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.
Exceptional Hermès Tennis Racquet Shaped Pill Box Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Collectible Authentic Hermès Pill Box Tennis Racquet Shaped Vintage item Made of metal The lid is made of transparent plastic on which are drawn lines representing the r...
Hermès Flowers Seashells Print Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: seashells, flowers, butterfly Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: ...
Hermès “Cheval Natté” Cashmere Throw Blanket
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant “Cheval Natté” Printed Throw by Hermès. Double-faced cashmere throw with no stains or signs of wear, never used. Condition: Never used Made in Italy Material: 100% cashmere C...
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...
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...
Hermès Paris Playing Cards Four Mini Ashtrays Porcelain Gold Ace Poker
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Ace clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥) and spades (♠) Theme: playing cards, poker Also called "guest ashtray", these sma...
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 Wood Set Pipe and Pipe Holder Paperweight Horse Saddle Rodeo Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Setof Pipe and Pipe Holder Pipe Holder: in the shape of a small horse saddle Can be used as paperweight Rare vintage item Great gift for any pipe smo...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
Hermès 1986 Le Toucans Rare Limoges Porcelain Plate Set
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Rare Limoges porcelain crockery composed of 5 dinner plates and 5 dessert plates. Design entitled "Le Toucans" from 1986. Condition: Very good condition D...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
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...
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 Pouch Case Trousse Jimetou Colonnes in Cotton GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Case Called "Trousse Jimétou Colonnes" Made in France Outside made of 100% cotton toile, inside lined with Polyurethane cotto...
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...
Hermès Hermès celebrates its 150th anniversary Figurine Rider Horse 1837-1987
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Figurine Created to celebrate 150th anniversary of Hermès Design comes from the Hermès scarf called "Feux d'Artifice", whi...
Hermès Set of 7 Leather Charms Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely set of 7 Authentic Hermès Charms Shapes: Horse, Seahorse, Heart, Christmas Tree, Lion, Cupid, Marmot From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorways: 1 Beige, 2 Blue...
Vintage Hermes Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Hermes ashtray with Pegasus detail in gold. The ashtray is in white porcelain with a gold border and decoration. Small damage to one corner that could be repaire...
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 ...
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 H Throw Blanket Wool and Cashmere NEW
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès H Throw Blanket Wool and Cashmere is a blend of wool and cashmere, with signature H in a Black/Brown/Creme grid pattern throughout, and whipstitc...
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 Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
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 metal Vintage item "HERMES ...
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 condition, HH stamp.
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Golf Ball Key Ring Keychain Silver and Vermeil
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain Shape of a Golf Ball, surrounded by golden belt with H buckle Vintage item Made of silver and vermeil Colorways: silvery...
Hermès Two Mugs Chateau Épopée New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 mugs in porcelain. Unicorns and dragons design. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain Reference: TGAS/F00301 Brand: Hermes Model: Breloque Olga Cadena Material: Metal Color: Silver Patter...
Hermes Saddle Box Blue Recycled Kraft Paper Leather and Aluminum
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saddle Box featured in Blue. Recycled Kraft cardboard stamped with the Hermes Sellier Clou de Selle. Top and bottom rim a...
Hermès Dolphins Print Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and so rare authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 jumping Dolphins Made in France Made in 1979 for the first flight of Boeing 747 for UTA (Union de Transports Aériens - Air T...
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW with box
Hermès Baby Elephant Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: baby elephant Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: raspberry pink, gold, bla...
Hermès Blue Gold Paris Knights Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Paris Knights Ashtray is made from 100% porcelain and features a knights motif, with gold tone border and a black suede bottom.
Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Box Lid engraved with Tennis racquets and balls This is a vintage item, originally created to store cigarettes, but can be used for anything else M...
