Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
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 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Circa (1997-2003) Wool Dress
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
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 silk jersey dress by Robert Dumas 1965s-1970s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1965s-1970s under the direction of Robert Dumas. Red silk jersey dress with long sleeves with a shell decoration. Composition and size labe...
Hermès Black Draped Jersey Dress with Oversized Silver Hook Buckle – ’00s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An elegant vintage Hermès Paris dress crafted from fluid black rayon-viscose jersey. The silhouette is built around soft draping through the bodice and skirt, with a deep V-neckline...
Hermes jersey dress by Vladimir Rybaltchenko circa 1970-1980
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1970-1980 under the artistic direction of the Russian designer Vladimir Rybaltchenko. Silk jersey dress in yellow, gray, and beige tones. I...
Vintage Hermes Gold Zodiac Print Scarf Maxi Dress
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a vintage Hermes black, gold, and white silk scarf dress featuring a deep V neckline, wide straps, handkerchief point hem, and iconic Hermes zodiac...
Hermès dress by Claude Brouet circa 1985
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 by Claude Brouet. Transparent black wool crepe dress with a snaffle bit pattern. It fastens with front buttons. Size label missing, it ...
Hermès sweater dress Pre-Fall 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in United Kingdom) Cashmere sweater dress with houndstooth pattern in beige and brown tones. Matching neckerchief and tiny brown scarf. Size 42FR indicated. 2019 Pre-F...
Hermès 1970s Vintage Women's Brown Cream Silk Print Blazer Jacket
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Chic HERMES Silk Jacket/ Blazer silk print in Brown and creme. label : HERMES Sport Fit size Small / US 2/4
HERMES cobalt blue cotton blend pleated boxy shift dress FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES cobalt blue cotton blend pleated boxy shift dress FR34 XS Reference: MECG/A00035 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining: Blue Cotton...
Hermès dress ready-to-wear by Catherine de Karolyi circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1970 under the artistic direction of Catherine de Karolyi. Long red jersey dress with an ascot tie and an interlaced-cord pattern in gray an...
HERMES Unworn Baroque Bodycon lycra Mini dress, 90s
By Hermès
Located in Genève, CH
Beautiful vintage Hermès lycra sleeveless mini dress, from 90s period. This light turquoise/yellow/cream baroque print Hermes dress is in perfect conditio...
Hermès Jersey Dress with Asymmetric Hem
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès , black jersey , sleeveless dress, having a fitted bodice, u back, welting detail at the waist and a paneled, asymmetrical hem.
Hermès "Les Clés" dress by Claude Brouet circa 1985
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter circa 1985 sous la direction artistique de Claude Brouet. Robe longue à motif intitulée "Les Clés" dessiné par Cathy Lamy en 1965, en viscose noire ...
Hermès coat dress 'Tricolor coach' Resort 2019
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk coat dress with the 'Tricolor coach' pattern. Size 34FR indicated, it fits a 36FR. 2019 Resort Collection under the artistic direction of Nadège Vanhee...
Randolph Duke 1990s Size 8 Black Jeweled Rhinestone Vintage 90s Gown Dress
By Randolph Duke
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful RANDOLPH DUKE 1990s black silk jersey and mesh 3/4 sleeves evening gown ! Features nude mesh on the back with hundreds of hand-sewn rhinestones. Hidden zipper up the side. ...
1983 AZZEDINE ALAIA deep brown semi sheer knit illusion dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare 1983 Azzedine Alaïa Semi-Sheer Knit Illusion Dress Exceptionally rare deep brown knit dress with sheer illusion panels from Azzedine Alaïa’s debut...
$575
Size: Small - Medium
Pretty 90s Rozae Nichols Floral 3 - D ' Autumn Harvest ' Silk Dress w/ Appliqué
By Rozae Nichols
Located in San Diego, CA
Pretty 1990s silk dress, by Rozae Nichols! Gorgeous neutral hues, with a unique floral print throughout. Flattering silhouette, with silk floral puff app...
1940s Gilbert Adrian Inspired Black Silk Long Dress with Wheat Sheaf Print
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very beautiful black silk maxi dress with all over large yellow and gold wheat sheaf print dates from the 1940s and was clearly inspired by both Schiaparelli in its long lean silhoue...
$1,300
Size: none; comparable to size small
Poiret-Inspired Printed Silk and Gold Lamé Dress w Drop Rouleau Waist – S, 1920s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Clearly inspired by Poiret’s Irudrée gown of 1923 (pictured), this dress features the same dropped rouleau waist and emphasis on metallic lamé, but also incorporates aspects of his other work. The exotic mustards, blues and pinks of his 1002nd Night dress and the printed silks and velvets of his Orientalist capes are reflected in the luxurious hues and textures of this unique piece. Square neck dress...
