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 Chypre White Calfskin Sandal 40.5 / 10.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Chypre Sandal featured in White. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable wi...
Hermès Black Epsom Kelly Depeches 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Kelly Depeches 25 PHW SKU: Z157038 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown int...
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle in cashmere and silk with hand-rolled edges (70% cashmere, 30% silk).Designed by Robert Dallet Comes with ribbon and original box.
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 Sterling Silver Touareg H Motif Cadena Padlock Charm
By Hermès
Located in valatie, NY
Hermes Sterling Silver Touareg H Motif Cadena Padlock Charm. The Hermès Pre-Owned 1990-2000s sterling silver Touareg lock is a highly collectible vintage accessory. Handcrafted in so...
Hermès Halter Wrap Top Les Léopards Size S/M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Top Pattern: "Léopards" Ties to cross and tie in front or back, halter neck Made in France Made of 100% Cotton Colorways: White, Yellow, Black Size: Tag s...
$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...
Hermes Oran Sandals Pink Fuchsia Canvas Leather Slides EU 40.5 US 10.5 Box New
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Oran Sandals – The Ultimate Statement of Vibrant Riviera Luxury Embrace sophisticated summer elegance with the globally legendary Oran slide sandals from Maison Hermès. Ori...
Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW SKU: 154862 MSRP: 5200.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag ...
Auth. Hermès silk Scarf Les Folies du Ciel - Rouge Vert Jaune Violet - EXC
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Folies du Ciel - Rouge Vert Jaune Violet - EXCWCT - 2606281509 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Folies du Ciel, Follies of the Sky Artist: Loïc Dub...
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...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Pivoine Togo Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box. Date stamp P, 2012....
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) ...
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 Silk Scarf Noel au 24 Faubourg Christmas Snow Ball Orange
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Absolutely gorgeous, worn or framed, perfect for the holiday season. Print: "Noël au 24 Faubourg" Pattern: Hermès store of the 24 Faubourg Paris F...
Hermes Birkin 35 TAD Etoupe bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35 TAD Etoupe bag. A stamp. PHW. Very good pre owned condition. Bag had minor touch ups. Bag comes with dust bag, keys, Clochette and locker.
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Flora Marqueterie Francoise Heron 1960
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "FLORA MARQUETERIE" Pattern: flowers and butterflies Designed by Françoise Héron in 1960 Made of 100% Silk Col...
Hermès New Mini Evelyne Neo Orange
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Brand new limited edition mini evelyne neo. Features tonal stitching stitching, canvas and leather mix, pull tab top closure and leather shoulder strap. Comes with a booklet, origin...
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...
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 "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Les Folies du Faubourg" Scarf is in silk twill with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). It symbolizes the boundless freedom of constantly renewed creation, unlimited emotion,...
Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bag "KELLY II" retourné Special Edition for the Year of India, also called "Gange" A must-have for any H...
1996 Hermès Box Calf Kelly Sellier 35 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
1996 Hermès Box Calf Kelly Sellier 35 Handbag - Good condition, shows slight signs of wear - Hermès handbag in black box calf leather - Small black leather handles and a long black ...
Sac Hermès Kelly 25 Swift Rose Azalée Gold 2017 Bandoulière
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Hermès Kelly 25 en cuir Swift rose Azalée, bijouterie gold. Daté de 2017, excellent état. Format iconique, couleur signature et forte désirabilité. Ce Kelly 25 Hermès en veau Swift ...
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...
$3,064Sale Price|20% Off
Collectible Huge Vintage Hermes Sailing Cruise Bag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
An iconic Hermès Matelot bag in PM size, crafted from supple gold embossed calfskin leather paired with beige H canvas. This refined travel companion features gilt brass hardware, a...
Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag Jaune Ambre NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features jaune ambre Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo on the fr...
New Hermès Blue Red Giraffes Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Hermes blue and red "three giraffes" in box silk scarf. Design by Alice Shirley. In original box.
Hermès Vintage Black leather Collier de Chien ‘Médor’ waist belt
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Vintage Hermès Black leather ‘Collier de chien’ waist belt with decorative Gold square details on the front and tan leather lined interior. The belt is Stamped in gold letteri...
Hermes Silk Scarf Le Reve de Julia – Cyclamen Vert - New / Store Tag!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Le Rêve de Julia – Cyclamen Vert – NWST – 2505081627 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Julie Abadie Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Cyclamen (Vibrant ...
