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...
Hermès Panda Bear Print Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 8 pandas in a bamboo decor Very Rare Made in France Made of porcelain, platinum silvered edges and notches Beige suede leather at back...
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 Le Felin Change Tray Hand Painted Porcelain Naturel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Le Felin hand painted porcelain Change Tray in Naturel. Hand painted gold trim. Designed by Robert Dallet, a wildlife artist for the Museum of Naturel His...
Hermes Ashtray La Source de Pegase Silver Limoges Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Platinum La Source de Pegase Limoges porcelain ashtray. Hand painted platinum trim and decorated using chromolithography. White with Taupe design creates ...
Hermès Set of 3 Small Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa Print Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 3 Adorable Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: 2 monkeys, 1 bear, 1 tiger in a bamboo setting Theme: Africa, Wild Animals, Jungle, Savannah Made in France Made of print...
Hermès Noordeinde Paleis Royal Palace Ashtray Porcelain Gold The Netherlands
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Noordeinde Palace Drawing is stunning: delicate, fine, trees seem so real "HET KONINKLIJK PALEIS NOORDEINDE" (THE ROYAL PALACE...
Hermes Pillow Silk Scarf Print Les Rubans du Cheval Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes vintage silk scarf pillow. Equestrian Les Rubans du Cheval. These stunning pillows are no longer produced by Hermes an...
Hermès NIB Roddeo Sm Mauve Sesame
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new rodeo grigi small charm in mauve sylvestre, craie and sesame . Comes with original box.
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 Neobain Les Leopard Embossed Orange Case Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic limited edition Hermes Neobain Les Leopards case featured in the medium model. Beautiful signature Orange with two leopards embossed ...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Silver Lipstick Holder and its Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare authentic Hermès Lipstick Holder Vintage Item Made of Silver Vintage Item A small mirror is included in the mechanism. It opens by opening the...
Hermes Fuchsia Leather Bag Tassel
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Fuchsia Leather Bag Tassel Length 2.5 in.
Hermès Lion Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Lion Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: ivory, green, yellow, brown Bei...
Hermès Chinese Emperor Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Chinese Emperor, China Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with fine gold Colorways: white...
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.
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.
New in Box Hermès PM Grigri Rodeo Charm Rose Azalee
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès PM Grigri Rodeo collection horse charm. Rose azalee, blue and black. Includes original box and ribbon.
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Blue Nuit Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in rich Bleu Nuit. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Sn...
Hermes Bain Neobain Case Rouge Casaque Medium Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bain Neobain case featured in the medium model. Vivid Rouge Casaque with Hermes Bain Pairs embossed on front. Top zipper with ...
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.
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 Inlaid Maple Double Playing Card Box
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Inlaid Maple Double Playing Card Box Rectangular, the edges with inlaid linear dashes, with a divided mahogany interior, appears never used, with box. 2.25 by 6.5 by 5 in. Co...
Hermès Oriental Minaret Mosque Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Extremely rare piece ! Print: oriental scene of life near a mosque, with characters, tanner, animals Some places of the drawing are highlighted w...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Coffea Coffee Café Print in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stop and take time to look at all the photos of this absolutely lovely authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: coffee leaves, flowers and beans Drawings are gorgeous, and varnish gives it ...
Hermes Lacque Box Terracotta Carved H Lid Rare Vintage Lacquared Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Cavales Box. Engraved hand-lacquered wood. Exquisite in Black. Beautiful container to keep your mementos in secret! New or P...
Hermes Tohubohu Lambskin Pouch Rose Jaipur / Rose Sakura Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tohubohu Pouch Large Model featured in Rose Jaipur and Rose Sakura. A multifunctional piece in butter soft Milo Lambskin. Top zip has Prune leather pull. ...
Hermes Neobain Waves Case Marine Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Neobain Waves case featured in Marine. Perforated "vagues" detail forms 2 waves. This Small model has Hermes Bain Paris embo...
