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 Paris Women's Constance Silver Buckle Ivory Leather Italian Loafers 1990s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Women's Constance brushed silver buckle bone leather Italian loafers Size 38 The bone color leather loafers are adorned with Hermes' ic...
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...
Hermès Mules Sabots Carlotta EU39 Black Leather Shearling Clogs UK6 US8.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès clogs mules Carlotta model in black leather and ecru "shearling" sheepskin, Kelly buckle and silver metal studs, wooden platform and black leather ...
Hermès Brown Suede Calfskin Folk 35 Embroidered Cowboy Boots sz 38
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pair of "Folk 35" Cowboy Boots are in brown suede with contrast "Brides de Gala" embroidery, tonal stitching and feature a brown leather sole and heel. Size 38 Great. Condition....
Hermès New In box Thalassa Chevre Velours Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Thalassa Chevré Velours Sandals in European number 37,5. Brand new in unused condition. Come with double original dustcover and box.
Hermes Boots Saint Germain Ankle Boot Black 40 Kelly Buckle New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Black Leather Boot Saint Germain Ankle Boot Newest style So comfortable too! Size 40 The Hermès Saint Germaine boot is a luxury women's ankle boot from the Hermès brand. The ...
Hermes BNIB Celeste Epsom Oran Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new celeste epsom oran sandals with rhinestones H design. Size European N. 38 , come with dust cover and original box.
Hermès BNIB Lim Ed Orange Oran Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new limited edition fuchsia orange calfskin oran sandals . Size European N. 38 , come with dust cover and original box.
Hermès New Chain D Ancre 38 Sandals
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new sought after sandals . Super comfortable with arch support. Purple, orange and fuchsia leather combination. European size 38. Come with 2 dust covers and original box.
HERMES Izmir Leather Sandles Black Mens 41
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
These men’s HERMES Izmir sandles are crafted of natural rope trimmed with black calfskin patch. Made in Spain. Men’s size 41 EU. Come with dust bags. Condition - Generally in good p...
Hermes Lim.Ed. Black Rhinestones Oran BN
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition black goatskin suede flat sandals with rhinestones H design. Size European N. 38, come with dust cover and original box. Brand new.
Hermès Sandales Chypre Noir EU37 Black Leather Sandals Mules UK4 US6.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chypre sandals in black leather with wide adjustable Velcro straps, black leather insole on an anatomical rubber footbed. Size 37FR (UK 4, US 6.5). The sandals have been worn ...
Hermes Size 40 /9 - 9.5 Black Patent Leather Gold 2000s Sandals Shoes Y2K Slides
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 2000s Hermes black patent leather sandals / slides with gold hardware. Simply slides on the foot. Can easily be dressed up or down. Pair with jeans, shorts, trousers or a dress....
Hermes H Hightop Sneakers H En Biais Freestyle 39 NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes H Hightop Sneakers Size 39 NEW with box ,dust bag and extra matching laces FINAL SALE
Hermes Green Bouncing Low-top Sneakers
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Green Bouncing Low-top Sneakers. Technical jersey and suede goatskin. Light sole with contrasting design for a versatile and modern look. Made in Italy. Sole Height: 1.6” R...
Hermés Black Box Leather Jumping Boot
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Now these boots were made for walking! Crafted from black box calfskin leather with a Kelly strap in Palladium hardware and a stacked heel, these jumping boots give a nod to the bran...
$1,101Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Shearling Orange Oran Sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Oran Sandals are in Orange Shearling and feature the iconic H crossover strap with a black rubber sole. Size 37, with dustbags and box.
$1,250
Hermes Paris Loafers
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on these timeless every day Hermes loafers! The most classic style loafer in goatskin with signature Hermes "H" detail as the focal point....
Hermes Himalaya crocodile oasis sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Includes invoice, box, dustbag and Cites Made in France Brand New Himalayan Crocodile Oran Sandals full set with CITES These beautifully crafted sandals are crafted to mimic the snow...
Hermes oasis sandals pink
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Oasis sandals in Pale Pink, epsom leather with iconic "H" cutout. New with dustbags, box. An emblematic model of Hermès, this silhouette is...
Hermès Paris Black Croc Leather Oran Flat Slide Sandals, Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The sandals are made out of black alligator leather with shiny finish. It features signature “H” cut out style. It comes with two original dust bags and the box.
