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 Rodeo Des Cowgirls Bandana Silk Scarf 55 cm Kermit Oliver Horse TEXAS
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "RODEO DES COWGIRLS" Patterns: Rodeo scenes, Horse, Equestrian, Cows, Spurs, Stirrups, Cowgirls, Boots, Hats Designed by Kermit Oliv...
Hermès Paris Scarf Ciels Byzantins by Julie Abadie
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf Ciels Byzantins by Julie Abadie - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; yelow/blue Vintage Very sough...
Exceptional Hermès Exclusif Giant Shawl Silk Scarf Oriental Drawings
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Scarf Extremely rare, this scarf is from the vintage "HERMÈS EXCLUSIF" collection Pattern: oriental-inspired designs Made in France M...
Hermès En attendant Ulysse Silk Gavroche NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès En attendant Ulysse pink silk gavroche. Comes with original box.
HERMES blue silk LE PERMIER CHANT 90 Scarf Aqua Vert Grenadine
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Le Premier Chant 90 scarf by Sophie Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud in Aqua blue and white twill silk (100%) with a grey ...
Hermès Paris Silk Scarf Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf ; Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; blue/gold...
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:...
HERMES blue silk ISOLA DI PRIMAVERA Scarf Marine Brun Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Isola di Primavera 90 scarf by Matthieu Cossé in Marine blue silk twill (100%) with a contrasting Brun brown border. Th...
HERMES grey silk ISOLA DI PRIMAVERA Scarf Gris Claire Bleu Pale Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Isola di Primavera 90 scarf by Matthieu Cossé in Gris Claire grey silk twill (100%) with a contrasting Bleu Pâle border...
Auth. Silk Scarf Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Mustangs II - Double Face - Potiron Beige - NWSTS - 2511041812 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill – Double-Sided Print Name Design: Les Mustangs II, The Mustangs II A...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu - NWST - 2606290838 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Sous le Charme d’Orphée, Under the Spell of Orp...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - NWST - 2606290824 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Chorus Stellarum, Chorus of the Stars Artist: Daisk...
Hermès Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jumbo "Hook" Scarf Ring make it an easy way to update your fashion statement. Crafted in gold-tone metal, this Hermes ring comes detailed with Jumbo Hook pattern. Scarf in pic...
Hermès "La Charmante aux Animaux" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "La Charmante aux Animaux" scarf, is inm 100% silk with hand rolled edges. Features vignettes of people and various animals, set against a background of interweaving patterns ...
HERMÈS scarf Soleil de soie
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf Soleil de soie Designed by Cathy Latham 1995 100% silk Copyright Hand rolled hem Tag care Made in France Green blu ivory yellow Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 ...
Hermès Silk Scarf De Madras A Zakynthos Turtle Pink Beige 35 inches
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Rare colorway ! Print: "De Madras A Zakynthos" Pattern: turtle and tortoiseshell Designed by Dominik. A. Jarlégant in 2009 Made in Fr...
Brand New Hermès "The Savana Dance" 140 Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Carré Géant Wash 140 Hermès "The Savana Dance" dessiné par Ardmore Artists en Soie Plume. Créé par le collectif sud-africain Ardmore Artists, Savana Dance est un carré spectac...
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 La Bonne Fortune Françoise Heron Silk Scarf 1968 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Bonne Fortune" (Good fortune, in terms of Gallantry, is said of the favors of a woman) Designed by Françoise Héron, only one issue...
Hermès Tea Time Silk Scarf Pink Beige Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TEA TIME" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: rose pâle/beige/vieux rose (pale pink / beige / o...
Hermès Silk Scarf On The Beach Ugo Bienvenu Pink Green 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "ON the BEACH Designed by Ugo Bienvenu in 2021 / 2022 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: ROSE / VERT / ROUGE (Pink / Green ...
Hermès “Jungle Love" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès “Jungle Love" Silk Scarf designed by Robert Dallet features two leopards amongst a blue border. The scarf is 100% silk and has hand rolled edges. Comes with original box a...
Hermès Silk Scarf Bateau Fleuri Ljubomir Milinkov Orange Pink 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Bateau Fleuri" (flowered boat) Designed by Ljubomir Milinkov in 2015 Made in France Made of 100% twill Silk Colorways: White, ...
