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 Fauve brown Barenia leather 2011 BELTED BUSTIER Top Shirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier bustier top is crafted in Fauve (cognac brown) Barenia calfskin leather with signature contrast white stitching. Designed in a struct...
Hermès – Camicia Vintage in Cotone “Écuries / Scuderie” – Anni ’80
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Camicia Hermès Paris autentica, realizzata in Francia, in morbido 100% cotone con l’iconica stampa equestre della Maison. Il motivo raffigura una scena di scuderie, con cavalli sella...
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...
Hermès by Martin Margiela SS 2001, Shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès by Martin Margiela – Spring/Summer 2001 Shirt Minimalist and refined, this Hermès shirt from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection—designed under Martin Margiela’s direction—perf...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Wonderfully detailed "Limited Edition" "Native American Tribal" silk jacquard button shirt has a optional matching silk jacquard tie measuring 51 inches by 2 1/2 inches. ...
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2022 white multicolor animal chess print playgrounds cotton polo shirt S Reference: DYTG/A00090 Brand: Hermes Collection: Spring/Summer 2022 Material: Cotton Color: White, Mul...
Rare Vintage Hermes Henri de Linares Plumes Print Silk Front Turtleneck Sweater
By Hermès
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very rare vintage Hermes Paris Cream knit long sleeve turtleneck sweater with ivory silk scarf print front featuring green, gold, and brown feathers. Front bottom reads PLUMES, par Henri de Linares, HERMES-PARIS. 100% silk front with 100% wool fine knit. Labelled FR 38, seems to best fit an XS/S. Shown on size 2 dress...
Hermes beach poncho 'Eperons d'or'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Wild-silk beach poncho in turquoise, blue, and gray tones with a pattern entitled "Eperons d'or" and designedby Henri d'Origny. No size indicated, it can fi...
Hermes "Limited Edition" "Les Cheyennes" Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes wonderfully detailed "Limited Edition" "Les Cheyennes" silk jacquard button shirt has 7 buttons in front and a single button on each cuff. The hemline has a scallop finish ...
$1,962Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Silk Hooded Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage extremely rare "FEUX D'ARTIFICE" print silk hooded blouse. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversar...
Hermes "Dies et Hore" Astrological Sun Print Silk Blouse circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Dies et Hore" Astrological Sun Print Silk Blouse from the circa 1980s is a striking vintage piece that exudes both elegance and cosmic allure. Crafted from luxurious silk...
Hermes Margiela sleeveless linen shirt
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermès Margiela Sleeveless Linen Shirt. mannequin 84.5 cm x 62 cm x 91 cm mannequin 33.35 in x 24.49 in x 35.79 in Shoulders: 39 cm / 15.35 in Underarm Width: 47 cm / 18.50 in Le...
Hermès Silk Blue Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Blue silk shirt. Size 42FR. To be mentioned, the color has bleeded in numerous spots. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Shoulde...
Hermès by Margiela Striped Shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A silk shirt from the Martin Margiela era at Hermès, dating from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Made in France from lightweight silk, the piece reflects the understated elegance ...
$942Sale 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,...
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...
Hermes Sport Cashmere Equestrian Print Turtleneck Top, 1960s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very hard to find top from Hermes with Scarf print . 100% Cashmere pullover with turtleneck. Zips and buttons at back of neck. Equestrian theme - but can still be worn on the yacht. ...
1980s Hermes Mineraux Geo Rock Print Silk Printed Button-Up Top
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your wardrobe with this stunning 1980s Hermès Mineraux Geo Rock Print Silk Printed Button-Up Top. This exquisite piece showcases a vibrant, mul...
Hermes 'H' Logo Embroidered Pocket Cotton T-Shirt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes 'H' Logo Embroidered Pocket Cotton T-Shirt Pink cotton t-shirt designed with a signature 'H' logo embroidery to the chest pocket. Featuring short sleeves and a crew neckline...
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...
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...
Hermes Rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs Du Desert" Zippered Silk Jacquard Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed rare "Limited Edition" "Cuirs du Desert" silk jacquard zippered shirt measures 26 1/2 inches in length. "Cuirs du Desert" des...
