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 Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES SMALL Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès small box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or with the Soleil d’Hermès pattern. The design captures the blazing Mediterranean sun with ...
Set of Two Hermes Chaine d'Ancre Platine Tea Cups & Saucers
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Deux Tasses à Thé & Soucoupes Hermès Chaine d'Ancre au Platine en porcelaine Parfait état
Hermes Plaid Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Gris Perle - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Gris Perle – NWCTS - 2606131752 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Cabriole Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 ...
Hermès Vintage Horse Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage Horse Porcelain Ashtray with horse equestrian theme, is made from 100% porcelain with a suede bottom.
Hermes Pallidum Vive l'idee Annee de la Fantaisie, 2004
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Pallidum Vive l'idee Annee de la Fantaisie, 2004 signed, Hermes. A palladium heart shaped padlock. Height 1 5/8 in. Condition Report Good condition.
Hermes Vintage Art de la Table Wood Shelf Talker Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Hermes Shelf talker/Plate with 'Hermes Art de la table - Paris' lettering. Square-shaped. Made in wood, with upper side in light gold colored metal. Measurements: 6.5 x 6.5 i...
Bijou de sac Hermès Cadenas Doré 1998
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Cadenas Hermès doré datant de 1998. Accessoire iconique et objet de collection. Ce cadenas Hermès doré datant de 1998 est un accessoire emblématique de la maison Hermès. Initialemen...
Hermès Danse Porcelaine Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible design by Kermit Oliver Danse des Indiennes Porcelaine small square plate.
Hermes Limited Edition Samarcande Blanket Marine Wool / Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Samarcande Blanket featured in Marine colorway. Created from 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere this wonderfully warm blanket is a chic addition to any room. Exquisite fresh modern creation! New or Pristine Store Fresh...
Hermès Vintage Sailing Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray featuring a sailing ship design, made from porcelain with edges in a hand-painted gold and has a black suede bottom.
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Hermès BNIB Green Shearling Dog Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box green milo leather and shearling dog charm. Date stamp U for 2022. Drop 9.5”.
Hermès Sterling Silver Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Sterling Silver Vase perfect addition to your home decor. Leaves not included.
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs.
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Set of Two Hermès Blue Chaine d'Ancre Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Set de deux Tasses à Thé & Soucoupes Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bleue en porcelaine Parfait état
Cadenas Hermès Doré 1996 Année de la musique
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Cadenas Hermès doré, 1996 “Année de la Musique”. Pièce rare, certifiée et iconique. Parfait comme bijou de sac ou objet de collection Hermès. Ce cadenas Hermès doré, daté de 1996, c...
Hermes Multicolor Horse Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor Mini horse porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a rectangular shape, a striped horse riding blanket inspired by « Couvertures et tenues de...
$1,230
Hermès Odyssée Vase
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Very Rare Hermes Odyssée Vase Matte White with Palladium Trim Chaine d’Ancre design with hand painted Palladium trim. The limited edition Hermes Odyssee vase represents the inspirati...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Equestrian Horse Bit Double Pot
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plate double pot featuring an equestrian horse bit design handle. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France. RAVINET D'ENFERT (RD) silvers...
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Animal Print Cotton Beach Towel 150x90 cm Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton ( 150 x 90 cm. ). Excellent Condition.
Hermes The Smile Photo / Menu Holder New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage Hermes the Smile Photo /Menu Holder picture holder featured in brushed steel and palladium. Holds 1 photo just above the silver H...
$22,444Sale Price|24% Off
New! Hermes Multicolor Yellow Multi Wood Savana Animal Leopard Skateboard in Box
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
New Condition Wood Kryptonics wheels Made in France Measures 7.25" W x 23.75" L x 3.9" H Includes box 100% authenticity guaranteed by NEWFOUND LUXURY
Hermes Le Felin Change Tray Hand Painted Porcelain Naturel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Le Felin hand painted porcelain Change Tray in Naturel. Hand painted gold trim. Designed by Robert Dallet, a wildlife artist for the Museum of Naturel His...
Hermès BNIB Kraft Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new carmen keychain/bag charm in kraft new color. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermes Terry Cloth Square Bath Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes square terry cloth bathroom rug with brides pattern. Excellent condition.
Tire Bouchon Hermès Cordage Vintage circa 1960-70
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare Tire-bouchon Hermès Cordage en métal argenté, datant des années 1960-1970. Son décor inspiré d’un cordage lui confère une esthétique élégante et immédiatement identifiable. Me...
HERMÈS - Vintage 1990s Gold Metal Document Clip with Wood Inlays, Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Document clip made of gilded metal and inlays of various woods. A skillfully crafted item from another era and part of a set of desk pro...
New in Box Hermes Rare Oran Yellow Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible and sold out worldwide mini oran bag charm in gold and yellow leather combo. Comes with original box.
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Hammered Small Ball Vase
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plate small ball vase on pedestal featuring an hammered design. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France. Indicative measurements : height approx. 7 cm (2.76 inch...
