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 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...
HERMES navy blue & grey silk KNOT 45 Twill GAVROCHE Pocket Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Knot 45 twill pocket scarf is crafted from luxurious silk (100%) and features an intricate knot motif in navy, light grey, and l...
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 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...
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 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...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 SHAWOD Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier Collier de Chien 50 Shadow belt is crafted in Fauve (cognac) Veau Barenia leather with contrasting white topstitching. A rare runway ...
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 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 ...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Auth. Hermès Scarf Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - NWST - 2504181229 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Jonathan Burton Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Rose Poudré (Pow...
HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the fro...
Hermès diamond-shaped stole 'Eperon d'or'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silk and cashmere diamond-shaped stole with topstitches and illustrated with the 'Eperon d'or' theme. Designed by Henri d'Origny. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions...
HERMES Toffee Bordeaux Lime Evercolor leather MAXIBOX CABAS 36 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès tricolor Maxibox Cabas 36 tote in Toffee brown Veau Evercolor leather with Lime and Bordeaux Epsom trimmings. Lined in off-white canvas with one zipper pocket a...
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 ...
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 Potiron orange Clemence leather BIRKIN 30 Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Bag in Potiron is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Clemence leather, showcasing a rich orange hue that highlights the bag’s iconic s...
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...
Hermès Paris Scarf Souvenirs d'Asie by Vladimir Rybaltchenko
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; purple/ pink Very sought after among Hermes collectors Designe...
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 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...
Hermès New Lazy Leopardess Orange Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Lazy Leopardess silk scarf . Orange color way. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes L Hiver by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « L’Hiver » by Philippe Ledoux featuring a deep red border and an Hermès signature. 100% silk. Circa 1970 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm...
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.
Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Brown Caramel Togo Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Togo & Caramel Interior Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Like New Condition Plastic on all Hardware. ...
Hermes Camel Cashmere Jumper
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1980s camel cashmere jumper featuring a horse-head motif, a round turtle neck, long sleeves. Composition: 100% cashmere Label size 38fr/US6 /UK10 In good vintage condition. Ma...
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 ...
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 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...
HERMES Rose Jaipur Mysore leather CONSTANCE 18 MINI Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Constance 18 mini shoulder bag in Jaipur Chèvre Mysore leather. Palladium H-Buckle closure. Lined in Veau Swift leathe...
Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model wallet in black leather (Epsom) and silver metal (palladium), 2 large interior compartments separated by a zipped coin purse with pull tab in the Kelly padlock mot...
Hermes Les Chevaux des Moghols by J. de Fougerolle Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès « Les Chevaux des Moghols » by Jean de Fougerolle silk scarf featuring a yellow border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1993 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90c...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Tan Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Stunning Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. As New, Plastic on all Hardware. B Stamp 2023.
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML035 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: D Age: 2019 A...
GUCCI black leather & PYTHON NEW BAMBOO Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci 'The New Bamboo' handbag in black python with bamboo turn-lock and bamboo handle. Has a detachable shoulder strap divided in a regular strap and a woven strap with silver-tone ...
Hermes Picotin GM 26 Bag Black - 2004
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
First introduced in 2002, the Picotin bag is known for it's equestrian inspired design and takes its name from a French term referring to the measurement unit of horse feed. The roomy bucket shape is inspired by the horse’s feedbag, which has a strap that secures the bag over the horse’s ears and allows the animal to move around freely as it eats. Description: This Hermès Picotin GM, often referred to as the Picotin 26...
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 Special Order Birkin 30cm Pink Rose Lipstick Anemone Epsom w/Brushed Gold
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Special Order Birkin 30cm in Rose Lipstick and Anemone Epsom, designed as a custom two-tone configuration that brings together two highly saturated hues within a structured, m...
Hermès Cashmere and Silk Stole
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Perfect for a beautiful present Hermès Stole Cashmere (60%) and silk Tricolor (azure, pink and ivory) shaded With box Cm 204 x 102 (80 x 40 inches)
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 ...
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag Green tote bag crafted from Hermes' signature Swift leather in with palladium hardware. Featuring leather shoulder strap and zipped top leading to sp...
HERMES Rouge Grenat suede ANJOU PLATFROM ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Anjou platform sandals are crafted in Rouge Grenat red, burgundy, nude, and hot pink suede for a bold, multi-tonal finish. They feature peep toes, high blo...
HERMES Rouge de Coeur red & Nord blue SANGLE ZIGZAG 25mm Bag Shoulder Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Sangle Zigzag bag strap is a vibrant and versatile accessory crafted in Rouge de Coeur (bright red) and Bleu du Nord (light blue) canvas. Accented with Rou...
Hermes Birkin 30 Soufre Yellow Jaune Matte Alligator Leather Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare & Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Jaune Soufre Yellow Mississippian Alligator Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware . Excellent Condition with Plastic on Hardware. Please ...
$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 sage green cashmere SHAWL COLLAR Jacket 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shawl collar jacket in pale sage cashmere (100%) with side slit pockets. Closes on the front with a midnight blue lambskin me...
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW The Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier in Graphite Alligator Mississippiensis captures an aura of refined strength and...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
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 ...
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...
Hermès Bride De Cour Silk Scarf Pink 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Bride de Cour" Pattern: horse bridle adorned with trimmings Designed by Françoise de la Perrière in 1969, this "Bride de Cour" R...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf La Vallee de Cristal Blue Ugo Bienvenu 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Vallée de Cristal" (the crystal valley) Designed by Ugo Bienvenu, 2023 collection Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: B...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Pavement
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Pavement" This pattern was designed by Maurice Tranchant in 1970 The design is a breathtakingly beautiful micromosaic. T...
Hermès Orange Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Orange Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly Pochette Product Details Xupes Ref: MML039 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Pochette Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [I] Age: 2005 Accompanie...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Nata Chai and Gris Meyer Palladium Hardware Epsom
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly 25 bag featured in Nata, Chai and Gris Meyer. A stunning combination of neutral hues to compliment a wide variety of your wardrobe. T...
Hermès Leather Case Agenda Teal
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Teal blue - Internal card slots - Spiral-bound design - Planner inserts - Condition: Pristine, Unworn This pre-owned item is in pristine, unworn condition with no signs of use. Pl...
Hermès Constance 18cm Orange Epsom Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Scaled to a jewel-like proportion, this Hermès Constance 18cm distills bold color and precise structure into a compact, statement-making silhouette. Rendered in the house’s iconic or...
Hermès 1984 Foulard Soie Carré 90 Jeu de Paille Straw Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 titled Le Géographe by Sandra Laroche (published in 1992, reissued in 1995) on a black background, in addition to the pattern, the silk is embroidered with anc...
$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...
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...
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.