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 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 ...
Hermes White The Air of Paris 2006 Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès White “The Air of Paris 2006” porcelain de Limoges organizer featuring a square shape, a camel design, a Hermes signature. Circa 2006. Circa 2006 Made in France Delivered i...
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...
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...
Hermes H Vibration Blanket Terre Cuite Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Avalon Vibration Blanket featured in Terre Cuite (Terracotta) colorway. Double sided jacquard weave. Created from 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere...
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.
Hermès New Zebra Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new blue and white porcelain ashtray with zebra design. Comes with original box.
Hermes Theoreme Mosaique Or Box Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Theoreme Mosaique Or box featured in the Medium model. Natural Mahogany wood with bridle leather lid sheets stamped with gold Mosaique motif in gold. Bridle leather lid is hot foil stamped using...
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 Yack 'n' Dye Ombre Cashmere Blanket Gris
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Yack 'n' Dye blanket featured in Gris. Soft hand spun Tibetan Yak blanket created with a soft Ombre finish from Grey to Taupe. ...
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...
Hermes Sunset Motel Luggage Tag Blue Indigo Black Green
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Room 24 luggage tag in Swift Leather. Rich colours of Bleu Indigo, Black and Green. Palladium plated hardware. ...
Hermès Avalon throw pillow in orange (Potiron) and ecru (beige) wool cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An emblem of Hermès’ equestrian heritage translated into interiors, the Avalon throw pillow brings the house’s iconic graphic language into a refined, tactile form. Woven in a luxuri...
Hermès NIB Samarcande Paperweight
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Samarcande paperweight is beautifully sculptured with lightly sanded edges and a base made from cowhide. Comes with ribbon and...
Hermès Sellier 33mm Quartz Watch Full Set - '90s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A refined and timeless Hermès Sellier wristwatch dating to circa 1990, showcasing the understated elegance that defines Hermès horology. Crafted in stainless steel with a 33mm case, this model features a crisp white dial adorned with distinctive Arabic numerals, a date aperture at 3 o'clock, and the iconic Hermès signature at the center. Powered by a reliable quartz movement, the watch is currently in working order and offers effortless everyday wear. Particularly desirable is the original Hermès ostrich leather...
Hermès Small Glass Petal Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès abstract glass petal vase. Top opening 1.5”. Please refer to the last photo to see the same vase in the same shape in large and small silver plate.
Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Orange / Craie Medium Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Medium model featured in Orange and Craie. A multifunctional piece in butter soft Milo Lambskin. Top zip has Craie swift leather pull. Tone...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Chain Vase
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plate vase featuring a chain detail. Embossed HERMES PARIS. Indicative measurements : height approx. 16.1 cm (6.34 inches) / diameter of the base approx. 7.6 ...
Hermès Sealyham Terrier PorcelainAshtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Sealyham Terrier ashtray designed by Carl de Parcevaux from the "Chiens Courants et chiens d'arrêt" collection. Made of porcelain, the edges are gilded with fine gold and...
Hermès "Koala Tapis de Plage"Terry Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage "Koala Tapis de Plage" terry cotton beach towel, known for its vibrant koala and eucalyptus leaf design, it is vintage made from 100% cotton terry cloth.
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
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 Marqueterie de Pierres D'Orient
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Marqueterie de Pierres D'Orient plate is a vintage piece made from porcelain features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Comes with ...
Hermes Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu Porosus Crocodile Chevre Leather Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Globetrotter Agenda in Orange Feu Porosus crocodile transforms an elegant writing accessory into an exceptional expression of exotic leather craftsmanshi...
Hermes Groom Stable Bucket Oak Wood Leather Handle New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes equestrian grooming stable bucket features oak wood. Cowhide handle with stainless steel ring. Hermes Sellier Paris signature in black. This equestrian p...
Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel is in 100% terry cotton, in serviette de Plage Koala. Perfect accessory for your next swim, on your boat, in your home.
Hermes "Pluie de H" Long Folding Umbrella With Maple Wood Cane
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Pluie de H" Long Folding Umbrella with Maple Wood Cane is a sophisticated accessory that combines elegance and functionality. Crafted in sleek black, this umbrella featur...
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...
Hermes Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
Hermès Folding Hoof Pick or Boots Scraper in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Hoof Pick Can be used as boots scraper It folds up to fit into its original Hermès case Made in France Pick made of silver-tone metal Case made of orange l...
Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy Bleu Nattier H Canvas
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy featured in Blue Nattier. H canvas cotton. Delightful! Designed by Jan Bajtlik. A charming gift idea. Fabric is 100% cotton wi...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Pavement
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Pavement" This pattern was designed by Maurice Tranchant in 1970 The design is a breathtakingly beautiful micromosaic. T...
