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 2008 Fur Trim Sheared Mink Jacket Dark Brown 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier jacket in dark brown sheared mink fur with generous fox fur trims, a luxury statement piece that sets velvety, sculpted mink against long,...
Hermes Black Reversible Leather & Shearling Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Absolutely incredible Hermes reversible shearling coat - bought for £16000 and unworn with hanger and dustbag. Incredible quality, crafted from black grained leather and super dense...
Hermès Margiela Era La Voie Lactée Planets Print Reversible Quilted Silk Coat
By Hermès
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Hermès reversible quilted silk coat from the Martin Margiela era, featuring La Voie Lactée (The Milky Way), a celestial carré design by Wlodek Kaminski first introduced in 19...
Hermès Cream & Yellow Wool & Cashmere Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes cream and yellow coat. Bought for £7500 and worn once. Made from smooth cream wool and 7% cashmere with super soft, slightly fluffy egg yolk yellow cashmere i...
Burgundy silk Robe with striped pattern HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Burgundy silk Robe with striped pattern.Belt and belt loop. Pocket on both side + one on the bust. SIZE XL
Exceptional Hermès Spats Mini Chaps Brown Suede Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Spats Made of suede leather and silver-tone buckles Inside is lined with brown leather Colorway: Brown Please note: The color variations com...
Hermès 2006 Veste Cardigan FR38 Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Jacket Cardigan UK10 US6
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès jacket from the Fall/Winter 2006 collection by Jean Paul Gaultier; a long cardigan in a thick, ecru wool knit featuring a Nordic jacquard pattern in shades of brown, gray, and...
$1,775Sale Price|28% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
HERMES Naturel brown leather ENCENS 50 Sandals Shoes 39.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Encens 50 sandals in Naturel leather (100%). These luxury Hermès sandals are crafted from leather (100%) in a refined Naturel shade, showcasing the Maison’s und...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench from the 2000's. Classic cut with interesting details reminiscent of Margiela's tenure at the house. Each detail is extremely well thought ...
Hermès 1990s Grey Cashmere Cardigan with Leather Belt, Size FR 36
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès grey cachemire cardigan embellished witn leather belt size fr 36
Vintage HERMES Paris Mink Jacket with printed Scarf Silk Lining
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage unique jacket 1980's is made of brown mink with silk Hermes lining Rare to find Look at our storefront for more luxurious vintage items. Details: Lined with Hermes sil...
HERMES mauve purple suede 2022 Slingback Flats Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès 2022 suede slingback ballet flat in mauve is a refined expression of understated elegance and modern femininity. Crafted from soft suede in a sophisticated...
HERMES black leather MEDOR LOAFER Pumps Shoes 38.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Medor loafer-style platform pumps are crafted from black brushed leather, offering a refined blend of sophistication and modern edge. The design features ...
HERMES black leather CHYPRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Chypre sandals in smooth black calfskin leather, defined by the house’s iconic minimalist silhouette and bold H-cut straps. Designed with a rounded toe and ergo...
HERMES Brun Fume brown suede STORY 70 KELLY Boots Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Story 70 boot is crafted in Brun Fumé (camel brown) suede. It features round toes, knee-high shafts, and a slim strap at the top finished with the iconic K...
Hermès Jean Paul Gaultier FW 2008 Runway Ad Campaign Orange Shearling Jacket
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
ULTRA RARE HERMÈS JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FALL WINTER 2008 RUNWAY & AD CAMPAIGN BURNT ORANGE SUEDE CURLY LAMB SHEARLING JACKET An exceptionally rare and highly collectable Hermès Autumn/...
HERMES black leather FAUBOURG Loafers Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Faubourg loafers are crafted in black glazed calfskin, offering a sleek balance of elegance and versatility. Designed with a notched sole for a modern edg...
Hermès Gold Giulia Sandals NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermes Giulia Sandals NIB is in a brown natural calfskin with a black strap and palladium Kelly buckle, European size 38.
