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.
Collection of Vintage Hermes and Gucci Designer Skirts, France & Italy, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Morristown, NJ
An elegant collection of three vintage designer skirts from two of Europe's most celebrated luxury houses, Hermès Paris and Gucci, dating from the 1980s. Together they offer a sophis...
Hermès Wrap Skirt in Woll and Cashmere Size 36 Small
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Skirt "Wrap Skirt" Made in France Probably vintage Made of 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere Top is lined with a beige canvas made of Acetate and Bemberg Colo...
HERMES beige virgin wool blend button front high waisted pencil skirt FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige virgin wool blend button front high waisted pencil skirt FR34 XS Reference: LNKO/A02685 Brand: Hermes Material: Virgin Wool, Blend Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: B...
Hermès by Martin Margiela, lambskin skirt, Spring 1999
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès skirt by Martin Margiela, Collection Spring 1999 Composition: 100% lambskin - silk lining Made in France Marked size: 40 (large) Measurements: Waist width: 38 cm Length: 61...
$1,750Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Pleated Silk Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare "FEUX D'ARTIFICE" print pleated silk skirt. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversary of the founding of HERMES (1837-1987)...
HERMES Bleu Noir blue leather 2021 PANELLED MINI Skirt 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès skirt in midnight blue leather showcases the house’s signature precision and timeless sophistication. Featuring a straight cut and flattering mini length, ...
Hermes Orange Linen look Wrap Skirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes signature orange spun rayon linen look wrap skirt with cream piping. Silvertone metal hook hardware closure.
Vintage size: 38. 1970's Fran...
Hermes Leather skirt
By Hermès
Located in Alford, MA
Sarong-style skirt by Hermes in softest camel lambskin with asymmetrical waist and hem. Zipper on the high, left side slants to tiered tie motif on the right hip with opposed diagona...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Autumn/Winter 2000 Camel Hair Wrap Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Manchester, GB
Hermes Fall/Winter 2000 by Martin Margiela wrap skirt in camel hair with leather buckle and H branded buttons. The same type of skirt was shown on the runway in brown crocodile. In...
Brown wool skirt HERMES
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown wool skirt . Main fabric composition: 92% wool, 5% nylon, 3% lycra. Lining composition: 60% acetate, 40% bemberg. Pocket on the front with zip closure and leather zip-puller. ...
HERMES black silk 2021 LES ROUES DE PHAETON Wrap Skirt 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès wrap mini skirt in black and white silk (100%) with Les Roues de Phaeton print. Closes with conceled buttons and ties on the side. Ha...
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway - Jean Paul Gaultier
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Soft Leather Pleated Skirt - F/W 2005 Runway, Jean Paul Gaultier OVERVIEW A rare and collectible Hermès runway-documented skirt from Fall/Winter 2005, designed under Jean Pau...
1980s Hermes Grey Wool Skirt with Leather Detail
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980s Hermes grey wool skirt. High waisted with slight a-line shape with centre inverted box pleat. Tan leather detail at waist with tonal top stitching and silver metal buckles. Midi length. Side zipper with hook and eye. Excellent vintage condition. Marked FR size 42...
Hermes Fine Black Wool Stitch Down Pleated Skirt 38
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes fine black 100% wool stitch down pleated skirt. Hermes classic, fine black wool skirt with seam waist, deep stitch down pleats that open below the hip. The skirt closes at the...
HERMES c.1980's Black Lambskin Leather Pocket Mini Classic Pencil Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES c.1980's Black Lambskin Leather Pocket Mini Classic Pencil Skirt Vintage c.1980's Hermes black genuine lambskin leather pencil skirt. Two front open slit pockets that connect...
$6,066
Hermès cashmere skirt
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Tartan cashmere skirt in shades of beige and brown, with fringed hem and a goatskin-trimmed waistband. Silk lining. Size indicated: 34FR. Circa 2006 collect...
Vintage White & Multicolor Hermes 1993 Silk Prize Ribbon Print Skirt Suit
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage white and multicolor silk prize ribbon print skirt suit by Hermes. Circa 1993. Blazer features shawl collar, structured shoulders, short sleeves, and double-breasted gold-ton...