Hermès Promenades de Paris Silk Scarf Ledoux Noir Bleu Nuit 70 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Promenades de Paris" (Paris walks) Designed by Philippe Ledoux and firstly issued in 1962 , this 70 cm version is from 2014 Made in France "Carré vintage...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf La Vallee de Cristal Blue Ugo Bienvenu 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "La Vallée de Cristal" (the crystal valley) Designed by Ugo Bienvenu, 2023 collection Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorways: B...
Rare Hermès Vintage Silk Scarf Scotland Red Green Philippe Ledoux 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "SCOTLAND" Pattern: emblems of Scotland Vintage scarf designed by Philippe Ledoux in 1963 Made of silk Colorways: Red, Green, Yellow golden ...
Gorgeous Hermès Silk Scarf Hermès Story Pink Blue Jonathan Burton 88 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "HERMÈS STORY" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 09: ROSE NACRE / BLEU / BEIGE (mother-of-pearl...
Cute Hermès Silk Scarf Brides de Gala Bandana Navy White 55 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "BRIDES DE GALA" in Bandana Version Pattern: Brides de Gala on polka dot and stars background, paisley print borders Most iconic and sold, ...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf EVA Philippe Dumas 90 cm RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "EVA" Pattern: 2 hair seen from above adorned with flowers in a crown Designed by Philippe DUMAS in 1976 This one is a reissue fr...
Hermès Rare Beige "Kachinas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Kachinas" scarf. This chic scarf is 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. It features bright bold colors with a Pueblo Indian motif. Comes with no box.
Lovely Hermès Silk Scarf Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus C. Henry White 35'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Poetic Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Fleurs et Papillons de Tissus" ("Fabric Flowers and Butterflies") Designed by Christine Henry in ...
Auth. Silk Scarf Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange New S Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Guepards Bandana - Double Face - Gris Perle Orange - NWSTS - 2604131904 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill - Double-Sided Print Name Design: Guepards Bandana, Guepards Ba...
Hermès Vintage Hat Head Scarf in Silk Les Coupés
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Head Scarf / Hat Pattern: "Les Coupés" Designed by Fançoise de la Perrière in 1970 Vintage item Outside made of Silk Inside line...
HERMÈS scarf PÉKINOIS Xavier De Poret 1965
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès twill silk scarf PÉKINOIS Very rare Designed by Xavier De Poret 1965 100% silk Hand rolled hem Made in France Pink, grey, ivory Measures approx. cm. 90 x 90 - 36" x 36" Ve...
Hermès "Faune et Flore du Texas" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Fauna and Flora of Texas" scarf is 100% silk and was designed by Oliver Kermit in 1986. Care tag attached.
Hermès 1992 Vintage "Grands Fonds" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
Designed by Annie Faivre and first issued in 1992 during Hermès’ “Year by the Sea”, this magnificent tribute to the underwater world was so successful that it was reissued in 1993, 1...
Hermès EVA by Dumas Waterproof Silk Scarf 90 cm Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Extremely RARE, this scarf is waterproof ! Hermès produced some but stopped their production as it turned out to be too expensive A true collectib...
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...
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:...
Hermès Silk Scarf HERMES ELECTRIQUE Rybaltchenko Blanc Beige Orange 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "HERMES ELECTRIQUE" Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in 2016 Made in France Made of 100% T...
Hermès "Le Chat Botté" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Gavroche Pochette Hermès Bleu « Le Chat Botté » en soie dessiné par Agathe Gonnet en 2010 Des traces visibles sur les photos Dimensions : environ 42 x 43 cm
Hermès Carré 140 Ronde des Jockeys Cashmere Silk Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Francoise de la Perriere, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 140cm square scarf in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, featuring the "Ronde des Jockeys" motif by Françoise de la Pettière, originally published in 1969 and reissued in 2004 (an...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Blanc Marine Beige - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Blanc Marine Beige - NWST - 2607011207 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Chorus Stellarum, Chorus of the Stars Artist: Daiske...
