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 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 New In Box Set Of 3 Puzzles
By Hermès, Alice Shirley
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 3 "Under the waves" puzzles. Designed by Alice Shirley, collectible author.
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...
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...
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 Feathers Cushion Pillow Brazil Silk Cotton Embroidered
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Cushion Absolutely gorgeous, this precious and rare piece is from the embroidered collection Print: Feathers inspired from "BRAZIL" Made in India Ma...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Small Boats Sailing Ships
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Small Boats / Sailing Ships Made in France Made of porcelain, edges gilded with fine gold Colorways: White / Blue / Yellow / Beige Dark su...
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 Chinese Emperor Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chinese Emperor, China Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with fine gold Colorways: white...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Natural Mahogany Horsehead
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcande Natural Mahogany paperweight. Crafted in solid mahogany wood. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. Etoupe leather base stampe...
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...
Hermès Saint Christopher Yellow Gold Key Holder Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Key Ring Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" o...
Hermès Set of Notepad and Cover in Gold Leather Olympic Games Logo
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Notepad Set including 2 Hermès notepads and their Hermès cover Cover is made of gold epsom leather, white stitch...
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 ...
Exceptional Hermès Openwork Chiselled Silver Box Case RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely stunning Authentic Hermès Box The design on the lid is beautiful, very fine and delicate Made of openwork chiselled silver box Vinta...
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 Set of 4 Mini Ashtrays Bull Horses Birds Porcelain Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Bull, Horses, Pink Flamingos and other birds Drawings inspired by the fauna of the French area of Camargue Also called "guest ashtray",...
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,...
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...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Gold New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gold Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate featured in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entrance of the 24 Faubourg St. Honore flagship ...
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 Braided Leather Wooden Lead Pencil
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pencil Made of Wood and Covered with braided leather Palladium plated "Clou de selle" on top, "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved Colo...
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 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...
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 ...
Hermes Avalon III Signature H Gris / Soleil Throw Blanket
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes classic Avalon III signature H blanket featured in Gris and Soleil. Created from 90% Merino Wool and 10% Cashmere with blanket stitch edges. Wonderful gi...
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 Palladium Photo Holder With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes authentic photo holder/name stand in palladium hardware with H logo. Comes with original box.
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...
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 Feathers Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Feathers Made in France Vintage Item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand- painted with fine gold Colorways: white, blue, green ...
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 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.
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...
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 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 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 Apollo 24 Celestial Globe Blue de Prusse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe featured in Blue de Prusse. Created from 12 sheathed pieces of printed leather the leather marquet...
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...
Hermes Lao Paperweight Brain Teaser Acajou Ebenise Mahogany Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lao paperweight featured in Acajou Ebenise. In addition to its inherent charm, this exquisite solid ebonized mahogany Lao is a b...
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...
HermesBlue 2001 Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue “2001” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a blue border, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 2001 Made in Frace In good vin...
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 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 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...
Hermès “Cheval Marin“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Cheval Marin" print designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux is made from 100% cotton. Features a solid orange back. It is woven in Germany and ...
Hermes Carnets D'Equateur Tea Box Hand Painted Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes rare Carnet d'Equateur Tea Box. Features hand painted lacquered wood with the exotic jungle design by Robert Dallet. Hermetic cover and inox interior. Bow...
Hermès Paris Belt Shaped Money Clip Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used for money, paper, anything you need to clip In shape of a belt (can not be opened) Vintage Item Made of silver 800 Colorway: silvery "HER...
Hermès New Grey Avalon Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new grey Avalon wool cashmere blanket. Classic patten.
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Mug Set of 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of four (4) Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum mugs. Mosaics are screen printed and applied by hand using 24 carat platinum tiles. Reflects the art deco mosaics t...
Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box featured in Jaune. A unique and beautiful piece Hand painted lacquered wood with palm shapes evoking...
Hermès BNIB Kraft Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new carmen keychain/bag charm in kraft new color. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
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...
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 Old Car Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: a couple traveling in an old hand-cranked car, edges decorated with a drive chain design. A refined gift, ideal for all lovers of vi...
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 Address Tag for Luggage Suitcase in Naturel Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Adress Tag You can write your address or phone number directly on the lines provided for this purpose Made in France Made of Smoo...
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 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.
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...
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.