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 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...
Valise Business Hermès Courchevel année 80-90
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold datant des années 80-90. Très bon état. Cette valise business Hermès en cuir Courchevel Gold, datant des années 1980-1990, illustre pa...
Hermès Peony 20th Anniversary Tea Set
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Very rare limited edition Hermes Pivoines Tea Set for collectors. This Tea Set was lanched in 2004 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famous Hermes 'Pivoines' (peony) collectio...
Hermes Silver Tone Cornucopia Metal Matchbox
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Silver-tone metal matchbox featuring a “Cornucopia design” (Horn of abundance) and a leather box that fits into the metal sleeve, engraved Hermes Paris on the bottom. Circa 19...
Exceptional Hermès Cashmere Plaid Throw Blanket Cover Felin Hug
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Throw Blanket Gorgeous, warm, soft, ideal partner for your cold evenings ! Print: "Câlin Felin" (feline hug) Shows 2 tigers, one fauve and one...
rare HERMES Bandeau Femme Mistinguette 100% silk blue yellow adjustable headband
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Bandeau Femme Mistinguette 100% silk blue yellow adjustable headband Reference: VACN/A00019 Brand: Hermes Material: Silk Color: Blue, Yellow Pattern: Abstract Closure: Ad...
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 Ledoux porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès porcelain ashtray Two black horses in the prairie Signed (Philippe) Ledoux Circa cm. 19 x cm. 16 Back suede Made in France Excellent condition
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
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 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 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...
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 "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 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
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 Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau Alligator & Barénia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Saddle “Cavale” in Matte Vert D'eau alligator with Barénia leather is a rare, highly sculptural piece that blends equestrian heritag...
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 Golf Ball Key Holder Key Ring Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Shape: Golf Ball Vintage Item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved The keychain opens by pushing one end of the rod throug...
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 ...
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 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...
Hermes Mises et Relances H Evelyne Change Tray Potiron Key Wallet Money Cigar
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Perforated H Evelyne design - Snap closures - Made in France - Comes with box Condition: The change tray is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measu...
Hermes Blue Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue Mini porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes Pre-Owned featuring a rectangular shape, a blue horse riding blanket inspired by « Couvertures et tenues de jour » scarf b...
Hermes Agar Ebene Eau de Toilette 6.7 fl oz Large Size
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers anHermes Agar Ebene Eau de Toilette featured in the large size. A warm and sensual scent. Derived from Agar wood and Fir Balsam. Unopened b...
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 New Large Avalon Burgundy Pillow
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Up for sale brand new Hermès large Avalon pillow in discontinued burgundy color way. Taupe an cream decoration. 90% wool, 10% cashmere. Dry clean only.
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 “Au Coeur de l‘Eté“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Au Coeur de l 'Ete" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a blue, coral, orange back and a zebra print on the...
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 Gold-Toned L Homme Peut Embeller, 2001
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Gold-Toned L Homme Peut Embeller, 2001 marked, with box and ribbon. Height 1.5 in.
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...
Hermès Raconte Moi Le Cheval 25 Pieces Foam RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: Not suitable for children under 36 months of age Adorable Authentic Hermès Puzzle Pattern: "Raconte moi le Cheval" Made in Fran...
Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
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 ...
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 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 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 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...
Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket Hand Embroidered Beaded Cashmere New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition exceptional Hermes Panthera Deco Blanket featured in Naturel and Dore. Hand embroidered Miyuki baguette micro beads...
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...
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...
Auth. Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc – NWCTS – 2510281928 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Not applicable / no specific artist credite...
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 "Toucan Trays" Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Toucan Trays" are in porcelain, with stamp, and protective felt bottom, comes in a set of two.
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 Avalon Small Model ecru camel merino wool cashmere jacquard pillow PM
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Avalon Small Model ecru camel merino wool cashmere jacquard pillow PM Reference: KYCG/A00262 Brand: Hermes Model: Avalon Pillow Small Material: Merino Wool, Cashmere Color: Br...
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 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...
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 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.
Archival Hermès Paris Les Cartes à Nouer Knotting Cards No. 5
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly elegant and rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 5. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautif...
Hermès Blue Chaine d'Ancre Tea Cup & Saucer
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Tasse à Thé & Soucoupe Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bleue en porcelaine Parfait état
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 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 Poulpe Key Ring Black White Leather Octopus Birkin Hac Bag Charm 25 30 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black leather exterior - Made in France - Comes with box Condition: The keyring is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately I...
Hermès Set of 13 Paper Clips Horse Head Shape in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 13 Authentic Hermès Paper Clips Pattern: shape of a horse's head From "Le sens de l'objet" Year (2017) Made of Metal (non precious) Colorway: S...
Exceptional Hermès Komondor Dog Print in Porcelain RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Komondor Very rare vintage item Made in France Made of printed porcelain Colorways: white, black, green, blue-grey Back covered with green blue leather "HERMÈS - PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19,8 cm Length / 16,2 cm Width / 4 cm Height (7,8 x 6,38 x 1,57 inches) Condition: Excellent. No trace of use. Drawing in mint condition. Trace of a tag and slight discoloration on the leather at back No Hermès packaging...
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 ...
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.