Hermès Xmas Porcelain Square Astray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes square porcelain ashtray with Christmas decorations. Excellent condition.
Hermès Sterling Silver Decorative Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès elegant small sterling silver vase by the iconic Maison Hermès of Paris. Features include a signature around the exterior of the rim, Hermès Paris and Made In France.
$639Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Porcelain Horse Heads Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès white and black porcelain ashtray with horse heads design. Mint condition.
Hermes Bain Neobain Case Rouge Casaque Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bain Neobain case featured in the medium model. Vivid Rouge Casaque with Hermes Bain Pairs embossed on front. Top zipper with ...
$759Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Visionaire Limited Edition Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Visionaire collaboration with Hermès for issue #32, brings us this exquisite and collectible item. A set of 53 postcards in a leather shell. Unused. Comes with duster and box.
Hermes Hemisphaerium Game Of Balance Constellation Game
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermès Hemisphaerium Game of Balance Constellation Game is a delightful fusion of artistry and playfulness, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts and collectors alike. This unique game ...
New in Box Hermes Rare Oran Black Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible and sold out worldwide mini oran bag charm in gold and black leather combo. Comes with original box.
Hermes Vintage Travel Razor Shaving Set Brown Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Rare and hard to find vintage travel razor in case by Hermes - Paris. Possibly dating back to the 1940s. Two piece 'Wardonia - Sheffield' safety razor in metal. The razor comes in a ...
Hermes Mises Et Relances Carre D'H Change Tray Rouge and Fauve
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mises et Relances Carre D'H change tray. Beautifully crafted featuring Rouge and Fauve taurillon leather. Micro perforation on...
Hermès "Marqueterie d’Orient" LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès of Paris "Marqueterie" of oriental and occidental stones dish features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Mint Condition. Comes with original dustcover and box.
Hermès Blue and Brown Catch All
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès catch all desk tray in blue and brown leather. The "Evelyne H" is stamped on the brown leather. For cleaning you can open the edges with the sn...
Hermes Brandebourgs Blanket Ecorce Throw
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Brandenbourgs blanket featured in Ecorce. Cathy Latham's iconic design features the military jacket worn by Napoleon III's Imperial Guard. This striking b...
Hermes Cavales Lacquered Box Black Engraved Lid Wood Engraved Lid
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Cavales box. Engraved hand-lacquered wood. Exquisite in Black. Beautiful container to keep your mementos in s...
Hermès Sterling Silver Decorative Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes sterling silver vase. Perfect addition to your home decor. Stamped.
Hermes Neobain Zen au Soleil Buton D'Or Case Small Model Bain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Zen au Soleil Neobain small model case featured in Buton D'Or. Designed by Gianpaolo Pagni who was influenced by drawings that children do in sand, or the...
Hermès Blue Chaine d'Ancre Porcelain Sugar pot
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Sucrier Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bleue en porcelaine Parfait état
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Gold Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Set of 2 featured in porcelain and Gold. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entran...
Hermes Porcelain Toucan Plate
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Why not get your fine china from the most luxurious fashion house of Hermes? The quality and love put into every piece will last you a lifetime and more. Grab this one of a kind plate for your next dinner party or give it as a gift to your favorite host to show gratitude. This is large enough to be a serving platter that will make a beautiful statement or would look fabulous set upon a display cabinet to add beautiful pops of color. This plate is featured in different shades of vibrant blues, greens, and yellows that pair together effortlessly. This whimsical plate depicts five toucans perched upon branches with green and yellow piping to the edges. Set upon your fine china cabinet...
Hermes Ashtray La Source de Pegase Silver Limoges Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Platinum La Source de Pegase Limoges porcelain ashtray. Hand painted platinum trim and decorated using chromolithography. White with Taupe design creates ...
Hermès White Green Water Lili Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès signature ashtray in white porcelain with a water lili design in white and green.
Hermès Rubans Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage ashtray from the edition Les Rubans. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Blue and white combination, with multicolor design.
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs.Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
New in Box Hermes Verso Pink Green Coin Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box verso coin case in epsom leather and palladium hardware. Pink and green combination. Comes with original box.
Hermes Passifolia Dinner Plate #2 Set of 2
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two (2) Hermes Dinner Plates #2 featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and...
Hermes Mises Et Relances Black Change Tray / Desk Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mises et Relances change tray with perforated Evelyn H. Beautifully crafted featured in Black Clemence leather. Nic...
Hermes Camelia Flower Porcelaine Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rectangular camelia design porcelain ashtray. Red, white and green combination. Excellent condition.
Hermès Double Carmen Bag Charm BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new double carmen bag charm/keychain Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermes Blue Paddock Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès paddock ribbon bag charm in naturel, parchemin, celeste, vert leather. Brand new with original box.
Hermes Sushi Plate Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Small Model Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes marvelous sushi plate also used as a small decorative tray. Limoges Porcelain in platinum and gray mosaic print pays tribute to the iconic mosaic floor of the historic Hermes Faubourg...
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.