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 Vintage Black Leather Jige Elan PM Clutch Bag with Snake Print
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A true classic, the Jige has long been offered by Hermès. This beautiful black leather clutch bag is most distinctive by its graphic all-over snake print, and features the iconic Jig...
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 Shawl 140 "Jungle Love"
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Châle Hermès 140 "Jungle Love" en Cachemire et Soie, dessiné par Robert Dallet, dans sa boite. Modèle collector.
Hermes Birkin 25 Sellier Gold Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware W Stamp Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Hermès Birkin 25 Sellier Epsom Gold Gold Hardware W Stamp (2024), one of the most coveted luxury handbags in the world. Crafted by Hermès artisa...
Hermès Birkin 30 Orange Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 30 in Orange. This stunning Birkin handbag is crafted of luxurious orange Togo leather. This features leather top handles, a cross-over flap, ...
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" scarf, is in 100% silk in the blue colorway with hand rolled edges, designed by the renowned animal artist Xavier de Poret. New in ori...
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...
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 Silk Scarf Mosaic Seashells Twilly Orange Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès twilly Print: "Coquillages en Mosaïque" (Mosaic Seashells) This rare pattern was designed by Anne Gavarni...
$87,996Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Birkin 35 Black Shiny Crocodile Top Handle Satchel Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
HERMES Birkin 35 Black Shiny Crocodile Top Handle Satchel Tote Bag Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium tone hardware Leather lining Turn lock closure Made in France Date code presen...
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 Mini Lindy 20 Rose Sakura Pink Clemence PHW Shoulder Bag 2026
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Minor signs of wear, clean inside and out. Accessories Dust bag Size Width: 20cm, Height: 13cm Designer Hermes Model Mini Lindy 20 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color...
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.
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich Fuchsia bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Ostrich pink bag.PHW. Fuchsia color. L stamp. Great codntion,nor wear on the corners. Comes with dust bag, keys,Clochette and locker.
Hermès Small Silk Scarf Gavroche Pocket Square Tigre Royal Fleuri 16'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Tigre Royal" (royal tiger) Designed by Christiane Vauzelles in 1977 This small "gavroche" size is a reissue Can be used as pocket square Ma...
Hermes Birkin 25 Malachite Togo Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Malachite. This classic handbag is beautifully crafted of Togo leather in Malachite color. The bag features rolled leather top handles, ...
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 Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
Hermes Garden Party 36 PM Rose Negonda Leather PalladiumHardware 2013
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Accessories: No Accessories size: long:36cm,height:27cm Designer: Hermès Model: garden party 36 Exterior Material: leather Exterior Color: rose Interior Material: canvas Inter...
Hermès Vintage 1994 Customised Jige Elan PM Black Leather Clutch Bag
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...
Navy & Multicolor Hermes Liberty by Joachim Metz Motif Print Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Navy and multicolor Liberty by Joachim Metz motif printed silk scarf by Hermes. 35" height, 35" length.
Hermes Panthere Au Soleil by Stuart Patience Large Scarf Pareo in Cotton
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Panthere Au Soleil Large Scarf Pareo in Orange andSand Cotton Voile Hermes Bain Printed cotton voile pareo towel. Panthere Au Soleil print designed by Stuart Patience. Measur...
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Blue jean 35 Birkin bag in togo leather with GHW. Item has protective stickers on the hardware, one on the feet is missing. Corners show light discolouration. (production ye...
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.
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...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retournè Orange Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Kelly 25 retorunè in orange togo leather and gold tone hardware. Mint condition, plastic removed from straps, used twice. First letter W. Clochette , tirett, lock and two keys...
Hermès German shepherd Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: an adorable german shepherd on a terrace with vegetation in the background Drawings are stunning ! Made in France Vintage ite...
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 Silk Kachinas Blue Yellow Scarf by Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare Kachinas teal, blue and yellow scarf designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Signature print from this artist. beautiful silk twill with hand rolled edges. Excellent condition....
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...
