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 Kelly Sellier 35 Flag Blue White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Kelly 35 sellier Flag Handbag in Bleu Thalassa and White Epsom leather with Palladium hardware is a classic and rare find. Limited production customized item. Date stamp R...
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...
Hermès Tropical Garden Pastel Silk Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new pastel Tropical Garden silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
New Hermes Kelly 25 Depeches VEAU Togo Etoupe Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 in Etoupe Veau Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a sophisticated, modern reimagining of the classic Kelly aesthetic. Moving away from the tra...
Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Chocolat Toile Officier Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Cabine Bag PHW SKU: 154862 MSRP: 5200.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Commen...
Hermès Silk Scarf Faubourg Tropical Orange Kaki Saumon 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Faubourg Tropical" Designed by Octave Marsal et Théo de Gueltzl in 2021 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorway 05: ORANGE / KAK...
Hermes Oiseaux Migrateurs by C. Latham Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes «Oiseaux Migrateurs » by Cathy Latham silk scarf featuring a dark pink border, a Hermès signature. Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35...
Hermès Limited Edition Bi-Color Gris Meyer and Beton Mini Bolide Full Set 2023
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Hermès Limited Edition Bi-Color Gris Meyer and Beton Mini Bolide 1923
HERMES Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier jacket is crafted in rich Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrasting white saddle stitching. Designed i...
$19,950
Rose Tyrien 35 Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag. Rare gold hardware combination. Epsom leather. Excellent condition. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authent...
Hermès Limited Edition Navy Kelly Ghillies Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Navy - Exotic alligator leather - Gold-tone hardware - Internal red lining - Partitioned smooth leather interior - Card slots, patch pockets - Inner zipper compartment - PVC still ...
Hermes Paris Camel Hair Tweed Leather Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This Vintage Hermes blazer is made from camel hair with leather details. The pockets, the front and the underside of the collar is made of deer skin. Its...
HERMES black Grainee leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in black Vache Grainee leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag Nata NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Evelyne Mini with gold hardware and features tonal stitching stitching, pull tab top closure and a quadrille removable canvas and leather shoulder/cross body strap. Comes with a...
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...
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2019 Twins green blue asymmetric snap flap reversible crossbody bag Reference: KYCG/A00038 Brand: Hermes Model: Twins Collection: SS 2019 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Flap Lining: Blue Leather Extra Details: Hermes Twin...
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML056 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
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...
Hermès 2025 Carré 140 Couvertures et Tenues Cashmere Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, 140 cm, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, "Couvertures et Tenues de jour" (Coverages and Daywear) print by Jacques Eudel, originally published in 1974 and ...
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...
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...
Hermès "The Savana Dance" Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk and cashmere blend shawl, “the savana dance” with multicolor design. Hand rolled trim, design by Ardmore Artists.
$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...
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML053 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...
Hermès Blue Evercolor Leather Toolbox 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blue Evercolor Leather Toolbox 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6109 Brand: Hermès Model: Toolbox 20cm Type: Tote, Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompani...
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 Ceinture A composer T80 Constance Rose Gold Reversible Leather Belt US32
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès model A Composer belt including a Constance model belt buckle in rose gold-plated metal and a reversible black leather link on one side and ecru cream on the other, all delive...
Hermès Mustard Texas Wildlife Scarf By Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Mustard and purple color combination. Excellent condition. Hand-rolled edges. care tag attached.
Hermes Lapins Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes "Lapins" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : 35.4" x 59.1" Condition : Brand New Never Used
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 25 in Gold. This classic handbag is beautifully crafted of Togo calfskin leather in golden brown. The bag features rolled leather top handles ...
Hermès Long Ghillies Gloves Leather Silk Size 7
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Elegant Authentic Hermès Gloves The top beautifully adorned with a band decorated with holes and nicely cut on the edge in the ghillies style Made in France Made of s...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
$863Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Flocon Boots Shearling Lined Hiking White Leather Boxed
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Flocon boots. Worn once indoors - come with original box. Made from bright white leather with camel shearling trims, white laces and platform soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5...
Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge H Matte Alligator With Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Matte Alligator Birkin 30 Rouge H is an extraordinary collector's handbag that represents the highest level of Hermès craftsmanship and exclusivity. Crafted from luxurious...
HERMES Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans 2004
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Bolide 35 Shoulder Handbag Taurillon Clemence Blue Jeans original France，In good condition, p...
Hermès Birkin 25 Vert Amande Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Vert Amande is a shade of green offered by the luxury French fashion house Hermès. Translated to "Green Almond" in English, this color is inspired by the delicate hues of fres...
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag. Epsom leather. Palladium silver hardware. N stamp from 2010. Good to very fair condition. Has some wear on corners. Please see photos. Light wear on...
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 ...
$14,360Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Bamboo Clemence Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Bamboo Kelly 32 Bag. Gold hardware. Clemence leather. Interior clean. Vibrant green color. Good conditio Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authentic.
Hermès Per Astra Ad Astra Silk Scarf Pink Green Sandra Laroche 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Per Astra Ad Astra" Designed by Sandra Laroche and firstly issued in 2009 Made in France Made of 100% twil...
HERMES Paris Turquoise Long Double Face Silk Scarf "Petite Main"
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
Located in Amsterdam, NL
HERMES Paris Turquoise Circa 1987, this Hermés 100% Silk scarf features a motif designed by Cathy Latham called 'Petite Main". We offer more exclusive i...
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 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...
Hermès Vert Yukka Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 18
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Yukka Clemence Leather Picotin Lock 18 Product Details CB1695 Brand: Hermès Model: Picotin Lock 18 Type: Tote Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By: Hermès Box, Dust...
Hermès "Les Bassets" NIB Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by Xavier de Poret.
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 Drag De Voyage Travel Bag Tan Brown Leather Carry On Luggage Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Brown leather exterior - Silver colored hardware - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition, has some minor discoloration on the piping throughout t...
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...
Hermès Picotin Lock 18 Rose Jaipur T5 Pink Silver HW Tote Bag 2017
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition General signs of wear, slight scuffs on four corners, minor stains and pen marks on exterior, light stains inside the bag, scratches on metal hardware. Size Width:18cm Desi...
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Chai Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1685 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Se...
Hermès Silk Scarf Aux Portes du Palais C. Henry Yellow 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please note: the yellow background is more vivid than it looks in the photos. We tend towards a fluorescent yellow Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: « Aux portes du palais » ...
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan Product Details MML064 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermè...
Rare Authentic Hermès 'Les Printemps de Thera' 90cm Silk Scarf by J. Abadie 2003
By Hermès
Located in TETOUAN, MA
An Exceptional and Rare 2003 Hermès "Les Printemps de Thera" 90cm Silk Twill Scarf Designed by the renowned artist Julie Abadie for the 2003 spring/summer collection, this exquisite...
Hermès Tresors Retrouves Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermés red Tresors Retrouves silk twill scarf by artist Annie Faivre. 35" square with hand rolled edges. Comes with box. Dry-clean only.
Hermes Chaine D Ancre Blue Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Chaîne D'Ancre" Porcelain organizer or Ashtray featuring a Chaîne d'ancre design, contrasting trim, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Maxi Length ...
Hermès Vintage Vanity Case
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...
$14,879Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Blanc Himalaya Matte Crocodile Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Diamond Blanc Himalaya Birkin 35 representing the ultimate expression of rarity and refined craftsmanship. It unites artis...
Hermes HAC Birkin 40 Bag Black Toile and Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers The Hermès HAC 40 in Black with crisp Black and Ecru Toile represents timeless sophistication grounded in heritage design. Crafted from Togo leather and accented wi...
Hermes Roule Shopping Cart Roler Matte Havane Porosus Crocodile & Printed Toile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This extraordinary limited edition Hermès Roule Birkin bag is a rare Petit h creation that reimagines the iconic Birkin in a functional rolling form. Originally conceived within the ...
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.