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 Tarot Playing Cards With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Authentic Tarot Playing Cards feature, silver edged cards and printed paper and cardboard base. Used in excellent condition. Comes in original box slightly damages.
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermès Puzzle 140 Pieces
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Hermès Puzzle 140 pieces Colorways: Bue, Pink, Black No photo of the drawing inside Measurements: 42 x 30 cm (16,53 x 11,81 inches) Condition: New condition. Done once...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
Rare Hermès Kaleidoscope Game
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Kaleidoscope From 2001 "Quelques idées Hermès pour les fêtes..." (Some Hermès ideas for the holidays...) Made of cardboard...
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
Adorable Hermès Set of 2 Mini Card Games Monarch De Poret Pattern
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Mini Card Games Set of 2 Back Pattern: "Monarch" designed by Xavier de Poret Made in France "HERMES PARIS" written on the first card Golden edges Co...
Hermes Macao Mahjong Board Game Fauve and Natural Mahogany
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited edition Hermes Macao Mahjong game featured in leather and natural Mahogany wood. Fauve Taurillon H leather lid with bi-colour handles in evercolor calfski...
Hermès 2010s Cartes à Nouer Scarf Knotting Cards Set No. 6 in Box
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 6. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautifully photogr...
Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set Let's Play! Blue Indigo Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set with a dash of luxury! Featured in sapodilla wood and solid cassia wood. A mini Chess game with magne...
Hermès New In Box Set Of 3 Puzzles
By Alice Shirley, Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 3 "Under the waves" puzzles. Designed by Alice Shirley, collectible author.
Hermes Jumbo Playing Cards Set Les 4 Mondes GM New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic rareHermes Jumbo 52-piece playing card set. Cards are beautifully detailed with Les 4 Mondes design on the rear. Trim color is ...
Hermes Samarcande Chess Set Sycamore Mahogany Crocodile Handles New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Samarcande Chess Set. Composed of Natural Sycamore and Mahogany wood. Beautiful contrasting wood pieces. Gorgeous Bleu El...
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 Inlaid Maple Double Playing Card Box
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Inlaid Maple Double Playing Card Box Rectangular, the edges with inlaid linear dashes, with a divided mahogany interior, appears never used, with box. 2.25 by 6.5 by 5 in. Co...
Archival Hermès Paris Les Cartes à Nouer Knotting Cards No. 5
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly elegant and rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 5. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautif...
Hermes Saint-Louis Chess Game Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition Saint-Louis Chess Game featured in Jeu Flannel-Grey with Clear Crystal and Wood. Each chess piece is beautifully inspired by Saint-Louis' classic decanter stoppers. The chess game...
Hermes Cards La Collection Emile Hermes Memory Game
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes La Collection Memory game. Features drawings from the Emile Hermes Collection - makes for hours of family fun or a charming gift. Comes with gift box and ...
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 24 Cards Memory Game Western and Company Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Memory Game Print: Texan spirit, Horse Riding theme, Western, Rodeo Includes 12 pairs of cards, for a total of 24 cards The same drawing is found on 2 c...
Hermès Raconte Moi Le Cheval 25 Pieces Foam RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Please notice: Not suitable for children under 36 months of age Adorable Authentic Hermès Puzzle Pattern: "Raconte moi le Cheval" Made in Fran...
Hermes Orange Knotting Cards Cartes a Nouer Orange N°5
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes orange knotting cards "Cartes à nouer" featuring cards to show you how to knot all Hermes scarves and Twilly. Delivered in original box. In excellent vintage condition. Made ...
Hermes Hemisphaerium Game Of Balance Constellation Game
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermès Hemisphaerium Game of Balance Constellation Game is a delightful fusion of artistry and playfulness, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts and collectors alike. This unique game ...
Hermes New Black Kelly Twist Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new Kelly Twist Bracelet in Black Swift Leather with rose gold hardware. Date stamp B for 2023. Comes with original dust cover and box.
Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set Let's Play! Blue Indigo Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Samarcande Chess Set with a dash of luxury! Featured in sapodilla wood and solid cassia wood. A mini Chess game with magne...
Chanel Tennis Ball
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Tennis Ball is in pristine unused condition. 2017 Collection. White with black interlocking CC logo. PBF 11850
Hermès 2010s Cartes à Nouer Scarf Knotting Cards Set No. 6 in Box
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A truly rare archival treasure from the house of Hermès — the coveted “Cartes à Nouer” (Knotting Cards) Set No. 6. Cards are sealed. This collectible set includes beautifully photogr...
Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars Black Swift Leather New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes In The Pocket Binoculars featured in Black Swift leather case. Leica Ultravid with Fernglas. Compact binoculars with Black leather trim. Black Swift leather case with tone on tone stitching and Clou de Selle snaps for closure. Attached Black leather strap. Made in Germany. Comes with signature Hermes box. New or Store Fresh Condition. final sale BINOCULAR CASE...
Hermès 9 Wood Cubes Game Puzzle Epopee
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Cubes Game Create 6 images using 9 printed wooden cubes Made of printed maple wood Made in Germany Designed by Jan Bajtlik The set will come complete wit...
1970s Vintage Pierre Cardin Burgundy & Grey Leatherette Backgammon Attache Game
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and stylish mid-century backgammon set designed by legendary fashion pioneer Pierre Cardin. Encased in a rich, textured burgundy faux-leather/leatherette attache case ...
Hermès New In Box Set Of 3 Puzzles
By Alice Shirley, Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new in box set of 3 "Under the waves" puzzles. Designed by Alice Shirley, collectible author.
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...
Adorable Hermès Set of 2 Mini Card Games Monarch De Poret Pattern
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès Mini Card Games Set of 2 Back Pattern: "Monarch" designed by Xavier de Poret Made in France "HERMES PARIS" written on the first card Golden edges Co...
19th Century Faux Tortoise Shell Long Handled Lorgnette Glasses
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century imitation tortoise shell lorgnette magnifier glasses with a dramatic foldable long handle. A ring at the end of the handle can be used to attach the lorgnette to a chain for easy wear. Perfect for a dapper gent or a lady of leisure. No maker's mark. CONDITION Good antique condition with some light scratching to the surface of the tortoise finish. The magnification of the lenses is not that strong so the lorgnette glasses...
Hermes Macao Mahjong Board Game Fauve and Natural Mahogany
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited edition Hermes Macao Mahjong game featured in leather and natural Mahogany wood. Fauve Taurillon H leather lid with bi-colour handles in evercolor calfski...
Hermès NIB Cheval Natte Tarot Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box tarot deck with 78 cards, silver edged with multicolor cheval natte design. Designed by Tong Ren.
Hermes Playing Cards H Basket Weave Design New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Playing Cards. The 2 sets are multicolored depicting a basket weave design - a fresh take on the "H" design The cards are...
Hermès 24 Cards Memory Game Western and Company Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Memory Game Print: Texan spirit, Horse Riding theme, Western, Rodeo Includes 12 pairs of cards, for a total of 24 cards The same drawing is found on 2 c...
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermes Horse Pattern Playing Cards Trump Silver Edges 2Decks Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A refined Vintage Hermès Paris playing card set featuring two decks presented in the brand’s signature orange box. Each deck displays the classic Hermès horse pattern — one in rich b...
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermès Double Deck Draeger Freres Cards
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès set of 2 poker playing cards. Comes with original box.
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "geometric" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès "H" Tissage Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi color print designed by Fanette ...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
Hermès New Set 2 Poker Decks In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box, set of 2 "horses" Poker Playing Cards with 55 cards. Silver edges cards. Made in France. Comes with original box and ribbon.
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.