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 - Pull Col Blouson Maxi Cashmere 87 Taupe LA
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Selection by Corrado Luxury - Gorgeous pure cashmere sweater, list price 2700 Euro. Measurements: Length 65 cm, chest width 53 cm. Five metal press studs signed Hermès Paris. ...
Hermès Set Twillaine FR40 Margiela Grey Silk Cashmere Ensemble UK12 US10 Hermes
By Hermès, Maison Martin Margiela
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Fall/Winter 1999 collection ensemble by Martin Margiela, Twillaine style, featuring the "Feux de l'Hiver" (Winter Fires) motif by Christiane Vauzelles (a motif originally rele...
HERMÈS - Cashmere Cardigan tg. XL
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Magnificent pure cashmere cardigan zipper closure and leather trim. Measurements: Length 71 cm, shoulders 45 cm, chest width 56 cm, sleev...
HERMES black yellow blue silk CARRE CUBE Turtleneck Sweater 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Carre Cube turtleneck sweater in black, petrol, mustard and grey silk (100%). Has been worn and the fabric in the armpits has slightly brightened. Overall in ve...
Hermes 1980 Top Pull Twillaine FR38 Les clés Twillaine Silk wool Sweater US8
By Cathy Latham, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès turtleneck sweater from the Twillaine series in ecru wool, front in silk twill with Les clefs motif by Cathy Latham (published in 1965 then 1980 - like this sweater and finall...
$1,288Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe Hermes Canoe Chaine d'Ancre long-sleeve cardigan. New with tags plus all buttons still have protective peal off coverings. Made from the softest, smoothest double faced si...
Hermes Camel Cashmere Jumper
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1980s camel cashmere jumper featuring a horse-head motif, a round turtle neck, long sleeves. Composition: 100% cashmere Label size 38fr/US6 /UK10 In good vintage condition. Ma...
Hermès 1988 Pull Twillaine FR42 Flacon Black Cashmere Sweater UK12 US10 Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès turtleneck sweater, Twillaine series, in black cashmere, front in silk twill with Qu'importe le flacon motif by Catherine Baschet, published in 1988 then 1997, in shades of bl...
HERMES PARIS “Les Cles” Printed Silk Scarf Wool Sweater, 1980s
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your wardrobe with this striking 1980s Hermes Paris wool sweater featuring the iconic "Les Cles" silk scarf design. The distinctive black and yellow gold colorway showcases t...
$672Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES H intarsia orange virgin wool V neck oversized cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES H intarsia orange virgin wool V neck oversized cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00192 Brand: Hermes Model: H Intarsia Material: Virgin Wool Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closur...
Hermès Wool Turtleneck Knit Light Grey
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès Wool Turtleneck Knit in Light Grey embodies understated luxury with its refined simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship. Made from soft, high-q...
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 beige cotton & silk 2019 BRIDES DE GALA TWILLAINE Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Twillaine sweater is crafted in Beige Silice with a multicolored Brides de Gala printed silk twill (100%) front panel, complemented by knit silk (59%) and ...
Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Sweater Algue (Seaweed) Cashmere M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Cashmere Crewneck sweater featured in Algue. Sweater has floral intarsia motif in front. Ribbing at cuf...
Hermes Men's Blouson Zippe Suede and Wool Jacket Marine L New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes men's Wool and Suede front zip jacket featured in Black. Front is goat suede in black, blue, and off white. Double toggle zip has embossed pull. Ribbed at hip and cuff. 2 side...
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 ...
Hermes Men's Hooded Sweater w/ Leather Detail Gris Hoodie Sweatshirt L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Hooded Sweater featured in Grey with Black leather detail. Gris hoodie sweatshirt has a Black Cheval au Trait lambskin patch in front. Drawstring at neck....
HERMES camel & navy cashmere 2019 HOUNDSTOOTH MOCK NECK Sweater 34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès houndstooth sweater in camel brown, beige, ivory, navy blue and grey cashmere (100%). Features a mock neck, hem and cuffs in ...
HERMES medium blue cashmere TOP STITCHING Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès cardigan in medium blue cashmere (100%) is elevated with white jacquard trim, crafted to resemble refined top-stitching. Featuring a classic fit with a sli...
