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 Lion Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Lion Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: ivory, green, yellow, brown Bei...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
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 ...
Hermes Red Leather Cover Diary
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Red leather cover diary featuring a foldover rectangular shape, an inside Hermes address book that fits inside pocket, and an inside Hermes ...
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
Hermès 24 Cards Memory Game Western and Company Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Memory Game Print: Texan spirit, Horse Riding theme, Western, Rodeo Includes 12 pairs of cards, for a total of 24 cards The same drawing is found on 2 c...
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...
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES MEDIUM Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Soleil d’Hermès medium box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or (yellow) with an anthracite-grey Soleil motif. Inspired by the Mediterra...
Rare Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray in Porcelain Pear and Pear Blossoms
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pear and Pear Blossoms Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: White, Beige, Green Golden edges "HERMÈS-PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19,9 cm Length / 16,3 cm Width / 4 cm Height (7,83 x 6,41 x 1,5 inches) Condition: Excellent. No chip, no break, no burn mark. Golden is a little erased at the notches No Hermès Packaging...
Hermès Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original box.
Hermès Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès Gold Porcelain 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Wild Animals Africa
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
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: camel, zebra, giraffe, hi...
Hermès By Xavier de Poret Ashtray Change Tray Magpie Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Xavier de Poret is known for his animal drawings. He collaborated with Hermès to create silk scarves that are now highly sought-after. It is very rar...
Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a horsewhip Made of Silver 800 (crab hallmark) Made in France Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved at the end of...
Exceptional Hermès Secret Watch Pendant in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Watch A beautiful blend of craftsmanship, elegance, design and functionality, and above all, an exceptional collector's item The pulley-shaped penda...
Hermès Paris vintage porcelain ashtray with a green and gold floral pattern, Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
An elegant vintage Hermès Paris ashtray made of French porcelain, decorated with delicate pink-lilac flowers and green leaves on an ivory background, framed by a wide band of deep gr...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silver Lipstick Holder and its Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare authentic Hermès Lipstick Holder Vintage Item Made of Silver Vintage Item A small mirror is included in the mechanism. It opens by opening the...
Hermès Garden Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the center represents a black and white checkered floor, the whole drawing a balcony with beams and lush vegetation of large foliag...
Hermès Parrot Bird Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Parrot Great gift idea for a parrot lover ! Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold ...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
$2,273Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Cigar Astray 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Boat and seagulls in the upper right corner It looks like it is the main ship of the expedition, the "Santa Maria", Col...
Hermès Silver Paper Clip Money Clip Bookmark Dog Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremaly Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Clip Rounded end decorated with a dog's head in profile Can be used as money clip or paper clip, bookmark Vintage Item Made of silver ...
Hermès Sellier Fly Bonnet Black Crocheted Cotton Horse Size
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Sellier fly bonnet is crafted in black crocheted cotton, offering a timeless and versatile equestrian look. The classic black tone pairs effortlessly with...
Rare Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Horse Shaped Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a horse head Can be used as change tray, ashtray, small plate, or just to decorate Made in France Tr...
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...
Hermes Silver Ashtray Organizer Cornucopia
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Silver-tone metal round organizer plate featuring a Cornucopia, Corne d'Abondance (Horn of abundance) in his center, a round shape, back pitted leather Hermes signature at h...
Hermès Set of 2 Enamel Napkin Rings Lotus Flowers
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 Print: "Fleurs de Lotus" (Lotus Flowers) / Designed by Christinae Vauzelles in 1974 Made of printed enamel on metal base Made in...
Hermes Burgundy Large Box Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Burgundy Large Box leather notebook cover featuring contrasted stitching, internal logo stamp, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Len...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Coffea Coffee Café Print in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stop and take time to look at all the photos of this absolutely lovely authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: coffee leaves, flowers and beans Drawings are gorgeous, and varnish gives it ...
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...
Auth. Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc – NWCTS – 2510281928 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Not applicable / no specific artist credite...
HERMES Avalon Small Model ecru camel merino wool cashmere jacquard pillow PM
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Avalon Small Model ecru camel merino wool cashmere jacquard pillow PM Reference: KYCG/A00262 Brand: Hermes Model: Avalon Pillow Small Material: Merino Wool, Cashmere Color: Br...