HERMES Oz white calfskin leather silver Kelly turnlock mules EU37
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Oz white calfskin leather silver Kelly turnlock mules EU37 Reference: KYCG/A00116 Brand: Hermes Model: OZ Mule Material: Leather Color: White, Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: S...
HERMES black leather 2010 Blazer Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier blazer is crafted in black grained deerskin leather and tailored into a sharp, fitted silhouette. Designed with notched lapels, a che...
Hermès Wrap Skirt in Woll and Cashmere Size 36 Small
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Skirt "Wrap Skirt" Made in France Probably vintage Made of 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere Top is lined with a beige canvas made of Acetate and Bemberg Colo...
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...
$5,492Sale Price|30% 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 Veste Caban FR34 Black Wool Whipcord Oversized Pea Coat UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès oversized pea coat in thick black whipcord wool, notched collar with double-breasted button closure, Hermès logo buttons in blackened silver-tone metal and black leather, two ...
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Black Leather Knee High Riding Boots with Silver Buckle Size 37.5
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermès black leather knee high boots crafted in smooth black leather with a structured shaft and polished silver tone Kelly buckle hardware at the upper strap. The design has a clean...
HERMES Piment red leather JUMPING Knee High Flat Boots Shoes 36
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Jumping Boots' in Piment veau swift leather with Ruthenium Kelly buckle. Brand new. Come with box and dust bag. Measurements Impr...
Hermès Pants by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Summer 2006
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Spring-Summer 2006 Ready-to-Wear Collection, under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Orange pants accented with black lace. Size listed: 38FR. Made in France....
HERMES Vintage Minéraux Silk Shirt Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Minéraux silk shirt blouse featuring a refined composition of multicolored gemstones and mineral motifs on an off-white background. This silk shirt captures the...
$1,365Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Cotton Bathrobe "Les Leopards" by Christiane Vauzelles
By Christiane Vauzelles, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare soft cotton terry bathrobe the motif and the iconic one of the Carrè "Les Leopards" designed by master Christiane Vauzelles - This ...
Hermès Échec au Roi Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Beige Blue NWOT
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Reversible Leather Bomber Hermes Jacket - Échec au Roi - Beige Blue - NWOT - 2609071721 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Reversible Leather Bomber Jacket Name Design: Échec au Roi Artist (M...
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Avantage Sneakers White Leather Size 38.5
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxe Hermes Avantage sneakers. Unworn with box and 2 x dustbags. Made from white leather with coloured H motif, think laces and chunky soles. Size 38.5/UK5.5. Measure approx - 10.25”...
HERMES white cotton QUILTED RUNWAY 2017 Coat Jacket 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes SS'17 quilted coat in off-white cotton (100%). With flatcollar, slits tied with knots over the shoulders, pleats at the front, pleated cuffs, a box pleat at the back held clos...
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERME 2010 Runway black leather brown fur lined buckled block heeled boots EU39 Reference: VACN/A00162 Brand: Hermes Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier Model: Fall/Winter 2010 Material: L...
HERMES black leather TIPOLI Wedge Espadrille Sandals Shoes 41 fit 40
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Tipoli espadrille wedge sandals in smooth Noir goatskin with iconic Palladium plated buckle, wrap-around ankle strap and natural rope heel. Brand new. Measure...
1990's Hermes Heather Beige and Brown Skirt with Leather Details
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's Hermes heather brown/beige wool skirt with a touch of polyester for some stretch. Classic tan leather pull toggles on the two slanted front pockets. Narrow waistband closes wi...
Hermès Women's Contemporary Black Wool Chaine D'Ancre Zip Jacket, FR34
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Superbly chic Hermes Chaine D'Ancre wool jacket. Bought for £5750 and unworn. Made from incredibly soft and smooth black wool with 5% poly/elastane with silvertone zips and Chaine D...
ERMES ivory 100% double face cashmere open cap sleeve belted robe coat FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ERMES ivory 100% double face cashmere open cap sleeve belted robe coat FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00239 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Self Tie Li...
Hermes Rose Quartz Double Faced Cashmere Cape Fit Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Rose Quartz pink double faced cashmere with burgundy leather trims. It has a loose,...
