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 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...
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...
Hermes Cushion Avalon III Soleil / Gris Small Model Throw Pillow Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers set of two (2) Hermes classic Small Model Avalon signature H pillow featured in Soleil and Gris. The removable covers are created from 90% Wool and 10% cashmere and...
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...
HermesDesigner Adnet 1920s French Art Deco Set 6ShotGlass Metal&Rosewood Carrier
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...
Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Golden Pineapple in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pineapples Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain with golden edges Colorways: White, Blue, Green, Golden Bottom is cover...
Hermes Rouge 24-Colour Lipstick Piano Set Limited-Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Rouge Hermes Piano 24 set brings 10 matte finishes and 14 satin finishes in a range of colours to set any mood in the coming year. Refillable lacquered, polished ...
Hermes "Pluie de H" Long Folding Umbrella With Maple Wood Cane
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Pluie de H" Long Folding Umbrella with Maple Wood Cane is a sophisticated accessory that combines elegance and functionality. Crafted in sleek black, this umbrella featur...
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.
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plate / Tray Set of 6 Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plates in a set of six. (More available if you wish) This marvelous sushi plate also us...
Hermès Exotic Bird Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray in red. In the center of the piece is the image of an exotic bird who sits on a string of flowers. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
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 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 - Raro Anello vintage Serie "Hermès Bijouterie Fantaisie"
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Raro anello unisex della serie "Hermès Bijiouterie Fantaisie" completo di astuccio originale dell' epoca, misura 54. Vi è un fascino part...
HERMES Vintage Stirrup Silver Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver money clip featuring a stirrup. Embossed HERMES. French silver crab hallmark. Indicative measurements : max. length approx. 5...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Horse Bit Shaped Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a horse bit Made in France Made of silvery and golden non-precious stainless metal "HERMES" and "MADE IN FRANCE" eng...
Hermes Beloved India Pillow GM Grey / Brown / Orange New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a extremely rare Hermes Beloved India GM Pillow. Designed by Philippe Dumas in 2009. The removable cover is silk cotton and viscose. Co...
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 ...
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 in...
Hermes Bleus d’Ailleurs Sugar Bowl Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition Bleus d’Ailleurs Sugar Bowl. Crafted from fine porcelain, the Hermès Bleus d’Ailleurs sugar bowl cap...
$763
Hermès Ashtrays
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Gorgeous porcelain ashtray with equestrian subject this is a very elegant object and the horse theme makes as we know always more preciou...
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...
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...
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 Mosaique 24 Gold Rice Bowl Set
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Looking to spice up your kitchen sets? Hermes has you covered with these gorgeous bowl sets! Hermes prooves even your kitchen cabinets could use a splash Hermes elegance with these p...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Gold Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Set of 2 featured in porcelain and Gold. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entran...
Hermès Fer a Cheval Key Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Fer a Cheval Key Ring is in palladium silver and features a horseshoe shape with a subtle “H” signature. Brand new with original dust cover and box.
Hermès Garden Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the center represents a black and white checkered floor, the whole drawing a balcony with beams and lush vegetation of large foliag...
Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor Limited Edition Sycamore Wood Sesame Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor cigar storage box. Featured in Sycamore wood with inlaid lizard in Sesame. Inlays form "H" design. This stunning limited edition Hermes humidor...
Hermès Porcelain Horse Ashtray White Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Made in France. Comes with original box.
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 Ulysse Mini Notebook Cover Bamboo Togo Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Ulysse mini model notebook cover featured in vivid Vert Bamboo. Palladium Clou de Selle snap. Supple Togo leather. New or Store Fresh Condition. f...
Exceptional Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Cacao Cocoa in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Delicate drawing, lovely colorways, shiny at light, a super chic item Print: cocoa tree flower and cocao pod Made in France Made of printed porcelain Golden edges and notches Beige leather at bottom Colorways: White, Purple, Green, Yellow, Golden "HERMÈS - PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19 cm x 15,5 x 3,7 cm (7,48 x 6,1 x 1,45 inches) Condition: Excellent. No chip, no break, no burn traces. Very Golden may show slight signs of wear. Bottom leather clean...
Hermès Delage Cabriolet Print Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Delage D6 or D8 (sorry for my ignorance :) Delage is a famous french luxury cars brand, founded in 1905 by Louis Delage Delage was re...
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.
Hermès Leather Wood Jump Rope Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Jump Rope Limited Edition ! Collectible Item Made in France in 2013 Made of beige wood and "gold" leather "Made in France...
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 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...
Hermes Paris Tennis Racquet Paper Clip Money Clip Tennis Ball
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Very rare item ! Made in France Vintage item Made of Metal (non precious), wood and plastic Colorways: silver-tone, brown "HERMÈS" engra...
Hermès Horse Ledoux Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gold, red and white porcelain ashtray with horse design by Ledoux. Mint condition back suede. Highly collectible subject by Ledoux.
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel God of Love and Heart in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please note: Cupid may appear blue. It is in fact lawn green Shapes: Cupid and Heart From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: lawn g...
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 Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
Hermes Porcelain Toucan Plate
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Why not get your fine china from the most luxurious fashion house of Hermes? The quality and love put into every piece will last you a lifetime and more. Grab this one of a kind plate for your next dinner party or give it as a gift to your favorite host to show gratitude. This is large enough to be a serving platter that will make a beautiful statement or would look fabulous set upon a display cabinet to add beautiful pops of color. This plate is featured in different shades of vibrant blues, greens, and yellows that pair together effortlessly. This whimsical plate depicts five toucans perched upon branches with green and yellow piping to the edges. Set upon your fine china cabinet...
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 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 Shoe Trees in Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Set of 2 shoe trees Vintage items Made of leather Colorway: brown "HERMÈS - PARIS" in golden letters on each shoe tree ...
Gorgeous Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Autumn Fall theme in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chestnut and Oak Leaf Theme: Fall Made in France Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Brown, Green, Golden "HERMÈS-PAR...
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...
Hermès New Set Of 2 Art Deco Mugs W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, black and white art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
Hermes Garde-Robe Pop Porcelain & Goatskin Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Hermes Garde-Robe Pop Porcelain & Goatskin Ashtray From the Emile Hermes collection, Gianpaolo Pagni draws inspiration from one of them. Using his famous stamp techniq...
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 leather cards case
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMES - Leather case including two card decks and one pen. Condition: Very good condition. A few light marks on leather. SKU:ACC448
Hermès Vintage Stirrup Shaped in Guilloché Silvered Pocket Mirror for Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Mirror Small enough to slip into a handbag In silvered meta, Vintage "MADE IN FRANCE HERMES" engraved on a side Can be held by ...
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 Ferma Carré 90 Mors - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Hermès scarf ring in palladium silver color. Silver-plated steel with rings on both sides. Customize your look with this chic accessory. Inclusion: box. Material: Silver Plated Me...
Hermès Ornament Adornment for Skirt in Brown Leather and Golden Medor Studs RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is designed to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not in...
Hermes Chaine d'Ancre Plate 59her723
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 5.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT+ CONDITION ( 9.25/10 or A+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Excellent Interior: Excellent Edges: Excellent
Hermès Tambourine Rattle Toy Leather Silk Wooden Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cutest Authentic Hermès Rattle Ever ! Made, of wood, silk and leather Colorways: Mainly Orange and Pink Made for the 2016 Hong Kong Mid Autumn Festiva...
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.