Hermès Letter Opener Paper Cutter Measuring Tape by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener In shape of a measuring tape Graduated from 1 to 15 cm (1 cm = 0.39 inch) Made by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Vintage Item Made o...
Hermès Blue Bird Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Ashtray features a blue bird porcelain and an orange branch border. The edges are gold. Comes with box.
Hermès Reindeer Tray Cigar Ashtray in Porcelain Great North Alaska Canada
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Reindeer Pattern from "La Vie du Grand Nord", designed in 2004 Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches han...
Hermes Story BNIB Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new light blue, blue, red and green porcelain catchalls with Hermes story design. With original box.
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 Silver Money Clip Gaetan de Percin Spur Shaped Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip In shape of a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made by Gaetan de Percin for Hermès ("GP" hallmark) Made of silver 800 (c...
Bougeoir Hermès Vintage Cordage Vintage circa 1970-80
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Élégant bougeoir Hermès Cordage vintage datant des années 1970-1980, réalisé en métal argenté. Sa base ornée d’un décor de cordage rappelle l’univers marin et l’art de vivre de la Ma...
Hermès Tigre Royal Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold Royal Tiger
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Vintage item Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand pa...
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...
Hermes Bird Porcelain White Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes signature ashtray with bird design in brown, yellow and gold. Suede stamped bottom. Made in France.
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 pairs of Chopsticks in wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super RARE and lovely Authentic Hermès Chopsticks The set include 2 pairs of chopstickes and 2 supports Made of wood and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS...
Hermès Corkscrew Bottle Opener Bottle Coaster Matching Set Cordage Rope D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Matching Set of 3 pieces - Corkscrew - Bottle Opener - Bottle Coaster Absolutely perfect for decorating the table in your seaside home or on your boat ...
Hermès NIB Orange Horse Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach towel with geometric horse and figure design. Orange, taupe and black color combination. 100% cotton. Comes with original box.
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:...
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 Set Cheval Natte Playing Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Cheval Natte Playing Card set designed by artist Tong Ren. The cards feature a braided texture and color block aesthetic. The set includes two decks of 55 silver-edged cards.
Hermes Macao Mahjong Board Game Fauve and Natural Mahogany
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited edition Hermes Macao Mahjong game featured in leather and natural Mahogany wood. Fauve Taurillon H leather lid with bi-colour handles in evercolor calfski...
Hermès Paris Centerpiece Vase Ceramic Duck Shaped From La Mare aux Canards
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Centerpiece Vase Duck shaped, the perfect gift for a duck lover ! From the Hermès design "La Mare aux Canards" (The Duck Pond), drawn by Daphné Duch...
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...
Hermès 2010s Cartes à Nouer Scarf Knotting Cards Set No. 6 in Box
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 6. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautifully photogr...
$3,978
Hermes Vintage H Box
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare silver tone metal box featuring a large gold plated H design on top. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER - RD - hallmark. Made in France. I...
Hermès Padlock Charm Keyring Horse Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Padlock Can be used as a charm or keyring thanks to its ring In shape of a horse's head Made of brushed metal on the faces, unbrushed metal on the...
Hermès New Guepards Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès guepards Beach Towel in white and black. The pattern shows two yellow leopards facing each other. The item is in new and comes with the box.
Valise Business Hermès Courchevel année 80-90
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold datant des années 80-90. Très bon état. Cette valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold, datant des années 1980-1990, illustre pa...
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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage 6 Tobacco Pipes Stand Rack Holder RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Stand Rack for 6 Tobacco Pipes Rare vintage item Can be used for anything else Made of non precious metal Colorway: Silvery "HERMÈS PARIS" and craftman hallmark engraved at back 2 animal heads at top of the stand Measurements: - 15 cm high (5,91 inches) - 16 cm at longest (6,3 inches) - 11,5 cm at widest (4,53 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape. No missing part. Clean and shiny. Scratches on the base No Hermès packaging...
Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure with lacquered pall...
Hermès New Grey Avalon Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new grey Avalon wool cashmere blanket. Classic patten.
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.