Hermes Tee Shirt White Brides de Gala Top 38 / 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Brides de Gala Tee Shirt. The iconic Brides de Gala motif expressed in Gold writing on White. Crew neck and short sleeves. Fabric is cotton jersey. NEW or...
$227Sale Price|35% Off
HERMES Horsebit buckle red white print scoop neck casual tank top FR38 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Horsebit buckle red white print scoop neck casual tank top FR38 S Reference: GIYG/A00197 Brand: Hermes Material: Rayon Color: Red, Blue Pattern:...
HERMES black white beige silk 2021 BRIDES DE GALA BANDANA Blouse Shirt Top 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Fall/Winter 2021 Brides de Gala Bandana shirt in black, white and beige silk (100%). Features 3/4 sleeves and buttoned cuffs. Opens w...
HERMÈS - Caty Latham Vintage Hermès Silk Shirt 'Brandebourgs' 1970s Design
By Caty Latham, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Important pure silk shirt iconic pattern of the Carrè " Brandebourgs " designed by master Caty Latham in the 1970s - The shirt is a mast...
$603Sale Price|55% Off
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hermes République Francaise Liberté Égalité Fraternité 1789 Silk Twill Wool Knit Trim Shirt Sweater. Original silk screen design c1989 by Joachim...
HERMES Horse Print Runway Fall 2019 Metallic Jacquard Tunic Top NEW W Tags
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rare Hermes runway metallic Jacquard tunic top Very special and exclusive fabric 46% Silk 40% Viscosa 14% Metallised Fiber.Brand new never used with tags Hermes hanger...
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dusty Pink Cashmere Crewneck Button-Detail Short Sleeve Tee
By Hermès
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Hermès Dusty Pink Cashmere Crewneck Button-Detail Short Sleeve Tee Dusty Pink / Rose Short sleeve Crewneck Pearly "H" logo buttons Relaxed fit Made in Italy 60% cashmere, 40% cotton...
Hermès Les Cles Orange Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top circa 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Les Cles Orange Tassel & Key Print Longsleeve Top from the circa 1990s exemplifies timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Crafted from viscose, this vintage piece fea...
S/S 1994 Hermès Runway Jardin Créole Print Black Green Silk Bralette Top Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful 'Creole Garden' jungle print Hermès bralette crop top and silk shirt set. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this set debut...
Hermes "Le Monde Du Polo" Silk Print Vest circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This circa 1980s Hermes "Le Monde Du Polo" silk print vest is a striking example of vintage luxury and equestrian-inspired design. Crafted from high-quality silk, the vest features a...
Hermès printed silk shirt leopard jungle
By Hermès
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermès Printed silk shirt in navy colors with leopards, tigers and lions. Size 38. Very good condition (a very little pull thread as seen on the picture).
HERMES multicolor silk GEOMETRIC SHORT SLEEVE Blouse Shirt Top 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes geometric print short sleeve blouse in blue, rust, petrol, brow, orange off-white silk (100%). Features one flap pockets and a crewneck. Closes with concealed b...
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...
$1,831
Hermès top 2007s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Black devoured velvet turtleneck sweater edged with gray wool. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR/38/40FR. A Collection circa 2007, under the artistic direct...
HERMES white cotton jersey 2013 ECHEC AU ROI T-Shirt Shirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès t-shirt in white cotton jersey (100%) with Echec au Roi print in beige, brick, orange, yellow and black. Has a small spot on the left shoulder and on the front....
HERMES white silk 2019 BRANDEBOURGS ENCADRE Button-Up Shirt Top 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Resort 2019 Brandebourgs Encoder button-up shirt in off-white, red, burgundy, blue and brown silk (100%). Features long sleeve...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Blue Silk Buttoned Vest
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Blue Silk Buttoned Vest Size 36 Excellent condition Bust 34" Waist 30" Length 22 1/2" 100% silk
Hermes "Les Folies du Ciel" Hot Air Balloon Print Button-Up Shirt circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Les Folies du Ciel" Hot Air Balloon Print Button-Up Shirt from the circa 1980s is a striking example of vintage luxury fashion. Feat...