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Jungle Love" Giant Triangle in cashmere and silk with hand-rolled edges (70% cashmere, 30% silk).Designed by Robert Dallet Comes with ribbon and original box.
Hermès "Rendez-Vous Galant" Scarf 70 NB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Rendez-Vous Galant" Scarf 70 in 100% silk with hand-rolled edges. Designed by Ugo Bienvenu. Comes with ribbon and box. Brand new .
Hermès 1970 Foulard Carre 90 Cheval Turc Pink Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Turkish Horse motif by Christiane Vauzelles, first produced in 1970 and reissued in 1989, 1991, and 2002. The original motifs are in Herm...
Hermès Carré 90 Grands Fonds Detail 2001 Navy Silk twill carre Scarf Hermes Box
By Hermès, Annie Faivre
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès 90cm square silk twill scarf, Grands Fonds print (detail) by Annie Faivre, first released in 2001 in shades of blue and camel beige, with hand-rolled navy blue edges. Approxim...
Auth. Hermes Silk Scarf - Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert - Mint Rare
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Casse Noisette – Bleu pétrole Marron Vert – MWCT - 2602181848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Antoine de Jacquelot Design Name: Casse Noisette - Nutcracker Siz...
New in Box Hermes Orange Guepards Maxi Twilly Thin Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in Box Hermes orange guepards thin maxi twilly. 100% silk, comes with original orange box and instructions booklet.
Hermès "Kachinas" Beige Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès silk twill Kachinas scarf with hand-rolled edges, was designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Rare and collectible color combination, beige and green. Includes original box.
HERMES blue silk TRESSES H TWILLY Scarf Jean Pearl Vert
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tresse H Twilly scarf by Gianpaolo Pagni in Blue Jean blue, Gris Perle grey and Vert green twill silk (100%). This refined design d...
Auth. Hermès Scarf Lettres Équestres - Bleu Azur Vert Rose New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Lettres Équestres - Bleu Azur Vert Rose - NWSTS - 2507101641 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Hermès In-House Design Team Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Co...
Hermès Tied Up In Knots Silk Scarf Jonathan Burton 26'
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TIED UP IN KNOTS" Designed by Jonathan Burton First edition of 2022 Made in France Made of 100% "vintage" silk Colorways: BLEU / ORANGE ...
1990's Hermès Silk and Cashmere Chasse En Inde Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Hermès silk and cashmere Chasse En Inde scarf/shawl. Designed by Michel Duchêne, depicting a scene of hunting in India. Warm browns, golds and reds with an intricate overall p...
Hermès Kermit Oliver Kachinas Scarf Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Signature Hermès silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Very collectible series. Hand rolled edges in a 35" square.
Hermès Silk Scarf Christophe Colomb Decouvre l'Amerique 12 Oct 1492
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Christophe Colomb découvre l'Amérique 12 Octobre 1492" Designed by Carl de Parcevaux in 1992 A true collector scarf ! Made in Fra...
Hermès Parade en Fanfare Silk Multicolored Twilly Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Length 33.75" Width 1.75" 100% Silk Comes with box
C’est la Fête – Kaki – Anthracite – Gris – Double Face
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
C’est la Fête – Kaki – Anthracite – Gris – Double Face – NWSTS - 2508161537 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill – Double-Sided Print Name Design: C’est la Fête, Let’s Party Artist: Daiske Nomura Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Kaki (Khaki), Anthracite (Anthracite Grey), Gris (Grey) Fabric: 100% Silk Twill, hand-rolled edges, printed on both sides - Soft Vintage Silk Approx. Issue Date: Original design 2012; reissued in multiple formats. Double Face 90 introduced c. 2020 and continues in seasonal colorways (including Kaki/Anthracite/Gris). Condition: New With Store Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Nomura’s dapper skeleton on horseback—equal parts whimsical and macabre—became an instant cult classic. The Double Face technical innovation prints two refined versions of the same composition on each side of the silk, offering dramatically different styling in a single carré. Artist's Story: Japanese illustrator Daiske Nomura debuted for Hermès after a 2009 tie design contest; his 2012 C’est la Fête later inspired Slim d’Hermès watch...
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...
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 ...
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.