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 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...
Hermès Letter Opener Pheasant Shaped by Ravinet D'Enfert Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Absolutely stunning, a rare collector item Pheasant shaped Made in France Vintage Item Made of metal Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS P...
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...
Cathy Latham, Tahiti Hermes Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
HERMES Scarf Silk Scarf 100% Paris, Made In France Beautiful Caty Latham's Tahiti is a lovely Hermes silk scarf here in a pretty colorway and from either the original or early iss...
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. ...
$2,353
HERMES Vintage Brushes
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES set of two vintage clothing brushes featuring a horseshoe design. Both brushes are embossed HERMES PARIS on the wood. Indicative measur...
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.
Hermès "Leopard" Cotton Sarong
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Leopard" sarong is in 100% cotton with hand rolled edges, features a classic all-over leopard print with a narrow contrasting border.
Exceptional Hermès Golf Ball Letter Opener Paper Cutter Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Can be used as paper cutter One end is adorned with a golf ball, the other end is pointed Made of metal Vintage Item Colorway: sil...
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 Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen Gold Barenia Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen featured in Fauve Barenia calfskin. Palladium plated. Has a specific pressurized refill blue ink refill. Marvelous self bal...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
Hermès Horse and Carriage Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Horse and Carriage Ashtray is made from 100% Porcelain and features a red color way of a horse and carriage. The tray has a gold tone border and a black suede bottom. Inaugura...
Hermes Cotton Epopee Honore Naturel Horse Plush Toy
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Hermes Cotton Epopee Honore Naturel Horse Plush Toy, an enchanting addition to any child's playroom or nursery. This exquisite plush toy is...
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...
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 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...
Hermès New Set Of 2 Art Deco Mugs W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, black and white art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
Hermès H Deco Mug New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès H Deco collection is inspired by the Art Deco ironwork of Hermès' Parisian stores. This Parisian tea service, stamped with the initials HH, around which an intricate deco...
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.
Cadenas Hermès métal doré année 2001
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Cadenas Hermès doré 2001, gravé “L’homme peut embellir la terre”. Pièce rare et symbolique, certifiée. Excellent état, objet de collection Hermès. Marque : Hermès Type : Cadenas de ...
Hermes H Casaque Pillow Marine / Acier New w/ Sleeper
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Casaque H Pillow featured in Marine and Acier. A modern expression of the classic H pillow inspired by the horse racing worl...
Hermès BNIB SM Rodeo Charm Craie
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new rodeo grigi charm small in Craie, lime and gold . Date stamp U fro 2022. Comes with original box.
Hermes Jungle Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes blue, green and brown porcelain ashtray with a jungle scene design
Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries Mini Ashtray Set of Two Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Manufacture des Boucleries set of two ( 2 ) mini ashtrays. Rouge H and Terracotta colorway. A perfect accent piece f...
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 ...
Hermès Decal Wrapped Elby Electric Bike
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Turn heads wherever you ride with this one-of-a-kind ELBY electric bike featuring a stunning custom Hermès-inspired decal wrap. Combining premium electri...
Hermes A Sporting Life Jumping Rope
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris wood handle and leather jumping rope. Marked HERMES 2013 Made in France. Embossed Chic, le sport ! A sporting life. Indicative measurements : ...
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...
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 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.
Hermès NIB Giraffes Fuchsia Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new cotton beach towel in fuchsia and red color way with giraffes design. Comes with original box.
Hermès Porcelain Komodor Dog Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and white porcelain ashtray with komodor breed dog design.
Hermes Sellier Change Tray Blue Roi Gold Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Sellier change tray featured in Bleu Roi and Or. Limoges Porcelain decorated with chromolithography. A decorative ashtray piece perfect for any room. Protected by velvet goatskin on the base. Wonderful for desk or gifting. Accompanied with signature Hermes box and ribbon. New or Pristine Store Fresh Condition Mightychic is your Hermes online boutique offering an incomparable shopping experience for your Hermes purchase...
Hermès Small Silver Plate Metal Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès abstract silver plate small petal vase. Minor wear and scuffs. Top opening 1.5”. Please refer to the last photo to see the same vase in the same shape in glass and silver pla...
