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 Vintage Art de la Table Wood Shelf Talker Square Plate
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Hermes Shelf talker/Plate with 'Hermes Art de la table - Paris' lettering. Square-shaped. Made in wood, with upper side in light gold colored metal. Measurements: 6.5 x 6.5 i...
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...
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 Green Leather Note Case
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Green leather note case featuring a foldover rectangular shape, an inside Hermes note book that fits inside pocket, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vinta...
Hermès Window Shop Display Decoration Kelly Bag and Horses in Cardstock RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Decoration Theme: the "Kelly" Bag On the left: Kelly bags / On the right: a woman, locks and a car Made of cardstock,...
$914Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Old Car Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: a couple traveling in an old hand-cranked car, edges decorated with a drive chain design. A refined gift, ideal for all lovers of vi...
Hermès Set of 2 Plates Sihouettes Collection
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Set of 2 Authentic Hermès Plates From the “SILHOUETTES” collection Depicting a little girl with a stroller and a cat and a mouse on top, and ...
Hermes Cornucopia Silver Tone Metal Cigarette Box
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Silver-tone metal cigarette box featuring a “Cornucopia design” (Horn of abundance) on the top, wrapped with black leather, removable metal insert, engraved Hermes Paris on t...
Hermès Whistle Silver-Tone With Black Epsom Leather Strap Signature
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unexpected yet unmistakably Hermès, this signature whistle transforms a utilitarian object into a refined accessory through material and proportion. Cast in silver-tone metal, the fo...
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes set of 2 Mosaique au 24 gold bowls in porcelain. Decorative mosaics are screen-printed and applied by hand using gold tiles. With its geometric pattern, the Mosaique au 24 go...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel God of Love and Heart in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please note: Cupid may appear blue. It is in fact lawn green Shapes: Cupid and Heart From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: lawn g...
Hermès NIB Locomotion Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Porcelain Ashtray will add a classic touch to any great room. Locomotion design by Ugo Bienvenue. Comes with original box.
Hermès Marqueterie de Pierres D'Orient
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Marqueterie de Pierres D'Orient plate is a vintage piece made from porcelain features an octagonal shape and elegant design. Comes with ...
Hermès Set of Notepad and Cover in Gold Leather Olympic Games Logo
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Notepad Set including 2 Hermès notepads and their Hermès cover Cover is made of gold epsom leather, white stitch...
Hermès New In Box Set Of 3 Puzzles
By Hermès, Alice Shirley
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 3 "Under the waves" puzzles. Designed by Alice Shirley, collectible author.
Exceptional Hermès Openwork Chiselled Silver Box Case RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely stunning Authentic Hermès Box The design on the lid is beautiful, very fine and delicate Made of openwork chiselled silver box Vinta...
Hermès Helicopter Key Ring Leather for Eurocopter
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder Rectangular in shape, hot-stamped with a helicopter "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès" hot-stamped on the front "eurocpter an EADS Company HERMÈS PARIS" h...
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...
Hermès Soleil Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rectangular soleil design porcelain ashtray. Excellent condition.
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...
Hermès Keychain Key Holder Horse Charm in Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Key Holder Can be used as charm for your Kelly, Birkin or any other Hermès bag Round in shape, printed with a cute horse's head Made of barenia smooth ...
Hermes Chaine d'Ancre Plate 59her723
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 5.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT+ CONDITION ( 9.25/10 or A+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Excellent Interior: Excellent Edges: Excellent
Hermes Leather Grape Cluster Motif and Silver Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Leather Grape Cluster Motif and Silver Bag Charm Silver chain marked 925, the leather stamped, in a velvet pouch, also marked, with box. Length 2 in., with chain 4.5 in. Cond...
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 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...
Hermès Paris Belt Shaped Money Clip Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used for money, paper, anything you need to clip In shape of a belt (can not be opened) Vintage Item Made of silver 800 Colorway: silvery "HER...
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 Porcelain Organizer White Round Feux d Artifice by M. Duchene
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès White Round “Feux D'Artifice”by Michel Duchêne porcelain de Limoges organizer from Hermes featuring a round shape, a blue outline, a Hermes signature. Circa 1990s Made in F...
Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Pipe Holder Pipe Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as change tray or pipe holder Pipe-shaped Vintage item Made of glazed ceramic Colorways: Beige / Brown "HERMÈS" engraved on a side M...
Hermès Polo Player Letter Opener Paper Cutter Bookmark Ravinet D'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Letter Opener Silver-plated metal openwork depicting a polo player (featuring the player, the horse, and the ball) Can be used as paper cutter or bo...
Hermès Pouch Case Trousse Jimetou Colonnes in Cotton GM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Case Called "Trousse Jimétou Colonnes" Made in France Outside made of 100% cotton toile, inside lined with Polyurethane cotto...
Exceptional Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Cacao Cocoa in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Delicate drawing, lovely colorways, shiny at light, a super chic item Print: cocoa tree flower and cocao pod Made in France Made of printed porcelain Golden edges and notches Beige leather at bottom Colorways: White, Purple, Green, Yellow, Golden "HERMÈS - PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19 cm x 15,5 x 3,7 cm (7,48 x 6,1 x 1,45 inches) Condition: Excellent. No chip, no break, no burn traces. Very Golden may show slight signs of wear. Bottom leather clean...
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 Red Epsom Leather Mini PDA Agenda Cover 176her712
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: Y in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 3.5" Width: .4" Height: 5.1" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Exterior L...
Exceptional Hermès Petit H Pencil Case in Pink Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Pencil Case From the "Petit h" collection Made of crocodile leather, inside lined with regular pink leather Outs...
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...
Coupelle Hermès Vintage circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Élégante Coupelle Hermès vintage argentée datant des années 1970, présentée dans un excellent état de conservation. Avec ses belles dimensions de 16 cm de largeur × 5 cm de hauteur...
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 Cheval Turc Porcelaine Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Ashtray in great condition, with fabric back. Add this ashtray to your collection or as an edition to your coffee table.
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 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 Bunch of Grapes Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Bunch of grapes, grape, vine leaves Theme: vine, harvest, grape, wine Beautiful in a cellar. Would make a great gift for a wine ...
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...
Hermès Toucans Egg Cup
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Coquetier Hermès Toucans en porcelaine Parfait état
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 Silver Padlock Keychain Bag Charm Amulet
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES silver padlock keychain or bag charm. Opens and closes by pulling on the padlock’s shackle. Embossed HERMES Made in France. AG 925. Silmersmith hallmark. Indicative measure...
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 Pipe Holder Pulley Shackle Shaped Vintage in Silver Rare Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe-Holder In shape of a a pulley and shackle (the shackle is fixed, not movable) Vintage item Answers to the silver test Can be used as pipe-...
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 Sterling Silver Vase
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Sterling Silver Vase perfect addition to your home decor. Leaves not included.
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 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...
HERMES Vintage Silver Plate Equestrian Horse Bit Double Pot
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silver plate double pot featuring an equestrian horse bit design handle. Embossed HERMES PARIS Made in France. RAVINET D'ENFERT (RD) silvers...
Hermès Set of 5 Stirrups Shaped Prix De Diane Aluminium Sign Plates
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Set of 5 Collectible Authentic Hermès Plates These plates were made to celebrate the equestrian "Prix de Diane" and was sponsored by Hermès Paris. This ...
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.
Plaid Hermès Avalon Beige
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Élégant Plaid Hermès Avalon beige et blanc, composé de 10 % de cachemire et 90 % de laine mérinos. Son célèbre motif H graphique et ses tonalités naturelles en font un accessoire déc...
Hermès NIB Set Of 2 Art Deco Coffee Mugs
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 coffee mugs, white and red art deco design made of porcelain. Come with original box and booklet.
Set of Two Hermes Chaine d'Ancre Platine Tea Cups & Saucers
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Deux Tasses à Thé & Soucoupes Hermès Chaine d'Ancre au Platine en porcelaine Parfait état
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.
Hermès Set of four Small Ashtrays Porcelain and Gold Animals Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtray", these small objects can be placed near the plates, or be used as change tray Prints: Dog, Eaggle, Goat, Giraffe M...
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.