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 Evelyne TPM Green Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Dark green Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp W. Year 2024 Condition...
Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier Mini Kelly II Gold Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 20 in Gold which distills the house’s aesthetic to its most essential form—balanced, refined, and enduring. Rendered in one of Hermès’ most recogniz...
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
Brand New Hermes Kelly 25 Black Epsom GHW
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Sac Hermès Kelly 25 Noir en cuir Epsom avec fermoir Or Neuf Jamais porté Stamp G Facture originale de 2026 Avec boite et accessoires
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:...
Hermès Customised Heron Jige Elan PM
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 Kelly 25 Bag Rose Sakura Palladium Hardware Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly 25 in Rose Sakura which captures the house’s mastery of color through one of its most coveted pastel hues. Soft and luminous, this delicate pink evo...
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...
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...
$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 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 1970s Haut À Courroies HAC 50 Black Gold Veau Grènè Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black grained leather exterior - New handles ( Fresh from the Hermes spa ) - Stamped " Circle G " - 1977 - Comes with dust bag lock & key Base Of the Bag: 19.5 x 10.5 Heig...
Hermes Oran Sandals Blue Epsom Leather Flat Slides H Cut Out EU 40 US 10
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Oran Sandals – The Ultimate Symbol of Timeless Riviera Luxury Embrace effortless summer elegance with the globally legendary Oran slide sandals from Maison Hermès. Originall...
$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 ...
Hermès Set of Hair Brush and Mirror Inlaid Lacquered Wood H Lift
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and beautiful Authentic Hermès Set Hair Brush and matching mirror Both made of "H Lift" inlaid lacquered wood " HERMÈS PARIS" engraved on the handle of each item Measurem...
HERMES Craie cream Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Togo leather, a soft, luminous neutral that showcases the house's most coveted silhouette. Crafted from luxury grained...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Black Noir Sombrero Leather Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
As New RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Black Sombrero Leather, Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New, Plastic on all Hardware. Please understand this is not a store fresh...
Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
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...
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 ...
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 Silver Money Clip Gaetan de Percin Spur Shaped Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip In shape of a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made by Gaetan de Percin for Hermès ("GP" hallmark) Made of silver 800 (c...
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.
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
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....
Hermes Jypsiere 37 Bleu Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Crossbody Messenger Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Bleu Jean Clemence Leather exterior - Silver Palladium hardware - Comes with dustbag - Comes with crossbody strap - Stamped Square ( M ) 2006 Condition: The bag is in exc...
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,...
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...
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 ...
Sac Hermès Evelyne Pm Toile & Cuir Barenia
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Evelyne PM en toile et cuir Barenia. Modèle rare en très bon état. Ce sac Hermès Evelyne PM en toile et cuir Barenia est une version particulièrement recherchée du célèbr...
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 Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Hermes Paris Vintage Red Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of 1990s Parisian chic with the iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model celebrated for its perfect blend of utility and effortless style. This PM tote, expertly crafte...
Hermes Atlas 35 Bag Boston Handbag Pink Leather 2011
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear from use, scuffs on four corners, scratches on hardware, wear on handle, stains inside interior. size: Width:35cm,height:27cm Designer: hermes Model: Hermes Atlas...
Exceptional Hermès Tennis Racquet Shaped Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Tennis Racquet Shaped Vintage item Made of metal The lid is made of transparent plastic on which are drawn lines representing the r...
Hermès "Les Bassets" NIB Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Xavier de Poret.
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...
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 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 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 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 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 Lindy 26 Etain Clemence Leather Gold Hardware Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of use, minor stains on the surface, slight scratches on the hardware. Accessories: ...
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch Reference: JACG/A00161 Brand: Hermes Model: Goodlock Material: Leather Color: Green Pattern: Animal Prin...
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 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...
Hermes "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient... Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor porcelain mini square organizer "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident" featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 198...
Hermès "La Vie de la Méditerranee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Vie Précieuse de la Méditerranée" is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Robert Dallet. Features an ocean life motif with various marine animals and birds, in...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Rare Hermès Kaleidoscope Game
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Kaleidoscope From 2001 "Quelques idées Hermès pour les fêtes..." (Some Hermès ideas for the holidays...) Made of cardboard...
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.
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...
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 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 Constance Slim Wallet Quebracho Evercolor PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown - Palladium hardware - PVC on hardware - Top-stitching - Interior zip pocket - Slim silhouette - Removable change purse with zip closure - Two credit card slots - Belt loop -...
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.