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 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...
Vintage Hermes Cotton Trousers - Stone Colour
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A chic and very wearable pair of vintage pants/trousers by Hermes. In a heavy cotton and attractive stone colour, the trousers have two pockets on the front and a zip fly. Size 36 M...
HERMES black leather 2010 STRAIGHT Pants 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier pants are crafted in black grained deerskin leather. They feature a mid-rise fit with straight legs, two side pockets, and one back p...
Vintage Hermes 1990s Tan Brown Wide Leg Smoking Trousers Virgin Wool Pants Sz 42
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage HERMES early 90s tan / light brown wide leg le smoking virgin wool trousers! Mid rise, with a singular seam down the front. Hidden interior b...
HERMÈS - Vintage 2002 Bolduc Pattern Lycra Leggings, Size 42, by L. Dumas
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Extremely rare Lycra leggings featuring the iconic "Bolduc" pattern designed by Jean Louis Dumas in 2002, in excellent condition. Inseam...
Hermès Legging FR38 Thalassa Cotton Jersey Leggings Pants Intl M US28 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Thalassa leggings or long johns circa 1990 in soft cotton knit with multi-colored print (boats), elastic waist. No size label but the measurements (without stretching the knit...
HERMES VINTAGE Martin Margiela brown twill jersey one piece bodysuit FR40 L
By Maison Martin Margiela, Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES VINTAGE Martin Margiela brown twill jersey one piece bodysuit FR40 L Reference: CNLE/A00362 Brand: Hermes Designer: Martin Margiela Material: Polyamide, Blend Color: Brown Pat...
HERMES black wool blend satin trim side handstitched mid waist trousers IT50 XL
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES black wool blend satin trim side handstitched mid waist trousers IT50 XL Reference: LACG/A00473 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Fl...
Hermes Men's Classic Jean Clou de Selle Button Fly 42 New w/Tag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes no longer produced men's dark wash classic jean. Men's button fly dark wash jean. Embossed brushed silver Clou de Selle buttons. 2 front pockets and 1 co...
HERMES VINTAGE Martin Margiela orange twill jersey one piece bodysuit FR40 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES VINTAGE Martin Margiela burnt orange twill jersey one piece bodysuit FR40 L Reference: CNLE/A00363 Brand: Hermes Designer: Martin Margiela Material: Polyamide, Blend Color: Bu...
Hermes Swing Dressage Breeches Pant Black / Orange Trim 38/ 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Black Swing Dressage Breeches featured in Black. These stretch riding pants are in a strong and breathable fabric. Low rise with Orange Trim at ankle. Silico...
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 Riding Pant Vintage 5 Coveted Gold Clou de Selle Ankle Snaps 38 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes vintage black and gray textured fabric riding pant with coveted gold Clou de Selle ankle snap detail. Jodhpur stitching detail inside the knee area. 2 fro...
HERMES grey wool handstitched back pockets straight leg trousers IT50 XL
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES grey wool handstitched back pockets straight leg trousers IT50 XL Reference: LACG/A00474 Brand: Hermes Material: Feels like wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Fly Li...
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,...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Women's Corduroy Pants, Size 36
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Classic piece from the Martin Margiela period at Hermès (1997–2003), cut in beige corduroy with a slim, straight silhouette inspired by equestrian riding trousers. The hem is folded ...
HERMES tan brown wool HIGH-WAISTED Pants 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès high waisted pants in tan virgin wool (100%). Comes with two slit pockets on the side and two sewn shut slit pockets on the back. Opens with a concealed button,...
HERMES navy woven handstitched details back pocketed dress trousers IT50 XL
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy woven handstitched details back pocketed dress trousers IT50 XL Reference: LACG/A00471 Brand: Hermes Material: Fabric Color: Navy Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Fly Extra De...
HERMES black red wool 2020 PLAID Pants 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès high-waist plaid pants in black, white, red, yellow and brick wool (100%) with black lambskin details. Fall/Winter 2020. Feature D-ri...
HERMES beige wool 2020 ESPRIT PYJAMA PLEATED WIDE LEG Pants 36 XX
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Pre-Fall 2020 'Esprit Pyjama' pleated pants in beige virgin wool (98%), elastane (1%) and polyamide (1%). Feature two side slit pockets and two sewn shut slit pockets at the back. Have an elastic waistband and two faux silver-toned Hermès buttons...
Hermes Classic Cotton Khaki Pants Slacks
By Hermès
Located in Oakland, CA
Classic Hermes khaki slacks. Light tan color. Straight legged. Flat front. Front zipper, button and hook closure. Side pockets and one back pocket. Belt hoops. Tagged size 38....
Hermes Brown Knitted Lounge Trousers
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Crafted in France from a blend of virgin wool and soft cashmere, these preloved, knitted lounge trousers by Hermes are presented in a bronze brown with a ...
Hermes Vintage Ivory High Waisted Riding Pants - 34 - circa 1990's
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Ivory High Waisted Riding Pants - 34 - circa 1990's. These pants are in very good vintage condition with wear consistent with its age. They have a bunched bottom with a pocket...
Hermes Vintage High Waisted Mauve Riding Pants - Size 36 - circa 1990's
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Vintage Mauve Riding Pants with Leather Detail - 36 - 1990's. These pants are in good vintage condition with wear consistent with its age. They ha...
Hermes Sellier pants riding wool
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes Sellier pants riding wool size XS-S The condition is good It contains wool Waist Size: 63cm / 24.80 inches Length: 101 cm / 39.76 inches Inner step length: 74 cm / 29.13...
Hermes Pants Jogging Wool Knit Rose Petale 38 / 6 New w/Tag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jogging Pant featured in Rose Petale Loungewear Voyage wool knit in the palest rose with embossed H throughout. Drawstring waist...
Hermès Beige Blended Cotton Horserider Pants
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Beige blended cotton horserider pants. Size 42FR indicated. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 34 cm - Hips: 47 cm -...
Hermes Riding Pant Vintage 5 Coveted Gold Clou de Selle Ankle Snaps 38 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes vintage black and gray textured fabric riding pant with coveted gold Clou de Selle ankle snap detail. Jodhpur stitching detail inside the knee area. 2 fro...
Hermes Drawstring Track Pants Sweatpants Gris Bleute 40 / 6 New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Bride De Cour Gris Bleute drawstring printed duffle sweatpants / track pants. Equestrian print. Two cotton jersey slash pockets. Drawstring braided cord with...
Hermes Cashmere & Silk Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du Tsa Jumper
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Cashmere & Silk Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du Tsa Jumper Red fine knitted top with scarf printed silk panel to the front and wrap around attached scarf trim. Rrp Approx. £2...
HERMES Paris Blue Linen Straight Trousers Pants Size 38
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
HERMES Paris Blue Linen Straight Trousers Pants Size 38 Product details: Size 38 100% linen Straight, loose fit The width of the pant is 12.5" One pocket on each side Front zip and...
Vintage Hermes Grey Wool Riding Skinny Leggings Pants Size 38
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Size FR 38 High waisted with small belt loops at the waist Two buttons engraved with the Hermes logo on the left side with a side zipper Two zippers with leather zip...
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.