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.
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 silk blue on white "les pivoines" pants
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk pants "Les pivoines" (the peonies) blue and white high-waisted pants Two side pockets and two back pockets White double stitching Bronze metal button with logo Size F...
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...
Printed swimsuit HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed swimsuit. Fabric composition: 62% nylon, 38% elastane. Lining: polyester & elastane. SIZE : 44
HERMES pink leather ORAN LIZARD Slides Sandals Shoes 40 fit 39
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in vibrant pink lizard leather, showcasing the house’s instantly recognizable minimalist elegance. Defined by the iconic “H” cut-out upper an...
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...
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 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 ...
Hermès Swimsuit One piece Swimwear Bibliothèque Bookshelf Print Size M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Swimsuit One piece Print "Bibliothèque" (Bookshelf) Pattern: Books Made in France Colorways: White, Yellow, Grey, Black Size: 40 FR / M Condition: New condition. Washed then never worn. No Hermès Packaging This swimsuit is garanteed authentic and will be shipped immediately Thank you for watching...
HERMES ivory silk kimono kaften sleeves belted shirt dress FR40 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ivory silk kimono kaften sleeves belted shirt dress FR40 S Reference: DYTG/A00121 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Extra Details: This kn...
$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 Joueuse Kelly Buckle grey etain silver turnlock heeled ankle boots
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Joueuse Kelly Buckle grey etain calfskin silver turnlock buckle block heeled ankle boots EU37 Reference: TGAS/G00095 Brand: Hermes Model: Joueuse Kelly Material: Leather Color...
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...
Hermès Women's Spring 2021 Black Leather Zip Front Coat, Size FR38
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Luxest Hermes leather coat from the Spring 2021 collection - Look 15 on the runway. Bought for £14000 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft and...
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...
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...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Grey Virgin Wool Ensemble (1997-2003)
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A steel-grey virgin wool shirt and trouser ensemble from Martin Margiela's tenure at Hermès (1997–2003). Runway piece. The sleeveless shirt features an asymmetric hem and a front but...
Hermes Rouge Cornaline Double Faced Cashmere Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly coloured Hermes double faced cashmere jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality double faced cashmere in the richest orangey red - official colours i...
Collection of Vintage Hermes and Gucci Designer Skirts, France & Italy, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
An elegant collection of three vintage designer skirts from two of Europe's most celebrated luxury houses, Hermès Paris and Gucci, dating from the 1980s. Together they offer a sophis...
Hermès Puffer Down Jacket (silk content) — size 38
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Down Jacket (silk content) — size 38 Condition: Excellent. No defects, stains, or snags. Fabric composition: Contains natural silk. The out...
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 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 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 ...
HERMES beige virgin wool blend button front high waisted pencil skirt FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige virgin wool blend button front high waisted pencil skirt FR34 XS Reference: LNKO/A02685 Brand: Hermes Material: Virgin Wool, Blend Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: B...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Maison Martin Margiela, Hermès
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress Martin Margiela served as Hermès’ creative director for women’s ready-to-wear, shaping 12 iconic and unforgettable coll...
HERMES beige 2015 MINK FUR Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès collarless jacket in beige mink fur (100%). Fall/winter 2015. Features raglan sleeves (sleeve measurements taken from the neck) and two slit pockets on the fron...
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 Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
HERMES black leather Band Collar Quilted Shoulder BIKER Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès band-collar biker jacket in midnight blue lambskin with knit waistband on the back in midnight blue viscose (75%) and nylon (25%). Features a quilted storm flap on the left sh...
Hermès Women's H Cashmere Leather Coat, Size FR36/UK8, Excellent
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
Hermès Halter Wrap Top Les Léopards Size S/M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Top Pattern: "Léopards" Ties to cross and tie in front or back, halter neck Made in France Made of 100% Cotton Colorways: White, Yellow, Black Size: Tag s...
HERMÈS - Vintage men's silk vest "Carpe Diem" by Joachim Metz, 1994
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk vest featuring the iconic "Carpe Diem" Carré pattern by Joachim Metz, 1994 - Wooden hanger missing.
HERMES Beige Sable suede EXTRA CHAINE D'ANCRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5 fit 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Extra slide sandals are crafted in Beige Sable (sand) suede and smooth leather. The design features the house’s iconic Chaîne d’Ancre–inspired strap, roun...
