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...
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 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...
Hermes "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient... Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor porcelain mini square organizer "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident" featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 198...
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 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 "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Vintage Sterling Silver Novelty Decorative Object Pill Box Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Hermes Vintage Sterling Silver Novelty Decorative Object Jewelry Box Kelly Bag Pill Box Sterling silver Made in England Signed Measures 1.8" W x 1.8" L x 0.7" D 100% authenticity ...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
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 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...
Hermes Poulpe Key Ring Black White Leather Octopus Birkin Hac Bag Charm 25 30 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black leather exterior - Made in France - Comes with box Condition: The keyring is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately I...
Hermes Black Leather Cover Diary
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes black leather cover diary featuring a lizard effect, foldover rectangular shape, inside pockets, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made i...
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 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 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: ...
Hermes Designer Adnet French Art Deco Set Shot Glass Rosewood Carrier 1920s
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
French Jacques Adnet--before he gained fame designing furnishings for Parisian luxury artisan house Hermes--created this Art-Deco period bar set with his characteristic combination o...
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...
Hermès Change Tray or Small Dish The Air of Paris 2006 in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Change Tray " L'air de Paris 2006 ! " (The air of Paris 2006) A very nice gift to commemorate a memory that took place that year Can be used as small dish ...
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 Vintage Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Hunting With Hounds in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Pattern: Hunting with hounds / Horse Hunt Made in France Made of printed porcelain and golden edges Bottom covered with green leather ...
$15,223Sale 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...
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.
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 Ledoux porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès porcelain ashtray Two black horses in the prairie Signed (Philippe) Ledoux Circa cm. 19 x cm. 16 Back suede Made in France Excellent condition
Hermès Horse Letter Opener Paper Cutter Ravinet d'Enfert 20th Century
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Elegant and Timeless Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Can be used as paper cutter Long pointed blade adorned with a sculptural horse head handle The horse’s sculpture is magnificent...
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 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...
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 ...
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 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 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 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 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 Plaid Hand Woven Avalon 100%Cashmere Cyan / Carmin 140x185CM Blanket NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Blanket in hand-woven cashmere 100% cashmere Color Cyan / Carmin Retail over $4500 Finished with blanket stitch.Made in Nepal Designed by Gianpaolo Pagni Measures 72.8" x 55.1" FINAL...
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 Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip Couture spirit with its openwork stitches Made of sterling silver 925 (minerva hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS Ag 925" engraved at back Meas...
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: ...
Hermès Women's Savana Dance Skateboard in Multicolour Wood
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...
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...
Set of two Hermès Africa Breakfast Cups & Saucers
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Set de deux Tasses à Déjeuner & Soucoupes Hermès Africa en porcelaine Parfait état
Hermès Porcelain Blue Geometric Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès signature ashtray with geometric design in blue, white and gold. Suede stamped underneath. Made in France. Excellent condition.
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 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.
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 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...
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.
$4,162
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...
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.
Exceptional Hermès Magnifying Glass Paperweight Golden Deer Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Magnyfying Glass Round stand with deer head shaped handle Made in France Vintage item Made of golden metal Colorways: golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" a...
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 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...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Traditional Medieval Outfit
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: traditional medieval outfit, adorned with hunting horns Made in France Made of printed porcelain, egdes and notches hand paint...
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...
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...
Hermes Oseraie wicker tray
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Rectangular wicker tray, Oseraie Color tray, color terre battue - Strips in hand-braided Swift calfskin - Handles in Swift calfskin - Glass sheet insert to protect the wicker...
Hermès White & Gold Sails Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain sailing boat design ashtray/catchall. White, gold, green and red combination.
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 Chaine d'Ancre Bottle Opener Orfevrerie Ercuis
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener From the "Chaine d'Ancre" collection (anchor chain) Made in France Designed by "Orfevrerie Ercuis" (OE and centaur hallmark) Made of metal Co...
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...
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.