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 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...
Hermès Change Tray Ashtray Setter Dog carrying a Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Change tray Print: Dog carrying a Kelly bag Can be used as ashtray, but no notches for that purpose Made of Porcelain Colo...
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 ...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
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 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 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...
Hermès Helicopter Key Ring Leather for Eurocopter
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Rectangular in shape, hot-stamped with a helicopter "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" hot-stamped on the front "eurocpter an EADS Company HERMÈS PARIS" h...
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 Keychain Key Holder Alligator
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Key Holder 5 sides geometric figure shaped Made in 2020 Made of Alligator Mississippiensis Colorway: Beige / Silvery Silver-tone rings "HERMÈS" and "...
Hermès Baby Elephant Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: baby elephant Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: raspberry pink, gold, bla...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Umbrella Zebras Print 1988 Exotic Year RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Umbrella Print: Zebras Vintage Item from 1988, "Exotic Year" Made in France Made of 100% cotton water repellent cl...
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 Bird Porcelain Yellow Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Vintage Hermès Ashtray features a bird porcelain and a yellow branch border. The edges are gold foil, would be stamped HHH but the suede has been removed. Excellent condition.
Hermès Blue Bird Gold Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès signature ashtray with blue bird design in orange and gold. Suede stamped bottom. Made in France. Special edition with bottom foil. No box.
Hermès Shoe Shaped Lacquered Wood Key Ring Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Chain Great gift for shoes lovers ! This little mule has nothing to envy the big ones! Identical reproduction, ...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Coffea Coffee Café Print in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stop and take time to look at all the photos of this absolutely lovely authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: coffee leaves, flowers and beans Drawings are gorgeous, and varnish gives it ...
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...
HERMES Vintage Silver Nautical Place-Card or Menu Holders Set
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage set of 12 silver nautical place-car or menu holders featuring a ship's wheel. A rare and refined set for sailing enthusiasts or yacht owners. Embossed HERMES. French...
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 ...
Hermes H Diagonale Cashmere Blanket Petunia and Mandarine
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes H Diagonale blanket featured in Petunia and Mandarine. Inspired by a 1929 Hermes advertisement for male and female acc...
Hermes Orange Large square African Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Orange Large square African porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a square shape, an African animals design, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s Made in...
Hermes Multicolour Large “La Siesta” Porcelain Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolour Large “La Siesta” porcelain organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a rectangular shape, a floral motive, a Hermes signature. Delivered in original box Circa 200...
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...
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 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 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 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...
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 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...
Hermès Gazelles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Africa Kenya Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Gazelles / Antelopes We found a similar print on the "KENYA scarf, designed by Robert Dallet and issued in 1988, "year of exotici...
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 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...
Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & Spurs
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Say hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...
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...
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 ...
Hermès Set of 2 Placemats Formula One Paddock Club GP F1 Car Race
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Placemats Made by Hermès for the Formula 1 Paddock Club This is a private club that we can find at Formula 1 Grand Pri...
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...
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...
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 "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 Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Lion and Lioness Kenya Africa R Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: lion and lioness in a savannah setting Ashtray "KENYA" from 1988, year of Africa Drawing from Robert Dallet Made in France Made of : - p...
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 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 ...
Hermès Window Shop Display Decoration Kelly Bag and Horses in Cardstock RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Decoration Theme: the "Kelly" Bag On the left: Kelly bags / On the right: a woman, locks and a car Made of cardstock,...
Hermès 4 Mini Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
Hermes BNIB Pegase Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white,blue,red and orange porcelain catchalls with Pegase design. New with original box.
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...
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...
Hermès Silver Retractable Cigar Cutter Pendant or Keyring
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Hexagonal in shape The guillotine is retractable A ring allows it to be worn as a pendant or attached to a ke...
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 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...
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 Pierres d'Orient Serving Platter
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident plate is a collectible from the Hermés tableware collection. Features an octagon shape with lapis. Comes wit...
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 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.
HERMÈS - Vintage 1990s Animal Print Cotton Beach Towel 150x90 cm Unisex
By Hermès, Robert Dallet
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton, with leopards ( 150 x 90 cm. approx. ). The drawing is by the famous Robert Dallet a master ex...
Hermès Watch or Jewelry Display Stand Holder in Felt and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Display Stand Perfect for presenting your watch, necklace, bracelet Composed of a swivel tray fixed on a wooden base The tray i...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage 6 Tobacco Pipes Stand Rack Holder RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Stand Rack for 6 Tobacco Pipes Rare vintage item Can be used for anything else Made of non precious metal Colorway: Silvery "HERMÈS PARIS" and craftman hallmark engraved at back 2 animal heads at top of the stand Measurements: - 15 cm high (5,91 inches) - 16 cm at longest (6,3 inches) - 11,5 cm at widest (4,53 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape. No missing part. Clean and shiny. Scratches on the base No Hermès packaging...
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...
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.