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 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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Black & Rose Azalee Epsom Leather Brushed Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and One The Most Coveted and Difficult to get Hermes Combos! 1 of 1 Special Order Hermes Birkin 25 Special Order Black & Rose Azalee Epsom Leather complimented by...
$31,950
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Palladium silver hardware. Togo leather. Excellent like new condition. Interior clean. Looks like new. Includes lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authe...
Hermès Hermès celebrates its 150th anniversary Figurine Rider Horse 1837-1987
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Figurine Created to celebrate 150th anniversary of Hermès Design comes from the Hermès scarf called "Feux d'Artifice", whi...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Flora Marqueterie Francoise Heron 1960
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get this lovely authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "FLORA MARQUETERIE" Pattern: flowers and butterflies Designed by Françoise Héron in 1960 Made of 100% Silk Col...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Elephant India Asia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Elephant dressed in his finest jewels Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorway...
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 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.
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 NIB "Jour de Casting" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jour de Casting" scarf, silk with hand-rolled edges (100% silk). The 70 scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed by...
Hermès Wrap Skirt in Woll and Cashmere Size 36 Small
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Skirt "Wrap Skirt" Made in France Probably vintage Made of 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere Top is lined with a beige canvas made of Acetate and Bemberg Colo...
$14,356Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 1992 Vintage Kelly 35 Navy Handbag with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1992 Hermes Kelly 35 in dark Blue navy with Gold hardware. Hardware and shoulder strap have been replaced by Hermes. The bag comes with dustbag and n...
Hermès Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are inside the packaging Colorways:...
Hermès Birkin 30cm Bleu Atoll Epsom Leather w GH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Birkin 30cm in Bleu Atoll Epsom, presented in a structured mid-size silhouette that balances everyday functionality with a distinctly refined, high-visibility presence, where ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Clemence Etoupe PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Taupe brown Clemence leather Palladium hardware Twist-lock fastening Two rolled top handles Stamp N Square, Year 2010 Comes with dust bag, padlock, clochette and keys Condition: Ver...
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 Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - New - Rare Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - NWCTS - 2406081654 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pareo (Large cotton pareo), “Jungle Love” by Robert Dallet Size: Approx. 142 x 178 cm (55.9 x 70.1 in) Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg (0.66 lb) Color: Green (primary), cream/white (secondary), multicolor animal/accent tones Fabric: 100% cotton (light cotton voile) Approx. Issue Date: Original motif 2000; pareo reissues in later beach collections Condition: New With Care Tag, New, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: France Story about the Design: Drawn by wildlife artist Robert Dallet, “Jungle Love” depicts a pair of leopards amid lush foliage—an emblematic Hermès scene celebrating big cats and their habitats. The motif became one of the house’s modern classics. Craftsmanship Note: Hermès pareos...
Hermès 2009 Carré 45 Gavroche Sulfures Silk Twill Carre 45 Scarf Hermes
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 45cm square gavroche scarf in silk twill, featuring the Sulfures & Presse Papier print by Cathy Latham, first released in 1979 and reissued in 2002 (Détails version) and again...
Hermès 2011 Sac Constance 14 Micro Etoupe Epsom Leather Silver HDW Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance model bag, size 14, in taupe-colored Epsom leather ("étoupe at Hermès") and silver-plated metal (palladium-plated), interior in soft matching leather, long shoulder ...
HERMES Sesame Swift leather & Toile Viking canvas 24/24-35 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 24/24-35 bag in ecru-beige Toile H Viking with Sesame (beige) Veau Swift leather trims. Features an open pocket on the outside back. Closes with a gold-plated t...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Palladium Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Moutarde Yellow Chèvre Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. New, W Stamp 2024. Additional Information: Condition: New without tag...
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...
HERMES chocolat & cognac silk BOLDUC AU CARRE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Bolduc au Carre 90' scarf by Caty Latham in chocolat brown silk twill (100%) with details in cognac, white, orange beige and white. Has been worn and is in exc...
Auth. Hermès La France - Bordeaux, Blanc - Excellent - Rare Collector!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La France – Bordeaux – EXCWOCT – Rare Collector – 2001101528 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: La France, France Artist: Françoise de la Perrière Size: 90 c...
Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Glacier Gray Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
One of the most coveted colors. Rare Hermes Birkin 30 Blue Glacier Epsom Leather Gold Hardware . X Stamp 2016. Pristine Like New Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep...
Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Kelly Bag - Red - Togo Leather 35cm - New - NWOCTS 2409141505 Type : Hermes Kelly Base Size: 35cm Height: 27cm Depth: 13cm Weight: Material: Togo Cow Calf Leather - White Sti...
