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 Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
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 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 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...
$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...
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...
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 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...
Hermes Haut à Courroies Hac 60 Black Ardennes GoldCarry On Birkin Vintage 1991
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black Leather Exterior - Silver Hardware - Stamped circle U (1991) Measurements (approximately in inches) : L: 26.5 " H: 18.8 " W: '12 " Description: This bag is truly in...
HERMÈS Harnais Des Présidents Silk Scarf, 1980's
By Hermès
Located in Atlanta, GA
1980's version of Hermes silk scarf entitled 'Harnais des Presidents' by Marie-Francoise Heron first issued in 1966. This iconic Hermes design features equestrian harness motifs in t...
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 Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Veau Doblis Swift Maxibox cube 37 Chamois Capucine. This tote is crafted of durable calfskin leather in grey. The bag features a smooth tall ...
Hermès Black Epsom Kelly To Go Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Kelly To Go Wallet GHW SKU: Z154143 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called ...
Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW SKU: Z153832 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed...
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 ...
Hermés 2012 Grey Leather Birkin 35 Etain Togo GHW P Stamp
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Minimal wear to bag is evident. Minimal wear to sides where leather had cracked around the top seam. There is tarnishing to the base feet and pen marks throug...
Hermès Silk Scarf Faites Vos Jeux Blue Karen Petrossian 90 cm Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Faites vos Jeux" (place your bets) Designed by Karen Petrossian in 2004 Made in France Made of 100%...
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.
Hermès Geegee Iroquois Camail Horse Bag Charm in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee Iroquois" Charm In the shape of a horse's head with a tousled mane, covered with a pretty camail Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of mi...
HERMÈS - Vintage Bijouterie Fantaisie Gold-Plated Metal Necklace 42cm
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gold-plated metal necklace from the "Hermès Bijouterie Fantaisie" series. The hooked hook allows the length to be adjusted. This is a ve...
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 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...
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...
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 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 Kelly 28 Sellier Pink Rose Lipstick Gris Tourterelle Togo Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Rare Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Special Order Rose Lipstick & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Complimented by Brushed Gold Hardware. As New. Plastic on all Hardware. Please k...
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 dark brown suede LOCK Knee High Boots Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high almond-toe boots in brown suede leather embellished with Palladium lock depeches. Open with a zipper on the inside. Have been worn and are in excelle...
Hermes Bikrin 30 Rouge Grenat Togo Leather Stamp A With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 30 in Rouge Grenat. This sought-after color is featured in a classic Birkin, crafted of rich grained burgundy calfskin leather. The bag featur...
New Hermes Constance Elan Mauve Pale Epsom Leather Palladium Shoulder Bag, 2025
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
New 2025 Hermes Constance Elan Mauve Pale Epsom Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. New, K Stamp 2025.
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Bai Brun Brown Madame Leather Permabrass Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Bai Brun Madame Leather Complimented by Permabrass Hardware. New 2025 K Stamp. Additional Information: Condition: New without tags 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...
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 ...
Hermès Kelly Mini II 20cm Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm in Mauve Sylvestre Epsom, a soft, muted mauve that sits between dusty pink and lavender, with a cool undertone that shifts subtly depending on lighting. It has...
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.
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...
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 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 ...
Limited Edition 2018 Hermes "Carré Club Ex-Libris" Bandana 55 Silk Twill Scarf
By Hermès, Hugo Grygkar
Located in Geneva, CH
After its first edition in New York, the "Hermès Carré Club" pop-up stopped off for three days in Singapore in October 2018. On that occasion, the House of Hermès launched a special ...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Anemone Purple Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Anemone Epsom Leather with. Complimented by Gold Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep in mind tha...
Hermès "Grands Fonds" Blue Beach Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Poissons" beach sarong in the blue and orange color way. The luxurious towel is made from 100% cotton and features a vibrant fish motif.
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 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 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 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...
Hermes Kelly Mini Pochette Black Noir Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Black Noir Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Y Stamp 2020.
1951 Hermes "A La Gloire De La Légion Etrangère" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Hugo Grygkar, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Very rare Hermès “A la Gloire de la Légion Etrangère” silk twill Carré scarf. Signed by Hugo Grygkar and issued in 1951, this scarf pays hommage to a specific corps of the French Army : the French Foreign Legion...
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 Kelly Cut Vivid Red Niloticus Crocodile w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Kelly Cut in Vivid Red Niloticus crocodile with gold hardware is a highly sculptural evening clutch defined by its elongated, horizontal silhouette and its focus on material impa...
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...
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, ...
New in Box Hermes Orange Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes orange guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
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 Herline MM Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Herline MM backpack featuring bicolor handles,canvas body, flat back straps, flat top handle, snap button closure and top zip closure, interior slip pocket. Canvas 100% In goo...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Green PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Green - Front button fastening - Detachable shoulder strap - Perforated logo detail - Main compartment - Comes with original dust bag - Stamp B, Year 2023 - Condition: Excellent Th...
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.
$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 Twilly Galons et Brandebourgs Black Gold White in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Twilly Scarf Print: "Galons et Brandebourgs" Twilly can be used as small scarf but also to cover the handle of your Hermès bag Made in France Made of 100%...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Blue Atoll Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Rare and Most Coveted color. Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Blue Atoll "Tiffany Blue" Epsom Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition with Plastic on all...
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.