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 vintage "Attelage en Arbalete" by Philippe Ledoux cotton polo t-shirt top
By Hermès
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Unworn Hermès cotton vintage "Attelage en Arbalete" design by Philippe Ledoux polo t-shirt top. Beautiful condition Made in Italy - Size XS Measurements are taken flat: Sh to Sh 18i...
Hermès Margiela Era Vintage Brown Scarf Shirt Sz IT38
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
From Martin Margiela’s revered tenure at Hermès, this vintage brown scarf shirt embodies the quiet luxury that defined the house during the late 1990s. Crafted in France from fluid s...
Hermès Orange Printed Silk Scarf Top Styled Multiple Ways
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Elevate your summer styling with this vibrant Hermès silk scarf, creatively worn as a top. Rendered in a striking orange palette with contrasting navy and turquoise, the print celebr...
Hermes 1990s Byzantine Print Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Byzantine print silk shirt featuring a Byzantine-inspired print, front logo button placket, there’s a cotton-cashmere blend panel in all black. Shirt Circa: 1990s Front: 100%...
Hermes Twillaine Short Sleeve Blouse Top in Printed Black Silk and Silk Knit
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
HERMES TWILLAINE SHORT SLEEVE TOP IN PRINTED BLACK SILK SIZE 40 FR An emblem of Hermès savoir-faire, twillaine is ideal for creating sophisticated layering. Meticulously crafted usi...
$960
Hermès Shirt
By Annie Faivre, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection By Corrado Luxury - Blouse in pure silk Carrè motif "Astres et Soleils," the design is by master Annie Faivre - Mother-of-pearl buttons logoed Hermès Paris. ...
Hermes 'Christophe Colomb Decouvre l’Amerique' Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Complete your Hermes collection with this amazing and rare piece! Circa 1992 designed by Carl de Parcevaux, this design is titled 'Christophe Colomb Decouvre l’Amerique' or Christoph...
Hermes Scarf "Concerto" by Jean-Louis Clerc Silk Top
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes Scarf "Concerto" by Jean-Louis Clerc Silk Top Description Title: Concerto print Artist: Jean-Louis Clerc Years of Issue: 1963, 1996/97, 1998, 2003 Size 42 Shoulders: 36 c...
Hermes Top Scarf Print Blouse Feux D'Artifice w/ Twilly Vintage 38
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offer an Hermes vintage Feux D'Artifice scarf print silk blouse. This stunning and intricate print blouse comes with the matching Twilly. Depicts fireworks commemorating 1...
HERMÈS - "Chevaux Arabes" Silk Blouse By Hugo Grygkar
By Hermès, by Hugo Grygkar
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Gorgeous pure silk blouse Carrè pattern " Chevaux Arabes " design by master Hugo Grygkar. Excellent condition slight halo probably perfum...
Hermes Women’s XL 1990s Rythmes Gold Navy Nautical Vintage 90s Polo Shirt
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, timeless and classic vintage HERMES ‘ Rythmes ‘ navy blue, gold and white women’s 1990s cotton polo shirt ! White linen collar with hidden buttons. Can easily be dressed up or down. Would look great with white trousers, jeans or shorts. In great unworn condition Made in Italy Marked Size Extra Large Measurements: ( plenty of stretch ) 42-44 inch bust...
$950Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Navy Balles de Golf by C Vauzelles Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes navy silk shirt "Balles de Golf" by Christiane Vauzelles featuring a navy ground and a golf ball print all over in contrasting ecru, a front button fastening, a straight hem,...
Hermes T-Shirt Hoodie Jungle Love Rose Porcelain Cotton 40 / 8
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Jungle Love Hoodie T-shirt featured in soft Rose Porcelain pink with bright pink accents. This beloved Jungle Love print top is executed in contrast and has a boxy cut with sh...
Hermes Twill Silk Shell Printed Top
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes twill silk shell-print top featuring a round neck, a boxy shape, side seams. and a straight hem. Estimated size 36fr/ US4/ UK8 Circa 1970s Made in France. In good vintage co...
Hermes Black silk and Cashmere Polo Top
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black silk and cotton & cashmere polo top featuring a black front 100% silk abstract print motive, a classic collar, a front button placket, long sleev...
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Exclusif 1970's Red Silk Damask Blouse with attached scarf-Size 36
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Exclusif Label 1970's Red Silk Damask Blouse with attached scarf-Size 36. The Exclusif Label by Hermes is exactly as the name implies... a collection of some of the finest vi...