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 "Feux d'Artifice" Blue Porcelain Ashtray Catchall 1980s Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rare 1980s Hermès "Feux d'Artifice" Blue Porcelain Ashtray – Limited Edition, Made in France Discover this exquisite vintage Hermès porcelain ashtray from the 1980s, featuring the rare and collectible “Feux d’Artifice” (Fireworks) design. Created to celebrate Hermès’ 150th anniversary in 1987, this limited-edition piece was designed by Michel Duchene and reflects the house’s timeless elegance and craftsmanship. The center showcases a gilded motif of a horseman on horseback, surrounded by intricate bursts of golden fireworks, symbolizing celebration and grandeur. The striking deep blue and gold color palette, framed with a bold border and luminous detailing, adds richness and visual impact to any interior. Versatile Functionality: While originally created as a luxury cigar ashtray, this item is equally suited as a vide-poche (catchall tray), decorative porcelain accent, or display piece for collectors of French fine porcelain and designer objets d’art. Brand: Hermès Paris Design: “Feux d’Artifice” by Michel Duchene Material: Limoges porcelain with gilt detailing Color: Royal blue, gold, and white Signed: Marked “HERMÈS PARIS” and “MADE IN FRANCE” Base: Covered in royal blue goatskin suede with Hermès monogram Includes: Original orange Hermès box (shows minor wear) Condition: Excellent, unused vintage condition Dimensions: Height: 1.5 in (3.8 cm) Width: 7.5 in (19 cm) Depth: 6 in (15.2 cm) Provenance: Made in France by Hermès, the iconic luxury house renowned for its equestrian heritage and masterful craftsmanship in leather, silk, and porcelain. 1970s–1980s collectible design. Hermès ashtray, vintage Hermès porcelain, 1980s Hermès decor, collectible Hermès tray, Feux d’Artifice ashtray, Hermès fireworks design, Michel Duchene Hermès, French luxury porcelain, blue and gold porcelain ashtray, limited edition Hermès catchall, Hermès Limoges ashtray...
Hermès Couverture Agenda Bloc Note Semainier Golden Leather Agenda Cover Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Weekly Planner cover in grained leather, gold or camel color, with saddle stitching. The interior features a pair of silver-tone metal clips to hold the notebook, planner, add...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 glass stemmed porcelain cups Saint Louis Mesclun
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional production from the Hermès Petit H workshops of 2 stemmed cups Mix between porcelain and glass from Saint Louis (created in 1586, Saint Louis became the Verrerie Royale ...
Hermès 2 Mini Guepards Ashtrays Leopard
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Set of Mini Ashtrays are part of "Les Leopards" collection and can be used as change trays or organizers. Suede protection on bottom of trays. Comes with original box.
Hermès “Cheval Marin” Navy Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Cheval Marin Beach Towel. Never used, reversible beach towel. Condition: Never used Made in France Material: 100% cotton Color: Navy blue, green, orange Dimensions: 95 x 150 c...
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 (...
Hermès NIB Set Of 2 Art Deco Coffee Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, white and red art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
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 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 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.
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 Set of 4 Swizzle Sticks Stirrers Ski Poles in Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning Authentic Hermès Cocktail Stirrers Can be used as Champagne whip or swizzle-stick to remove the bubbles from fizzy drinks In shape of Ski P...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Deer Print Xavier de Poret
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Deer Designed by Xavier de Poret LP crest on both sides, for Laurent Perrier champagnes. Perfect gift for someone with the initi...
Hermès New Black Porcelain H Deco Mug
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès H Art Deco Mug, features the Hermès 24 Faubourg and rue de Sèvres stores, inspired H Déco collection including the mug. The service is stamped with the initials HH, around...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135 x 95cm - Ecru Camel - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
laid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel – NWCTS - 2602181809 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37...
Hermès Set of 2 Towels Golf Clubs and Balls Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Towels This rare set includes 2 towels embroidered with a coat of arms featuring two crossed golf clubs with a ball...
Hermès Bunch of Grapes Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Bunch of grapes, grape, vine leaves Theme: vine, harvest, grape, wine Beautiful in a cellar. Would make a great gift for a wine ...
Hermès Mail Holder Book Holder Bookend Horse Bit Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Mail or Book Holder Base in gilt metal adorned with 2 silver handles in the shape of a horse bit Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert "HERMÈS PARIS" and R...
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.
Hermès Wooden Box Chest to Store Scarves or Jewelry RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Box To store scarves, but can be used for anything else Made of Wood Coloway: Beige Opens with 2 push butto...
Hermes Gold Horse Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Classic white and gold combination. Made in France. Comes with original box.
Hermès 4 Mini Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
Hermès Set/2 Africa Green Teacups W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Africa Tea Cup Saucer green and yellow color combination. Set of 2 with original box. Size (approx.): Cup: diameter:3.4 x height 2.2 inch ( 8.7 x...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Exceptional Hermès Key Holder Keychain Golf Ball Shape in Yellow Gold RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Key Holder Shape: Golf Ball Vintage Item Made of Yellow Gold Colorway: Yellow Gold "HERMES PARIS" and hallm...
Hermès Silver Bottle Opener Ravinet d'Enfert Horse
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Openerand Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Horse head shaped Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Made in France Vintage item Answers sil...
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.