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 Silver Keychain Key Holder Charm Heart Shaped Valentine's Day
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Keychain Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of sterling silver Colorway: silvery Each side is engraved with a multitude of ...
Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...
Hermès Sheriff Hat Leather Charm for Kelly or Birkin Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Charm Comes from the "petit h" collection In shape of a sheriff's hat, with a 6-pointed star cut out Can be used as Bag Charm for your Hermès Kelly or...
Hermès Smocking Pipe Wood B-46
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pipe Made in France Vintage item Stummel made of heather wood / Stem made of resin Colorways: brown, black "HERMÈS PARIS" / "MADE IN FRANCE" / "B-46...
Hermès Perpetuel Calendar Ephemeris Robot Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Amazing and Rare Hermès Perpetual Calendar Perpetual version The day and date change automatically by pressing the push button The years can be set to a 4-year cycle. Currently se...
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 Curiosity Kelly Bag Charm Pendant Necklace Guilloche Permabrass
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Pendant In shape of a "Kelly" Bag The smallest version ever of the Iconic Kelly Bag It even has the padlock and clochette-tirette ! Made in France Made...
Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Hermès Guilloche Pill Box Ravinet d'Enfert Spur Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
Hermès Silver Bottle Opener Ravinet d'Enfert Horse
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Openerand Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener Horse head shaped Designed by Ravinet d'Enfert for Hermès Made in France Vintage item Answers sil...
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 1985s Porte Cles Argent Clou de Selle Sterling Silver Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès keychain circa 1985 in 925/1000 silver, Clou de selle model, composed of a chain and a large medallion. Total length 19 cm, clasp at 13 cm, medallion diameter 3 cm, total weig...
Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a horsewhip Made of Silver 800 (crab hallmark) Made in France Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved at the end of...
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Palladium Breloque Olga Cadena lock H logo horse dog coin bag charm chain Reference: TGAS/F00301 Brand: Hermes Model: Breloque Olga Cadena Material: Metal Color: Silver Patter...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Hermès Savana Dance Skateboard
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès made their foray into the world of skate culture with a line of skateboards that featured archival designs from the house. Fantastically curated in the multi-colour 'Savana Dance...
Hermès Rouge H Vintage Grooming Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage grooming travel set is composed by 1 bifold leather case with: 1 wood shoe horn, a silver metal razor, a blade holder, 1 leather pouch with a comb, manicure set. Comes w...
Hermès Set of 7 Leather Charms Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely set of 7 Authentic Hermès Charms Shapes: Horse, Seahorse, Heart, Christmas Tree, Lion, Cupid, Marmot From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorways: 1 Beige, 2 Blue...
Hermès Geegee Savannah Zebra Charm for Birkin Kelly Craie Noir Rose Pourpre
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee" Charm Called "Savannah", this cute bag accessory is shaped as a zebra Made in France Stamp Z Made of Milo Lambskin Leather (smooth and soft) ...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glasses Case Beige Ostrich Leather RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Glasses Case Exceptional Piece, extremely rare Made in France No datation stamp, Vintage item Made of ostrich leather, inside ...
Hermès Saint Christopher Yellow Gold Key Holder Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Key Ring Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" o...
Hermès Braided Leather Wooden Lead Pencil
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Pencil Made of Wood and Covered with braided leather Palladium plated "Clou de selle" on top, "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved Colo...
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 New Grey Avalon Blanket
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new grey Avalon wool cashmere blanket. Classic patten.
Hermès Leather Wood Jump Rope Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Jump Rope Limited Edition ! Collectible Item Made in France in 2013 Made of beige wood and "gold" leather "Made in France...
Hermès BNIB Kraft Carmen Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new carmen keychain/bag charm in kraft new color. Comes with original box and gift receipt.
Hermes Park Picnic Basket A Walk in the Garden Plates and More New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a guaranteed authentic limited edition Hermes Park Picnic Basket for a most delightful outing with a dash of luxury. Hand braided wicker ...
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...
Hermès Charm Cupid Angel and God of Love in Leather Petit h
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm In shape of Cupid From the Petit h collection Made of leather Colorway: burgundy This charm adorned the packaging of a small h item, so it has on...
