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 Kelly 32 Sellier Box Calf Black Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier in Noir features a single rolled top handle, detachable shoulder strap, signature straps, twist-lock closure, and a clochette with a lock and keys. Palladium ...
Sac Hermès HAC 40 Taurillon Noir
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès HAC 40 en cuir taurillon noir avec finitions palladium. Très bon état. Ce sac Hermès HAC 40, réalisé en cuir taurillon noir avec bijouterie palladium, incarne parfaitemen...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Swift Rose Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 cm retournè is in new condition, rose etè swift leather with tonal stitching and palladium hardware. Date stamp Y. comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Co...
Hermès 1981 Vintage Customised Heron Jige Elan PM Burgundy Clutch
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Burgundy leather trim - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted heron design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Includes original box (damaged) - Stamp K ...
Hermes Victoria 35 Red Leather Silver Hardware Gym Bag 2013
By Hermès, Ben Sherman
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of use,s, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35c...
Hermes crocodile '404' bag circa 1960-1963
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 31cm black alligator '404' bag with gold-plated fastening on a ridig frame, a handle, and a key. Made in France. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 25 cm ...
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,...
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML072 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By:...
Hermes Grand Apparat by Jacques Eudel Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Grand Apparat" by Jacques Eudel featuring a navy border and a Hermès signature. Circa:1986 1962 (First edition) In good vintage cond...
Hermès Black White Silky Pop Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black leather and multi pattern silk foldable bag. Black, white and grey. Excellent condition. Bag closed, 5"W x 5"L x 1"D. Handle drop, 10"L. Comes with original dust cover.
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...
Auth. Hermes Shawl Cavalcadour Morning CS140 Caban Bordeaux Vert - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cavalcadour Morning - CS140 - Caban Bordeaux Vert - NWCT - 2604231619 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Cavalcadour Morning, Cavalcadour Morning Artist:...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Voitures en Equilibre - CS140 - Terracotta Mangue - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Voitures en Equilibre - CS140 - Terracotta Mangue - NWST - 2511041840 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Voitures en Équilibre, Balancing Carriages Artist: Daiske Nomura Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55 in Color: Terracotta (Terracotta), Mangue (Mango), Vert Amande (Almond Green) Fabric: 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk, hand-rolled edges Approx. Issue Date: First issued Autumn–Winter 2023 for the cashmere/silk 140 shawl; additional formats and colorways followed in 2024–2025. Condition: New With Store Tag, Never Worn, Without Box Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Voitures en Équilibre (“Balancing Carriages”) is Daiske Nomura’s witty take on Hermès’s carriage heritage: a fantasia of coach bodies, whirring wheels and lanterns seemingly held in perfect balance, like a mechanical daydream. Nomura has said the theme was inspired by an old carriage catalogue from the Émile Hermès collection, which he translated into a dynamic, graphic composition for the 140 cashmere-silk shawl in AW2023. The Terracotta/Mangue colorway intensifies the design’s energy with warm mango and earthen tones that frame the playful engineering of each carriage element. Artist's Story: Daiske Nomura is a Tokyo-born illustrator and Hermès artist whose work blends classic Hermès equestrian codes with contemporary graphic influences. Educated at Parsons School of Design, Nomura has created men’s and women’s scarf...
HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zipper p...
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 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 by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
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...
Hermès Evelyne 16 Gold Brown Leather Crossbody Bag with GHW, Unisex
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 Rare Beige "Kachinas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Kachinas" scarf. This chic scarf is 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. It features bright bold colors with a Pueblo Indian motif. Comes with no box.
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club grey leather top handle bag
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club etain grey clemence leather top handle bag Reference: TGAS/F01045 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Birkin 30 Club Colle...
$5,809Sale Price|25% 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...
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 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...
$976Sale Price|42% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier - CS140 - Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir – NWSTS – 2001211641 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Bouquets Sellier, Bouquets Sellier Artist: Pie...
Hermès 2024 Constance Slim Pochette Ceinture Pink Leather Bag on belt Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance Slim model clutch in pink Epsom leather (Mexico), interior in smooth pink leather and matching removable coin purse, H click clasp in shiny silver metal (palladium),...
Hermès 1990s Kelly 32 Black Box Leather Unisex Top Handle Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
The Hermes Kelly 32 in black Box leather captivates with its structured lines and iconic look. Its Box leather, emblematic of the House of Hermes, offers a smooth feel and a refined ...
