heritage, this Hermès beach bag in H canvas with the “Quadrige” print captures the house’s equestr...
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...
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 ...
Auth. Hermès La France - Bordeaux, Blanc - Excellent - Rare Collector!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La France – Bordeaux – EXCWOCT – Rare Collector – 2001101528 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La France, France Artist: Françoise de la Perrière Size: 90 c...
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich Tangerine Orange Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Very Rare and Highly Coveted Hermes Birkin 30 Tangerine Orange Ostrich Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware . Like New Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. 2016 X Stamp. ...
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 Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
HERMES black Box leather BOLIDE 35 Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bolide 35 in black Box leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in black lambskin. Has been carried and is in excellent condi...
Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z154269 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed after then-artistic direct...
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...
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...
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 ...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Veil Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Hermes S/S 2006 Gaultier Era Vintage Orange Lace Shawl Jean Paul Gaultier took over as Hermès Creative Director in 2003 and brought creativity and innovation while ...
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
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 Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Hermes Marwari Clemence Leather Hobo Bag Hobo-style shoulder bag inspired by the Marwari horse breed, crafted from the signature Hermes' Clemence leather in Parchemin wit...
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...
HERMES black Box leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Noir (black) Veau Box leather is a true collector's piece, crafted from one of Hermès' most coveted and rare leathers. Veau Box lea...
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 Circus Nappy Bag red white embroidered cotton canvas tote bag towel set
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Circus Nappy Bag red white embroidered cotton canvas tote bag towel set Reference: KYCG/A00224 Brand: Hermes Model: Circus Nappy Bag Material: Canvas Color: White, Multicolour...
Hermès "The Three Graces" Cashmere Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "The Three Graces" silk and cashmere shawl features three giraffes amidst an orange, red, and blue jungle pattern, designed by Alice Shirley. Highly collectible.
$14,390Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 1992 Vintage Kelly 35 Navy Handbag with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1992 Hermes Kelly 35 in dark Blue navy with Gold hardware. Hardware and shoulder strap have been replaced by Hermes. The bag comes with dustbag and n...
Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm Grey Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Experience the ultimate expression of refined travel luxury with the Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm, an exceptionally rare and sophisticated inter...
New Hermès 30cm Black Epsom Gold Birkin Bag in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin in black epsom leather with gold tone metal hardware. Handle drop, 3.75"L. Date stamp X for 2016. Brand new in box with full set: clochette, tirette, lock, two key...
Hermès Silk Scarf Flamingo Party Bourthoumieux 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: the green is actually lighter than the photos Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Flamingo Party" Designed by Laurence ...
Hermès Constance Slim Belt Wallet in Taupe Epsom with Gold Hardware - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A refined expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Constance Slim Belt Wallet is crafted in structured Epsom leatherin a sophisticated taupe tone with warm undertones, part of the Ma...
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...
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 Vintage Silk Scarf Herbes Folles Lise Coutin White Blue 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "HERBES FOLLES" Quite rare and hard to find in this condition. Colors are gorgeous Designed by Lise Coutin in 1963 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: White, Turquoise Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple "HERMES - PARIS", no copyight before 1967 Measurements: 91 x 86 cm (35,8 x 33,85 inches) Condition: Very Good considering its age. No hole. A small pulled thread hard to see. A small stain (last picture). Hems a bit flat in some places. Will come in its Vintage Hermès Box...
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 1961 Carre Cachemire Soie 90 Les Fusils Cashmere Silk Carre Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square scarf in cashmere (70%) and silk, featuring the "Les Fusils" motif by Henri de Linares, a one-off design from 1961, in shades of burgundy and dark green, with hand...
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 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 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...
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 black 2020 SHORT LEATHER Jacket 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black goatskin leather. Features a refined, straight-cut silhouette with a short, structured length that delivers a sleek, modern profile, complemente...
Hermès Lim. Ed. Pawnee Bandana Scarf NEW IN BOX
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in black with blue color. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Limited edition reissue "bandana" with reverse blue and celeste design. B...
HERMES Rouge H red wool ROCABAR LEATHER TRIM PONCHO Jacket OS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Rocabar Poncho in Rouge H is a luxurious tribute to the house’s equestrian heritage. Crafted from a premium blend of 90% Merino wool and 10% cashmere, it f...
Hermès Silk Scarf Chacun Fait Son Nid Beige Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Chacun fait son Nid" (each one makes their nest) Designed by Nigel Peake in 2016 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colo...
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 (...
An Iconic 2000s Qu'importe le Flacon Silk Skarf by Caterine Baschet for Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Hermès silk scarf features the celebrated "Qu'importe le flacon..." design by Catherine Baschet, an iconic motif first introduced in 1988 that honors the history and art...
Hermès Birkin 30 Etoupe Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Etoupe togo leather with gold hardware, featuring contrast stitching, front flap with two straps, front toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, and double...
Faune et Flore du Texas Forever Scarf 90 NEW 2025
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Faune et Flore du Texas forever scarf 90 cm Jaune Vif / Bleu Azur / Multicolore Last piece ,sold out in stores and this is our last piece . New with tags and box. Final sale
Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135 x 95cm - Ecru Camel - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
laid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel – NWCTS - 2602181809 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37...
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...
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 2011 Birkin 30cm Pink Box Calf Leather Women's Handbag New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Bag Birkin 30cm Box Calf Pink New - 2410152001 Brand: Hermès Type : Hermes Birkin Bag Inside Detail: N/A Base Size: 30cm Height: 22cm Depth: 16cm Weight: Material: Box Calf L...
$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. ...
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 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 Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW with Hermes box. Made in France FINAL SALE.
Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Blanc Himalaya Matte Crocodile Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Diamond Blanc Himalaya Birkin 35 representing the ultimate expression of rarity and refined craftsmanship. It unites artis...
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 Roule Shopping Cart Roler Matte Havane Porosus Crocodile & Printed Toile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This extraordinary limited edition Hermès Roule Birkin bag is a rare Petit h creation that reimagines the iconic Birkin in a functional rolling form. Originally conceived within the ...
Hermes HAC Birkin 40 Bag Black Toile and Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers The Hermès HAC 40 in Black with crisp Black and Ecru Toile represents timeless sophistication grounded in heritage design. Crafted from Togo leather and accented wi...
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 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 Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are inside the packaging Colorways:...
HERMES brown suede EMBROIDERED CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high boots in dark brown featuring a stacked heel, black complementing zigzag embroidery and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn wit...
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.
C’est la Fête – Kaki – Anthracite – Gris – Double Face
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
C’est la Fête – Kaki – Anthracite – Gris – Double Face – NWSTS - 2508161537 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill – Double-Sided Print Name Design: C’est la Fête, Let’s Party Artist: Daiske Nomura Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Kaki (Khaki), Anthracite (Anthracite Grey), Gris (Grey) Fabric: 100% Silk Twill, hand-rolled edges, printed on both sides - Soft Vintage Silk Approx. Issue Date: Original design 2012; reissued in multiple formats. Double Face 90 introduced c. 2020 and continues in seasonal colorways (including Kaki/Anthracite/Gris). Condition: New With Store Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Nomura’s dapper skeleton on horseback—equal parts whimsical and macabre—became an instant cult classic. The Double Face technical innovation prints two refined versions of the same composition on each side of the silk, offering dramatically different styling in a single carré. Artist's Story: Japanese illustrator Daiske Nomura debuted for Hermès after a 2009 tie design contest; his 2012 C’est la Fête later inspired Slim d’Hermès watch...
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.