HERMES sand beige LEATHER & ALPACA STUDDED Crewneck Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès knit sweater in sand calf leather (100%) with knitted parts in melange alpaca (100%). Features silver-tone studs on the front and lon...
HERMES cashmere silk blend green blue border trompe loeil crewneck sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES cashmere silk blend green blue border trompe loeil crewneck sweater Reference: TGAS/F00468 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Green, Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Pu...
HERMES grey & purple cotton 2020 BRIDE DE COUR Sweatshirt Sweater 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès sweatshirt in grey cotton (86%) and camelhair (14%). Features Bride de Cour print in smokey purple, a crewneck, dropped shoulders and rib-knit neck, cuffs and h...
HERMES red cashmere Button-Front Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès cardigan in red cashmere (100%). Features a V-neck and rib-knit trim. Closes with logo buttons on the front. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES navy virgin wool white striped oversized knitted cardigan sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy virgin wool white striped oversized knitted cardigan sweater FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00556 Brand: Hermes Material: Virgin Wool, Wool Color: Navy, Off White Pattern: Stri...
Hermes Sweater Striped Wool / Mohair / Silk / Cashmere 36 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Sweater featured in jacquard knit striped earth tones. Brushed mohair blended with wool, silk and cashmere. Exterior is brus...
1970s Hermès Silk And Wool Sweater
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A 1970s Hermès sweater with a silk printed panel at the front. This panel features a ship towards the top; with the words “ Fluctuat Nec Mergitur”, which translates to ("[She] is tos...
$880Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES white cotton & cashmere Jacquard Cardigan Sweater 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès light knit cardigan in clay cotton (85%) cashmere (15%) with a strap-pattern, round neckline, straight fit, ribbed cuff and hem. Unlined. Closes with button fastening in the f...
$1,176Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 100% cashmere Medor leather button navy black long line cardigan FR36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere Medor leather button navy black long line cardigan FR36 XS Reference: TGAS/C01495 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Navy, Black Pattern: Solid Closure...
Hermes Zipped Double Sided Cashmere Coat Blanc Cordage 36
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Zipped Coat featured in Blanc Cordage. Sleek straight coat, created in the softest supple cashmere. The simplicity of this gorgeous coat is a testament to...
HERMES blue white cashmere BOUCLERIE MODERNE Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès long sleeve Bouclerie Moderne cardigan in white, navy and light blue cashmere (100%). Features a deep v-neck, ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem. Opens with five but...
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage navy grey cashmere silk abstract colorblock sweater Reference: TGAS/F00469 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Navy, Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Ex...
$864Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES 100% cashmere black accordion pleated front raglan sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere black accordion pleated front raglan sweater FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00561 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover M...
$604Sale 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 ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES ecru viscose silk silver zipper head ribbed crop cardigan FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00079 Brand: Hermes Material: Viscose, Silk Color: Beige, Silver P...
HERMES sage green cashmere FINE-KNIT TURTLENECK Sweater 40 M
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès fin knit turtleneck sweater in sage green cashmere (100%). Features is a stitched H at the hem. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measureme...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES black 100% cashmere lambskin leather belted knit cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES black 100% cashmere lambskin leather belted knit cardigan FR34 XS Reference: SNKO/A00555 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Belt Ma...
HERMES dark brown camel hair THICK TURTLENECK Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes turtleneck sweater in dark brown camel hair (100%). With ribbed details and raglan sleeves. Has been worn and is in excelllent condition. Ta...
Hermes Brandebourgs Encadre Long Twillaine Cardigan 34 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes long twillaine Brandebourgs belted cardigan. Depicts the iconic scarf print in silk in Black and White. This staple Hermes print was designed by Cathy Lat...
Hermes Men's Cardigan Couleurs en Cours Knit Gray Wool and Cashmere S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition V-neck gray cardigan with Couleurs en Cours motif. The contrasting colour patterns is achieved through a blend of weaving for the monochro...
HERMÈS cashmere pullover
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Beautiful pullover ( tg. L ) men's pure cashmere with ribbed design and embroidery in two shades of gray. The collar closure is zippered ...
HERMES beige nude cashmere blend graphic silk crop cardigan FR38 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige nude cashmere blend graphic silk crop cardigan FR38 M Reference: KYCG/A00127 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Blend Color: Nude, Beige Pattern: Abstract Closure: Button...
