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 Haut à Courroies (HAC) 50 Navy Blue Fjord Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Haut à Courroies 50cm in Navy Blue Fjord leather with gold hardware represents the origins of Hermès travel craftsmanship, embodying a silhouette that predates the Birkin ...
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 Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a dark pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35...
Hermes Kelly Cut Clutch Swift Leather Rose Pourpre PHW Bag Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, clean inside and out, overall good condition. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:31cm,height:13cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly Cut Clutc Exterior...
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...
Hermès Customised Bandana Print Kelly 28 Black Box GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Hermès Kelly in Box Leather features a white intricate bandana print . The bag is customised and the stencil is not original to the piece. Its black leather facade...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Shoulder Bag Purse Green-Grey Lizard Gold Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and rare Authentic Hermès Bag Made in France Vintage bag, no stamp Made of Lizard and Golden Hardware Lined with smooth lambsink Leather Colorway: green-grey 1 main co...
Vintage Hermès “Jumping” Silk Scarf Philippe Ledoux Equestrian 35” Vintage 1970s
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Add an iconic equestrian touch to your collection with this authentic vintage Hermès “Jumping” silk scarf, designed by renowned artist Philippe Ledoux and first released in 1971. Cra...
New Hermes Kelly 20 Epsom Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 20, commonly known as the Mini Kelly II, in Etoupe Epsom leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is one of the most coveted and difficult-to-acquire pieces in the world of ...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
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 ...
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new pastel Tropical Garden silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk Twill Women's Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hermes "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk vest. This vintage "Raconte Moi le Cheval" (Tell Me About the Horse) vest has an equestrian theme, with colorful rocking ho...
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...
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 -...
Hermès NIB Cheval Natte Tarot Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box tarot deck with 78 cards, silver edged with multicolor cheval natte design. Designed by Tong Ren.
HERMES beige orange cashmere 2023 BRIDES DE GALA Sweater Vest 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Brides de Gala sweater in Tatami light beige and bright orange jacquard knit cashmere (63%), cotton (35%) and polyamide (2%), presenting one of the house's most...
Hermes Dies et Hore or Astrology by F. Faconnet Gavroche Mousseline Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet mousseline gavroche silk scarf featuring a brown border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in F...
Hermes Maxi Twilly Slim Guepards Robert Dallet Reglisse/Taupe/Gri Colors Mint
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Guepards Maxi-Twilly Slim Designed by Robert Dallet. Comes with signature Hermes box and ribbon. Excellent condition Final sale Approximately...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Cypress Crocodile Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Vert Cypress Nilo Crocodile Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. A Stamp 2017. Please keep in mind that this is a pre owned i...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Frida Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . As New Plastic on all Hardware. 2019 D Stamp. Please keep in mind that this is not a st...
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...
Hermes Shoulder Birkin 29 Gold Tan Toile Canvas Black Palladium HW Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Highly coveted Hermes Birkin 29 Shoulder Gold Swift Leather Embroidered Toile in Ecru Beige, Rose Pop Black & Fauve complemented by Palladium Hardware. As-new plastic on all...
Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Dore Chevre Chamkilight Permabrass Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermès Kelly Mini 20 Dore Chevre Chamkilight Permabrass Hardware. New, K Stamp 2024. Includes all Accessories and Box. Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a golf ball Made in France Made of inox (stainless steel) and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS" engraved on one side of the opener / "INO...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Alligator Leather Vert Cypress Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Shinny Alligator Vert Cypress. Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New 2020 Y Stamp. Thank you for stopping by Lux Addicts.
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Gold Tan Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted As New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Gold Epsom Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Z Stamp 2021. Includes all Accessories and Box. Thank you for stopping by Lux Add...
Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Crocodile Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Rose Scheherazade Shinny Porosus Crocodile Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Collectors Dream! Excellent Condition, Plasti...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Miel Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 GHW SKU: Z155617 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has grown ...
Hermes Birkin 30 Cuivre Orange Togo Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Highly Coveted and RARE Hermes Birkin 30 Cuivre Orange Togo Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware . Almost Like New Condition with Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep in mind that t...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Designed by Kermit Oliver the silk scarf is a classic, featuring Texas wildlife flora and fauna with a ...
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...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Depeches VEAU Togo Etoupe Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 in Etoupe Veau Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a sophisticated, modern reimagining of the classic Kelly aesthetic. Moving away from the tra...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
The Three Graces - CS140 - Rouge Bleu Marron - NWST - 2604131912 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Les Trois Grâces, The Three Graces Artist: Alice Shir...
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...
Hermès Black Togo Mississippiensis Matte Alligator Touch Birkin 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Togo Mississippiensis Matte Alligator Touch Birkin 25 PHW SKU: Z155673 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness ...
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 by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Striped Silk Trousers
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptionally fluid pinstriped silk trousers from Martin Margiela’s collections during his tenure as creative director at Hermès from 1997 to 2003. The trousers feature front pleats,...
Hermès New Yellow Flowers Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new yellow silk scarf with pink assorted flowers. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
Hermes Kelly Cut Clutch Rose Azalee Azalea Pink Swift Leather Gold Hardware Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Cut Rose Azalee Swift Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition Like New! Plastic on All Hardware. Please keep in mind that this is...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 II Sellier Box Calf Leather GHW Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good, Minor signs of use, light scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag,shoulder strap size: Width:20cm,height:15cm Designer:Hermes Model:Mini Ke...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 Flag Blue White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Kelly 35 sellier Flag Handbag in Bleu Thalassa and White Epsom leather with Palladium hardware is a classic and rare find. Limited production customized item. Date stamp R...
$312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes 1994 "Astres et Soleil" Rare Silk 16.5"x16.5" Scarf by A. Faivre
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This a collector's Hermes scarf! The 1994 silk scarf designed by Anne Faivre is an hommage to ancient Inca civilization. The scarf predominantly features people in traditional dress ...
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 ...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
Hermès Address Tag for Luggage Suitcase in Naturel Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Adress Tag You can write your address or phone number directly on the lines provided for this purpose Made in France Made of Smoo...
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 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 Drag De Voyage Travel Bag Tan Brown Leather Carry On Luggage Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Brown leather exterior - Silver colored hardware - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition, has some minor discoloration on the piping throughout t...
Hermès Evelyne Coral Chèvre Coin Purse
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne Red Coin Purse is in chevrè goatskin leather in coral red. The purse has a frontal perforated Hermes H and a palladium 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 "The Savana Dance" Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk and cashmere blend shawl, “the savana dance” with multicolor design. Hand rolled trim, design by Ardmore Artists.
HERMES orange Swift leather MINI JYPSIERE 22 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Jypsière 22 crossbody bag in classic Hermès Orange Veau Swift leather. A refined, modern icon blending equestrian herit...
Hermès "Les 12 Leopards" Double Face
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Douze Leopards" double face silk scarf. 12 cheetas are hidden in this elaborate design. Reversible scarf , can be worn on the two different sides. Hand rolled edges, car...
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 Birkin 30 Togo Vert de Gris GHW. Full Set/Receipt. Protective Stickers On
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Vert de Gris Up for sale is an incredibly sophisticated, investment-grade icon of high fashion—the legendary Hermès Birkin 30 bag. This exquisite piece is cra...
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.