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.
$1,196
Hermès Odyssée Vase
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Very Rare Hermes Odyssée Vase Matte White with Palladium Trim Chaine d’Ancre design with hand painted Palladium trim. The limited edition Hermes Odyssee vase represents the inspirati...
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 ...
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...
Hermes Casaque Felin Dans Un Jardin Mexicain Cigar Box Blue de Malte
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cigar box featured in Casaque Felin Dans Un Jardin Mexicain featured Bleu de Malte. Beautifully showcased design by Jan Ba...
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 ...
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 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...
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...
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 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
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...
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 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 ...
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 ...
Hermes Designer Adnet French Art Deco Set Shot Glass 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 Belt Ornament for skirts Mors et Filets Gold Leather Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is made to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not included in sale) Th...
Vintage HERMÉS Silver Plated Champagne Bucket - Wine Cooler - Ice Chiller
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
A fine silver plated, Art Deco Champagne Cooler by HERMÉS. Sourced in Paris. The Object features an elegant curved silhouette, flat bottom and simple semi circular handles. Dimension...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles – NWCTS - 2604231648 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio. Cabriole design, where applicable, is by Alice Charbin. Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37.4 inches Color: Rose Airelles (Lingonberry Pink), Blanc (White) Fabric: 90% Merino Wool - 10% Cashmere Approx. Issue Date: Avalon design originally created in 1988; Rose Airelles / Blanc baby blanket version is a modern 2020s issue. Condition: New With Care Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made In Great Britain Story about the Design: Avalon is one of the most recognisable Hermès home designs. Inspired by traditional horse blankets and heraldic coats of arms, the design presents the iconic Hermès H motif in a timeless graphic style. The name Avalon refers to the mythical British island associated with Excalibur. In the baby range, the classic Avalon look is softened through delicate pastel colours, making it especially suited to a nursery or luxury baby gift. Artist's Story: The Avalon design is credited to Hermès Studio. If the Cabriole wording is retained in the listing, Hermès identifies the Cabriole design story as the work of Alice Charbin, a French illustrator known for her poetic and whimsical drawings for Hermès. Her Cabriole world celebrates childhood, movement, imagination, and the joyful relationship between a child and a faithful companion. Craftsmanship Note: This Hermès baby blanket...
Exceptional Hermès Pipe Holder Stirrup Shaped in Brass and Leather Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Holder In shape of a stirrup Can hold up to 3 pipes (comes with no pipe) Made of gilded brass and leather, saddle stitching Colorways: gol...
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...
Hermès White Hermine Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain and Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: White Ermine Made in France Made of porcelain, hand painted platinum notches and edges Color...
Hermès "Tigre Altai" Change Tray New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Tigre Altai" change tray in porcelain, with velvet goatskin base, decorated using a hand-applied printing technique, "Hermès Paris" stamped base. Designed by Katie Scott...
Hermès Porcelain Green Birds Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès green and white porcelain ashtray with bird design. Beige suede back. Excellent condition.
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...
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 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 Window Shop Display Decoration Carriage in Cardstock Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Decoration Depecting in the foreground a woman holding a dog on a leash, a child pushing a horse on wheels, in the seco...
Antique Vintage Fashion Piece - Unique Design from the 1800s
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Atrium Tray NWOT Hand-lacquered wooden tray lined with smooth taurillon leather - Flap with magnetic closure in smooth taurillon leather, saddle-stitched - Polished edge alon...
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...
Hermès Vintage Clock With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage table clock. The watch sits on a square golden plate. It is in excellent condition and comes with a box.
$428Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Blue Jeans Touquet Necklace Keyring
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermes blue jean Touquet necklace. This was designed by Martin Marginal as a necklace to carry your keys, but can be used as a necklace or keyring for inside your Birkin or Kelly. Hermes made in france stamp...
Hermès Navire Aerien 1851Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray from the Navire Aerien 1851 edition. In the center of the ashtray you can see a printed rigid airship. The piece is in excellent condition.
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 Vintage Sailing Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray featuring a sailing ship design, made from porcelain with edges in a hand-painted gold and has a black suede bottom.
Rare Hermès Set of 2 Napkin Rings Stirrups Shaped in Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Napkin Rings Set of 2 Each one in shape of 3 stirrups Vintage items No hallmark but answers to the silver test C...
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Feux d'Artifice Ashtray is in porcelain and shows an image of horse and man with a beautiful gold backdrop, the bottom of the tray is protected with suede. Comes with box.
Hermès Contemporary Porcelain Coin Purse by Tong Ren, Unisex, New
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Porcelain coin purse - Base lined with suede - Hand-painted gold trim - Screen-printed decoration applied by hand - “Hermès Paris” signature hot-stamped on the back Made in France ...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 pairs of Chopsticks in wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super RARE and lovely Authentic Hermès Chopsticks The set include 2 pairs of chopstickes and 2 supports Made of wood and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS...
Hermès "Riding Cap" Yellow Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Paris Equestrian Pink Jockey Cap Porcelain Ashtray features a charming yellow equestrian jockey helmet with riding crops.
Hermès Beach Towel With Pelican Design
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Blue, yellow and multicolor cotton Hermès beach towel with pelican motif at surface and brand label. 100% cotton.
Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove Mitt Gold Leather with Brown Shearling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove in Gold Lambskin. Polishing Glove unrolls to reveal the brown shearling polishing side. Fits over hand. P...
Hermes Apple White Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes white, yellow, green and gold porcelain ashtray with a big apple and flowers design. Excellent condition.
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 Double Carmen Bag Charm BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box double carmen bag charm/key chain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
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.
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...
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 White & Gold Sails Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain sailing boat design ashtray/catchall. White, gold, green and red combination.
Montre de poche Hermès Poulie circa 1980
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Découvrez cette élégante montre de poche Hermès en métal argenté, dotée d’un original système en forme de poulie rétractable. Animée par un mouvement à quartz, cette création allie f...
Hermes Park Picnic Basket Wicker Taurillon Leather Limited Edition Complete Set
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The limited edition Hermès Park Picnic Basket transforms an afternoon outdoors into an exceptionally elegant occasion, combining traditional hand-braided wickerwork with the unmistak...
Tire Bouchon Hermès Cordage Vintage circa 1960-70
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Rare Tire-bouchon Hermès Cordage en métal argenté, datant des années 1960-1970. Son décor inspiré d’un cordage lui confère une esthétique élégante et immédiatement identifiable. Me...
Hermes Chaine D'Ancre Enchainee Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Chaine D'Ancre Enchainee Bracelet in Sterling Silver is naturally balanced and can be adjusted to softly. Size small. Signature piece brand new with original jewelry box.
Hermes Medor Dog Collar and Medor Slim Lead Medium Model Set
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Medor Paille II Dog Collar and Lead Set featured in the Medium size. The collar and lead are featured in Dark Irish bridle leather and a textile interpretation of the Medor st...
Hermès Rubans Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage ashtray from the edition Les Rubans. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Blue and white combination, with multicolor design.
Hermes Croquis De Tigre Blanket Naturel Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Croquis De Tigre blanket featured in Naturel. Impossibly soft Cashmere, this gorgeous Robert Dallet print is created with five screens for the print. Edge...
Hermès Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Théorèm "From my window" hand painted lacquered wooden box by Nigel Peake measurements: 26.5 l * 8 h * 26. 5 d
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 Set of 2 BNIB Beach Rackets
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 2 beach rackets in printed beechwood and cork, rubber ball, dust cover and box included.
Hermes Gold Horse Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Classic white and gold combination. Made in France. Comes with original box.
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.