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 Mosaique Au 24 Gold Square Plate No 3 Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique au 24 Gold No 3 Square plate. Can also be used as a small decorative tray. Limoges Porcelain features gold and gray mosaic print pays tribute to the iconic mosaic floor of the historic Hermes Faubourg...
Hermes Large Porcelain French Military Hat Motif Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Large Porcelain French Military Hat Motif Ashtray is a luxurious and distinctive decorative piece that combines elegance with historical charm. Crafted from fine porcelain, th...
Exceptional Hermès Golf Ball Pen Holder by Ravinet d'Enfert 20th Century
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pen Holder Adorned with a golf ball Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Vintage Item Made of metal Colorway...
Boite Hermès Vintage motif H circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Élégante Boîte Hermès motif H en métal argenté, datant des années 1970-1980. Son couvercle se distingue par un superbe décor répétitif composé de petits H, tandis que son intérieur...
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 ...
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 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 Carnets D'Equateur Tea Box Hand Painted Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes rare Carnet d'Equateur Tea Box. Features hand painted lacquered wood with the exotic jungle design by Robert Dallet. Hermetic cover and inox interior. Bow...
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.
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.
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 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...
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 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 ...
Hermes Cotton Picnic Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Cotton Picnic Blanket The underside with a water-resistant liner, with a palm frond motif, on a yellow ground, orange border, with a strap for rolling, never used. 64 by 54 i...
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 Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Gold Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Set of 2 featured in porcelain and Gold. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entran...
Hermès Porcelain Komodor Dog Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and white porcelain ashtray with komodor breed dog design.
Hermès Set of 2 Silver-Tone Metal Cups Coffee Mugs Chaine d'Ancre Pattern RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cups Set of 2 Handes in shape of "Chaine d'Ancre", famous Hermès Pattern Made in France Made of Silver-Tone Metal Colorways: Silv...
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 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 Tigre Royal Change Tray Soleil Hand Painted Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tigre Royal Change Tray featured in Soleil. Hand-painted porcelain with gold trim. This magnificent regal tiger is a collectors treasure. A decorative ash...
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 Sushi Plate Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Small Model Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes marvelous sushi plate also used as a small decorative tray. Limoges Porcelain in platinum and gray mosaic print pays tribute to the iconic mosaic floor of the historic Hermes Faubourg...
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...
Hermes Red Bird Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes red, green, white and gold porcelain ashtray with bird design
New in Box Hermès Grigri GM Rodeo Charm Turquoise
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare grigri rodeo collection charm in GM size. Turquoise, lemon and malachite leather. Limited edition with real pony hair tail. Comes with original box and ribbon.
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 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...
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 ...
Hermès 2015 Drap de plage ou bain Les Leopards White Blue Bath Towel Hermes
By Hermès, Christiane Vauzelles
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès bath towel (or what is now classified as a "Bath Mat") featuring the *Les Léopards* design by Christiane Vauzelles; released in 2015, crafted from cotton terry cloth with a wh...
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 ...
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 Pleiade Tissue Box Small Model Mahogany Wood Brique Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Pleiade small model Tissue Box featured in Mahogany and Brique Taurillon leather. Modern and elegant with white topstitch on the leather. Magnetic closure...
Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box featured in Jaune. A unique and beautiful piece Hand painted lacquered wood with palm shapes evoking...
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 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 Passifolia Medium Vegetable Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Medium Vegetable Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of fl...
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...
Hermès Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are in...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Sacred Cow Adorned With Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: sacred cow adorned with gold ornaments Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine g...
$2,650
Hermès Silver Horse Lock
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès lock is a classic polished metal padlock, instantly recognizable as a signature hardware detail of the brand’s most coveted handbags. Crafted in silver, the lock is engra...
Hermes Mosaique 24 Gold Cereal Bowl
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Looking to spice up your table for next Sunday brunch? Hermes has you covered with these gorgeous bowl sets! Hermes prooves even your kitchen cabinets could use a splash Hermes elega...
Hermes Black Leather Kelly Dog Lead / Leash
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Black Leather Kelly Dog Lead / Leash Signed on both the leather and hardware. Metal hardware, new, with retail tag and box. Length approx. ...
Hermes Bain Neobain Les Leopard Blue Marine Embossed Large Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an "Hermes Bain" Neobain Les Leopard case featured in the large model. In chic deep Blue Marine with Leopards embossed n front. Top zipp...
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 Bleus d'Ailleurs Creamer Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bleus D'Ailleurs Creamer. Treat yourself to a quiet moment to experience "A story of “white and blue” made up of endless jour...
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 "Fanfare" Crystal Wine Glasses
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Fanfare" Crystal Wine Glasses are in a set of two. Comes with the original box. diameter of the glass 1.75, diameter of the base 2.75.
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...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 glass stemmed porcelain cups Saint Louis Mesclun
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional production from the Hermès Petit H workshops of 2 stemmed cups Mix between porcelain and glass from Saint Louis (created in 1586, Saint Louis became the Verrerie Royale ...
Hermes Lacquered Wood Chamonix Chakor Plateaux GM Chartreuse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Vintage Lacquered Wood Chamonix Chakor Tray in rich Chartreuse. This GM size tray is crafted from fine wood and finished with a thick, glossy lacquer. The...
Hermès Rallye au 24 Large Oval Plate
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Très rare Grand Plat Ovale Hermès "Rallye au 24" en porcelaine. Dimensions : 30 x 24.5 x 3 cm Parfait état.
Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Hermes Rose Jaipur/Rose Sakura Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Medium model featured in Rose Jaipur. A multifunctional piece in butter soft Milo Lambskin. Top zip has Rose Sakura swift leather pull. Ton...
Hermes Neobain Les Leopard Embossed Orange Case Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Neobain Les Leopards case featured in the medium model. Beautiful signature Orange with two leopards embossed o...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Rose Jaipur / Prune Medium Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Medium model featured in Rose Jaipur. A multifunctional piece in butter soft Milo Lambskin. Top zip has a Prune swift leather pull. Tone on...
Hermès Gris Perle Cabriole Bath Set
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Gris Perle Cabriole Bath Set SKU: 149106 MSRP: 1150.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indication of wear....
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.