HERMES Etoupe taupe 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 Etoupe taupe Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s s...
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...
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...
HERMES cashmere silk PANOPLIE EQUESTRE EYELINER 140 Shawl Scarf Ebene Orange
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Panoplie Equestre Eyeliner 140 scarf by Virginie Jamin grey cashmere (70%) and silk (30%) with ebony brown and orange stripes. Brand new. Measurements Model 24...
Hermès Birkin 25cm Bougainvillea Matte Alligator w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Electric in presence yet refined in execution, this Hermès Birkin 25cm in Bougainvillea matte alligator delivers a striking interplay of color, texture, and scale. The hue is unapolo...
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3700 beautiful & elegant summer tote
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3,700 Bag is NEW Beach bag in water-repellent cotton with "Noeuds Marins" print and interior pouch Made in France Dimensions: L 49 x...
Hermès Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Made in France Vintage item Made of metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engraved in fr...
2003 Hermes "Boogie Woogie" Silk Twill Carré Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Shades of blue and turquoise for this "Boogie Woogie" silk twill Carré scarf by Sophie Koechlin. Original Hermes box not included. Dimensions : approx. 90 x 90 cm (35.4 x 35.4 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 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 "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 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 Enamel Printed Scarf Ring Brazil Feathers with Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Ring Print: "BRAZIL" Pattern: feathers Made in France Stamp Q (2013) Made of Printed Enamel and Gold Plated Hardware Colorways: Coral, Pink, Red, Black Measurements: 2,5 cm Diameter / 2,5 cm Height (0,98 inch) Condition: New Condition. No signs of use. Would make a great gift ! Will come in a Hermès packaging...
Hermès Green "Planifleurs" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Planifleurs" Silk Scarf is in the teal green color way and features a multi color floral motif. The scarf is 100% silk and features hand rolled edges. No box included.
Hermès Black Evercolor Leather Amazone Kelly 50cm Voyage Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Evercolor Leather Amazone Kelly 50cm Voyage Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1625 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 50cm Voyage Type: Travel Serial Number: W Age: 2024 Ac...
Hermès Rare Jungle Love Twilly BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Jungle Love limited edition hearts twilly . Designed by Robert Dallet, iconic subject. Comes with original box.
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. Plastic on hardware. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 dust bags and original box...
Hermes Black Leather Gloves with Silk Lining in Original Box
By Hermès
Located in New Hope, PA
These supple black leather gloves have a white silk lining which bears the Hermes label. They are in very good condition, marked a size 6 1/2. If you ar...
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...
HERMES brown alpaca HOODE Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès chunky knit muffler scarf is crafted from light brown alpaca (100%) for ultimate warmth and softness. It features a practical hood, two patch pockets, and ...
Hermes Geometrie Cretoise by Julia Abadie Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf « Géométrie crétoise » by Julia Abadie featuring a burgundy border and a Hermès signature. Circa 2012 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4in. (90cm) We guarantee you will receive this iconic item as described and showed on photos. (please enlarge images to see all details on photos- All Hermes scarves...
Hermès Farming Bucket Orange Bag Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful in concept yet executed with Hermès’ signature precision, the Farming Bucket bag offers a refreshing departure from the house’s more structured icons. The silhouette is relax...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Bleu du Nord Blue Epsom Leather Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare most wanted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Bleu du Nord Light Blue Epsom Leather. Complimented by Gold Hardware. As New 2019 D Stamp. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh i...
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Green Bamboo Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Superb and rare handbag Hermes Birkin 30 cm in green bamboo togo leather, palladium metal trim, lined handle in green bamboo togo leather allowing a hand carry. Flap closure. Inner l...
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag is a sophisticated and versatile accessory that seamlessly blends luxury with practicality. Crafted from high-quality Negonda leather wi...
Hermes 'Kachinas' Cashmere & Silk Blend Scarf By Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes 'Kachinas' Cashmere & Silk Blend Scarf By Kermit Oliver Rare piece - originally designed by Kermit Oliver in 1992. The design features Pueblo Indian mythol...
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 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 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
Hermès Two Mugs Chateau Épopée New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 mugs in porcelain. Unicorns and dragons design. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
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...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Jaipur Pink Epsom Leather Gold Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Jaipur Epsom Leather with. Complimented by Gold Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. Please keep in mind...
Hermes Birkin 25 Touch Vert Comics Green Togo Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare and Most Difficult to get! Brand New Hermes Birkin 25 Touch Vert Comics Togo Leather and Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware. New B Stamp 2023.
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.