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 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 Golf Ball Letter Opener Paper Cutter Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Can be used as paper cutter One end is adorned with a golf ball, the other end is pointed Made of silvery metal Designed by Ravinet ...
Hermès Sellier Fly Bonnet Rouge Crocheted Cotton Horse Size
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Sellier fly bonnet is crafted in Rouge crocheted cotton, offering a bold and refined equestrian look. The vibrant red tone adds a striking accent while ma...
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...
Hermès NIB Cheval Natte Tarot Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box tarot deck with 78 cards, silver edged with multicolor cheval natte design. Designed by Tong Ren.
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...
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 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...
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 ...
Auth. Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid 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 3...
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 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...
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...
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 ...
Hermès Gloves Gloves Holder Key Holder Red Leather Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Chic Authentic Hermès Gloves Holder Can be used as gloves holder (for thin gloves), key holder, charm Made in France Made of ostrich leath...
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 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.
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...
$2,319Sale 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 Marine Buoy Silver Key Holder Key Chain Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a marine buoy, floating Buoy Great gift idea for any sea, navy, boat Vintage Item Made of silver (crab hallmark) Col...
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...
New in Box Hermès Palladium Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silver and palladium scarf ring. Comes with velvet duster and original box. Never used.
Hermes “Calligraphy” Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Ivory “Calligraphy” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom, a side Hermes signature. Circa 2000s Made in Frace In good vintage ...
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...
Discontinued Hermes Wallpaper 2 Boxes NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Discontinued wall paper by Hermes. 2 rolls or boxes included.Booth same design and same colors 10m roll 68.5 cm width each roll. Made in England This wall paper should be applied h...
Hermès Savana Dance Skateboard
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès made their foray into the world of skate culture with a line of skateboards that featured archival designs from the house. Fantastically curated in the multi-colour 'Savana Dance...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Mediterranean Sea Coasts
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the coasts of the Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea): France, Egypt (Giza Pyramids), Spain (bull, the arenas), Italy (Rialto Bridge) ...
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 Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake measurements: 26.5 l * 8 h * 26. 5 d
HERMES Vintage Silver Plated Horse Head Equestrian Desk Tray
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plated horse head equestrian desk tray featuring a crosshatching design. Originally designed as a desk accessory for pens and pencils, it can also accommodate ...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glasses Case Beige Ostrich Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Glasses Case Exceptional Piece, extremely rare Made in France No datation stamp, Vintage item Made of ostrich leather, inside ...
Hermès Oran Nano Bag Charm Grigri Black Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Oran Nano" Charm In shape of an Hermès Oran Sandal, in nano version Made in France Made of Hunter and Butler Leather Colorways: Noir / Naturel Sable ...
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 Set of Hair Brush and Mirror Inlaid Lacquered Wood H Lift
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and beautiful Authentic Hermès Set Hair Brush and matching mirror Both made of "H Lift" inlaid lacquered wood " HERMÈS PARIS" engraved on the handle of each item Measurem...
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...
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...
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 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...
Exceptional Hermès Shoe Trees in Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Set of 2 shoe trees Made in France Vintage items Made of courchevel leather (ex epsom leather, grained leather) Colorways: yellow, brown "HERMÈS...
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: ...
A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970. France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès Pa...
Hermès Yellow Gold Money Clip Numbered Stirrup Spur Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exeptional and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Moeny Clip In shape of stirrup with a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made of yellow gold (eaggle head hallmark ...
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 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...
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...
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 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 Vintage Vide Poche Cendrier Lion Feline Ashtray Trinket Bowl Hermes NIB
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès porcelain ashtray or trinket tray, lion or feline motif, in beige and gold tones, lined with beige suede, Made in France, signed Hermès. Width 20 cm x Length 16 cm x Height 3....
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 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 Sellier Limited Edition Jumping Bridle Black Leather Red Stitch Reins
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès limited edition Sellier jumping bridle is crafted in black leather with distinctive red topstitching and includes matching reins. The contrast stitching...
Hermès NIB Yellow Black Fish Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Fish Beach Towel. The pattern features several fish in different colors. The piece is new and comes in the original box.
Hermès Green White Porcelain Sprinter Dog Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Porcelain Sprinter Dog Ashtray in green is 100% porcelain with a green suede bottom.
Adorable Hermès Set of 2 Mini Card Games Monarch De Poret Pattern
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Mini Card Games Set of 2 Back Pattern: "Monarch" designed by Xavier de Poret Made in France "HERMES PARIS" written on the first card Golden edges Co...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Sacred Cow Adorned With Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: sacred cow adorned with gold ornaments Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine g...
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...
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...
Hermes Blue Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue Mini porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a rectangular shape, a blue horse riding blanket inspired by « Couvertures et tenues de jour » scarf b...
Hermès Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
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:...
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.