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 Whistle Silver-Tone With Black Epsom Leather Strap Signature
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unexpected yet unmistakably Hermès, this signature whistle transforms a utilitarian object into a refined accessory through material and proportion. Cast in silver-tone metal, the fo...
Hermes Etriviere Dog Collar Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Etriviere dog collar featured in Natural Sable natural bridle leather. Buckle is stirrup shape. D ring for a leash. 2cm ...
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...
Hermes Saint-Louis Chess Game Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition Saint-Louis Chess Game featured in Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood. Each chess piece is beautifully inspired by Saint-Louis' classic decanter stoppers. The chess game...
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
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 ...
HERMES Jaune d'Or yellow lacquered wood SOLEIL D'HERMES SMALL Box
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès small box is crafted in hand-painted lacquered wood in Jaune d’Or with the Soleil d’Hermès pattern. The design captures the blazing Mediterranean sun with ...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
Hermes Story BNIB Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new light blue, blue, red and green porcelain catchalls with Hermes story design. With original box.
Hermès “Tigre à l‘ananas“ Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès beach towel in terry cloth with "Tigre a l'Ananas" print designed by Stéfany Devaux Bellamy is made from 100% cotton, featuring a multi-color design. Woven in Germany and ...
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 Vintage Silver Plate Chain Motif Bottle Coaster
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plated metal bottle coaster featuring an iconic chain motif to the rim. Embossed HERMES Paris. Hallmark of silversmith RAVINET D'ENFER (RD). Numbered 27709. I...
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 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 NIB Mug Chateau Épopée
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mug Chateau Épopée features, horses, unicorns, and dragons. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
Hermès "Elephant India" Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Elephant India" Ashtray in porcelain is a classic accessory for any room.
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 ...
New in Box Hermes Rodeo PM Rose Azalee Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes rare and collectible grigri rodeo bag charm PM (small). Combination of rose azalea, black and electric blue. Brand new in box with ribbon and gift bag.
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...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm MM Blue Celeste Malachite Craie Horse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic coveted Hermes MM features retired Blue Celeste Rodeo horse charm with Craie tail and mane. Saddle and holder are Malachite. Skin is lamb Milo Signature HERMES P...
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 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 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 Airpods Pro Case Gold Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Air Pods Pro Case featured in Gold. Beautiful in swift calfskin with white topstitch. This case is not only a visual delight but also compatible with all gen...
Hermes Steeple Chase Blue / Etoupe Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Steeple Chase change tray. Blue and Etoupe colorway. Hand painted gold trim. Porcelain decorated using chromolithography....
Vintage HERMÉS Silver Plated Champagne Bucket - Wine Cooler - Ice Chiller
By Hermès
Located in Sheffield, GB
A rare opportunity to purchase this finely silver plated, Art Deco Champagne Cooler by HERMÉS. Sourced in Paris. The Object features an elegant curved silhouette, flat bottom and s...
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...
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 Bag Charm Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe Orange New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe bag charm. This equestrian charm is featured in rare Orange and will add a delightful touch to ...
Hermès Purple Cashmere Fringe Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès purple cashmere blanket with fringes and embossed logo. 100% cashmere, finest quality. Comes without box.
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 ...
Hermès Large Embroidered Terry Towel Navy theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Towel Embroidered with a marine-themed motif, HERMES in yellow cotton thread in semaphore font, sailor's beret seen from above with its red pompom in the cente...
Hermes Favori du Faubourg Blanket Hand Embroidered Beaded Cashmere New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition extraordinary Hermes Favori du Faubourg Blanket features hand embroidered Miyuki baguette glass beads and viscose and cotton threads. An exception...
Hermès leather cards case
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMES - Leather case including two card decks and one pen. Condition: Very good condition. A few light marks on leather. SKU:ACC448
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 "Marqueterie d’Orient" LG Dish
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès of Paris "Marqueterie" of oriental and occidental stones dish features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Mint Condition. Comes with original dustcover and box.
Hermes Cushion Avalon III PM H Ecru Gris Clair Throw Pillow Set of Two
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of two (2) Hermes classic PM Avalon III signature H pillow Ecru and Gris Clair. The removable cover is created from 90% Merino Wool and 10% cashmere and has w...
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...
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...
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 Porcelain Blue Geometric Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès signature ashtray with geometric design in blue, white and gold. Suede stamped underneath. Made in France. Excellent condition.
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.
Hermes Rocabar Plaid Dog Blanket Reversible
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rocobar Plaid dog blanket is inspired by the iconic Rocabar blanket. Reversible 100% Wool and is very resistant to wear. Your chic fashionista pup will l...
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Tattoo Collier De Chien 24 Bracelet T3 Blanc/Soleil/Bleu NEW with box
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...
$639Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Porcelain Horse Heads Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès white and black porcelain ashtray with horse heads design. Mint condition.
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 ...
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 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 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 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...
Hermès Exotic Bird Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage ashtray in red. In the center of the piece is the image of an exotic bird who sits on a string of flowers. The ashtray is in excellent condition.
Hermes Liberte Egalite Fraternite 1789 Republique Francaise Vintage Silk Pillow
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes vintage silk print pillow. The iconic symbol of the French Revolution "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite 1789". These st...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pencil Case in Pink Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Pencil Case From the "Petit h" collection Made of crocodile leather, inside lined with regular pink leather Outs...
Hermes "Selle Imaginaire" Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes "Selle Imaginaire" Porcelain Change Tray is a luxurious and meticulously crafted accessory that exemplifies Hermes' dedication to exquisite craftsmanship and elegant desig...
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...
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...
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. ...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...
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...
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.