Hermes Midi Wrap Skirt Deer Leather 38 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes luxurious deer leather skirt. Sleek straight narrow line leather wrap skirt. Unique rich brown with a subtle eg...
Hermès by Martin Margiela (1997-2003) Vintage Cotton Beige Pencil Skirt, Size 38
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Beige cotton pencil skirt from the Martin Margiela period at Hermès (1997–2003), featuring a clean colour and silhouette, faithful to the designer’s iconic minimalist language, while...
1970s Hermès French Blue Pleated Skirt with Leather Belt Detail
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This vibrant skirt was designed by Hermès during the late 1970s to early 1980s. Crafted from high quality viscose, it has a bold French blue hue that makes it an ideal summer wear. T...
Hermes Wool & Cashmere Skirt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Wool & Cashmere Skirt Khaki A-line midi skirt with zip fastening at back. Lamb leather waistband and pockets’ trims with decorative embroidery, fu...
Hermès by Martin Margiela Vintage Wool Pencil Skirt – Late 1990s / Early 2000s
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
A sand coloured wool pencil skirt from the Martin Margiela period at Hermès (1997–2003), classic in its understated elegance and restrained palette. Cut to a flattering knee length, ...
HERMES brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pocket pencil skirt FR42 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pocket pencil skirt FR42 L Reference: JYLM/A00023 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool, Blend Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra De...
1970s Hermes Grey Wrap Skirt with Matching Leather Trim
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Hermes wrap skirt from the 1970s. Grey wool with monochromatic grey lamb leather trim and button. High waisted & midi length. Grey lining with all over Her...
Vintage Hermes Paris Green Wool Skirt with Pockets
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A wonderful vintage green wool skirt by Hermes, Paris. As you would expect the fabric is of a high quality. The skirt has two pockets and is fully lined. Size 40, Measurements: wais...
HERMÈS - Vintage Silk Pencil Skirt by Joachim Metz, Carré 1789 Design
By Hermès, Joachim Metz
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk skirt with iconic Carré pattern "1789" design by master Joachim Metz, 1st ed. 1989 - Present small halos see photo.
$256Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pocket pencil skirt FR42 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pocket pencil skirt FR42 L Reference: JYLM/A00023 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool, Blend Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra De...
Hermès Silk Skirt Illustrated with Theme "Brin d'or", 1982
By Hermès, Julia Abadie
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk skirt illustrated with a theme "Brin d'or" designed by Julia Abadie in 1982 and reproduced in 2014. Indicated size 46FR, it fits a 38FR/40FR. Addition...
Matsuda Vintage Ivory Asymmetrical Skirt
By Mitsuhiro Matsuda
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Matsuda ivory skirt has an asymmetrical hemline and side zipper.
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Marilyn Monroe James Dean Warhol Printed Skirt
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Concord, NC
Incredible Gianni Versace Couture pencil skirt from the Spring Summer 1991 collection featuring an Andy Warhol inspired pop art motif of pop culture icons Marilyn Monroe and James De...
Jean Paul Gaultier Tropical Print Midi Skirt With Sheer Silk Hem circa 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Jean Paul Gaultier Tropical Print Midi Skirt with Sheer Silk Hem from the circa 1990s is a bold and vibrant piece that captur...
Junya Watanabe x Comme Des Garcons Fall 2019 Maxi Skirt
By Junya Watanabe, Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Amazing Junya Watanabe x Comme Des Garcons maxi skirt from the Fall 2011 collection. Worn once. Made from polyester and rayon with floral and black satin quilted and layered panelle...
Prada Brown Wool Skirt
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in Paris, FR
Prada Brown wool skirt featuring front pleats, side zip fastening, a mid-length. Composition: 90% wool 10% nylon, Circa 2000s Estimated size 38fr/US6 /UK10 In good vintage condit...
Vintage Escada Margaretha Ley Silk Leopard Print + Gold High Waist Pencil Skirt
By Margaretha Ley, Escada
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic with an edge 1990s / 90 ESCADA, by MARGARETHA LEY metallic leopard / cheetah print + gold metallic silk pencil skirt! Slimming high waisted fit, with heavy attention to detai...
