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 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...
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 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,...
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...
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 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 Pair Braque Vintage Mini Ashtrays
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès vintage set of "Braque d'auvergne" mini ashtrays are a collectable set in great condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box.
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 Sellier Figure-8 Jumping Bridle Black Leather Red Stitch Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès Sellier figure-8 jumping bridle is crafted in black leather with distinctive red stitching. The contrast detail adds subtle definition to the classic si...
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...
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 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...
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 R.M.S. Passport Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure with lacquered pall...
Hermes New Black Kelly Twist Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new Kelly Twist Bracelet in Black Swift Leather with rose gold hardware. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with original dust cover and box.
Hermes Jumbo Playing Cards Set Les 4 Mondes GM New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rareHermes Jumbo 52-piece playing card set. Cards are beautifully detailed with Les 4 Mondes design on the rear. Trim color is ...
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 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 Keychain Key Holder Horse Charm in Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Key Holder Can be used as charm for your Kelly, Birkin or any other Hermès bag Round in shape, printed with a cute horse's head Made of barenia smooth ...
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...
Hermès 1985s Porte Cles Argent Clou de Selle Sterling Silver Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès keychain circa 1985 in 925/1000 silver, Clou de selle model, composed of a chain and a large medallion. Total length 19 cm, clasp at 13 cm, medallion diameter 3 cm, total weig...
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...
Set of 2 Framed Carriages Engravings from the Hermès Collection RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get 2 drawings from the Hermès Collection Prints: Carriages First one: "n°.118. Calèche bas de berline derrière col de cigne de...
Hermès "Paris Cheval" Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Paris Cheval" Ashtray features a white horse, with a blue and gold trim border.
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, ...
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...
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...
Caty Latham Vintage HERMÈS Silk Cushion 'Neige d'Antan' 43x43 cm
By Caty Latham, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare silk pillow with carré pattern "Neige d' Antan" design by master Caty Latham ( 43x43 ) excellent condition.
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 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 Set of 5 Stirrups Shaped Prix De Diane Aluminium Sign Plates
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 5 Collectible Authentic Hermès Plates These plates were made to celebrate the equestrian "Prix de Diane" and was sponsored by Hermès Paris. This ...
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...
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...
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 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 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.
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...
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls in porcelain. Decorative mosaics are screen-printed and applied by hand using gold tiles. With its geometric pattern, the Mosaique au 24 go...
Hermes Change Tray Tatersale Multicolore Porcelain Hand Painted Trim New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes multicolored Tatersale change tray. Decorated in 18 colours using chromolithography. Hand painted platinum Trim. A decorative ashtray or tray piece perfec...
Hermes Bride-a-Brac au Carre Case Fauve Large Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bride-A-Brac Au Carre case featured in Fauve. Bicolour wool twill straps with signature Clou de Selle snaps. Embroidered H motif on the front. With two Cl...
Hermès BNIB Lime Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new lime yellow carmen bag charm/key chain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermes Rallye 24 Set of 6 Limoge Porcelain Tumblers
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Hermes Rallye 24 Set of 6 Limoge Porcelain Tumblers From a sought-after, discontinued collection is this set of six multicoloured tumblers m...
Hermès Toucans Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Cendrier Hermès Toucans en porcelaine Dessous Chèvre velours 16 x 16 cm Parfait état
Hermès Sellier Limited Edition Jumping Bridle Black Leather Red Stitch Reins
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers this Hermès limited edition Sellier jumping bridle is crafted in black leather with distinctive red topstitching and includes matching reins. The contrast stitching...
HERMÈS - 1980s Vintage Equestrian Porcelain Ashtray Unisex Home Decor
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Beautiful porcelain ashtray with equestrian subject this is a very elegant object and the horse theme makes as we know always more preci...
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
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Platinum Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Dessert Plate Set of 2 in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at t...
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...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Round Tart Platter
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Round Tart Platter featured in beloved Bleus d'Allieurs. A modern geometirc design paying hommage to ancient pottery and the countless sea voyages of trad...
Hermes Porcelain Brown Chestnut Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brown and white porcelain ashtray with chestnut design. Excellent condition. Minor wear on bottom suede.
Bijou de sac Hermès Cœur Argenté "Vive l'idée" 2004
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Bijou de sac Hermès cadenas cœur argenté “Vive l’Idée” 2004. Très bon état. Maison : Hermès Type : Bijou de sac / cadenas Thème : Vive l’Idée Année : 20...
Hermès Women's Savana Dance Skateboard in Multicolour Wood
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès made their foray into the world of skate culture with a line of skateboards that featured archival designs from the house. Fantastically curated in the multi-colour 'Savana Dance...
Hermès Palladium Photo Holder With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes authentic photo holder/name stand in palladium hardware with H logo. Comes with original box.
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.
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
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.
Hermes Yellow Scottish Terrier Dog Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Yellow Scottish Terrier Dog Porcelain decorative organizer featuring a square shape, a yellow contrasting trim, a Hermes signature. delivered in his original box. Circa 2000s...
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 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”.
HERMES Vintage Clé de Sellette Bottle Opener
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage Clé de Sellette (saddle key) bottle opener. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 12.5 cm (4.92 inches) / diameter of the ring a...
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.