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 Helicopter Key Ring Leather for Eurocopter
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Rectangular in shape, hot-stamped with a helicopter "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" hot-stamped on the front "eurocpter an EADS Company HERMÈS PARIS" h...
HERMES red & pink leather LTD ED JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Limited Edition' boots in red and pink box leather. Brand new. Comes with box and dust bag. Measurements Imprinted Size 38 Sh...
HERMES black deerskin leather Bomber Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Paris Bomber jacket in black deer skin leather (100%) with a ripped collar in black silk (48%), cotton (36%), polyamid...
$31,950
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Palladium silver hardware. Togo leather. Excellent like new condition. Interior clean. Looks like new. Includes lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authe...
HERMES red blue silk ORS BLEUS D'AFRIQUE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Ors Bleus d'Afrique 90 scarf, designed by Zoé Pauwels, is crafted from luxurious red silk twill. It showcases a vibrant print featuring a variety of Africa...
HERMES Sesame Swift leather & Toile Viking canvas 24/24-35 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 24/24-35 bag in ecru-beige Toile H Viking with Sesame (beige) Veau Swift leather trims. Features an open pocket on the outside back. Closes with a gold-plated t...
Hermès Set of 2 Giraffes and Camels Prints Silk Ties Africa Wild Animals
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Giraffes and Camels Made in France Made of 100% silk 1. Giraffes print: - Beige background, yellow giraffes and grey palm trees. - Lined wit...
HERMES chocolat & cognac silk BOLDUC AU CARRE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Bolduc au Carre 90' scarf by Caty Latham in chocolat brown silk twill (100%) with details in cognac, white, orange beige and white. Has been worn and is in exc...
Hermès Tied Up In Knots Silk Scarf Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TIED UP IN KNOTS" Designed by Jonathan Burton First edition of 2022 Made in France Made of 100% "vintage" silk Colorways: BLEU / ORANGE ...
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 NIB Birkin 30 Blue Atoll Epsom
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in blue atoll epsom leather and palladium hardware. Plastic on hardware, worn a few times. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 d...
Hermes NIB Birkin 30 Gold Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in gold togo leather and palladium hardware. Partial plastic on hardware, worn a few times. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, 2 dust b...
Hermès NEW Birkin 25 Togo Black Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Birkin 25 crafted of Togo leather in Prussian Blue with palladium hardware. The piece is new and very sought after. Date stamp K for 2025. It comes with the full set: clochett...
New in Box Hermes Limited Edition Pegase Pop Silk Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition "Le pegase pop" by Dimitri Rybalchenko. Silk gavroche, brand new in original box.
Hermes 1997 Sac Pochette ceinture Floride Barenia leather bag clutch on belt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès pouch on belt, Floride model, in Barenia leather (natural camel color) composed of a simple pouch closed with 2 "Clou de selle" motif snaps in gold metal and a matching belt t...
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag is a sophisticated and versatile accessory that seamlessly blends luxury with practicality. Crafted from high-quality Negonda leather wi...
HERMES Evelyne 16 Amazone Clemence Bag Red
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Evelyn 16 Amazone Clemence Bag in Red. Features calfskin leather, a flat shoulder strap, the bag can be worn comfortably over the shoulder or crossbody. The opening ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Retourne Togo Leather New Blue Jean Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
A symbol of timeless luxury and refined style, the Hermès Birkin 30 in Bleu Jean Togo leather is one of the most coveted handbags in the world. Crafted in France with exceptional art...
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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Pivoine Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Rouge Pivoine. This stunning Birkin handbag is crafted of luxurious red togo leather. The luxurious handbag features looping leather top...
Hermès 1991 Foulard Carré 90 Soies Volantes Navy Ecru Silk Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Loïc Dubigeon
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 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
Hermès NIB Shoulder Birkin Light 29
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès authentic brand new in box birkin shoulder light 29 in black evercolor leather and sits comfortably on the shoulder. Black evercolor leather, tonal stitching, multicolor stipe...
1992 Hermes Kelly dark Blue navy size 35
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...
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 Yellow Gold Money Clip Numbered Stirrup Spur Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exeptional and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Moeny Clip In shape of stirrup with a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made of yellow gold (eaggle head hallmark ...
HERMES black leather CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high crusader boots in smooth black calfskin featuring a stacked heel and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn and are in excellent c...
HERMÈS Kelly 32 Retourne Gold Courchevel Leather and Beige Canvas 1986
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Magnifique sac à main HERMÈS modèle Kelly 32 retourné, réalisé en cuir Courchevel Gold associé à une toile Hermès beige, et sublimé par une élégante garniture dorée. Daté 1986, ce mo...
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...
Hermes Kelly Depeche 25 Pouch Blue Nuit Togo Palladium Wrist Strap Sac Travel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Blue exterior - Made in France - Palladium hardware - Comes with dustbag Condition: The pouch is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( ...
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 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 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 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 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 Red Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès red silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over flower print, a red border and a center pleat. Circa 1990s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (114cm) X 6.7...
Hermès Toffee Epsom Constance-To-Go Gold Hardware Wallet Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Toffee Epsom Constance-To-Go Crossbody Wallet in brown color leather with gold tone hardware on the front. Comes with a crossbody leather shoulder strap. Buckle snap flap clos...
Hermès H Throw Blanket Wool and Cashmere NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès H Throw Blanket Wool and Cashmere is a blend of wool and cashmere, with signature H in a Black/Brown/Creme grid pattern throughout, and whipstitc...
Hermes Navy cotton Toto Medium Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s "Toto" Medium size Navy cotton Fourre Tout tote bag featuring bicolor handles ( navy and Bordeaux), striped strap, press-stud fastening, side press-stud fastening, slip ...