Hermes Calvi Jaune de Naples Mysore Chevre Leather Card Holder
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers anHermes Calvi card holder. Jaune de Naples in Mysore Chevre leather. 2 credit card slots for business and or credit cards. Palladi...
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...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Lion and Lioness Kenya Africa R Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: lion and lioness in a savannah setting Ashtray "KENYA" from 1988, year of Africa Drawing from Robert Dallet Made in France Made of : - p...
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. ...
Hermès Golf Ball Key Holder Key Ring Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Shape: Golf Ball Vintage Item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved The keychain opens by pushing one end of the rod throug...
Exceptional Hermès Enamel and Leather Powder Compact Tigre Royal Print RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Powder Compact Pattern : « Tigre Royal » (Royal Tiger) Square box opening onto a compact and a mirror. Ple...
Hermès and Paul Jouve Leather Portfolio with Knocker Medor Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Stunning Rare Authentic Paul Jouve by Hermès Portfolio Paul Jouve is a french artist, painter animal sculptor (1878-1973) Very nice Piece...
Hermes Green Epsom Leather Note Pad Cover
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Green Epsom Leather Note Pad Cover signed, rectangular with a single snap flap. 4.5 by 4 in. Condition Report like new
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 ...
Hermès Set of 2 Placemats Formula One Paddock Club GP F1 Car Race
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Placemats Made by Hermès for the Formula 1 Paddock Club This is a private club that we can find at Formula 1 Grand Pri...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
Exceptional Hermès Shoe Trees in Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Set of 2 shoe trees Vintage items Made of leather Colorway: brown "HERMÈS - PARIS" in golden letters on each shoe tree ...
Hermès Trimmings Tassel Paper Clip Money Clip Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Paper Clip Limited edition numbered 38819 Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Vintage item Body in silver-tone metal, top decorated with...
Hermes Burgundy Leather Note Case
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes burgundy leather note case featuring a foldover rectangular shape, an inside pocket, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made in France. L...
Hermès Set of 13 Paper Clips Horse Head Shape in Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 13 Authentic Hermès Paper Clips Pattern: shape of a horse's head From "Le sens de l'objet" Year (2017) Made of Metal (non precious) Colorway: S...
Hermès Vintage Sailing Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray featuring a sailing ship design, made from porcelain with edges in a hand-painted gold and has a black suede bottom.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
Hermès Watch or Jewelry Display Stand Holder in Felt and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Display Stand Perfect for presenting your watch, necklace, bracelet Composed of a swivel tray fixed on a wooden base The tray i...
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
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...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Umbrella Zebras Print 1988 Exotic Year RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Umbrella Print: Zebras Vintage Item from 1988, "Exotic Year" Made in France Made of 100% cotton water repellent cl...
Hermès Raconte Moi Le Cheval 25 Pieces Foam RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: Not suitable for children under 36 months of age Adorable Authentic Hermès Puzzle Pattern: "Raconte moi le Cheval" Made in Fran...
Hermès Belt Ornament for skirts Mors et Filets Gold Leather Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is made to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not included in sale) Th...
Hermes Hoof Pick Stainless Steel Gold Swift Calfskin Case
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes stainless steel Hoof Pick. Hermes Gold Swift leather case with Clou de Selle snap. Sleek and elegant, the pick is engraved with Hermes Paris Clou de Sel...
Exceptional Hermès Ornaments for Hermès Skirt Belt Buckles in Toile and Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautifu Authentic Hermès Ornaments These pieces of leather is intended to adorn the front of the Hermès skirts provided for this purpose Pl...
Hermès Vintage Small Table Ashtray Culbuto in Black Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray The rounded bottom allows it not to fall, and the holes allow to hold the cigarettes Can be hung thanks to its handle Vintage Item Made of sm...
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...
Hermès Horse -Ring Keychain Palladium New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box horse keychain with addition key ring , can be used separately. Comes with suede pouches and box.
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.