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 by Martin Margiela, lambskin skirt, Spring 1999
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès skirt by Martin Margiela, Collection Spring 1999 Composition: 100% lambskin - silk lining Made in France Marked size: 40 (large) Measurements: Waist width: 38 cm Length: 61...
Hermès Wedgwood Ledoux Vintage Silk Scarf 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "WEDGWOOD" Designed by Philippe LEDOUX in 1974 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: White, Blue, Yellow "HERMÈS - PARIS ©" Signe...
Hermes Silk Scarf Fleurs de Giverny Christine Henry Parme 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs de Giverny" / Flowers Designed by Christine Henry in 2017 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: Parme / Vert / Bleu...
HERMES black leather 2010 STRAIGHT Pants 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier pants are crafted in black grained deerskin leather. They feature a mid-rise fit with straight legs, two side pockets, and one back p...
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...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Rose Azalee
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in rose azalee and vache naturel. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features ...
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...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
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...
Hermès Sac 2020 Cityslide GM Blue Swift Leather Cross body Bag on Belt OS Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
XL belt pouch or Cityslide bag, Large Model version, in blue leather (probably Swift) and silver metal (palladium), a first front pocket closed by a zip with leather pull, a large in...
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.
Hermes Mini Constance 18 Cross Body Gris Meyer Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Mini Constance 18 in Gris Meyer embodies modern elegance and timeless Parisian luxury. Crafted with exceptional precision by Hermès artisans, this iconic crossbody bag sho...
Hermès Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
Hermès Beige Marfa Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Beige Marfa Clemence Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1655 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accom...
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...
Hermès Le Premier Chant Silk Scarf Orange Blanc Bleu 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "LE PREMIER CHANT" (the first song) Designed by Sophia Andreotti et Édouard Baribeaud Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 04: "O...
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 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 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 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...
Hermès "Koala Tapis de Plage"Terry Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage "Koala Tapis de Plage" terry cotton beach towel, known for its vibrant koala and eucalyptus leaf design, it is vintage made from 100% cotton terry cloth.
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Mouette Gray Epsom Leather Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare most wanted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Mouette Epsom Leather. Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition, with plastic on hardware. Please be mindful this item is pr...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise New S/Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise – NWSTS – 2001281329 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere/Silk Artist: Pierre Marie Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55...
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 Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW The Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier in Graphite Alligator Mississippiensis captures an aura of refined strength and...
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 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 Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Brown Caramel Togo Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Togo & Caramel Interior Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Like New Condition Plastic on all Hardware. ...
Hermes Orange Loafer NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes Orange Loafer NEW New USD $1,300 Size EU 37
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag Green tote bag crafted from Hermes' signature Swift leather in with palladium hardware. Featuring leather shoulder strap and zipped top leading to sp...
Hermès Kelly En Desordre 20cm Black Epsom Sellier Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Subversive in design yet impeccably controlled in execution, the Hermès Kelly En Désordre 20cm reimagines one of the house’s most iconic silhouettes through a deliberately off-center...
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 diamond-shaped stole 'Eperon d'or'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silk and cashmere diamond-shaped stole with topstitches and illustrated with the 'Eperon d'or' theme. Designed by Henri d'Origny. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions...
Hermès 24 Cards Memory Game Western and Company Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Memory Game Print: Texan spirit, Horse Riding theme, Western, Rodeo Includes 12 pairs of cards, for a total of 24 cards The same drawing is found on 2 c...
Hermès Sable Togo Market Bucket Tote
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Sable Togo Market Bucket Tote SKU: 152817 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition with apparent signs of wea...
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 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 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...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Mediterranean Sea Coasts
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the coasts of the Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea): France, Egypt (Giza Pyramids), Spain (bull, the arenas), Italy (Rialto Bridge) ...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 25 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the ultimate benchmark for luxury and versatility. This "Baby Birkin" is a true collector's piece, featur...
HERMES Muscat taupe Eversoft suede COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 Belt 85
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 50 belt is crafted in Muscat (taupe) Veau Eversoft unbuckle leather with contrasting white stitching and finished with palladium-plated Mé...
Hermès Caftan Dress by Jean-Paul Gaultier Summer 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter Printemps-Été 2008, sous la direction artistique de Jean-Paul Gaultier. Robe Caftan en soie à motif "Cavalcadour " dans tons de marron et de vert. ...
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 Logo orange one piece swimsuit! Baywatch cut 90s vibe!
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermes Logo orange one piece swimsuit! Baywatch cut 90s vibe Do not miss out on the Hermes Logo Orange One Piece Swimsuit, a timeless and chic swimwear piece that combines classic s...
Rare Hermès Silk Scarf De La Citrouille A La Caleche Sophie Koechlin Orange 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
RARE and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "De la Citrouille a la Caleche" Designed by Sophie Koechlin in 2000 Made of 100% Silk Colorway: Orange Background, Black Drawings...
Hermes Birkin 35 Orange Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Most Coveted Hermes Birkin 35 Orange Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Condition. Plastic on Hardware. Please keep in mind that this ...
Hermès 1984 Foulard Soie Carré 90 Jeu de Paille Straw Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 titled Le Géographe by Sandra Laroche (published in 1992, reissued in 1995) on a black background, in addition to the pattern, the silk is embroidered with anc...
HERMES taupe leather & cashmere Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès by Martin Margiela reversible shawl in khaki green lambskin leather and cashmere. Features an effortless, fluid silhouette with an open front, softly rounded sh...
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 ...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather COLLIER DE CHIEN 50 SHAWOD Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier Collier de Chien 50 Shadow belt is crafted in Fauve (cognac) Veau Barenia leather with contrasting white topstitching. A rare runway ...
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...
Hermès Blue Lin Mini Evelyne Cross Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features jaune ambre Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo on the fr...
$976Sale Price|42% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier - CS140 - Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir – NWSTS – 2001211641 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Bouquets Sellier, Bouquets Sellier Artist: Pie...
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.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags 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.
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.