Hermès leather sandals 'Elbe 60'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in Italy) Black calfskin open sandals with a 'H' cut, and a bridle tie. 'Elbe 60' design. Size 38 indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Heel height: ...
Hermés Black Box Leather Jumping Boot
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Now these boots were made for walking! Crafted from black box calfskin leather with a Kelly strap in Palladium hardware and a stacked heel, these jumping boots give a nod to the brands Equestrian roots. Interior is lined with calfskin leather and insoles are stamped 'Hermés Paris'. Please note that there are two models of Hermes jumping boots...
Hermes oasis alligator crocodile Prunoir sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes oasis Alligator mat crocodile Prunoir sandals. Very precious and classy mules. Size 38.5 very good condition with box
Hermès Shearling Oran Teddy Cognac BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes limited edition teddy oran flat sandals in orange shearling. Size European N. 38, come with dust cover and original box. Brand new.
Hermès Silver Leather Oasis Slide Sandal
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Hermès Oasis sandals have been crafted of leather and feature the iconic H. Size are European number 37. Heel measures 2". Small scratch on ...
Hermes Himalaya crocodile oasis sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Includes invoice, box, dustbag and Cites Made in France Brand New Himalayan Crocodile Oran Sandals full set with CITES These beautifully crafted sandals are crafted to mimic the snow...
Hermes leather wedge heels
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in Italy) Wedge heels with leather strips. Size 40. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Heel height: from 5 cm to 13 cm SKU:CH109
Hermès Sandal size 37
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Suede Blue color Black profiles Heel high cm 12 (472 inches) Plateau high cm 15 (059 inches) With dustbag
Hermes Egerie Sandals in Black rubber
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Egerie Sandals are in Black rubber and feature the iconic Chaine D'Ancre motif. The sandals are waterproof. Size 37 with box and dustbags
Hermes Avantage Sneakers
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes presents their take on the classic every day sneaker with this sleek ‘Avantage’ silhouette. White calfskin leather sneakers in with a contrasting b...
Hermes Avenue Sanda With Kelly Buckle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Avenue Sandal in calfskin with iconic Kelly gold buckle, Size 37. For everyday elegance. With box, ribbon and dustbags.
HERMÈS Silver Metallic Leather Ballerina HERMÈS SAD Palladie Clasp Flats Size 38
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMÈS Silver Metallic Leather Ballerina HERMÈS SAD Palladie Clasp Flats Size 38.5 Hermès ballerina Street in silver with SAD PALLADIE, Hermès Logo Clasp. These flats open peep toe ballerinas are handcrafted with Veau Specchio leather in argent-silver metallic colour with Hermès palladié-palladium clasp trunk lock. Small flat heels, the leather padded insole are in tan colour with Hermès logo stamp...
Hermès Women's Size 35 Evelyne Leather Clog Sandal Slides 51h628s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Spain Measurements: Length: 9" Width: 3.2" Height: 1.75" Heel Height: 1.5" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Dust Bag Signs of Wear: Size: 35 Exter...
Hermès Bottines Cuir Noir EU39 Black Leather Brighton Boots UK6 US8.5 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Brighton ankle boots in black leather with a floral toe and elastic bands on the side, leather lining, insole and outsole. Size 39FR or UK6 and US8.5, 1.5 cm heel, 25 cm insol...
Hermes Rivale Tour Lizzard Natura T3 1B Ombre NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rivale Tour Lizzard Natura Size T3 1B Ombre NEW with box
Hermes Medor Mocassins EU37 Loafers Collier de Chien US6.5 UK4
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès loafers in black box leather enhanced with studs and rings from the Collier de Chien or Médor model, fringe decorated with mini studs on the front, leather interior and unders...
Hermes Unisex Sherwood Socks in Bleu Denim Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Sherwood plaid cashmere socks featured in Bleu Denim. Designed by Katie Scott. Each sock has a small ...
Hermès H Logo Low-cut Sneakers - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, IT
Upgrade your urban style with these Hermès H Logo Low-cut Sneakers. Crafted with sleek and essential lines, these suede sneakers feature the iconic "H" detail for a subtle yet contem...
Hermès Constance Leather Heel Pumps - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, IT
Experience the pinnacle of luxury with these Hermès Constance Leather Heel Pumps. Created in an elegant black leather construction, the classic silhouette is further enhanced with a ...
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.