Tom Ford for Gucci Runway S/S 2004 Sheer Nude Rings Ribbon Mini Skirt It 42
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Runway Sexy Semi Sheer Nude Silk Skirt S/S 2004 Collection Designer size 42 100% Stretch Silk, Very Unique Metal Rings Design Over the Net, Flirty Ribbons, Nude Co...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green taffeta top stitching panelled flared midi skirt IT36 XS
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green taffeta top stitching panelled flared midi skirt IT36 XS Reference: AAWC/A00393 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Material: Polyester Color: Gre...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Palm Tree Mesh Maxi Skirt by Fuzzi, Late 1990s
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Iconic vintage Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil mesh maxi skirt featuring the house’s highly sought-after tropical palm tree print in vivid sunset tones of coral, blue, pink, and deep burgu...
Chloe Brown Skirt
By Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe
Located in Sharon, CT
Nutmeg wool pleated, lined military style skirt.
Valentino Vintage Black Leather Skirt with Velvet Panel, Size 42
By Valentino
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore Valentino black leather skirt with a vertical velvet panel at 1 side and 2 side pockets. size is Italian 42 appears to be smaller,...
$419
Size: 38 (Fr) M on tag fit also L
Off-white cotton skirt with stripes pattern Marithé et Francois GIRBAUD
By Marithe Francois Girbaud
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white cotton skirt with stripes pattern. Button and buttonhole closure on the top middle front. Black and off-white Fabric ribbon belt on the front. Raw edge with fringes. One ba...
HERMES 100% silk Equestrian Bridle cream silk print wrap skirt FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% silk Equestrian Bridle cream silk print wrap skirt FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00225 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Cream, Beige Pattern: Chain Closure: Wrap Tie Lining:...
HERMES brown silk LEOPARD PLEATED MAXI Skirt 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès pleated maxi skirt is a striking blend of elegance and bold design. Featuring a distinctive leopard print in beige, brown, and purple, it’s crafted from a ...
HERMES dark brown silk 2005 DOTTED MAXI Skirt L
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès skirt is crafted in chocolate brown chiffon silk with an allover white dotted print. The airy, flared silhouette falls to a midi length and ties at the fro...
Hermès 'butterflies' skirt
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Silk skirt with a multicolored butterfly pattern on a beige background. Size 40FR indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Size: 34 cm - Leng...
HERMÈS Lace Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Elegant straight skirt in gorgeous Hermès Paris logo lace and lined in orange jersey-like fabric. Spring - Summer 2006 Collection. Paired...
HERMÈS BY Martin Margiela A/W2002 Black Lambskin Leather Open Front Over skirt
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare knee-length open front, over skirt in soft lambskin leather from Hermès A/W2002 collection designed by Martin Margiela. Featured on the runway (First Look photos) and Le Monde d'Hermès magazine...
Hermès Navy Linen Pleated A-Line Skirt
By Hermès
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Hermès Navy Blue Linen Pleated A-Line Skirt Navy Blue Signature orange stitching Pleated construction A-line silhouette Knee-length Side zipper closure Lightweight 100% linen Made ...
HERMES Les Tambours Finesse 100% silk printed box pleat skirt FR38 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Les Tambours Finesse 100% silk printed box pleat skirt FR38 M Reference: KYCG/A00129 Brand: Hermes Model: Les Tambours Finesse Collection: 2...
Hermes Wool & Cashmere Skirt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Wool & Cashmere Skirt Khaki A-line midi skirt with zip fastening at back. Lamb leather waistband and pockets’ trims with decorative embroidery, fu...
HERMES Vintage brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pencil skirt FR42 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage brown wool blend leather Sellier zipper pencil skirt FR42 L Reference: JYLM/A00024 Brand: Hermes Material: Wool, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra D...
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Size: Size: Equivalent size 40 France
Long silk skirt by Hermès, named fantaisie design by Henri d'Origny Circa 1998
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1998 France Romantic long skirt in printed silk by Hermès dating from the late 1990s. A variation of a Hermès scarf entitled Fantaisie, based on the famous Henri d'Origny des...
Hermès Pleated Silk, Cashmere and Wool Skirt 34FR
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Cashmere, silk and wool skirt with sunray pleats. Indicated size 34FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Waist: 32 cm Leng...
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.