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 “Calligraphy” Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Ivory “Calligraphy” porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom, a side Hermes signature. Circa 2000s Made in Frace In good vintage ...
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 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 Silver Horse Head Catch All Pin Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Vintage Catch All Pin tray. Designed by Ravinet D'Enfert. Silver plated round tray with horse head handle. Stamped Hermes...
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 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...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Creamer Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bleus D'Ailleurs Creamer. Treat yourself to a quiet moment to experience "A story of “white and blue” made up of endless jour...
Exceptional Hermès Pli H Change Tray in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Height of elegance for this gorgeous authentic Hermès change tray From the "Pli'H" collection Made in France Made of smooth bridle leather, a raw and authentic leather, which deve...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Komondor Dog Print in Porcelain RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Komondor Very rare vintage item Made in France Made of printed porcelain Colorways: white, black, green, blue-grey Back covered with green blue leather "HERMÈS - PARIS" and "Made in France" in golden letters on sides Measurements: 19,8 cm Length / 16,2 cm Width / 4 cm Height (7,8 x 6,38 x 1,57 inches) Condition: Excellent. No trace of use. Drawing in mint condition. Trace of a tag and slight discoloration on the leather at back No Hermès packaging...
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...
Hermes Passifolia Small Tray no 1 / Sushi Plate New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Guaranteed authentic Hermes Soy Dish / Sushi Plate featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the ...
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 Tray Jungle Love Emerald Limoges Porcelain New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Jungle Love Limoges porcelain tray featured in Emerald. Hand painted porcelain with hand painted platinum trim. This beloved print is timeless and highly ...
Hermes Steeple Chase Blue / Etoupe Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Steeple Chase change tray. Blue and Etoupe colorway. Hand painted gold trim. Porcelain decorated using chromolithography....
Hermes Ex-Libris Twilly Box Boite Ronde Mahogany Wood New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Boite Ronde Ex-Libris Twilly box. Hand carved in rich Mahogany wood. Exquisite display piece in any room. Us...
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 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...
Hermes Groom Stable Bucket Oak Wood Leather Handle New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes equestrian grooming stable bucket features oak wood. Cowhide handle with stainless steel ring. Hermes Sellier Paris signature in black. This equestrian p...
Hermes Samarcande Paperweight Terracotta Lacquered Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcnade paperweight featured in Terracotta lacquered wood. Crafted in layers of hand lacquered wood, and sanded to reveal the beauty of the colour. This exquisite paperweight can serve as a stand alone. No longer produced in the lacquered finish. Leather base stamped...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Dessert Plate Platinum Set of 2 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Dessert Plate Set of 2 in porcelain. The mosaic motif reflects the mosaic floor at t...
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 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...
Hermes Sunset Motel Luggage Tag Blue Indigo Black Green
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Room 24 luggage tag in Swift Leather. Rich colours of Bleu Indigo, Black and Green. Palladium plated hardware. ...
Hermes Passifolia Large Salad Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Large Salad Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of ...
Hermes Pleiade Tissue Box Small Model Mahogany Wood Brique Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Pleiade small model Tissue Box featured in Mahogany and Brique Taurillon leather. Modern and elegant with white topstitch on the leather. Magnetic closure...
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...
Hermes Mises Et Relances Carre D'H Change Tray Rouge and Fauve
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mises et Relances Carre D'H change tray. Beautifully crafted featuring Rouge and Fauve taurillon leather. Micro perforation on...
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...
Hermes Mises Et Relances Black Change Tray / Desk Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mises et Relances change tray with perforated Evelyn H. Beautifully crafted featured in Black Clemence leather. Nic...
Hermes Equestrian Brown / White Limoges Porcelain Change Tray
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare vintage Hermes Chevaux à la Couverture Change Tray. A beautiful warm brown offsets the delicate features of the white horse. Ac...
Hermes Sushi Plate Mosaique Au 24 Platinum Small Model Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes marvelous sushi plate also used as a small decorative tray. Limoges Porcelain in platinum and gray mosaic print pays tribute to the iconic mosaic floor of the historic Hermes Faubourg...
Hermes Change Tray Tatersale Multicolore Porcelain Hand Painted Trim New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes multicolored Tatersale change tray. Decorated in 18 colours using chromolithography. Hand painted platinum Trim. A decorative ashtray or tray piece perfec...
Hermes Mosaique Au 24 Gold Square Plate No 3 Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mosaique au 24 Gold No 3 Square plate. Can also be used as a small decorative tray. Limoges Porcelain features gold and gray mosaic print pays tribute to the iconic mosaic floor of the historic Hermes Faubourg...
Hermes Le Felin Change Tray Hand Painted Porcelain Naturel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Le Felin hand painted porcelain Change Tray in Naturel. Hand painted gold trim. Designed by Robert Dallet, a wildlife artist for the Museum of Naturel His...
Hermes Fuchsia Leather Bag Tassel
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Fuchsia Leather Bag Tassel Length 2.5 in.
Hermes Ashtray La Source de Pegase Silver Limoges Porcelain New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Platinum La Source de Pegase Limoges porcelain ashtray. Hand painted platinum trim and decorated using chromolithography. White with Taupe design creates ...
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...
Hermes Passifolia Medium Vegetable Bowl New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Medium Vegetable Bowl featured in the classic Hermes Passifolia pattern. A beautiful hommage to the peace and power of fl...
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 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 Set of 2 Placemats Formula One Paddock Club GP F1 Car Race
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Set of 2 Hermès Placemats Made by Hermès for the Formula 1 Paddock Club This is a private club that we can find at Formula 1 Grand Pri...
Hermes Lacque Box Terracotta Carved H Lid Rare Vintage Lacquared Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Cavales Box. Engraved hand-lacquered wood. Exquisite in Black. Beautiful container to keep your mementos in secret! New or P...
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 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...
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 Watch or Jewelry Display Stand Holder in Felt and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Display Stand Perfect for presenting your watch, necklace, bracelet Composed of a swivel tray fixed on a wooden base The tray i...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
Hermes Rallye 24 Tart Platter Limited Edition Limoges Porcelain
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rallye 24 Tart Platter featured in White. The iconic Chaine D'Ancre motif creates the curves and straights of the racetrack. ...
Hermes Blue 2003 Année de la Mediterranee Mini Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Blue “2003 Année de la Mediterranée”porcelain de Limoges mini organizer featuring a square shape, a blue border, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 2003 M...
Hermes Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen Gold Barenia Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Culbuto Sellier Rollerball Pen featured in Fauve Barenia calfskin. Palladium plated. Has a specific pressurized refill blue ink refill. Marvelous self bal...
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 ...
Hermes Cavales Lacquered Twilly Box Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cavales Silk Twilly Box. Engraved hand-lacquered wood. Exquisite in Rouge H. Fits 5 twillies or use it to keep your mementos...
$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.
Hermes Lacquered Wood Chamonix Chakor Plateaux GM Lime New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Vintage Lacquered Wood Chamonix Chakor Tray in rich Chartreuse. This GM size tray is crafted from fine wood and finished with a thick, glossy lacquer. The...
Hermes Palladium Dans Les Etoile (In The Stars) Charm, 1999
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Palladium Dans Les Etoile (In The Stars) Charm, 1999. Marked, slide closure, with Hermes box and ribbon. Height 4 cm.
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.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.