1950s Eleanor Green / Mary Norton Silk Crepe Pink Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and flattering late 1950s ELEANOR GREEN for MARY NORTON pink silk crepe short sleeve dress! Features the perfect shade pink with a tailored bodice wit...
$695
Size: vintage 8; compare to size XS-S
Ceil Chapman Burgundy Velvet Quilted Metallic Brocade Day Dress - XS 1960s
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Tucson, AZ
Painfully good, from its rich color to its quilted skirt to its crisp A-line silhouette. The alluring keyhole neckline can be worn closed during the day and open at night for two dif...
Vivienne Westwood striped open knit dress with tubular scarf, ss 2005
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood striped knitted dress ▪ Rib-knit skirt and collar ▪ Open-knit tubular scarf attached at the breasts ▪ Extra-long collar which doubles as a hood ▪ Can be styl...
S/S 1989 Azzedine Alaïa Stretch Knit Black Cap Sleeve Bodycon Mini Dress large
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a vintage black Azzedine Alaïa bodycon dress. From the Spring/Summer 1989 collection, this perfect form-fitting little black dress featu...
Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Beaded Evening Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Couture elegant evening dress from spring summer 2001 collection. PVC collar with glass beads embroideries. High leg slit. Open b...
Torso Creations Pink Purple & Green Silk Caftan W/ Open Back Embroidery Trim
By Torso Creations
Located in Gresham, OR
Torso Creations Pink Purple & Green Silk Caftan W/ Open Back, Embroidery, Purple Velvet Ribbon and Sequin Trim. Fashioned from vintage sari fabric in the s...
1960s Helga Vintage Metallic Silk Cocktail Dress
By Helga
Located in Sparks, NV
Absolutely stunning 1960s vintage silk satin cocktail dress by Helga. Metallic brocade paisley design over gray silk animal print. Nipped waist with bow detail. Stunning construction...
Hermès dress by Robert Dumas circa 1968
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Ready-to-wear collection circa 1968 under the artistic direction of Robert Dumas. Mini dress in brown and gold silk, lined with jersey. Marked size 44FR, it fits more like ...
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 ...
Hermes trenchcoat 'Cavalcadour' by Jean-Paul Gaultier Summer 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 2008 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Silk trenchcoat with a Cavalcadour pattern in beige, brown, and blue tones. ...
Hermes indoor coat 'Library' 2008s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk indoor coat with the 'Library' theme designed by Hugo Grygkar, bottom of the coat edged with multicolored fringes, matching belt. Size 40FR indicated. ...
Sold
Size: Recommended Size; UK 10 or 12
HERMÈS Paris Selvedge Worsted Black Wool and Lambskin Leather Button Down Dress
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
An elegant and understated Hermès Paris Black dress. Meticulously crafted in a super-fine Selvedge Worsted Pure Wool (by prestigious Huddersfield artisans from England, UK). With lam...
Hermes caftan dress 'Kaleidoscope' by Jean-Paul Gaultier circa 2004
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection circa 2004, under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Silk caftan dress with a "Kaleidoscope" pattern in beige, white, off-white, and gray tones. Si...
Hermès Caftan Dress by Jean-Paul Gaultier Summer 2008
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Collection prêt-à-porter Printemps-Été 2008, sous la direction artistique de Jean-Paul Gaultier. Robe Caftan en soie à motif "Cavalcadour " dans tons de marron et de vert. ...
Hermès silk jersey dress by Robert Dumas 1965-1970s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1965-1970 under the direction of Robert Dumas. Red silk jersey long-sleeved dress with a front hook fastening. Composition and size labels m...
HERMÈS - Shantung Silk Poncho " Éperon d'Or " By Henri d'Origny
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Extraordinary poncho in precious shantung silk with iconic Carrè "Eperon d'Or" pattern designed by Henri d'Origny.
Hermès cardigan 2000s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Beige cashmere cardigan with leather and silvery metal buckle buttons. Size 40FR indicated. A Collection from the 2000s under the artistic direction of Mart...
Hermes Black Silk V Neck Long Sleeve Maxi Dress with Full Length Side Zippers 38
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes black silk, V neck, long sleeve maxi dress with full length side zippers. Vintage dress is unique in that it has full length zippers at each side from the hem to the underarm....
Hermès Caftan
By Hermès, Henri D'Origny
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Elegant poncho in gorgeous silk shantung one size the design is that of the iconic Carrè " Eperon d'or" by master Henri d' Origny . The y...

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.