Hermès Silver Keychain Bird 2006
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a cute bird Special and limited edition of 2006 Made of sterling silver Colorway: silvery "Ciel mon Paris" and serial number engra...
Hermes New Mini Evelyne Mangrove Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes mangrove green mini Evelyne TPM in clemence leather with canvas strap. Smallest model of Evelyne has tonal stitching, a large perforated H icon in circle at front, pull tab to...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
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 "Feux d'Artifice" Blue Porcelain Ashtray Catchall 1980s Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rare 1980s Hermès "Feux d'Artifice" Blue Porcelain Ashtray – Limited Edition, Made in France Discover this exquisite vintage Hermès porcelain ashtray from the 1980s, featuring the rare and collectible “Feux d’Artifice” (Fireworks) design. Created to celebrate Hermès’ 150th anniversary in 1987, this limited-edition piece was designed by Michel Duchene and reflects the house’s timeless elegance and craftsmanship. The center showcases a gilded motif of a horseman on horseback, surrounded by intricate bursts of golden fireworks, symbolizing celebration and grandeur. The striking deep blue and gold color palette, framed with a bold border and luminous detailing, adds richness and visual impact to any interior. Versatile Functionality: While originally created as a luxury cigar ashtray, this item is equally suited as a vide-poche (catchall tray), decorative porcelain accent, or display piece for collectors of French fine porcelain and designer objets d’art. Brand: Hermès Paris Design: “Feux d’Artifice” by Michel Duchene Material: Limoges porcelain with gilt detailing Color: Royal blue, gold, and white Signed: Marked “HERMÈS PARIS” and “MADE IN FRANCE” Base: Covered in royal blue goatskin suede with Hermès monogram Includes: Original orange Hermès box (shows minor wear) Condition: Excellent, unused vintage condition Dimensions: Height: 1.5 in (3.8 cm) Width: 7.5 in (19 cm) Depth: 6 in (15.2 cm) Provenance: Made in France by Hermès, the iconic luxury house renowned for its equestrian heritage and masterful craftsmanship in leather, silk, and porcelain. 1970s–1980s collectible design. Hermès ashtray, vintage Hermès porcelain, 1980s Hermès decor, collectible Hermès tray, Feux d’Artifice ashtray, Hermès fireworks design, Michel Duchene Hermès, French luxury porcelain, blue and gold porcelain ashtray, limited edition Hermès catchall, Hermès Limoges ashtray...
Hermes 'Hommage a Charles Garnier' Carre 90 Silk Scarf By Jacques Eudel
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes 'Hommage a Charles Garnier' Carre 90 Silk Scarf By Jacques Eudel Red silk scarf originally designed in 1986 by Caty Latham. Featuring the central figure depicts Charles Garn...
HERMÈS BLACK CALF BOX LEATHER RETOURNÉ "KELLY" 35 "Sac à Dépêches"
By Hermès
Located in Kingston, NY
HERMÈS BLACK CALF BOX LEATHER RETOURNÉ "KELLY" "Sac à Dépêches" 35 WITH GOLD HARDWARE, 1957. Artist markings. Great Condition. Great condition, light wear. Black leather interior wi...
$83,935
Hermes, Kelly doll handbag
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Kelly doll handbag in orange. The item is pre-owned and in excellent condition. Can show minimal signs of use. For more pictures and price on request. Comes with box, dustbag...
Hermès Vache Hunter Toile Ecru Black Herbag Zip Retourne Messenger 39 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Vache Hunter Toile Ecru Black Herbag Zip Retourne Messenger 39 PHW SKU: 152324 MSRP: 4550.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Co...
Hermès Customised Jige Elan PM Black
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black / Blue - Box leather - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted rope and belts design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Canvas interior - Stamp X Ci...
Hermès Set of 7 Leather Charms Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely set of 7 Authentic Hermès Charms Shapes: Horse, Seahorse, Heart, Christmas Tree, Lion, Cupid, Marmot From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorways: 1 Beige, 2 Blue...
Hermès Set Cheval Natte Playing Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Cheval Natte Playing Card set designed by artist Tong Ren. The cards feature a braided texture and color block aesthetic. The set includes two decks of 55 silver-edged cards.
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. Hermès Scarf Fantaisie D Etriers Cobalt Marine New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Fantaisie D Etriers Cobalt Marine - NWSTS - 2503042030 Brand: Hermès Type: Carré Artist: Virginie Jamin Size : 90x90 cm / 35in x 35in Colour: Cobalt Marine Type: 100% Silk Twill Cou...
Hermès NIB "Jour de Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour de Casting" scarf, silk with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). The 70 scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed by...
Hermès Kelly 35 Beige Togo GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Beige Clemence leather Gold-tone hardware Single top handle Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal patch pocket Detachable shoulder strap Comes with padlock, key, ...
Hermes Constance H Blue Bicolor Leather Reversible Belt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Blue bicolor “Constance” leather reversible belt featuring a reversible inside yellow leather, a “H” gold plated buckle, a pitted Z in a round. Belt Size fr:80 Circa 1996 (Z in a r...
Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
Hermes Silk Square
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Hermes Silk Square from the 1970's France. Abstract houndstooth print with black border. 16" square with hand rolled edges.
Hermes 1930's Green Leather Belt
By Hermès
Located in Sharon, CT
A rare Hermes 1930's Deep Green Leather Belt with four gold washed brass 'nuts and bolts'. Fits waist size 28-30". Signed: Hermes-Paris 24 Fg St Honnore.
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...
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.