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.
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 Soleil Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rectangular soleil design porcelain ashtray. Excellent condition.
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.
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...
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 - 1990s Gold Plated Metal Dangle Earrings Bijouterie Fantaisie
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Gold-plated metal pendant earrings from the Hermès Bijouterie Fantasie 1990s series.
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...
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 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 Window Shop Display Decoration Carriage in Cardstock Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Decoration Depecting in the foreground a woman holding a dog on a leash, a child pushing a horse on wheels, in the seco...
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...
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 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....
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 White Hermine Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain and Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: White Ermine Made in France Made of porcelain, hand painted platinum notches and edges Color...
Hermès Smiles In Third Millenary Balls Game
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Game 5 small silver metal balls to place in the holes The background is the "Smiles in Third Millenary" Hermès Pattern Designed by...
Hermès Cigar AshtrayChange Tray Horse Print in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 magnificent designs featuring a horse's head and 2 zooms on the eyes and harnesses Made in France Made of printed porcelain, b...
Hermès Ornament Adornment for Skirt in Brown Leather and Golden Medor Studs RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ornament This piece of leather is designed to adorn the Hermès skirts and belts designed for this purpose (not in...
Hermès Vintage Chocolate Brown Terry Towel with Tonal Logo Border and Fringe - M
By Hermès
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
A rare and very elegant piece by Hermès, this vintage chocolate-colored towel is an example of understated luxury. Made of soft, high-quality terry cloth, it features fringing on bot...
Hermès Car Key Ring Key Holder Smooth Red Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Pattern: Steering wheel "VOITURE MACCHINA CAR" engraved in the wheel "HERMES PARIS" engraved at back Made of Red...
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. ...
Rare Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray in Porcelain Pear and Pear Blossoms
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Pear and Pear Blossoms Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: White, Beige, Green Golden edges "HERMÈS-PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19,9 cm Length / 16,3 cm Width / 4 cm Height (7,83 x 6,41 x 1,5 inches) Condition: Excellent. No chip, no break, no burn mark. Golden is a little erased at the notches No Hermès Packaging...
Set of 2 Framed Carriages Engravings from the Hermès Collection RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare opportunity to get 2 drawings from the Hermès Collection Prints: Carriages First one: "n°.118. Calèche bas de berline derrière col de cigne de...
Night blue cashmere pillow case with "H" metallic studs.
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 Camelia Flower Porcelaine Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rectangular camelia design porcelain ashtray. Red, white and green combination. Excellent condition.
New in Box Hermes Rare Oran Yellow Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible and sold out worldwide mini oran bag charm in gold and yellow leather combo. Comes with original box.
HERMÈS - Vintage Bijouterie Fantaisie Gold-Plated Metal Bracelet 23 cm
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare gold-plated metal bracelet from the series "Hermès Bijouterie Fantaisie" 1990s. Total length 23 cm.
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...
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...
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 1990s Animal Print Cotton Beach Towel 150x90 cm Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton ( 150 x 90 cm. ). Excellent Condition.
Hermès Celeste Bird Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès celeste, gold, green and white porcelain ashtray with birds design. Minor wear on bottom beige suede.
Vintage Hermes Horseshoe print silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Hermes Silk Tie Hermes Horseshoe print tie Brown, beige, silk ,horseshoe print, diagonal stripe pattern, finished edge, and pointed toe Paris...
Hermès New Guepards Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès guepards Beach Towel in white and black. The pattern shows two yellow leopards facing each other. The item is in new and comes with the box.
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...
Hermes Neobain Zen au Soleil Blue Nottingham Case Small Model Bain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Zen au Soleil Neobain small model case featured in Bleu Nottingham. Designed by Gianpaolo Pagni who was influenced by drawings that children do in sand, o...
Hermes Terry Cloth Square Bath Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes square terry cloth bathroom rug with brides pattern. Excellent condition.
HERMÈS - 1990s Vintage Animal Print Cotton Beach Towel 150x90 cm Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Rare vintage beach towel in pure cotton ( 150 x 90 cm. ). Excellent Condition.
$759Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Visionaire Limited Edition Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Visionaire collaboration with Hermès for issue #32, brings us this exquisite and collectible item. A set of 53 postcards in a leather shell. Unused. Comes with duster and box.
NIB Hermès Hermy Plush Small Horse
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: NIB Hermès Hermy Plush Small Horse SKU: 120658 Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Mint Condition. Final sale. Model: Hermy Plush...
Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove Mitt Gold Leather with Brown Shearling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Shoe Polishing Glove in Gold Lambskin. Polishing Glove unrolls to reveal the brown shearling polishing side. Fits over hand. P...
Hermès Double Carmen Bag Charm BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new double carmen bag charm/keychain Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermès "Riding Cap" Yellow Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Paris Equestrian Pink Jockey Cap Porcelain Ashtray features a charming yellow equestrian jockey helmet with riding crops.
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 Plaid Coquillages - 135x170cm - Potiron Pink - New
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 Blue Paddock Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès paddock ribbon bag charm in naturel, parchemin, celeste, vert leather. Brand new with original box.
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‘Eté" print was designed by Jin Kwon and made from 100% cotton. Features a solid orange back and a zebra print on the front. ...
HERMÈS Stirrup Shaped Prix De Diane 1990 Aluminium Plate
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès stirrup shaped plate Prix De Diane 1990. The 1990 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) was won by Rafha - Owner: Prince A. A. Faisal. Since June 2008 Her...
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 Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Mediterranean Sea Coasts
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the coasts of the Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea): France, Egypt (Giza Pyramids), Spain (bull, the arenas), Italy (Rialto Bridge) ...
HERMÈS - Vintage 1990s Gold Metal Document Clip with Wood Inlays, Unisex
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMÈS COLLECTIONS - Document clip made of gilded metal and inlays of various woods. A skillfully crafted item from another era and part of a set of desk pro...
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 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 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 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 BNIB Green Shearling Dog Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box green milo leather and shearling dog charm. Date stamp U for 2022. Drop 9.5”.
Hermes The Smile Photo / Menu Holder New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage Hermes the Smile Photo /Menu Holder picture holder featured in brushed steel and palladium. Holds 1 photo just above the silver H...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Hammered Small Ball Vase
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plate small ball vase on pedestal featuring an hammered design. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France. Indicative measurements : height approx. 7 cm (2.76 inch...
New in Box Hermes Verso Pink Green Coin Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box verso coin case in epsom leather and palladium hardware. Pink and green combination. Comes with original box.
Hermes Rallye 24 Limoge Porcelain Oval Plate
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Hermes Rallye 24 Limoge Porcelain Oval Plate From a sought-after, discontinued collection is this grey plate made of Limoges porcelain an...
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.