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 shirt 'Tanzania' Spring-Summer 1997
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Aqua-green silk shirt with the 'Tanzania' theme designed by Robert Dallet. Size label missing, it fits a 38FR. 1997 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection u...
Hermes shirt top by Jean-Louis Dumas
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 1994 ready-to-wear Collection under the direction of Jean-Louis Dumas. Transparent lace-like blended cotton shirt. Size label missing, it fits a 40FR. Made in France. Condi...
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. ...
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 "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 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...
Hermès Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Rare and sought-after pure silk shirt with two Carrè motif by designer Oliver Kermit known and appreciated worldwide for the beauty and c...
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 by Martin Margiela black silk shirt
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Black silk shirt by Hermès (Martin Margiela era). Timeless design with a fluid neckline that buttons at the hem and fabric that drapes naturally with movement. Made in France, size...
Hermes x Jean Paul Gaultier Era S/S 2007 Scarf Top RUNWAY Piece
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2007 collection under Jean Paul Gaultier captured the essence of effortless Parisian elegance, and this scarf top is one of our favourite pieces. The halterneck...
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...
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. ...
Hermes top 'library'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk jersey long-sleeved top with the green and yellow 'Library' theme designed by Hugo Grygkar for the first time in the 1960s, and reproduced several time...
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 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).
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 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 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 'Cosmos' shirt by Philippe Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 'Cosmos' Collection designed in 1996 by Philippe Ledoux. Silk shirt in blue, yellow and black tones. Size 44FR indicated. Piece from sales. Made in France. Condition: Ver...
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...
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 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 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...
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...
1990s Hermès linen light blue shirt - vest
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Hermès linen light blue shirt - vest totally made in france in size 42
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 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...
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 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...
Hermès "Mineraux Geo Rock" Silk Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mineraux Geo Rock Print Silk Printed Button-Up Top features a vibrant, multicolored rock print that captures the essence of nature’s beauty. Please note, small stain, ple...
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...
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 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 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...
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....
Hermès Women's Black Silk Wool Top Size 34FR Made in France
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Black wool bralette top with a black silk lining. Side zipper. Size 34FR indicated. A Collection circa 2000-2005 under the artistic direction of Jean-Paul G...
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 Lion Short Sleeve Cotton Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Lion Short Sleeve Cotton Shirt features lions in a yellow, gold white, color-way. The size is large. Measurements - Shoulder 13" Arm 7" Chest...
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
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 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...
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...
Hermès Iconic Silk Scarf "Brandebourgs" Shirt by Caty Latham
By Caty Latham, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Important pure silk shirt iconic pattern of the Carrè " Brandebourgs " designed by master Caty Latham in the 1970s - The shirt is a mast...
Hermes monogram top
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes monogram top Composition: 100% cotton Shoulders: 34cm / 13.39 inches Armpit Width: 42 cm / 16.54 inches Length: 54cm / 21.26inches size 34 The condition is very good, the...
Hermès Silk and Wool Niege d Antan Shirt
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès silk and wool printed top in blue, features a long sleeve with collar and a button closure at the front. A design by Caty Latham that originally appeared in 1989Small sta...
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 ...
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...
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...
Men's silk shirt HERMÈS
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Rare men's silk shirt iconic Carrè pattern "Les Cheyennes" design by master Oliver Kermit. This is a rare product made by the Maison Herm...
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 Cotton Knit T-shirt Orange
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès Cotton Knit T-shirt in Orange is a refined essential that blends comfort with effortless luxury. Crafted from soft, high-quality cotton knit, it offers a smooth, breathabl...
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 ...
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...
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...
S/S 1994 Hermès Runway Jardin Créole Print White Green Silk Bralette Crop Top
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This “Jardin Créole” jungle print bralette crop top is from Hermès’s Spring/Summer 1994 collection. An identical version debuted on the runway in black. The design features a branded...
Hermes Men's T-Shirt H Mini Patch Cuir Rouge H Cotton M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Patch Cuir T-Shirt featured in Rouge H. Depicts a cheval au trait, a draft horse, in lambskin leather. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotto...
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...
Hermès Shirt
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Rare pure silk shirt with iconic Carrè pattern "Les Mythologies des Hommes Rouges" ( 1999 ), design by one of the most important and well...
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.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags 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.
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.