$87,940Sale Price|20% Off
NEW! HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Broderie Colla Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
NEW! HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Broderie Colla Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag New Condition Black Bougainvillea/Vert Emeraude/Tabac Camel/Beton/Terre Swift Leather Palladium Hardwa...
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...
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 2023 Evelyne TPM Green Leather Crossbody Bag with PHW Detail
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 Lime yellow Epsom leather EVELYNE III 29 PM Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Evelyne III 29 crossbody bag in Lime (bright yellow) Veau Epsom leather with contrasting ivory stitching. Adjustable canvas...
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...
Brand New Hermès Noel au 24 Faubourg Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Very rare Brand New Hermès "Noel au 24 Faubourg" Silk Scarf designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in 2004, in its box. Edition unique, jamais réédité. 90 cm
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
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....
Hermès Sac Epaule Constance 1970s Black Precious Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance model bag in black exotic leather (Porosus), interior in soft black leather with one patch pocket and one zipped pocket, clasp with the famous H motif in gold metal ...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Maison Martin Margiela, Hermès
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...
HERMES Orange Minium & Fauv HERBAG ZIP CABINE 50 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip Cabine 50 Bag is a refined travel companion that fuses functionality with timeless style. Crafted from vibrant Orange Minium Toile Militaire can...
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...
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 Bicolore Epsom Bandoulière
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolore en cuir Epsom bleu nuit et Light Gold, finitions dorées. Excellent état avec bandoulière. Ce sac Hermès Kelly 28 bicolo...
HERMES Casaque red Clemence leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag is crafted in Rouge Casaque Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-plated hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives it a slightl...
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...
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...
$55,940Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Kelly 32 Ghillies Ostrich Exotic Purple Blue Brown Top Handle Satchel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Ostrich Leather trim Palladium plated hardware Leather lining Turn-lock closure Made in France Handle drop 3.5" Measures 12" W x 9" H x 4.5" D Includes original Hermes clochette, ...
HERMES silk LA FEMME AU CARRE 90 Twill Scarf blue
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 90 scarf La Femme Au Carré in blue and navy silk (100%) with details in black, grey, white, nude, ochre and magenta. Has been worn and ...
$450Sale Price|40% Off
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...
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Auth. Hermes Scarf Cheval Surprise - White Red - NWCTS NEW Rare!
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Cheval Surprise – White Red – NWCTS – 1912112120 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Cheval Surprise, Unexpected Horse Artist: Dimitri Rybaltchenko Size: 90 c...
Hermès Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Herringbone Blazer Jacket 2004 Runway Piece
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A tailored jacket by Hermès, designed under the creative direction of Jean Paul Gaultier and made in France from a blend of lambswool and cashmere with a subtle brown and black herri...
HERMES Argile beige Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Argile Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s signatu...
Hermès Birkin 25 Craie Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Craie Togo leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, a clochette with lock and two keys, and double rolled hand...
HERMES black leather Band Collar Quilted Shoulder BIKER Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès band-collar biker jacket in midnight blue lambskin with knit waistband on the back in midnight blue viscose (75%) and nylon (25%). Features a quilted storm flap on the left sh...
Sac Hermès Victoria 40 toile et cuir
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Sac Hermès Victoria 40 en toile beige et cuir marron clair. Grand format élégant, idéal pour une utilisation quotidienne. Authentifié, en très bon état. Le sac Hermès Victoria 40 es...
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...
Hermès 1990s Vintage Brown Top Handle Vanity Case with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Gold-tone hardware Single wooden top handle Adjustable detachable shoulder strap Adjustable shoulder strap Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal elasticated s...
Hermes Vintage 1990's Haut à Courroies Hac 50 Birkin Vache Natural ravel Duffle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Stamped " Squared C " - 1999 - Vache natural tan leather exterior - Brass Hardware Condition: The bag is in excellent vintage condition, all original, the bag has not been p...
Hermès Gold Tone "Bouet" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Bouet" Scarf Ring Gold is a classic accessory that can be used to update and wear your scarves in a different stylish way. Comes with the original box. Scarf in picture not i...
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.