$472Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Vintage 100% cashmere orange pink degrade loose neck sweater M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage 100% cashmere orange pink degrade loose neck sweater M Reference: KYCG/A00010 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Orange, Pink Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover Mad...
Hermes Men's Piumino Extra-Light Puffer Coat / Jacket Fauve M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Piumino extra-light puffer coat / jacket featured in fauve. The jacket is insulated with pure goose down duvet making it warm and light weight. Stre...
$721
Hermès Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Pure cashmere and silk crewneck blouse with zipper closure, front is silk with classic style Carré pattern. Measurements: Length 63 cm, c...
Hermes Suede and Heather Knit Vest
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rust Suede and Heather Ribbed Knit Vest suitable for men or women. Easy slash pockets with button front. length 25", Bust 42", 34" waist. Vintage...
Hermes Men's Cardigan Appliques Marine Cashmere S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Men's collared cardigan featured in Marine with spaced black knit stripes. Abstract design created with appliqued wool and lambskin strips of Etoupe ...
Hermes Men's Jacket Gray with Black Leather and Detachable Beaver Collar 48
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition men's nylon and leather off center front zip jacket featured in Greige Jacket has Black leather trim at front zip and H leather trim at cu...
HERMES off-white cashmere CHAINES D'ANCRE Cardigan Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès long-cut cardigan in off-white cashmere (48%), silk (47%) and polyurethane (1%). Embellished with 'Chaines d`Ancres' embroidery all over the cardigan. Opens wit...
$1,632Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES 100% cashmere black hooded rectangular poncho cardigan coat TU
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere black hooded rectangular poncho cardigan coat TU Reference: KYCG/A00191 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Extra Detail...
$1,081Sale Price|25% Off
HERMES Vintage Neige d'Antan Silk & Cashmere Sweater
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage NEIGE D'ANTAN silk & cashmere sweater. Label reads HERMES PARIS EXCLUSIF Made in France. Size tag reads : 42. Please refer to measurements. Composition label ...
Hermes Men's Sweater Rayures Fondues (Melted Stripes) Orange Brulee Wool M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Rayures Fondues (melted stripes) crewneck sweater featured in Orange Brulee. Rich warm toned hues will compliment a myriad of warbrobes. Sweater ha...
Hermes Men's Hooded Sweater Gris Fonce M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Hooded Sweater featured in Grey with Black leather detail. Gris hoodie sweatshirt has a Black Cheval au Trait lambskin patch in front. Drawstring at neck....
Hermès H Wool Knit Brown
By Hermès
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Hermès H Wool Knit in Brown is a timeless and elegant wardrobe staple that reflects Hermès' commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. Made from premium wool, the knit offers warmth...
Hermes Cardigan Coat Promenade du Matin Black / White Cashmere 34 / 6
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Promenade du Matin over sized long cardigan coat featured in Black and White. Drop shoulder long cardigan coat has a jacqu...
Hermés 1990s Brazil Scarf Crewneck Blouse
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Saying hello to all the Hermés lovers! Circa 1990s, this silk crewneck features the coveted Brazil motif designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux in 1988. Includes a black ribbed wool trim...
Hermes Detail H New Crewneck Men's Sweater Pierre S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Detail H New sweater featured in Pierre (Stone). Detail H New inside the crewneck neckline in brown virgin wool. Long sleeve...
Hermes Cliquetis Cashmere Cardi/Coat
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermes Cliquetis Cashmere Cardi/Coat Rare item - Orange, belted cardi/coat with 'Cliquetis to the back. Pattern though out with oversize collar. From 2022 collection. ...
$384Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES beige cashmere silk silver H charm short sleeve pullover sweater FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige cashmere silk silver H charm short sleeve pullover sweater FR36 S Reference: SNKO/A00559 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Pull...
Hermès Long Cotton and Wool Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in Italy) Long cotton and wool cardigan with flower patterns. Size 40FR indicated. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 54 cm - L...
Hermes Men's Cardigan / Jacket Zip Bleu Marine Suede/ Gray Cashmere M New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Men's zip Bomber style cardigan / jacket featured in Suede and Cashmere. Casual elegance in Bleu Marine Suede and Gray Cashmere. Front suede panel has cas...
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.