Hermes Men's H Embroidered Polo Shirt Rose Clair Cotton Short Sleeve L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes H H Embroidered Polo shirt featured in Rose Clair. 3 mother of pearl buttons. H embroidery on chest pocket. Short sleeve shirt. Classic style and effortl...
Hermes 1980s Floral and Bird Print Silk Button-Up Long-sleeve Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the enchanting allure of the Hermes Circa 1980s Floral and Bird Print Silk Button-Up Long-Sleeve Shirt, a captivating piece that celebrates both art and fashion. Crafted in ...
Hermes Men's H Embroidered Polo Shirt Marine Short Sleeve L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes H Embroidered Polo shirt featured in rich Marine. Embroidered H on pocket. 3 mother of pearl buttons. Short sleeve shirt. Classic style and effortless elegance. Fabric is cott...
Hermes Blouse Terres Precieuses Annie Faivre Scarf Print Top 36 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Annie Faivre scarf print Terres Precieuses silk blouse. Depicts lush gems from different cultures. Beautiful palette of smok...
Hermes Fraternite' 1789 Cotton T Shirt Top
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Authentic Vintage Fraternite' 1789 cotton T-shirt. Condition is Pre-owned. Missing tag. Very good condition. Measurements: Neck to hem 28" Bust 42" Neck 19"
Hermes Men's Embroidered Polo Shirt Vert Vif Short Sleeve L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Vert Vif polo shirt with embroidered H on pocket. 3 mother of pearl buttons. Short sleeve shirt. Classic style and effortless elegance. Fabric is cotton....
Hermès Pale Green And Mustard Asymmetric Printed Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
An unusual Hermès shirt that fastens straight down up until just below the waistline; at this point, the shirt has a button in line with the edge of the left-hand side pocket. This u...
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Mesh Cyber Dot Leopard Print Long Sleeve Top, 1996
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Kingston, NY
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Mesh Cyber Dot Leopard Print Long Sleeve Top, 1996.
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Cotton Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 2003 "Irere" Designer: Alexander McQu...
$595
Size: Small - Medium
New Chloe Fall 2007 Mushy Peas Chartreuse Racerback Sleeveless Tank Top Shirt
By Phoebe Philo, Chloé
Located in San Diego, CA
New Fall 2007 CHLOE chartreuse green racerback tank top! Label reads the whimsical color to be "Mushy Peas." This essential beauty comes from the first season Paulo Melim Anderson took the reigns as chief designer for Chloe. The designer had big shoes to fill following the departure of legendary Phoebe Philo. This collection was met with huge success for the brand! Wonderful vibrant color that adds just the right amount of splash to any outfit. Racerback style elegantly displays the back and shoulders. Soft luxurious fabric drapes the body beautifully, and stretches to fit. Simply slips over the head. Very well made, with a fantastic fit! Great layered under a blouse or alone. Perfect with shorts, a skirt, jeans or trousers. The pictured vintage Ralph Lauren Blue label blue and white floral cotton midi skirt, and the YSL rope...
$315Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Etro Multi - Print Silk Patchwork Babydoll Empire Waist Blouse Top
By Etro
Located in San Diego, CA
Such a pretty Etro multi-printed silk top! Patchwork prints, with a forgiving babydoll/empire waist. Hidden zipper up the back. Looks great with shorts, denim, or a skirt! Made in It...
$995
Size: 44 / US 10 - 12
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Size 44 / 12 Black and White Early 2000s Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white button up shirt ! Features a stylish tailored fit. White collar and cuffs. Soft cotton bl...
ULLA JOHNSON Size XS Manet Navy Brown Cotton Blend Floral V-Neck Blouse
By Ulla Johnson
Located in San Francisco, CA
ULLA JOHNSON "Manet" blouse in a navy and brown cotton blend fabric featuring a floral print, ruffled trim, and V-neck with tie.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 0 Measure...
$895
Size: Small / Medium
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Terra Cotta Tan Jersey Ruffle Sleeveless Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche YSL terra-cotta / tan jersey ruffle top! Simply slips over the head, and stretches to fit. Flattering ruffles throughout. Expert...
$558Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Large
2000s Roberto Cavalli Lion Animal Print Gold Lame Size Large Racerback Top Shirt
By Roberto Coin, Just Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage early 2000s ROBERTO CAVALLI / Just Cavalli lion print and gold lame rayon jersey top ! Features an allover animal print with gold lame straps and racerback. Hidden zippe...
