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...
Hermes 1980 Top Pull Twillaine FR38 Les clés Twillaine Silk wool Sweater US8
By Hermès, Cathy Latham
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...
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...
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 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 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 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...
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...
$1,080Sale 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 ...
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 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...
Vintage Cream Hermes V-Neck Cashmere Sweater Vest
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Vintage cream cashmere sweater vest by Hermes. V-neck. 28" bust, 12.75" shoulder width, 19.5" length.
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...
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 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 ...
$1,292Sale 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...
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 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 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. ...
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 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 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...
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....
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...
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 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 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....
$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...
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 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...
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...
$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...
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...
$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...
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...
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...
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, ribbed brown turtleneck. The item is in good condition
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...
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 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 ...
$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...
$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...
$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 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 ...
$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 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...
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...
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 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...
$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 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...
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 "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 ...
$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...
$720
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 Men's Black Crewneck Sweater / Cheval au Trait Applique M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Crewneck Sweater (sweatshirt) with Leather Detail. Black Cotton with Black Cheval au Trait lambskin patch in front. Ribbed ...
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...
$1,140
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
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.
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.