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.
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai Marine / Ciel / Abricot New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai featured in Marine, Ciel and Abricot. This iconic newly adapted Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad wa...
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai Roux/Vert/Marron New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai featured in Roux, Vert and Marron. This iconic newly adapted Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad ways ...
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Cut Coup de Fouet au Bloc Indigo/Orange/Blanc New/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Cut Coup de Fouet au Bloc featured in Indigo, Orange and Blanc. This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad way...
$119
W 35.44 in L 78.75 in
Pecan Soft Brown and White Linen Scarf Handwoven By Artisans Neutral Ombre Hues
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Pecan linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
Coco Brown Soft Classic Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coco linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
$95Sale Price|26% Off
W 37.41 in L 86.62 in
Auro Cinnabar Women's Soft Linen Handwoven Scarf by Studio Variously
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Auro Cinnabar is a light weight soft linen scarf. It is finely handwoven by master artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates with artisan communities to restore & revive ancient techniques by exploring custom modern designs in textile based products. A beautiful translucent appeal is crated by the natural texture of linen which is beautifully handwoven in unique pattern to make the undyed ( white portion ) stand out. Classic in appeal , this piece is a timeless accessory. The dyes used are 100% certified Eco Friendly Swiss dyes making this piece completely biodegradable in nature. Soft in hand feel this light weight translucent scarf is easy to blend in with most outfits and perfect gift or personal wear accessory for indoor, outdoors or travel. Our linen scarves...
Iris Haze Blue Pink Cashmere Merino Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Combining simplicity & elegance with artistic luxury, Iris Haze Scarf has been carefully dyed by master artisans to give this beautiful one of a kind effect of colors blending. T...
Hermes 'Rives Fertiles' Silk Scarf 90cm x 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by Christine Henry in 2005, a year designated by Hermes as The Year of The River, the design is inspired by the Fertile Crescent, featuring a scene o...
$472Sale Price|20% Off
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN red black TARTAN cashmere Muffler Shawl Scarf
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen tartan shawl in red, black and yellow cashmere (100%) with embroidered skull appliquee. Has been worn and is in virtually ne...
Gucci Guccissima Rose Silk Jacquard Floral Signature Fringe Scarf – 59”, 1990s
By Gucci
Located in Tucson, AZ
In delicate Gucci rose, this luxe silk scarf features a variety of patterns—including the infamous vintage “flora” print, signature interlocking Gs...
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 silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Hermes Tropical Garden Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Brisbane, QLD
Hermès tropical garden anthracite silk scarf in excellent condition. Hand-rolled edges. Color: anthracite/light blue/yellow Dimensions: 16.5" L X 16....
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...
HERMES burgundy Loden green cashmere CASAQUE CHEVRON Muffler Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Casaque Chevron muffler in Loden green and burgundy cashmere (100%) with fringed ends. Brand new. Measurements Model H259065S 08 Width 30cm (11.7in) Length 140...
Hermes Maxi-Twilly Slim Guepards Rouge / Brun
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Guepards featured in Rouge / Beige Dore / Brun. This iconic newly adapted Hermes accessory can be worn in a ...
Hermes Plisse Pleated Black/Green Floral Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes scarf is known for being a never-ending source of accessorizing! Do not miss out on the chance to snag this highly detailed accordion scarf for your collection. No longer just a scarf, countless creative ideas of showing off these art pieces have been shared over the years, like framed and hung as home decor, several ways of converting it into various fashionable tops and skirts, neckties, belts. Ever since 1937, the silk scarves of Hermès have become an iconic fashion accessory that is recognized all over the world. Hermès scarves and shawls have been collected and adorned by celebrities and royals throughout history, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly and even Queen Elizabeth II. Artists are commissioned to create these beautiful works of art usually including 20 to 30 different colors. The scarfs are printed from a silkscreen process that can take hundreds of hours to complete. They take so incredibly long because each one is painstakingly screen-printed, with each color allowed to dry before the next is applied. These art pieces have proved to be timeless collectable pieces of history. This scarf would be a great to take with on your next vacation. I recommend styling this 100% silk scarf with a great tweed Chanel bag...
Hermes Plisse Pleated Paisley Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes scarf is known for being a never-ending source of accessorizing! Do not miss out on the chance to snag this highly detailed accordion scarf for your collection. No longer just a scarf, countless creative ideas of showing off these art pieces have been shared over the years, like framed and hung as home decor, several ways of converting it into various fashionable tops and skirts, neckties, belts. Ever since 1937, the silk scarves of Hermès have become an iconic fashion accessory that is recognized all over the world. Hermès scarves and shawls...
Hermes Beaded Guepards Maxi -Twilly Slim Black and White
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Hermes embellished Guepards Maxi-Twilly Slim featured in Black and White. Beautiful bronze metallic beading at tips. Beading throu...
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai Bleu Jean / Parme / Rose New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Lalbhai featured in Bleu Jean, Parme and Rose. This iconic newly adapted Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad w...
Hermes Maxi-Twilly Slim Guepards Fuchsia / Rose Vif / Prune New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Guepards featured in Fuchsia, Rose Vif and Prune. This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad ways to add a playful touch to y...
Hermes Maxi-Twilly Slim Guepards Reglisse / Taupe / Gris New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Guepards featured in Reglisse / Taupe / Gris. This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad ways to add a playful touch to your ...
Hermes Maxi-Twilly Slim Animapolis Rose Vif / Jaune Vif / Vert New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi-Twilly Slim Animapolis featured in Fuchsia, Jaune Vif and Vert. This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad ways to add a playful touch to y...
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Guepards Orange / Beige Dore / Brun New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Guepards featured in Orange / Beige Dore / Brun . This iconic Hermes accessory can be worn in a myriad ways to add a playful touch to y...
Hermes Maxi - Twilly Slim Mors A Jouets Chemise Rose Vif / Jaune Vif / Vert New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes silk Maxi - Twilly Slim featured in Mors A Jouets Chemise. Vibrant Rose Vif / Jaune Vif and Vert. Designed by Henri d'Origny. This iconic Hermes accessory...
Hermes Twillon Jeu De Soie Gris Noir Menthol New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes silk scarf Twillon Jeu De Soie features Gris Noir and Menthol. Playful play on the twilly this longer version is cut from a silk scarf and reveals unique ...
Hermes Pink/Multicolor Collector's Belles Du Mexique 90CM Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Pink/Multicolor Collector's Belles Du Mexique 90CM Silk Scarf Made In: France Color: Pink/multi-color Materials: 100% silk Overall Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition w...
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.