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 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 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...
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...
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,...
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 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 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...
Hermes “Calligraphy” Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Ivory “Calligraphy” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom, a side Hermes signature. Circa 2000s Made in Frace In good vintage ...
HERMES Silver Padlock Keychain Bag Charm Amulet
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES silver padlock keychain or bag charm. Opens and closes by pulling on the padlock’s shackle. Embossed HERMES Made in France. AG 925. Silmersmith hallmark. Indicative measure...
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...
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 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 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...
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 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 Set of Hair Brush and Mirror Inlaid Lacquered Wood H Lift
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and beautiful Authentic Hermès Set Hair Brush and matching mirror Both made of "H Lift" inlaid lacquered wood " HERMÈS PARIS" engraved on the handle of each item Measurem...
Discontinued Hermes Wallpaper 2 Boxes NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Discontinued wall paper by Hermes. 2 rolls or boxes included.Booth same design and same colors 10m roll 68.5 cm width each roll. Made in England This wall paper should be applied h...
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 ...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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...
Hermes Rose Pourpre Horse Bag Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of rose pourpre, celeste, and rust leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Date stamp A for 2017. Marke...
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 Sellier Change Tray Blue Roi Gold Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Sellier change tray featured in Bleu Roi and Or. Limoges Porcelain decorated with chromolithography. A decorative ashtray piece perfect for any room. Protected by velvet goatskin on the base. Wonderful for desk or gifting. Accompanied with signature Hermes box and ribbon. New or Pristine Store Fresh Condition Mightychic is your Hermes online boutique offering an incomparable shopping experience for your Hermes purchase...
HERMÈS - Spirit roller horse made of natural beech wood
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Spirit wheeled horse in natural solid beech wood, made in Germany ( L 29 x H 15 cm ) . The leather cord is missing and has been replaced...
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 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 'H' padlock
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Silver pendant/padlock with a pivoting central H. Screw-system opening. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 4 cm - Width: 2.2 cm SKU:ACC1
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 Optimist 24 Bain Flat Pouch Vert Ecru
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bain rare Optimist 24 flat case featured in Vert. Natural cotton canvas with sailing motif. Designed by Nigel Peake, it is a colorful interpretation of a ...
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 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 Evelyne Small Change Tray NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mises et Relances Change Tray is in smooth Taurillon leather with plated palladium buttons and perforated Evelyn "H" signature. Comes with original box.
Hermes Samarcande Chess Set Sycamore Mahogany Crocodile Handles New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcande Chess Set. Composed of Natural Sycamore and Mahogany wood. Beautiful contrasting wood pieces. Gorgeous Bleu El...
Hermès Set of 2 Silver-Tone Metal Cups Coffee Mugs Chaine d'Ancre Pattern RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cups Set of 2 Handes in shape of "Chaine d'Ancre", famous Hermès Pattern Made in France Made of Silver-Tone Metal Colorways: Silv...
Hermès BNIB Blue Shealing Dog Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box electric blue milo leather and shearling dog charm. Date stamp U for 2022. Drop 9.5”.
Vintage Hermès Pink Parrots Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
1990's Vintage Hermès Beach Towel 100% cotton Fair Condition Measure: 150x90 cm or 59x35 inches Paris, Made In France Since 1984, when ...
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 Ashtray Change Tray Dancer
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès “Dancer” Change Tray/Ashtray is a refined porcelain accessory adorned with a theatrical dancer motif in vivid, rich hues, framed by vibrant bo...
Hermes Cards La Collection Emile Hermes Memory Game
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes La Collection Memory game. Features drawings from the Emile Hermes Collection - makes for hours of family fun or a charming gift. Comes with gift box and ...
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.
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...
1980's Vintage Hermes Rare Black Porcelain Fan Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare and collectible black porcelain ashtray with beige suede bottom, Fan and flowers design. Mint condition.
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...
HermesDesigner Adnet French Art Deco Set 6ShotGlass Metal&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 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 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...
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 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...
$1,017
Hermès Rocabar blanket
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Amazing large Hermès Rocabar blanket delivered in its Hermès box. Condition: very good Made in France Material: 100% wool Colour: straw Dimensions: 190 x 160 cm Details: wool blanket...
Hermès NIB Orange Horse Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach towel with geometric horse and figure design. Orange, taupe and black color combination. 100% cotton. Comes with original box.
$10,500
Hermès Electric Bike
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Electric Bike is in mint condition. Orange frame with signature Hermès ribbon pattern. Charming straw basket sits jauntily on the...
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 A Sporting Life Jumping Rope
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris wood handle and leather jumping rope. Marked HERMES 2013 Made in France. Embossed Chic, le sport ! A sporting life. Indicative measurements : ...
Hermes Passifolia Small Tray no 1 / Sushi Plate New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Guaranteed authentic Hermes Soy Dish / Sushi Plate featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the ...
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.