Rare 1990s Ordinary or Death Ultra Suede Avant Garde Face Print Fringe 90s Top
Located in San Diego, CA
Ultra rare vintage 1990s ORDINARY OR DEATH ultra suede Avant Garde sleeveless fringed blouse! Features face prints throughout, with abstract shapes. Vibr...
Mid 1990s Gucci by Tom Ford Peach Knit Lace Up Sweater Tank Top
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a peach-colored knit lace-up Gucci sweater top designed by Tom Ford. From the mid-1990s, this knit tank top features a square neckline, spaghe...
S/S 2000 Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Runway Neon Pink Blouse Green Rabbit Fur
By Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a neon pink mesh and acid green rabbit fur blouse designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi. This piece debuted on the runway as part of Look 32 for the Spring/Summer 2000 coll...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Off-Shoulders Top F/W 2001 Fr. 34 US 2/4
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall/Winter 2001 Ready-to-Wear Collection Size - France 34 (US - 2,4) Measurements: Length - 24 inches, Bust - 30" and up. because of styl...
Hermès 2004 Top Lavalliere FR34 Cirque Molier Silk Crepe Blouse UK6 US4 Hermes
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès top circa 2004 silk crepe blouse printed on a dark orange background with Le Cirque Mollier motif by Philippe Dumas, sleeveless, lavallière at the collar closed by 5 hidden bu...
Hermès Chemise Chaine Ancre S Tricolor Poplin Shirt US15 UK15 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès shirt in white cotton poplin printed with anchor chain pattern in red and navy blue, shirt collar closed in front by 6 buttons, long sleeves closed by a button, 2 slits on eac...
Hermès by Margiela Dies et Hors Astrologie Print Long Sleeve Polo Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
The iconic Hermès "Astrologie" print, also known as "Dies et Hors" or "Days and Hours", features an intricate astrology-inspired print with a central golden sun motif and zodiac sig...
F/W 2004 Hermes by Jean Paul Gaultier pure black velvet logo sweater
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
The Jean Paul Gaultier Sheer Black Velvet Logo p Hermes Blouse from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection is a vintage designer blouse featuring a high neck and a long sleeve silhouette. Crafted in France from a luxurious blend of silk and viscose velour, this sheer black blouse...
Hermès White Lace Blouse
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) White lace blouse. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 43 cm - Chest: 47 ...
Hermès 'Passion Flowers' Silk Blouse, 1996
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk blouse with the "Passiflores" ('Passion flowers') theme designed by Valérie Dawlat-Dumoulin, produced in 1996. Size 42FR. Additional information: Con...
Hermes 2005 Top Les Coupes FR38 Navy Pink Silk Crepe Top Vest UK10 US8 Hermès
By Hermès, Francoise de la Perriere
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès top or sleeveless cardigan in silk crepe with "Les Coupés" motif by Françoise de la Perrière, published in 1970 and re-published in 1975 and then 2005 like this top, in navy b...
Hermès Bolducs Top FR42 Orange Silk Crepe iconic Bolduc Blouse US12
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Top Hermès blouse in dark orange silk crepe with Bolduc pattern made by Jean Louis Dumas in 2002, round neck closed by a hidden buttonhole over the entire height, long sleeves closed...
Hermes Paris Silk Jersey Floral Baroque Tunic Mini Dress c 1990s
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Silk jersey baroque floral print tunic - mini dress 1990s The tunic style mini dress - blouse is illustrated with sinuous foliage set against a muted blue - slate gra...
Hermes 1989 Top FR36 Oversize Silk Twill Fleurs de l'Opéra US6
By Hermès, Julia Abadie
Located in PARIS, FR
Top Hermès oversized volume shirt in silk twill (identical to the scarves) Fleurs de l'Opéra pattern by Julie Abadie published in 1989 and re-published in 1991 in shades of yellow and green on an ecru background, front closure with 4 covered buttons, no doubled. Size 36FR: middle 40 cm, chest 50 cm, length 68 cm, sleeves 28 cm. The top is super vintage and it has micro spots lost in the pattern but it has a fabulous look, Hawaiian shirt style super chic version to wear with micro denim shorts, a pair of pretty pale yellow Hermès Oran mules...
Hermès "Carnets D'equateur" Print Set
By Hermès
Located in Milano, IT
Tropical birds come alive in the center of a lush nature, the work of artist, designer and naturalist Robert Dallet, comes to life and is told on this Hermès suit...
Vintage HERMES Size 8 Beige & Orange Color Block Silk Chiffon Blouse
By Hermès
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage HERMES blouse comes in light beige silk crepe chiffon and features a pointed collar and burnt orange color block panel. Very faint discol...
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.