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 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 Vintage Ashtray Horse Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray with a print of galloping horse in the center of it. The horse wears a yellow blanket with stripes at the end. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
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 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 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...
Hermès Sleeping Dogs Porcelain Ashtray Aldin
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with an image of two sleeping dogs on an armchair. Porcelain in perfect condition with silver trim. Back suede has been removed.
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 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...
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...
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 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 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...
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 Ashtray Change Tray Pipe Holder Pipe Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as change tray or pipe holder Pipe-shaped Vintage item Made of glazed ceramic Colorways: Beige / Brown "HERMÈS" engraved on a side M...
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 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 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...
Exceptional Hermès and Paul Jouve Leather Portfolio with Knocker Medor
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Stunning Rare Authentic Paul Jouve by Hermès Portfolio Paul Jouve is a french artist, painter animal sculptor (1878-1973) Very nice Piece i...
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...
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...
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 1985s Porte Cles Argent Clou de Selle Sterling Silver Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès keychain circa 1985 in 925/1000 silver, Clou de selle model, composed of a chain and a large medallion. Total length 19 cm, clasp at 13 cm, medallion diameter 3 cm, total weig...
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 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...
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 Cheval Turc Porcelaine Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Ashtray in great condition, with fabric back. Add this ashtray to your collection or as an edition to your coffee table.
Hermès Cornucopia Vintage Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès 50s cigarette box features a decorated a horn of abundance, known as cornucopia. Outer leather black cover shows some signs of wear, removable interior in excellent condit...
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 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...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entrance of the 24 Fau...
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...
Hermès "Leopard" Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Leopard" sarong is in 100% cotton with hand rolled edges, features a classic all-over leopard print with a narrow contrasting border.
Hermès Rouge H Vintage Grooming Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage grooming travel set is composed by 1 bifold leather case with: 1 wood shoe horn, a silver metal razor, a blade holder, 1 leather pouch with a comb, manicure set. Comes w...
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
Hermes Change Tray Etoupe NEW In Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes change tray with perforated Evelyn H. Beautifully crafted featuring Etoupe in Clemence leather. Nickeled clou de selle snaps. A beautiful des...
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 Set of four Small Ashtrays Porcelain and Gold Animals Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtray", these small objects can be placed near the plates, or be used as change tray Prints: Dog, Eaggle, Goat, Giraffe M...
Hermes Blanket Avalon III Black/ Ecru Throw Blanket New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes classic Avalon III signature H blanket featured in rare Black, Camel and Ecru. Created from 90% Merino Wool and 10% cashmere and ...
Hermes Ulysse PM Notebook Cover Vert Amande with Refill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ulysse PM model notebook cover features Vert Amande in Togo leather. Palladium Clou de Selle snap. Comes with notebook refill. Ea...
Hermès Christmas Change Tray Small Dish Noel au 24 Faubourg Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as small dish From "Noël au 24 Faubourg" print Made in France in 2005 Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Blue, Red,...
Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set Let's Play! Blue Indigo Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set with a dash of luxury! Featured in sapodilla wood and solid cassia wood. A mini Chess game with magne...
Hermes Change Tray Tigre Royal Or / Rose Hand Painted New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tigre Royal featured in Gold (Or) and Rose ashtray. Hand-painted Limoges Porcelain. This magnificent regal tiger is a co...
Hermès Black White Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and white 100% cotton sarong , stylish and chic. Care tag attached.
Hermès Silver Money Clip Paper Clip ORTF
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Designed in the shape of the ORTF, Office de radiodiffusion-télévision française (French Broadcasting and Television Office) Can be used as money clip or...
Hermès Small Silver Plate Metal Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès abstract silver plate small petal vase. Minor wear and scuffs. Top opening 1.5”. Please refer to the last photo to see the same vase in the same shape in glass and silver pla...
Hermès Paris 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Sailboats Prints Navy Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: sailboats Theme: navy, sailor, sea, boats, sailboats, nautical, ships Also called "guest ashtray", these small ashtrays can be...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Demitasse (Espresso) Cup and Saucer Set of Four
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bleus D'Ailleurs Demitasse Cup and Saucer featured in a set of four (4). Treat yourself to a quiet moment to experience "A story of “white and blue” made ...
Hermès NIB Samarcande Paperweight
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Samarcande paperweight is beautifully sculptured with lightly sanded edges and a base made from cowhide. Comes with ribbon and...
Hermes Change / Ashtray Chasse En Inde Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes porcelain Chasse En Inde ashtray / change tray. Depicts a hunt in India intricately displayed in reds, gold and blue. A pe...
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 ...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Van Quatre Gold Porcelain Bowl Set of 2
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Mosaique au 24 Van Quatre Gold Porcelain Bowl Set of 2 exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious design. Featuring a vibrant mosaic print in shades of yellow, oran...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Van Quatre Gold Porcelain Teapot
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Mosaique au 24 Van Quatre Gold Porcelain Teapot is a stunning example of luxurious craftsmanship and artistic design. Featuring a vibrant mosaic print in shades of yellow,...
Hermès Pair Braque Vintage Mini Ashtrays
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès vintage set of "Braque d'auvergne" mini ashtrays are a collectable set in great condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box.
Hermès "Filou" Gold Glove Clip
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Filou" Glove Clip is in gold plated metal. Hook this clip onto your handbag strap to keep your gloves together and add a stylish flair to your handbag. Handbag and gloves not...
Hermès New Grey Avalon Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new grey Avalon wool cashmere blanket. Classic patten.
Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer Porcelain Set of 2 New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes H Deco Rouge Tea Cup and Saucer set of 2. Exquisite in Porcelain. Rich color and print combination ...
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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Keychain Saint Christopher Patron Saint of Travelers Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" of travelers. Can be used as charm or key holder Made of Silver (80% - Crab hallmark) Probably Vintage Item Colorway: Silver-tone "HERMES" engraved at back Hallmarks on the chain Measurements: - Total Length: 16 cm (6,3 inches) - The medal part is 2,2 Long 4,5 High (0,87 / 1,77 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape, no missing part. Clean and shiny. Closure system perfectly works. May show micro scratches not seen unless close inspection. Will come in its original vintage Hermès case...
Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars Black Swift Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars featured in Black Swift leather case. Leica Ultravid with Fernglas. Compact binoculars with Black leather trim. Black Swift leather case with tone on tone stitching and Clou de Selle snaps for closure. Attached Black leather strap. Made in Germany. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store Fresh Condition. final sale BINOCULAR CASE...
Hermès Set of 2 Golf Ball Silvery Metal Door Knobs
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Golf Balls Can be used as decorative objects, but the hole at back also allows them to be used as drawer handles (delivered with the screws see...
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.
Hermes bags have blindstamps, placed under the plaques or on the interior. Usually they are placed close to the date stamps denoting the year of production. Recently, in a small % of receipts, the blind stamp is also printed on the store receipt which can be matched to the blind stamp inside the bag.
It is virtually impossible to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Birkin for purchase. Most Birkins are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.