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 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 2021 Sweat Shirt FR38 Grey Cotton Black Leather Sweater Size M Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès sweatshirt from 2021 (likely men's), crafted from mid-grey heathered cotton fleece and featuring a black leather horse-head appliqué; includes a crew neck and long sleeves. Si...
HERMES beige orange cashmere 2023 BRIDES DE GALA Sweater Vest 36 XS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Brides de Gala sweater in Tatami light beige and bright orange jacquard knit cashmere (63%), cotton (35%) and polyamide (2%), presenting one of the house's most...
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 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 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...
Hermès Zipped Cardigan in Multicolor Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Houston, TX
The Hermès Zipped Cardigan in Multicolor Cashmere offers a chic, elevated twist on a classic piece. Crafted from ultra-soft cashmere, this cardigan features a V-neckline and long sle...
HERMES Vintage 100% cashmere brown contrast orange piping knit crewneck sweater
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage 100% cashmere brown contrast orange piping knit crewneck sweater M Reference: SNKO/A00778 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere Color: Brown, Orange Pattern: Solid Closure:...
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 anthracite grey cashmere Sweater Vest 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès cashmere sweater vest in anthracite is crafted from luxuriously soft cashmere and designed with a refined, minimalis...
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 orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES orange cashmere silk dual V-neck raglan sleeves sweater FR34 XS Reference: NKLL/A00650 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Silk Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Ext...
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...
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00125 Brand: Hermes Model: Etriers Collection: 2024 Material: Wood, Cashmere, Blend Color:...
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....
1990s Hermes Parures des Sables Black Silk & Cashmere Cardigan
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A striking 1990s Hermes mix between a classic shirt and a cardigan. Contrasting black, gold and coral silk printed body featuring the Parures des Sables pattern that was first issued...
Hermes Sweater Ex-Libris Winter White Cashmere and Silk 34 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ex-Libris sweater featured in Winter White. Slight drop shoulder, crewneck wool knit in a flattering shade of Winter White. The iconic Ex-Libris subtly wo...
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...
$1,290Sale 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 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...
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 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 Top Cashmere Sweater Classic WheatTan w/ Subtle Knit Detail Size M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes luxurious cashmere sweater top. Very sophisticated with a subtle knit detail that adds texture to this beautiful wheat coloured top. Clean lined with an ...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Sweater Pullover La Danse Cashmere and Silk Size S/M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Sweater Pattern: "La Danse" (ballerinas) Grail Pattern ! Made in France Vintage item Front is made of 100% Silk Back an...
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 Men's Mors et Gourmettes Soie Shirt Jacket Blue Reversible Windbreaker 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes chic scarf print reversible silk men's windbreaker bomber style jacket. The Blue and Grey rare Mors et Gourmettes print reverses to solid Marine. Double zipper for closure. Jacket has 2 exterior and 2 interior zip pockets on each side with embossed pulls. Cuffs, waistband and collar are Marine knit. NEW or NEVER WORN. Please see our extensive Hermes menswear...
HERMES Vintage Poste et Cavalerie 100% cashmere cream embroidered sweater FR40 L
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Vintage Poste et Cavalerie 100% cashmere cream embroidered sweater FR40 L Reference: KYCG/A00081 Brand: Hermes Model: Poste et Cavalerie Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Cream, ...
HERMES beige white cotton cashmere colorblocked crew sweater XL
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES beige white cotton cashmere colorblocked crew sweater XL Reference: KYCG/A00126 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton, Cashmere Color: Cream, Beige Pattern: Solid Closure: Pullover M...
Hermès "Qu Importe Le Flacon" Sweater
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès "Qu'Importe Le Flacon" design is a popular print featuring perfume bottles, originally created by Catherine Baschet in 1988 for a silk scarf. This silk sweater is in a lon...
Hermes Brandebourgs Encadre Long Twillaine Cardigan 34
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes long twillaine Brandebourgs Encadre belted cardigan. Depicts the iconic scarf print in silk in Black and White. This staple Hermes print wa...