HERMÈS - Vintage men's silk vest "Carpe Diem" by Joachim Metz, 1994
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk vest featuring the iconic "Carpe Diem" Carré pattern by Joachim Metz, 1994 - Dimensions: Length 62 cm, shoulders 34 cm. M...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Epsom Etoupe 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Brown with a natural leather sole and an etoupe leather heel, features a hazelnut goatskin insole and lining. Italian number 37. Come with double dustcover ...
$5,883Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Equestrian Deerskin Leather Jacket Quilted Taupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, highest quality Hermes Equestrian quilted leather jacket. Bought for £7750 and unworn. Made from the highest quality, super malleable ta...
Hermes Oran Blue Marine Alligator Flat Sandals 39
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Oran sandals featured in Bleu Marine Alligator. This stunning limited edition Hermes Oran flat slide sandal is a neutral with a subtle punch of col...
Hermes Lady Vest - 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - Excellent Condition Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Lady Vest Hermes 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - 2502241942 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Vest Name Design: Charreada, Mexican Rodeo Artist: Jean de Fougerolle External Material Back: 1...
Hermes by Martin Margiela A/W 1999 Vareuse Shirt in White Cotton Size 38 FR
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes by Martin Margiela A/W 1999 Vareuse Shirt in White Cotton Size 38 FR Hermes by Martin Margiela iconic Vareuse shirt featuring a deep v neckline with classic collar and button...
Hermès Vintage Silk Vest FR 50 Unisex Native American Scene
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
Extremely Rare and Collectible Vintage Hermes Silk Vest depicting Native American Indian Scene designed by Texan artist Kermit Oliver With pockets Size 50
Hermès Paris vintage beige quilted coat with geometric embroidery
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An elegant vintage Hermès Paris coat, made in France, featuring a refined quilted design with small geometric embroidery patterns evenly distributed across the entire surface. Made ...
HERMES black leather CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high crusader boots in smooth black calfskin featuring a stacked heel and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn and are in excellent c...
$591Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hermès Robert Dallet Animal-Print Cotton Shirt with Buttons
By Robert Dallet, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Pure cotton shirt with an animal print, featuring mother-of-pearl buttons bearing the Hermès Paris logo. Measurements: Length 66 cm, ch...
Hermès Large Terry Towel Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball at their end Made in France Vintage ite...
Pair of unworn camel-colored Hermes sandals Model: ILONA 90 France
By Hermès
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Spectacular pair of unworn camel-colored Hermes France sandals Shoe type: Sandals Brand: HERMES Model: ILONA 90 Manufacturer reference: M0241153Z Shoe type: Heeled Gender: Women's Re...
HERMES purple viscose scoop neck double layered belted cardigan top FR38 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES purple viscose scoop neck double layered belted cardigan top FR38 S Reference: JYLM/A00015 Brand: Hermes Material: Viscose Color: Purple Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Extra Det...
HERMES solid black double face pure cashmere single breasted outerwear FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES solid black double face pure cashmere single breasted outerwear FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00663 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Ext...
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared belted long leather coat FR34
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES deerskin asymmetric snap button collared formal belted long leather coat FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00665 Brand: Hermes Collection: 2024 Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver P...
Hermès 2010 Top Les Cles FR40 Gaultier Beige Silk Blouse Tunic UK12 US10 Hermes
By Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès top, circa 2010 or 2011, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier; a blouse or tunic crafted from ultra-fine silk chiffon featuring the "Les Clés" print by Cathy Latham (originally issu...
HERMÈS - Vintage 1996 Passiflores Silk Blouse by Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Description An exquisite and highly collectible vintage Hermès long-sleeved silk blouse, crafted from the iconic "Passiflores" silk scarf print designed by Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin in...
Hermes Slim-Fit 5-Pocket Denim Jeans
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes signature slim-fit five-pocket denim jeans made from 98% cotton denim combined with 2% spandex for a better fit is accented with detailed top-stitching and beautifully fi...
HERMES 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS Reference: KYCG/A00076 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Butto...
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.