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 Black Epsom Leather Birkin 30 Handbag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
100% Authentic This Birkin 30 is crafted in structured black Epsom leather that holds its crisp, architectural silhouette, a hallmark of Epsom's textured, saffiano-like grain that r...
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New W/T
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New With tags and box 90 cm .Made in France Final sale
HERMÈS silk blue on white "les pivoines" pants
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk pants "Les pivoines" (the peonies) blue and white high-waisted pants Two side pockets and two back pockets White double stitching Bronze metal button with logo Size F...
auth HERMES black cashmere SKINNY Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes skinny scarf in black cashmere jersey (100%) with fringed ends. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 200cm (78in)
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Evelyne TPM Product Title: Etoupe Clemence Leather Evelyne TPM Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Numbe...
Hermès Birkin 25 Handbag Gris Misty Togo Leather Women's 2025 Mint
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional Hermès Birkin 25 handbag retourné in Gris Misty Togo leather. Gold metal hardware, double grey leather handles for a hand carry Flap closure Grey leather interior lin...
Hermès Black Birkin 30 Bag in Togo Leather with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Birkin 30 Bag. Gold hardware. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Looks like new. Interior clean. Highly desired combination. Classic bag and most wanted size 30. Include...
Hermès "Jour de Casting" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Jour de Casting" Scarf is 100% silk in navy blue, with hand rolled edges, features three dogs with a red/white and blue border.
Hermès Brides de Gala en Fleurs scarf NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new take on classic Brides de Gala en Fleurs 100% silk with hand-rolled edges, features a floral reimagining of the classic equestrian, designed by Christine Henry based on Hu...
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...
Hermès Vintage Silk Vest FR 50 Unisex Native American Scene
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
Extremely Rare and Collectible Vintage Hermes Silk Vest depicting Native American Indian Scene designed by Texan artist Kermit Oliver With pockets Size 50
Hermès Silk Scarf Chacun Fait Son Nid Beige Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Chacun fait son Nid" (each one makes their nest) Designed by Nigel Peake in 2016 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colo...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Swift Rose Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kelly 25 cm retournè is in new condition, rose etè swift leather with tonal stitching and palladium hardware. Date stamp Y. comes with clochette, tirette, lock and two keys. Co...
Hermès 2025 Rouge H Epsom Leather Evelyne TPM Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Epsom Leather Evelyne TPM Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Evelyne TPM Product Title: Rouge H Epsom Leather Evelyne TPM Sellier Type: Shoulder, Crossbody ...
Hermès "Characteristick" double-sided scarf by Carine Brancowitz 2024
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - "Characteristick" design by Carine Brancowitz, 2024. Double-sided scarf in hand-rolled silk twill. The design features a joyful and graphic accumulation of approximately o...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
1990's Hermes Beige, White and Gold Le Tambours Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Hermes beige, white and gold Le Tambours silk scarf designed by Joachim Metz. Lovely military theme with ceremonial drums and cords. In lovely vintage condition. Dry cleaned, ...
Hermès Haut A Courroies HAC 50 Navy Blue Leather Travel Carry ON Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Stamp is square A " 1997 " - Navy Blue Leather Exterior - Gold Hardware Condition: The bag is in excellent condition, this is a true collectors condition bag, the cor...
Hermès 2026 Gold Togo Leather Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne - Unworn
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gold Togo Leather Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Product Title: Gold Togo Leather Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Type: Tote Seria...
Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW Hermès Birkin 25 HSS Gris Perle Vert D'eau Matte Crocodile Brushed PHW is an exceptional expression of quiet ...
Hermès Faune et Flore du Texas Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Faune et Flore du Texas Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, in the pink colorway. Comes with original box.
Hermès Fauve Barenia Toile Birkin 30cm Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Corona Del Mar, CA
**Hermès Fauve Barenia Toile Birkin 30cm Palladium Hardware** 100% Authentic A beautifully rustic take on Hermès' most coveted silhouette, this Birkin 30 pairs a beige-and-ecru Toi...
Hermes Toilette Annes MM Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach set up for sale: yellow and white striped bag with matching sarong. Mint condition. Beach sarong is in mint condition, - 28” x 58” 100% cotton
Hermès Garden Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the center represents a black and white checkered floor, the whole drawing a balcony with beams and lush vegetation of large foliag...
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...
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
BNIB Hermes Kelly Pochette Bordeaux Mississippiens Alligator GHW G Stamp 2026 A rare vision of quiet majesty, the Hermes Kelly Pochette in Bordeaux Mississippiensis Alligator captur...
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:...