Hermes Bleus d’Ailleurs Sugar Bowl Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition Bleus d’Ailleurs Sugar Bowl. Crafted from fine porcelain, the Hermès Bleus d’Ailleurs sugar bowl cap...
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 Saint-Louis Bubbles Green Hock Wine Glasses Set of Six Hand Cut Crystal
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Saint-Louis Bubbles Hock Wine Glasses in vibrant green bring extraordinary color, craftsmanship and a wonderful sense of playfulness to the table. Offere...
Hermès Gold Leaf Indian Dancer Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès mint condition indian dancer porcelain ashtray, suede bottom. 24kt gold leaf, orange blue and cream color combination.
Hermes Silver-Tone Padlock Fragrance Spray Holder
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Silver-Tone Padlock Fragrance Spray Holder is a chic and versatile accessory that combines functionality with sophisticated style. Crafted in a sleek silver-tone finish, t...
Hermès Paris Stirrup Shaped Letter Opener Paper Cutter by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener The upper end in the shape of a stirrup Made in France by Ravinet d'Enfert Vintage Item In silvery metal "HERMÈS.PARIS MADE IN FR...
Hermes Palladium Dans Les Etoile (In The Stars) Charm, 1999
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Palladium Dans Les Etoile (In The Stars) Charm, 1999. Marked, slide closure, with Hermes box and ribbon. Height 4 cm.
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...
HERMES c.1980's 2pc Navy & White Horse Bit Beach Towel Drawstring Bucket Bag Set
By Hermès, ERIC BERGERE
Located in Thiensville, WI
Rare Vintage Hermes c.1980's exclusively for Bonwit Teller; two piece navy blue and white horse bit motif beach towel and bucket bag set. White h...
Hermes Bain Neobain Blue Marine Small Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic "Hermes Bain" Neobain case featured in the small model. In beautiful Blue Marine with embossed tone on tone print. Top zipper with lea...
Hermes Chaine d'Ancre Bottle Opener Set Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage Hermes Chaine D'Ancre Bottle opener Decapsuleur and corkscrew set. featured in Palladium. Also beautiful to display in a bar or as a paperweight. Inspired...
Hermès Ship & Flags Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès ship and flags Ashtray is crafted from porcelain and features a ray of blues and yellow making it easy to compliment any room.
Hermès Double Carmen Bag Charm BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box double carmen bag charm/keychain. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
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...
$188Sale Price|35% Off
Hermes Petit H Line Dark Green Dalmatian Dog Calfskin Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This Hermes bag charm belongs to the brand's sustainable Petit H Line which uses offcuts of materials left after crafting the Hermes bags. Some people use it as a key holder, but I ...
Hermes On-The-Go Dog Pouch Kaki Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes On-The-Go-Dog-Pouch dog treat pouch. Featured in water resistant Kaki and Feu fabric. Portable treat pouch with water resistant Feu (Orange) lining with H...
Hermes Plaid Coquillages - 135x170cm - Potiron Pink - New - Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Plaid Coquillages - 135x170cm - Potiron Pink NWOCTS 2403261718 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Plaid (Throw Blanket) “Coquillages” Size: 135 x 165 cm (approx. 53 x 65 in) Weight: C...
Hermes Change Tray Tigre Royal Or / Rose Hand Painted New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tigre Royal featured in Gold (Or) and Rose ashtray. Hand-painted Limoges Porcelain. This magnificent regal tiger is a co...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Mug Set of 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a set of four (4) Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum mugs. Mosaics are screen printed and applied by hand using 24 carat platinum tiles. Reflects the art deco mosaics t...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plate / Tray Set of 6 Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plates in a set of six. (More available if you wish) This marvelous sushi plate also us...
Hermes Annee De LA Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm 2004
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Annee De La Fantasie Palladium Plated Heart & Key Padlock Charm from 2004 is a captivating piece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship synonymous with the Hermes brand. Crafted with palladium plating, this charm features a delicate heart shape paired with a tiny key and padlock, symbolizing love and exclusivity. Its intricate detailing and timeless design make it a versatile accessory that can elevate both casual and formal ensembles. This charm pairs beautifully with designer items such as Chanel leather handbags, Louis Vuitton monogram accessories, and Gucci silk scarves...
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.
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.
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.