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.
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Platinum Horse Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horse Theme: horse riding, rodeo Made in France Made of printed porcelain, notches covered with platinum (silver-tone)...
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 Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Fox Terrier Dog Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Cute Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "FOX -TERRIER" dog Made in France Made of porcelain Beige Leather at bottom, "HH" in golden letters in middle Colorways: white, ora...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Tigre Royal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand painted with fin...
Hermès Les Jardins d'Arménie Cigar Ashtray Cgange Tray Porcelain Gold Armenia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Somptuous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Les Jardins d'Arménie" (The Gardens of Armenia) Pattern: animals, flowers, columns, musician in the center Made in France Made of prin...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray 2 Dogs by Cecil Aldin Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 2 dogs napping on an armchair Designed Cecil Aldin Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches hand-painted with...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Elephant India Asia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Elephant dressed in his finest jewels Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorway...
Hermès Delage Cabriolet Print Ashtray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Delage D6 or D8 (sorry for my ignorance :) Delage is a famous french luxury cars brand, founded in 1905 by Louis Delage Delage was re...
Hermès Duck Shaped Change Tray Ashtray Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptonal and Rare Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a Duck The 2 wings open and reveal a storage space. Wings are removable. Can also be us...
Hermès Paris 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Sailboats Prints Navy Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: sailboats Theme: navy, sailor, sea, boats, sailboats, nautical, ships Also called "guest ashtray", these small ashtrays can be...
Hermès German shepherd Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: an adorable german shepherd on a terrace with vegetation in the background Drawings are stunning ! Made in France Vintage ite...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Oranges Lemons
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Citrus fruits and foliage, oranges and lemons Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with platinum (s...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
Hermès Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Saddles Equestrian Riding Horse Texas Themes "Amazone / Dressage / Course / Chasse / Randonnée / Jumping" (Amazon / Training / R...
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Sceau Horse Head in Vallauris Ceramic
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Called "cendrier sceau à tête de cheval" (horse head seal ashtray), because this gives the impression that the ceramic has been hot marked wi...
HERMÈS Ledoux porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
Hermès porcelain ashtray Two black horses in the prairie Signed (Philippe) Ledoux Circa cm. 19 x cm. 16 Back suede Made in France Excellent condition
Hermès Paris Playing Cards Four Mini Ashtrays Porcelain Gold Ace Poker
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Ace clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥) and spades (♠) Theme: playing cards, poker Also called "guest ashtray", these sma...
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...
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtay Change Tray Yacht Porthole Boat Navy Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: porthole, lifebuoy and pulleys Ideal for your yacht or perfect gift for any boat, sea, navy, navigation and sailing lover Made in F...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Deer Print Xavier de Poret
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Deer Designed by Xavier de Poret LP crest on both sides, for Laurent Perrier champagnes. Perfect gift for someone with the initi...
Hermès Golf Ball Silver Ashtray Change Tray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray / Change Tray Round, with the shape of a half golf ball in its center Made by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Vintage item Made of guilloché silv...
Hermès Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
Hermès Gold Porcelain 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Wild Animals Africa
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: camel, zebra, giraffe, hi...
Hermès By Xavier de Poret Ashtray Change Tray Magpie Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Xavier de Poret is known for his animal drawings. He collaborated with Hermès to create silk scarves that are now highly sought-after. It is very rar...
Hermès Baby Elephant Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: baby elephant Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: raspberry pink, gold, bla...
Hermès Change Tray or Small Dish The Air of Paris 2006 in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Change Tray " L'air de Paris 2006 ! " (The air of Paris 2006) A very nice gift to commemorate a memory that took place that year Can be used as small dish ...
Hermès Change Tray Ashtray Setter Dog carrying a Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Change tray Print: Dog carrying a Kelly bag Can be used as ashtray, but no notches for that purpose Made of Porcelain Colo...
Hermès Christmas Change Tray Small Dish Noel au 24 Faubourg Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as small dish From "Noël au 24 Faubourg" print Made in France in 2005 Made of printed porcelain Colorways: White, Blue, Red,...
Hermès Tigre Royal Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold Royal Tiger
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "TIGRE ROYAL" Designed by Christiane Vauzelles Vintage item Made in France Made of porcelain, leaves, edges and notches hand pa...
Hermès 4 Small Ashtrays Trays Dogs Horse Riding Themes Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: 4 dogs, each dog...
Vintage Hermes Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Hermes ashtray with Pegasus detail in gold. The ashtray is in white porcelain with a gold border and decoration. Small damage to one corner that could be repaire...
$2,334Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Cigar Astray 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Boat and seagulls in the upper right corner It looks like it is the main ship of the expedition, the "Santa Maria", Col...
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...
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...
Hermès Set of 4 Mini Ashtrays Bull Horses Birds Porcelain Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Prints: Bull, Horses, Pink Flamingos and other birds Drawings inspired by the fauna of the French area of Camargue Also called "guest ashtray",...
Hermès Vintage Vide Poche Cendrier Lion Feline Ashtray Trinket Bowl Hermes NIB
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès porcelain ashtray or trinket tray, lion or feline motif, in beige and gold tones, lined with beige suede, Made in France, signed Hermès. Width 20 cm x Length 16 cm x Height 3....
Hermès Flowers Seashells Print Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: seashells, flowers, butterfly Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine yellow gold Colorways: ...
Hermès Green White Porcelain Sprinter Dog Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Porcelain Sprinter Dog Ashtray in green is 100% porcelain with a green suede bottom.
Hermès Horse Ledoux Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès gold, red and white porcelain ashtray with horse design by Ledoux. Mint condition back suede. Highly collectible subject by Ledoux.
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtay Change Tray in Porcelain Columns Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Patterned with columns Made in France Made of Printed Porcelain Colorways: Brick Orange-Red, Green, Purple, Golden "HERMÈS-PARIS" and...
Hermes Story BNIB Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes new light blue, blue, red and green porcelain catchalls with Hermes story design. With original box.
Hermès 2 Mini Guepards Ashtrays Leopard
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Set of Mini Ashtrays are part of "Les Leopards" collection and can be used as change trays or organizers. Suede protection on bottom of trays. Comes with original box.
Hermès Red & Gold Horse Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Limoges porcelain Chevaux à la Couverture ashtray. Red, white and gold color combination. Minor wear on suede.
Rare Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Horse Shaped Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Tray In shape of a horse head Can be used as change tray, ashtray, small plate, or just to decorate Made in France Tr...
Hermès Pair Braque Vintage Mini Ashtrays
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès vintage set of "Braque d'auvergne" mini ashtrays are a collectable set in great condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box.
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...
Hermes Bird Porcelain White Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes signature ashtray with bird design in brown, yellow and gold. Suede stamped bottom. Made in France.
Hermès 4 Mini Ashtrays Wild Animals Africa 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 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 ...
Hermès Reindeer Tray Cigar Ashtray in Porcelain Great North Alaska Canada
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Reindeer Pattern from "La Vie du Grand Nord", designed in 2004 Made in France Made of printed porcelain, edges and notches han...
Hermès Porcelain Horse Ashtray White Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès porcelain ashtray with horse design. Made in France. Comes with original box.
Hermès New Zebra Blue Porcelain Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new blue and white porcelain ashtray with zebra design. Comes with original box.
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...
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...
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.