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 Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of yellow gold and silver "HERMES PARIS", serial number, craftman's hallmark and 75...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Oranges Lemons
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Citrus fruits and foliage, oranges and lemons Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with platinum (s...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Bottom covered with...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
Hermès Sheriff Hat Leather Charm for Kelly or Birkin Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Charm Comes from the "petit h" collection In shape of a sheriff's hat, with a 6-pointed star cut out Can be used as Bag Charm for your Hermès Kelly or...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
Hermès Silver Micro Kelly Bag Pill Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Smallest "Kelly" bag ever made This baby kelly has nothing to envy of the grown-ups, because she opens up too Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pi...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
$4,208
Hermès Horse Sculpture
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Magnificent Sculpture In shape of a horse's head Back signed "HERMES PARIS FRANCE" This sculpture was not made by Hermès, but for Hermès. It was intended either to...
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...
Hermès 7 Drawers Chest Semainier in Wood for Scarves or Jewels
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Drawer To store scarves, but can be used for jewels as well Made of burl wood veneer Edges decorated with "H" marquetry Includes 7 drawers in w...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse The purse is a vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of silver (crab hallmark) "HERMÈS" and crab hallmark enbraved on one...
Rare Hermès Kaleidoscope Game
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Kaleidoscope From 2001 "Quelques idées Hermès pour les fêtes..." (Some Hermès ideas for the holidays...) Made of cardboard...
Hermès Sterling Silver Pill Box Micro Bolide Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Cute Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a "Bolide" Hermès Bag Made in England Made of sterling silver (925 and Minerva hallmarks engraved) Vintage Item Opens at th...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
$9,619Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Fox Terrier Dog Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "FOX -TERRIER" dog Made in France Made of porcelain Beige Leather at bottom, "HH" in golden letters in middle Colorways: white, ora...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray 2 Dogs by Cecil Aldin Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 2 dogs napping on an armchair Designed Cecil Aldin Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Numbered and signed "HERMES PARIS" Made of a round plexiglass disc decorated with a twisted yellow gold wire and a yell...
Exceptional Hermès Cashmere Plaid Throw Blanket Cover Felin Hug
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Throw Blanket Gorgeous, warm, soft, ideal partner for your cold evenings ! Print: "Câlin Felin" (feline hug) Shows 2 tigers, one fauve and one...
Hermès Les Jardins d'Arménie Cigar Ashtray Cgange Tray Porcelain Gold Armenia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Somptuous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Les Jardins d'Arménie" (The Gardens of Armenia) Pattern: animals, flowers, columns, musician in the center Made in France Made of prin...
$15,391Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
Hermès Golden Tastevin Taste-Vin Wine Taster Cup
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Wine Taster Called also Taste-Vin in french A handle allows it to be worn as a necklace during a wine tasting tour (delivered without a necklace) Made of non...
Hermès Duck Shaped Change Tray Ashtray Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptonal and Rare Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a Duck The 2 wings open and reveal a storage space. Wings are removable. Can also be us...
Hermès Spinning Top Toopy Leather Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Spinning Top "TOOPY" Rare item Made of smooth young bull leather and mahogany wood (cuir de taurillon lisse et bois d'acajou) "HERMÈS" engraved on th...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 Napkin Rings Stirrups Shaped in Silver-Gilt Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 In shape of Stirrups, horse riding theme Vintage items Made of silver-gilt (silver covered...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermès Change Tray Ashtray Setter Dog carrying a Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Change tray Print: Dog carrying a Kelly bag Can be used as ashtray, but no notches for that purpose Made of Porcelain Colo...
Hermès German shepherd Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: an adorable german shepherd on a terrace with vegetation in the background Drawings are stunning ! Made in France Vintage ite...
Hermès Curiosity Kelly Bag Charm Pendant Necklace Guilloche Permabrass
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Pendant In shape of a "Kelly" Bag The smallest version ever of the Iconic Kelly Bag It even has the padlock and clochette-tirette ! Made in France Made...
Hermès Silver Cigar Cutter Keychain Louis XV Guillotine
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter The main part is a coin made of silver, called "Louis XV, demi-écu aux rameaux d’olivier, 1729" (Loui...
Hermès Set of 3 Desk Items Notepad and Pen Holders Perpetual Calendar
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Set of 3 pieces for the desk Vintage items Made of dark green smooth leather and golden hardware 1. Pen Holder: Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Pen...
Hermès Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a golf ball Made in France Made of inox (stainless steel) and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS" engraved on one side of the opener / "INO...
Hermès Golf Ball Pen Holder Paperweight Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Golf Ball Pen Holder Can be used as pen holder thanks to its hole, paperweigt, decorative object Made of silvery me...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Sceau Horse Head in Vallauris Ceramic
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Called "cendrier sceau à tête de cheval" (horse head seal ashtray), because this gives the impression that the ceramic has been hot marked wi...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel and God of Love in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm In shape of Cupid From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: burgundy This charm adorned the packaging of a small h item, so it has on...
Hermès Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Saddles Equestrian Riding Horse Texas Themes "Amazone / Dressage / Course / Chasse / Randonnée / Jumping" (Amazon / Training / R...
Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Hermès Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Bonheurs a Paris
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Plates From the "Bonheurs à Paris" collection (happiness in Paris) Plates number 3, 4, 5 and 6 Places: ...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pinwheel Windwhell Wood and Blue Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Pinwhell From the "Petit H" collection Made of Leather and Hackberry Wood Colorways: Blue Grained Leather, Navy B...
Hermès 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
Hermès Large Terry Towel Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball at their end Made in France Vintage ite...
Hermès Set Balcon du Guadalquivir Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Set Balcon du Guadalquivir Mugs feature a graphic, bold red and white pattern inspired by Andalusian wrought ironwork. Comes with origina...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtay Change Tray Yacht Porthole Boat Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: porthole, lifebuoy and pulleys Ideal for your yacht or perfect gift for any boat, sea, navy, navigation and sailing lover Made in F...
Hermès Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Made in France Vintage item Made of metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engraved in fr...
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
Hermès Mosaic Equestrian Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Equestrian Horse Ashtray is made from 100% porcelain, with a yellow/multi/gold motif of four horses, and features a natural suede bottom in mint c...
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
Hermès Horse Leg Bottle Opener Horseshoe
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Shaped like a horse's leg, the hoof concealing a horseshoe-shaped bottle opener Made in France Vintage Item Made of silver-ton...
Hermès by Reuge Sainte Croix Keychain Key Ring Music Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Hermès Key Ring Music Box Made by Reuge Sainte Croix, specialist manufacturer of music boxes, located in Sainte Croix, Switzerland, for Hermès Turn the mechanical key (...
Hermes Chaine D Ancre Blue Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Chaîne D'Ancre" Porcelain organizer or Ashtray featuring a Chaîne d'ancre design, contrasting trim, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Maxi Length ...
Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau Alligator & Barénia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau alligator with Barénia leather is a rare, highly sculptural piece that blends equestrian heritag...
Hermès Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are inside the packaging Colorways:...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
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.