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club grey leather top handle bag
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Jean Paul Gaultier Birkin 30 Club etain grey clemence leather top handle bag Reference: TGAS/F01045 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Birkin 30 Club Colle...
1960 Hermes Champignons by F.de la Perriere and A.Gavarni Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 1960, Hermes silk scarf "Champignons » by Françoise de la Perrière & A.Gavarni featuring a yellow border and a Hermès signature. First issue: 1960 In good vintage condition...
Hermès Women's H Cashmere Leather Coat, Size FR36/UK8, Excellent
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
Hermes NIB Videpoches Bag Gold Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted with Hermes' esteemed attention to quality and style, the Hermes Videpoches bag is a luxurious addition to any wardrobe. This compact crossbody is designed in a radiant gold ...
Hermès Acte III Scene I La Clairiere Silk Scarf White Purple 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "ACTE III SCENE I LA CLAIRIERE" Designed by Edouard Baribeaud in 2018 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: Blanc /...
$42,835
Hermès Kelly 25 Handbag Grey
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
Exceptional & Splendid Hermes Kelly 25 sellier handbag strap in Gris Pantin Madame calf leather, silver palladium metal hardware, single grey leather handle, a removable grey leather...
Hermès Navy Texas Wildlife Scarf, Kermit Oliver with Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Collectible navy Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Blue and black color combination. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
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...
$160Sale Price|60% Off
Hermès Men's 21st Century Nautical Silk Tie in Gold Blue Silver Grey
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
The Hermes tie 7038 TA refers to a specific style of authentic hand sewn 100% silk men's tie from Hermes, known for its nautical theme featuring anchors. The colors of this tie are g...
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...
Iconic "Piano" top handle bag in black leather Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Iconic "Piano" top handle bag in black leather. 2 gold metal clasp closure . 2 compartments inside with 2 flat pockets and one pocket with zip closure. Black leather lining. SIZE : ...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Purple Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Pourpre Chevre Leather. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Pristine Excellent Condition,Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018 Addi...
Hermès Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original box.
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 ...
Hermès 2022 Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Birkin 30cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Birkin 30cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Product Title: Vert Criquet Epsom Leather Birkin 30cm Sellier Type: Tote Seri...
Hermès Constance 1-18 Celeste Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Constance is in Celeste Epsom leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, a metal "H" snap-lock closure, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The interior is lined with Cel...
Hermès 2022 Micro Swift Lucky Daisy Picotin Lock 14 Brown Bag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Micro Swift Lucky Daisy Picotin Lock 14 Color Brown Product Materials Calf Leather Country of Origin France Year of Manufacture 2022 Serial No U Inclusions Dust bag, Key, Box,...
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 70cm scarf is modern and effortless, with its versatile, creative, and playful ways of wearing. Designed ...
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...
$4,571Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Hermès Vintage Sumac Travel Riding or Picnic Bag Canvas Leather 50 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
RARE Authentic Hermès Bag "SUMAC" Made in France Stamp X in circle (1994) Made of : Canvas (Toile), grained and smooth leathers, golden hardware Colorways: Beige, White, Naturel...
Hermès Cashmere Silk Shawl Brandebourgs Latham 55'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Shawl in the most coveted colorway Print: "BRANDEBOURGS" Designed by Caty Latham in 1972, this shawl is from 2015 Made in France Made of 65% Cashmere an...
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...
HERMES Marine blue suede NEO Ankle Boots Shoes 40
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Neo ankle boots in Marine (navy blue) suede are a refined fusion of equestrian inspiration and timeless elegance. Designed with wrap-around ankle straps a...
Auth. Hermes Shawl La Promenade du Matin - CS140 - Lavande Ciel Jaune - NEW Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
La Promenade du Matin - CS140 - Lavande Ciel Jaune - NWST - 2404291637 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere & Silk Name Design: La Prome...
Hermès Pink Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible pink Kachinas silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Hand rolled edges. very good condition, minor stain.
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Black Leather Silver Hardware Strappy Flat Sandals Size 39
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Hermès black leather flat sandals feature a strappy open toe design with polished palladium tone Kelly hardware accents at the front. The sandals are crafted in black leather w...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne 1979 Black Box Leather Gold Hardware With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: Fair Tear at base of handle s...
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...
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 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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Picnic Framboise Pink Leather Palladium Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Blue Box Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Picnic Framboise Swift Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New Condition, Plastic on Hardware....
$2,285Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Cigar Astray 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Boat and seagulls in the upper right corner It looks like it is the main ship of the expedition, the "Santa Maria", Col...
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.