$1,065Sale 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 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...
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 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 100% cashmere off white leather logo buttons oversized cardigan FR34 XS Reference: KYCG/A00076 Brand: Hermes Material: 100% Cashmere Color: Cream Pattern: Solid Closure: Butto...
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...
Hermes, white cardigan with buckle belt
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, white cardigan with buckle belt. The item is in very good condition. Small stain on the shoulder.
Hermes Men's Shearling Cardigan w/ Knit Zip Turtleneck / Licorice 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Men's cardigan featured in Licorice. Casual elegance in lamb's wool with a brown quarter ribbed zip turtleneck and logo pull. 4 buttons and 2 front p...
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...
Hermès Sweat Shirt Cuir FR36 Black Cotton Brown Leather Sweater Size S Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès black cotton fleece sweatshirt featuring a horse motif in black and brown leather; crew neck, long sleeves. Size S (men's) or M (women's): shoulder width 43 cm, chest 53 cm, l...
Hermes Sweater Loungewear Voyage Rose Petale Wool 40 / 8 New w/ Tag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Loungewear Voyage sweater featured in Rose Petale. Loungewear Voyage wool knit in the palest rose. Crewneck sweater H emb...
Hermes Jean Paul Gaultier Long cardigan crepe silk printed tiger
By Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CANNES, FR
Hermès x Jean Paul Gaultier Long silk chiffon crêpe cardigan featuring a tiger-stripe pattern in cocoa tones and ribbed trim. Size 38. (Size and composition labels missing).
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 2024 Etriers orange wool cashmere floral embroidered sweater FR36 S Reference: KYCG/A00125 Brand: Hermes Model: Etriers Collection: 2024 Material: Wood, Cashmere, Blend Color:...
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck. The item is in good condition
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 "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 grey cachemire cardigan size S
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès grey cachemire cardigan embellished witn leather belt size fr 36
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...
Hermes, grey cardigan with leopard print
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, grey cardigan with leopard print. The item is in good condition, but small repared hole on the upper arm.
Hermes Men's Blouson Zippe Jacket Cotton Bomber Style Zip Front 40 15 1/4 New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes men's cotton Blouson Zippe bomber style jacket featured in Naturel. Jacket has front zip with logo embossed pull. Ribbed at hip and cuff. 2 side pockets. Fabric is cotton. NEW...
$1,121
Hermès cardigan
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in Italy) Mosaic patchwork and silk cardigan. Indicated size 44FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 51 cm - Waist: 45 cm - Length: 58 cm FV104
Exceptional Hermès Set of Sweater and Matching Scarf Wedgwood Pattern Size M
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Set of Pullover and Matching Scarf Pattern: "Wedgwood" Dessigned by Philippe Ledoux Made in Italy Vintage item For woman Sweater: Front made of 100% ...
Hermes Silk and Wool Cardigan/ Vest
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Silk and wool cardigan, marked size 44FR. Presence of stains on the silk. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder width: 52 cm Chest: 53 cm Sleeve le...
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...
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...
Hermès Lemaire Orange Wool Sleeveless Cardigan S/M
By Hermès
Located in Krakow, PL
Hermès "Lemaire" Orange Wool Sleeveless Cardigan Sz.S/M very good condition. No box. No dust bag Authentic Hermès sleeveless cardigan from the Lemaire collection, crafted in orange w...
1990's Hermes Knit and Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990’s Hermes black merino wool knit vest with silk scarf front featuring ‘la fetes du roi soleil’ print. Three gold tone Hermes signed buttons. In excellent condition. Fits like US...
HERMES ochre cashmere blend 2020 PROJECTS CARRE TURTLENECK Sweater 34 XXS
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès oversized knit sweater in ochre cashmere (44%), silk (43%), polyamide (10%) and polyurethane (3%). Features a stirrup pattern, long sleeves and a high neck. Unl...
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 ...
$606Sale 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...
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.