Hermes Kelly 32 shiny Porosus Crocodile Vert Fonce bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 32 shiny Porosus Crocodile Vert Fonce bag. X vintage stamp. Bag is vintage- comes with dust bag, keys,Clochette and locker. No strap. Bag is in very good condition.Gol...
Hermès Veste Caban FR34 Black Wool Whipcord Oversized Pea Coat UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès oversized pea coat in thick black whipcord wool, notched collar with double-breasted button closure, Hermès logo buttons in blackened silver-tone metal and black leather, two ...
Hermès Printemps Eté 69 Automne Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Printemps Ete 69 Automne" 100% silk small scarf in blue with Printemps Ete 69 Automne Hiver motif. Featuring hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
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...
Sac Hermès HAC 32 Vintage Vache Naturelle
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès HAC 32 vintage en cuir vache naturelle, finitions gold. Patine authentique et traces d’usage. Ce sac Hermès HAC 32 vintage, réalisé en cuir v...
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...
Hermes Mini Lindy 20 Bleu du Nord Swift Gold Hardware Y Stamp 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Slight signs of wear, clean inside and out. Accessories:Dust bag size: Width:20cm Designer: Her...
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 Vintage 1970s Kelly 28 Navy Blue Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Midnight blue exterior - Comes with lock and key - No box or dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition for its age, the bag has been retouched, the shape has ...
Hermès Paris Playing Cards Four Mini Ashtrays Porcelain Gold Ace Poker
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Ace clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥) and spades (♠) Theme: playing cards, poker Also called "guest ashtray", these sma...
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...
Printed swimsuit HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed swimsuit. Fabric composition: 62% nylon, 38% elastane. Lining: polyester & elastane. SIZE : 44
Hermes 1980s Haut À Courroies HAC 60 Black Natural Tan Vache Fjord Box Calf Gold
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Circa late 1980. - Discontinued size " 60 " - Brand new handles & singles ( Straps ) with ORIGINAL HARDWARE - Noir Fjord & Tan box leather exterior - The bag will c...
Hermès Kelly Pochette Gold Swift Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Kelly Pochette in gold and swift leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
$8,792Sale Price|20% Off
Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermès Pallonnier Clutch Bag – Black Porosus Crocodile – EXVC – 2410121651 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pallonnier Clutch Bag Color: Black Material: Porosus Crocodile (Exterior), Calf ...
Hermes Jumping by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Jumping" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring a yellow ochre border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1975 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4i...
Hermes pants 'Do Re Boucles' by Nadege Vanhee 2023
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 2023 ready-to-wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Nadège Vanhee, designed by Florence Manlik. Silk pants printed with the "Do Re Boucles" theme in pink and bro...
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 Clefs - Maxi Twilly - Bleu - New / Care Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Maxi Twilly - Clefs - Blue - NWCT - 2411041823 Brand: Hermès Artist : Caty Latham Size : 220x20cm Colour : Orange Gris Or Type : 100% Silk Twill Manufactred: Made In France C...
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...
HERMES cream silk CIRQUE MOLIER 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Cirque Molier 90' scarf by Philippe Dumas in cream silk twill (100%) and multicolored details. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Widt...
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Constance Rouge Braise Alligator Shoulder bag Stunning Hermès Constance in rouge braise alligator leather; some shadows or imperfections on the ...
Hermès Chocolat Togo Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Chocolat Togo Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details CB1696 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: C Age: 2018 Accompanied By: Hermès Box, Dust Bag,...
Hermès Cravate Twilly 1974 Lift profile Brown Silk Twill Scarf Tie Knot Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès silk twill tie titled "Profilé" by Shan Merry, originally released in 1974 and reissued in 2026 as "Lift Profile," with a light brown background and gold motifs. This vintage ...
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 Cargo 25 Gris Misty Swift and Toile Canvas Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin Cargo 25 Gris Misty Swift & Toile Canvas with Palladium Hardware is a rare limited-edition handbag that reimagines the iconic Bir...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 4 Swizzle Sticks Stirrers Ski Poles in Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Authentic Hermès Cocktail Stirrers Can be used as Champagne whip or swizzle-stick to remove the bubbles from fizzy drinks In shape of Ski P...
HERMES Rouge Vif red Skipper leather BIRKIN 35 Bag Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 35' bag in Rouge Vif (true red) Skipper leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper ...
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 Fuschia Shiny Crocodile Porosus Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2014
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Hermès Birkin 35 in fuchsia shiny porosus crocodile from 2014 is a striking example of the house’s craftsmanship, paired with palladium hardware. The structured silhouette is so...
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.