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.
Unavailable|$55,000
Hermès Kelly Cut Vivid Red Niloticus Crocodile w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Kelly Cut in Vivid Red Niloticus crocodile with gold hardware is a highly sculptural evening clutch defined by its elongated, horizontal silhouette and its focus on material impa...
Hermes Kelly Mini Pochette Black Noir Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Black Noir Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Y Sta...
Hermès Ebene Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Toile Interior Vintage Birkin 30c
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Ebene Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Toile Interior Vintage Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML030 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Numbe...
Hermes Boats cotton Beach towel GM
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes terry beach towel GM “Boats” towel featuring a yellow ground and a top logo signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition Made in France. 37.4 in. (95cm) X 56.8 in. (145c...
$1,912Sale Price|36% Off
Auth. Hermès Bag Polochon - 30cm Canvas Natural/ Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Polochon Bag 30cm - Canvas Natural/ Leather New - NWOCTS 2411091646 Brand: Hermès Type : Hermes Polochon Mademoiselle Base Size: 30cm Height: 1...
HERMES green FEU2DOU Tote Vert Fonce Feutre & Gulliver leather
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Feu2dou Tote in Vert Fonce Feutre (felt) and Gulliver Leather. Perforated "H" at front and leather tab closure. Unlined with a p...
Hermes Blue Paradise Birkin 30 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Blue Paradise Birkin 30 Bag. Excellent condition. Epsom leather. Gold hardware. Interior clean. Most wanted size and rare blue color. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust ...
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...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Epsom Bleu Royal Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in bleu royal and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
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 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 Rouge H Negonda Garden Party 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Rouge H Negonda Garden Party 30 PHW SKU: Z154232 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and displ...
$22,950
Hermes Gold Birkin 30 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Birkin 30 Bag. Classic Hermes tan color. Palladium silver hardware. Excellent condition. Interior clean. Great investment bag. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust ba...
Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Box Lid engraved with Tennis racquets and balls This is a vintage item, originally created to store cigarettes, but can be used for anything else M...
Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau Alligator & Barénia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau alligator with Barénia leather is a rare, highly sculptural piece that blends equestrian heritag...
$6,380Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Cerulean Blue
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian leather jacket. Unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable cerulean blue deerskin with Her...
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 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...
Hermès Black Epsom Kelly To Go Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Black Epsom Kelly To Go Wallet GHW SKU: Z154143 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called ...
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 Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in Rose Pourpre is featured in a classic togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and palladium hardware.The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
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 Kelly Elan Etoupe Gray Madame Leather Gold Hardware Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
As New Rare Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Elan Etoupe Madame Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. As new W stamp 2024.
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.
Hermès Bleu Outremer Capucine Toile Officier Vache Country Garden Party 36 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Outremer Capucine Toile Officier Vache Country Garden Party 36 PHW SKU: Z153588 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition...
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...
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...
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.
New in Box Hermès Palladium Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silver and palladium scarf ring. Comes with velvet duster and original box. Never used.
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 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 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 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 ...
$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 Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather Bag with Gold Tone Hardware is a bold expression of timeless luxury and collector appeal. Crafted from structured Epsom leather, th...
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 Kelly 32cm Crevette Clemence Leather w PH
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Kelly 32cm in Crevette Clémence with Palladium hardware takes on a noticeably softer character, with the color doing more of the work than the structure. At this size, the Kel...
Rare Hermès Silk Scarf Lavalliere Ascot Tie Flowers Ingrid Lenke Szechenzyl
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermes Scarf Lavallière, ascot tie Print: "Ingrid" Designed by Lenke Szechenzyl in 1969 Made in France Colorways: Blue, Navy Blue, White, Purple, Ye...
$21,950
Hermes Bamboo Birkin 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Bamboo Birkin 35 Bag. Stunning green color with gold hardware. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Interior clean. Great investment bag. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dus...
HERMES Orange Mecano Fauve Toile & Hunter leather HERBAG ZIP 31 RETROUNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip 31 Retourné bag is crafted in Orange Mécano Toile Militaire canvas with Fauve Vache Hunter leat...
$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...
$18,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag. Good condition. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Epsom sellier leather. Beautiful bag. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guara...
Hermes Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
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.
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...
Authentic Hermes Silk Scarf New Springs RYBALTCHENKO Blue 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
GORGEOUS AUTHENTIC HERMES SCARF Called "New Springs" Made in France in 2009 Design by Dimitri RYBALTCHENKO Made of 100% Silk Colors: Turquoise, Brown, Orange Measur...
Hermes "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient... Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor porcelain mini square organizer "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident" featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 198...
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 Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. The Herme...
Hermes Qu Importe le Flacon... by C Baschet Paris Small Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf Qu'importe le flacon... by Catherine Baschet featuring a green border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1997 In good vintage condition. M...
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 Constance 18 Mini Rose Scheherazade Shiny Alligator Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning Ultra Rare Hermes Constance 18 Rose Scheherazade Alligator Leather Palladium Hardware. 2022 U Stamp. Excellent Condition. Only worn a few times of times. Ple...
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 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 Ashanti Silk Scarf Annie Faivre 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Ashanti" Designed by Annie Faivre in 1997 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: creamy beige background, ochre beige drawing...
Hermès Ceinture A composer T80 Tuareg Silver Buckle New Leather Belt US32 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès A series belt composed of a reversible leather link in black box leather and almost black brown grained leather, dated 2007, and an H or Constance buckle in solid silver decor...
Hermès Vintage Cashmere Foulard 'Coaching' Square Scarf with Fringes
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Square-shaped cashmere foulard edged with fringes and illustrated with the 'Coaching' theme. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: about 87 cm x 87 c...
Hermès NIB Regate Scarf 90 Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Regate Scarf 90 Ring is in rose gold-plated brass. Use the ring to try new ways to wear your scarf with this small accessory that glides right on. Suitable for 90 scarf f...
Hermès Birkin 35 Violet Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin 35 in violet togo leather with palladium hardware and tonal stitching, Front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, a clochette with lock, two keys and doubl...
Hermès New Horse Head Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Equestre bill clip features a palladium horse head, that allows for easy keeping of bills. Comes with ribbon, original dustcover and box. B...
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.