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026 A rare vision of quiet majesty, the Hermes Kelly Pochette in Bordeaux Mississippiensis Alligator captur...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Fauna and Flora of Texas" scarf is 100% silk and was designed by Oliver Kermit in 1986. Care tag attached.
Hermès Silk Pocket Square or Scarf Les Chevaux Se Rendent au Départ Jockey Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pocket Square or Scarf Print: "LES CHEVAUX SE RENDENT AU DEPART " (the horses are heading to the starting point) Pattern: Jockey suits Made in France M...
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 White Leather Trim Shoulder Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes white shoulder leather Trim tote bag featuring a shoulder handle, a top zip opening, an inside logo stamp, ar gold-plated hardware. Circa: 1990s Under the attached strap mark...
Hermès Gold Veau Madame Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gold Veau Madame Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Product Title: Gold Veau Madame Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Type: Top Handle, Shoul...
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 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...
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...
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Shawl Clic Clac A Pois - CS140 - Kaki Rouge Acajou NEW Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Clic Clac A Pois - CS140 - Kaki Rouge Acajou - NWCTS - 2001301213 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Clic-Clac à Pois, Clic-Clac with Dots Artist: Julie ...
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack Reference: TGAS/E00354 Brand: Hermes Model: Herbag A Dos Material: Leat...
Hermes Silver Tone Cornucopia Metal Matchbox
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Silver-tone metal matchbox featuring a “Cornucopia design” (Horn of abundance) and a leather box that fits into the metal sleeve, engraved Hermes Paris on the bottom. Circa 19...
Hermès Corkscrew Bottle Opener Bottle Coaster Matching Set Cordage Rope D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Matching Set of 3 pieces - Corkscrew - Bottle Opener - Bottle Coaster Absolutely perfect for decorating the table in your seaside home or on your boat ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Black Bag Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès Birkin 30 crafted in Black Togo leather, one of the house’s most iconic and enduring combinations. Black delivers unmatched versatility, serving as the ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Purple Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Pourpre Chevre Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Pristine Excellent Condition,Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018 Addi...
Brand New Hermes Black Mini Kelly 20 HSS verso Gold
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Mini Kelly 20 Hermès Neuf Jamais porté, HSS Commande Spéciale en cuir Epsom Noir verso Gold - stamp K de 2025. Tous les plastiques de protection sont p...
Hermès Havane Courchevel Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Havane Courchevel Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details CB1713 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [A] Age: 1997 Accompanied By: Hermès ...
Hermes by H.d Origny Black Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès black silk scarf ascot by H.d' Origny featuring an all-over print, a yellow border and a center pleat. Circa 1970s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 42.1 in...
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...
$860Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Flocon Boots Shearling Lined Hiking White Leather Boxed
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Flocon boots. Worn once indoors - come with original box. Made from bright white leather with camel shearling trims, white laces and platform soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5...
Hermes 1980's Haut à Courroies Hac 55 Birkin Veau Courchevel Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Steamped Circle P ( 1986 ) - Brass Hardware - Comes With Lock & Key - Natural Tan Leather Exterior - Discontinued 55 Size - The bag holds it shape when empty Condition: ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Beton Bag Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès Birkin 30 crafted in Beton Togo leather, a sophisticated neutral that delivers understated elegance with modern appeal. Beton is a soft, cool-toned grey...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
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 Kelly Cut Gris Elephant Porosus Crocodile Clutch Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermès Kelly Cut Gris Elephant Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware This Hermès Kelly Cut is crafted in Gris Elephant Porosus crocodile, offering...
Hermès Kermit Oliver Kachinas Scarf Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Signature Hermès silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Very collectible series. Hand rolled edges in a 35" square.
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
Hermès 2017 Birkin 35 Retourne Epsom Leather Unisex Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Epsom leather, a lightweight, embossed calfskin known for its rigid structure and high resistance to scratching Rose Jaipur/coral Epsom leather Palladium hardware Two top handles Fro...
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 Spring 2023 Ring Detail Beige Goatskin Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra chic Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2023 collection. Bought for £16000 and worn once. Made from super malleable rich beige goat leather...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance. The structured silhouette i...
Hermes Birkin 30 Etain togo gold hardware handbag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Birkin 30 Etain Colour togo leather with gold hardware handbag. A very classic and stylish hermes bag. D stamp ( 2018) comes full set with Hermes receipt, dustbags and box.
HERMES Calya Slip On Leather Clogs - Black Size 39. With box. VG Condition
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: Calya slip on clogs by Hermes. Smooth black leather. Rounded toe. "H" cutout detail on upper. Palladium silver plated studs. Lined in goat leather. Black beech wooden pl...
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.