HERMES brown suede EMBROIDERED CRUSADER Knee High Platform Boots Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knee-high boots in dark brown featuring a stacked heel, black complementing zigzag embroidery and a fold-over top. Open with an inner-zipper. Have been worn wit...
HERMES black viscose OPEN BACK HALTER SLEEVELESS CREPE Jumpsuit 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès halter neck wide leg open back jumpsuit in black viscose (100%). Closes with a concealed zipper and one hook in the back. Unlined. ...
HERMES black 2020 SHORT LEATHER Jacket 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jacket in black goatskin leather. Features a refined, straight-cut silhouette with a short, structured length that delivers a sleek, modern profile, complemente...
$6,349Sale Price|20% 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...
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 "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk Twill Women's Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hermes "Raconte-moi le Cheval" Rocking Horse Silk vest. This vintage "Raconte Moi le Cheval" (Tell Me About the Horse) vest has an equestrian theme, with colorful rocking ho...
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...
Hermes Camel Cashmere Jumper
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1980s camel cashmere jumper featuring a horse-head motif, a round turtle neck, long sleeves. Composition: 100% cashmere Label size 38fr/US6 /UK10 In good vintage condition. Ma...
HERMES checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES blue white checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M Reference: LACG/A00478 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: White, Blue Pattern: Checkered Cl...
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...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Striped Silk Trousers
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptionally fluid pinstriped silk trousers from Martin Margiela’s collections during his tenure as creative director at Hermès from 1997 to 2003. The trousers feature front pleats,...
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...
HERMES Rouge Grenat suede ANJOU PLATFROM ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Anjou platform sandals are crafted in Rouge Grenat red, burgundy, nude, and hot pink suede for a bold, multi-tonal finish. They feature peep toes, high blo...
Hermès dress by Nadège Vanhee Cruise 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Cruise 2019 Collection, under the artistic direction of Nadège Vanhee. Long dress in orange lace and openwork leather. The dress comes with its matching orange slip. Size ...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Black 37.5
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Black Sandal with contrast white stitching is in calfskin with iconic "H" cut-out.This silhouette is an essential piece in every wardrobe. Italian number 37....
Hermès By Martin Margiela A/W 1999 vintage Vareuse shirt black cotton 34 FR XS S
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in London, GB
HERMÈS BY MARTIN MARGIELA A/W 1999 VAREUSE SHIRT IN BLACK COTTON 34 FR Hermes by Martin Margiela iconic Vareuse shirt featuring a deep v neckline with classic collar and buttoned c...
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS Reference: NKLL/A00650 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Ext...
Hermès Black Navy Pony Express Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This beautiful Hermès 100% silk button down is a classic piece to compliment any wardrobe. Features Native American Indian print by world...
Rare Vintage HERMÈS Cotton Beach Towel by Robert Dallet, 150x90 cm
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton ( 150 x 90 cm. ). This beautiful design is by the master Robert Dallet, a designer for the Maiso...
Hermes Sport Silk Twill Print Dress
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Sport Ivory silk twill afternoon dress printed with various insects and foliage, within an equestrian unfurling border of gold and blue decorative straps. Self belt signed Her...
Hermès Margiela Era Reversible Silk Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Margiela Era Reversible Silk Jacket Size LA, please request measurements Shoulders: 56 cm / 22.05 in Sleeve Length: 53 cm / 20.87 in Underarm Width: 53 cm / 20.87 in Length: ...
HERMES Jaune d'Orge yellow leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Oran sandals in Jaune d’Orge yellow Epsom leather, the structured, cross-hatched grain lending a crisp, vibrant finish to the Maison’s most iconic flat silhouet...
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 ...
Hermès 1970's White Linen Blazer
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible late 1970s Hermès blazer is the epitome of quiet luxury. Crafted from bright white linen, this minimalist masterpiece features an angular collar, arched decorative we...
HERMES beige orange cashmere 2023 BRIDES DE GALA Sweater Vest 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Brides de Gala sweater in Tatami light beige and bright orange jacquard knit cashmere (63%), cotton (35%) and polyamide (2%), presenting one of the house's most...
$1,449Sale Price|65% Off
Hermes Fall 2012 Les Cannes Print Twillaine Silk Shirt Dress
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Exquisite archival Hermes Les Cannes twillaine print shirt dress from the Fall 2012 collection. New with tags. Made from the highest quality silk wit...
Hermes Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
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.