Hermès shirt 'Jungle Love'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Blue and white silk shirt. Size 42FR indicated. Jungle Love Collection by the artist Robert Dallet designed in 2000, reproduced in 2007, and in 2011. Condi...
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%...
Hermès Celeste Mythologie Silk Top
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Celeste Mythologie Silk Shirt features a tribal print down the front, the hem, arms and neckline are trimmed with croton. Collectible design by famous Texas artist Kermit...
Hermès Yellow Race Car Print Silk Vest circa 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Yellow Race Car Print Silk Vest from the circa 1980s is a striking example of the brand’s luxurious craftsmanship and bold design sensibility. Crafted from high-quality silk, ...
Hermès Celeste Dolphins Silk Print Polo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Silk Print Polo features a collred neck with three buttons down the front, and a sea life print down the front. The arms and back are made from cashmere. Size S Shoulder...
Hermes T-Shirt Women's Whte Embroidered Pocket 42 nwt
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes White Tee with embroidered breast pocket. Black equestrian motif embroidered on pocket. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotton. NEW or NEVER WORN SIZE 42...
Hermes Hussar Print Silk Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa late 20th century, this unique Hermes cardigan features a Hussar Jacket print on the front while remaining thin enough to act as a cardigan, or but...
$1,605Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Vintage Iconic Bolduc Print Silk Shirt Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage iconic Bolduc print silk shirt blouse. This shirt features : - Orange HERMES PARIS Bolduc print featuring white carriages and stitching on a black background. -...
Hermès Black Kachinas Printed Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Kachinas" design is a rare, vintage print by American artist Kermit Oliver, originally featured on silk scarves. The print has also been used on various apparel items, in...
1990s Hermes Nautical Print Cotton Silk Blend T-Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Silk cotton blend Hermes t-shirt from the 1990s. Allover abstract row boat and rope nautical print in black, brown, tan, yellow and white. Crew neckline and s...
$342Sale Price|35% Off
Hermès 1990s Vintage Linen Light Blue Unisex Shirt-Vest, Size 42
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Hermès linen light blue shirt - vest totally made in france in size 42
$1,712Sale Price|20% Off
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Shirt "Sextants" By Loïc Dubigeon, 1981, Size 38
By Hermès, Loïc Dubigeon
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gorgeous shirt in pure silk iconic Carrè pattern "Sextants" design by master Loïc Dubigeon 1981. Measurements: 78 cm length, 53 cm chest...
Hermès top 'tournament and display'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) ) Silk top with the "Tournois et Carrousels" ('tournament and display') pattern. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Not signed, attributed to Hermès. Condi...
Hermès silk shirt 'Huile rafraichissante à l'usage de la Toilette parfumée'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk shirt illustrated with the 'Huile Rafraichissante à l'usage de la Toilette parfumée' theme produced in 1983 for the Bloomingdale luxury store in New Yo...
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Silk Shirt 'Les Cheyennes', Excellent Condition
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare men's silk shirt with iconic Carrè "Les Cheyennes" pattern designed by master Oliver Kermit. This is a rare product made by the Mai...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Black Suede Yellow Silk Concerto Violinist Zip Vest 40
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Concerto yellow violinist print silk back panel. Genuine black suede leather front. Zip front closure. Dual flap pockets. Decorative button strap at back. Excellent condition. Made i...
$288Sale Price|20% Off
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 Men's Shirt Silk Iconic Scarf Prints Shirt 39 / 15.5 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offer a guaranteed authentic Hermes scarf print silk button down shirt. A combination of iconic Hermes prints create a stunning shirt. In muted shades of blue, plum and gr...
Hermes Women's Cocoon Base Layer Fauve Top S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Women's Cocoon Base Layer Top in Fauve. Long sleeved extra thin Merino wool blend top. Part of the Equestrian collection, the...
Hermes "Soies Volantes" Cashmere & Silk Jacquard Crew-Neck Pullover
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes wonderfully elegant "Soies Volantes" crew-neck pullover is detailed with whimsical characters in silk jacquard on the front. The rest of ...
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.