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 Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
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...
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 Wild Boar Key Ring Key Holder Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring In shape of a wild boar Perfect gift for boar lover or hunter Vintage item Made of silver Colorway: silvery "HERMÈS" engraved on the cl...
$9,532Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
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 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 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 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, ...
$15,251Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
Hermès Teke Statuette Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold Africa
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: wood statuettes Theme: Teke, Africa, African Spirit Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand pain...
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 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 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 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 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...
Exceptional Hermès Set of 2 pairs of Chopsticks in wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super RARE and lovely Authentic Hermès Chopsticks The set include 2 pairs of chopstickes and 2 supports Made of wood and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS...
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 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 Hermès celebrates its 150th anniversary Figurine Rider Horse 1837-1987
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Figurine Created to celebrate 150th anniversary of Hermès Design comes from the Hermès scarf called "Feux d'Artifice", whi...
Hermès Set of Mask and Elephant Matching Ashtrays Porcelain Africa Theme
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Ashtrays Print: Mask and Elephant African Spirit Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine gold The ba...
Hermes Chaine D Ancre Blue Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès "Chaîne D'Ancre" Porcelain organizer or Ashtray featuring a Chaîne d'ancre design, contrasting trim, a Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Maxi Length ...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Small Boats Sailing Ships
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Small Boats / Sailing Ships Made in France Made of porcelain, edges gilded with fine gold Colorways: White / Blue / Yellow / Beige Dark su...
Hermes Saddle Box Blue Recycled Kraft Paper Leather and Aluminum
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Saddle Box featured in Blue. Recycled Kraft cardboard stamped with the Hermes Sellier Clou de Selle. Top and bottom rim a...
Hermès Paris French Garden Printed Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Jardin à la Française" (French Gardens) Pattern: symmetrical gardens, trimmed hedges, water basins and fountains, water spouts ...
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame Ercuis Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
Hermès Dolphins Print Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Platinum
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and so rare authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: 3 jumping Dolphins Made in France Made in 1979 for the first flight of Boeing 747 for UTA (Union de Transports Aériens - Air T...
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 Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are inside the packaging Colorways:...
Hermès Parrot Bird Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Parrot Great gift idea for a parrot lover ! Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold ...
Hermès Vintage Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Hunting With Hounds in Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Pattern: Hunting with hounds / Horse Hunt Made in France Made of printed porcelain and golden edges Bottom covered with green leather ...
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 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...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Tart Platter in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entrance of the 24 Fau...
Hermes Change Tray Tigre Royal Or / Rose Hand Painted New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tigre Royal featured in Gold (Or) and Rose ashtray. Hand-painted Limoges Porcelain. This magnificent regal tiger is a co...
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...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Round Tart Platter
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Round Tart Platter featured in beloved Bleus d'Allieurs. A modern geometirc design paying hommage to ancient pottery and the countless sea voyages of trad...
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...
Hermes Change / Ashtray Chasse En Inde Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes porcelain Chasse En Inde ashtray / change tray. Depicts a hunt in India intricately displayed in reds, gold and blue. A pe...
$2,383Sale 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...
Hermès Garden Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: the center represents a black and white checkered floor, the whole drawing a balcony with beams and lush vegetation of large foliag...
Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe Blue de Prusse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Apollo 24 Celestial Globe featured in Blue de Prusse. Created from 12 sheathed pieces of printed leather the leather marquet...
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,...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Gold New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gold Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate featured in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entrance of the 24 Faubourg St. Honore flagship ...
Hermes Oseraie wicker tray
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Rectangular wicker tray, Oseraie Color tray, color terre battue - Strips in hand-braided Swift calfskin - Handles in Swift calfskin - Glass sheet insert to protect the wicker...
Hermès Set of 2 Golf Ball Silvery Metal Door Knobs
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Golf Balls Can be used as decorative objects, but the hole at back also allows them to be used as drawer handles (delivered with the screws see...
Hermes Story Change Tray Limoges Porcelain Blue and Gris
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Story Change Tray featured in Bleu and Gris colorway. Hand painted gold trim. Designed by Jonathan Burton. The porcelain is decorated using chromolithogra...
Hermès Vintage Stirrup Shaped in Guilloché Silvered Pocket Mirror for Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute Authentic Hermès Mirror Small enough to slip into a handbag In silvered meta, Vintage "MADE IN FRANCE HERMES" engraved on a side Can be held by ...
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 Pegasus Le Pégase Cheval Ailé Winged Horse in Cardboard to Hang
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Pegasus Composed of 10 pieces of cardboard to assemble A string will allow to suspend it The assembly instructions are in...
Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box Jaune
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Soleil d'Hermes Tea Box featured in Jaune. A unique and beautiful piece Hand painted lacquered wood with palm shapes evoking...
HermesBlue 2001 Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue “2001” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a blue border, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 2001 Made in Frace In good vin...
Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plate / Tray Set of 6 Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Mosaique au 24 Platinum Plates in a set of six. (More available if you wish) This marvelous sushi plate also us...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Gold Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Soup Plate Set of 2 featured in porcelain and Gold. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at the entran...
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...
Hermès Gazelles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Africa Kenya Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Gazelles / Antelopes We found a similar print on the "KENYA scarf, designed by Robert Dallet and issued in 1988, "year of exotici...
Hermès Tambourine Rattle Toy Leather Silk Wooden Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cutest Authentic Hermès Rattle Ever ! Made, of wood, silk and leather Colorways: Mainly Orange and Pink Made for the 2016 Hong Kong Mid Autumn Festiva...
Hermes Lao Paperweight Brain Teaser Acajou Ebenise Mahogany Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lao paperweight featured in Acajou Ebenise. In addition to its inherent charm, this exquisite solid ebonized mahogany Lao is a b...
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...
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.