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.
Hermès Indian Scene Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes signature ashtray with indian design in brown, caramel and gold. Suede stamped bottom. minor wear on it. Made in France.
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure...
Hermes Pleiade Tissue Box Small Model Mahogany Wood Etoupe Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Pleiade small model Tissue Box featured in Mahogany and Etoupe Taurillon leather. Modern and elegant with white topstitch on the leather. Magnetic closure...
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Cartes a Nouer / Knotting Cards New, unopened, with Hermes box. 4.5 by 2.5 in. Condition Report New
Hermes Declick Dice Game New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Declick Dice Game offered with a dash of luxury. Flanged bridle leather case marked with a saddle nail. Maple marquetry dice. R...
Hermès Burgundy Embroidered King Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible burgundy king size blanket with embroidered leaves and flowers. Wool, cashmere, angora and suede trim. 70% wool, 15% cashmere, 15% angora. Mint condition.
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 Anchor Chaine d'Ancre Navy Theme Tray Cigar Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare shape for this beautiful authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as ashtray, tray, change tray Notches in shape of "chaine d'ancre" (anchor chain), symbol of the brand Print: an...
Hermès NIB Set Of 2 Art Deco Coffee Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, white and red art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
HERMES by EMILE PUIFORCAT Silver Plate Wine Taster, Bordeaux 2005
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES by EMILE PUIFORCAT vintage rare silver plate wine taster. Traditional Bordeaux region wine taster featuring a simple and classic design with a convex inner bottom. Engraved ...
Hermes Hermy Plush Horse PPM
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Collectors Item - Hermes Hermy Plush Horse PPM Collector-favorite mascot, designed to resemble a noble draft horse and crafted in Italy. Bro...
$445Sale 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 Blue Gold Paris Knights Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Paris Knights Ashtray is made from 100% porcelain and features a knights motif, with gold tone border and a black suede bottom.
Hermès Vintage Ashtray with a Schnauzer
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray in white porcelain with a schnauzer dog in the center. The piece is in excellent condition. Back grey suede in great ocndition. Comes with original box. (minor...
Hermès Blue Light Horse Logo Towel 232502
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Belgium Measurements: Length: 31" Height: 30" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Light pilling
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermes St. Louis Paperweight Dahlia Noir 2015 Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saint-Louis Crystal 50 piece Limited Edition Dahlia Noir 2015 paperweight. This exquisite crystal paperweight is #17 of 50. Exquisite detail and craftsman...
Hermes Trousse Bride-A-Brac Case Large Model Naturel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Trousse Bride-A-Brac Case featured in Naturel canvas. Embroidered H on the front. Top strap features a woven zig zag with White trim. With two Clou de Se...
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs. SIZE 48 cm X 48 cm 10 pieces available same size, same color
Hermes Key Ring Reversible Key Charms Petite h
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Petite h whimsical Key charm key ring. Leather in gold and white. Rear is souffre and gold. Keyring is stamped Hermes Paris. CONDITION: NEW or NEV...
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...
Vintage HERMES Cornucopia Metal and Leather Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage HERMES Cornucopia Metal and Leather Cigarette Box Features: - 100% Authentic HERMES. - Cigarette box is in silver tone metal and black l...
Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare Print
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...
Hermès Constellation Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Carriage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Constallation Pattern: stars and shooting star, carriage and coachman (Hermès logo) and constellation drawn in dots Mad...
Hermès Vintage Ashtray Horse Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray with a print of galloping horse in the center of it. The horse wears a yellow blanket with stripes at the end. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
Hermès Braque Allemand Limoges Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Braque Allemand Dog Porcelain Ashtray pictures a German Shorthair Pointer in hunting posture, white with a yellow border and brown edging. The tray has a protective suede...
Hermes Jungle Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes blue, green and brown porcelain ashtray with a jungle scene design
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.
It is extremely rare to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Kelly or Birkin for purchase. Most Kelly and Birkin bags are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.
Hermes bags have blindstamps, placed under the plaques or on the interior. Usually they are placed close to the date stamps denoting the year of production. Recently, in a small % of receipts, the blind stamp is also printed on the store receipt which can be matched to the blind stamp inside the bag.
It is virtually impossible to walk into an Hermes store as a new customer and be offered a Birkin for purchase. Most Birkins are offered to loyal clients who have established a purchase history at a particular store and with a particular sales associate who may take note of your Birkin or Kelly wish.