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 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...
Hermès Double Sided Wooden Photo Frame
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Made of wood, brown suede leather at base Completely empty in its center, allowing vision from bot...
Exceptional Hermès and Paul Jouve Leather Portfolio with Knocker Medor
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 i...
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...
Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Koala Terry Cotton Beach Towel is in 100% terry cotton, in serviette de Plage Koala. Perfect accessory for your next swim, on your boat, in your home.
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. ...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
Hermès Glazed Terracotta Pottery Jar With Deer Head Lid
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Jar Made of glazed terracotta (in french: terre cuite émaillée) Also called ceramic or pottery Vintage item Outside and inside glazed The lid is dec...
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 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...
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...
Hermès Petit H Panda Charm for Bag or Shoe Orange Pink Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Charm Panda head shaped Can be used as a charm for your bag or shoe, or as a scarf ring Made of clemence leather for the pink side, epsom leather for 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...
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 ...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Decorative Sculpture from a store
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Scuplture coming from a Hermès Store Used to decorate a shop Represents a stone opening with a zip and revealing a fossil fish We do not have any details about it, but...
Hermes Mosaïque au 24 Tart Platter Presentation Dish
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Iconic presentation dish from Hermes in Porcelaine representing the mosaique of the legendary boutique of 24 fig st Honore. Hard to find in the store this tart platter will be the pe...
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 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.
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 ...
$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.
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 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 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 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...
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.
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 "Black Panther" Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "Black Panther" Beach Towel, Drap de plage Panthere Noire, is in 100% cotton terry cloth and the perfect beach or pool accessory.
Hermès Sterling Silver Decorative Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes sterling silver vase. Perfect addition to your home decor. Stamped.
Hermès Danse Porcelaine Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes collectible design by Kermit Oliver Danse des Indiennes Porcelaine small square plate.
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.
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...
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 New Large Avalon Burgundy Pillow
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Up for sale brand new Hermès large Avalon pillow in discontinued burgundy color way. Taupe an cream decoration. 90% wool, 10% cashmere. Dry clean only.
Hermès Blue and Brown Catch All
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès catch all desk tray in blue and brown leather. The "Evelyne H" is stamped on the brown leather. For cleaning you can open the edges with the sn...
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 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.
Hermes Multicolor Printed Cotton Cover Egg and Toast Set
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Multicolor printed cotton cover egg and toast set featuring a multicolor cotton print, 2 cover eggs and a fold over toast cover. Circa: 1990s Made in France. In good vintage...
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...
Hermès Soleil Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rectangular soleil design porcelain ashtray. Excellent condition.
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.
Hermes Gold Toned Kelly Bag Watch Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Gold Toned Kelly Bag Watch Charm Marked Plaque 610M followed by a triangle with initials FP(?), the rectangular dial signed, Hermes Paris, Swiss Made, unmarkedm pouch, Hermes...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
Hermes Cavales Lacquered Box Black Engraved Lid Wood Engraved Lid
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Cavales box. Engraved hand-lacquered wood. Exquisite in Black. Beautiful container to keep your mementos in s...
Hermes Vintage Travel Razor Shaving Set Brown Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Rare and hard to find vintage travel razor in case by Hermes - Paris. Possibly dating back to the 1940s. Two piece 'Wardonia - Sheffield' safety razor in metal. The razor comes in a ...
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 Red Bird Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes red, green, white and gold porcelain ashtray with bird design
Hermès Rubans Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage ashtray from the edition Les Rubans. The piece is in excellent condition and very sought after. Blue and white combination, with multicolor design.
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 Porcelain Toucan Plate
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Why not get your fine china from the most luxurious fashion house of Hermes? The quality and love put into every piece will last you a lifetime and more. Grab this one of a kind plate for your next dinner party or give it as a gift to your favorite host to show gratitude. This is large enough to be a serving platter that will make a beautiful statement or would look fabulous set upon a display cabinet to add beautiful pops of color. This plate is featured in different shades of vibrant blues, greens, and yellows that pair together effortlessly. This whimsical plate depicts five toucans perched upon branches with green and yellow piping to the edges. Set upon your fine china cabinet...
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 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...
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.