Hermès Shotgun Shells Seven Pencils Holder by Ravinet d'Enfert Bullets Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès 7 Pencils Holder In shape of shotgun cartridges No datation - probably vintage The bottom of the shells is golden, the body is silvery The base of the pencils holder is covered with navy blue leather "HERMES PARIS" engraved on the hardware and Ravinet d'Enfert craftsman's hallmark "HERMÈS PARIS" in golden letters on the leather Measurements: - 5,4 cm at highest (2,12 inches) - diameter of base is 7,5 cm (2,95 inches) - inner diameter of each shell is 1,1 cm (0,43 inch) Condition: Near new condition. NO ink traces May...
Hermès Fer a Cheval Key Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Fer a Cheval Key Ring is in palladium silver and features a horseshoe shape with a subtle “H” signature. Brand new with original dust cover and box.
$10,500
Hermès Electric Bike
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Electric Bike is in mint condition. Orange frame with signature Hermès ribbon pattern. Charming straw basket sits jauntily on the...
Hermes Rose Pourpre Horse Bag Charm NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès grigri rodeo bag charm. Size: PM (small). Brand new. Combination of rose pourpre, celeste, and rust leather. Comes with box, ribbon, and gift bag. Date stamp A for 2017. Marke...
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...
Hermes Rouge 24-Colour Lipstick Piano Set Limited-Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Rouge Hermes Piano 24 set brings 10 matte finishes and 14 satin finishes in a range of colours to set any mood in the coming year. Refillable lacquered, polished ...
Hermès Oran Nano Bag Charm Grigri Black Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Oran Nano" Charm In shape of an Hermès Oran Sandal, in nano version Made in France Made of Hunter and Butler Leather Colorways: Noir / Naturel Sable ...
Exceptional Hermès Keychain Saint Christopher Patron Saint of Travelers Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain Represents Saint Christopher, a saint of Christianity. Christophe means "the one who carries the Christ". He is considered the "Patron Saint" of travelers. Can be used as charm or key holder Made of Silver (80% - Crab hallmark) Probably Vintage Item Colorway: Silver-tone "HERMES" engraved at back Hallmarks on the chain Measurements: - Total Length: 16 cm (6,3 inches) - The medal part is 2,2 Long 4,5 High (0,87 / 1,77 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape, no missing part. Clean and shiny. Closure system perfectly works. May show micro scratches not seen unless close inspection. Will come in its original vintage Hermès case...
Hermes Porosus Crocodile Globetrotter Agenda Orange Feu
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Globetrotter Agenda beautiful Porosus Crocodile featured in Orange Feu. Inside lined in Chevre leather with rear slot p...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage 6 Tobacco Pipes Stand Rack Holder RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Stand Rack for 6 Tobacco Pipes Rare vintage item Can be used for anything else Made of non precious metal Colorway: Silvery "HERMÈS PARIS" and craftman hallmark engraved at back 2 animal heads at top of the stand Measurements: - 15 cm high (5,91 inches) - 16 cm at longest (6,3 inches) - 11,5 cm at widest (4,53 inches) Condition: Excellent. Original shape. No missing part. Clean and shiny. Scratches on the base No Hermès packaging...
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 ...
Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor Limited Edition Sycamore Wood Sesame Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Coffret a Cigares Humidor cigar storage box. Featured in Sycamore wood with inlaid lizard in Sesame. Inlays form "H" design. This stunning limited edition Hermes humidor...
Hermes Airpods Pro Case Gold Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Air Pods Pro Case featured in Gold. Beautiful in swift calfskin with white topstitch. This case is not only a visual delight but also compatible with all gen...
Hermès "Filou" Gold Glove Clip
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Filou" Glove Clip is in gold plated metal. Hook this clip onto your handbag strap to keep your gloves together and add a stylish flair to your handbag. Handbag and gloves not...
Hermes Bride-a-Brac au Carre Case Fauve Large Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bride-A-Brac Au Carre case featured in Fauve. Bicolour wool twill straps with signature Clou de Selle snaps. Embroidered H motif on the front. With two Cl...
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...
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...
New in Box Hermès Palladium Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silver and palladium scarf ring. Comes with velvet duster and original box. Never used.
Hermes Optimist 24 Bain Flat Pouch Vert Ecru
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bain rare Optimist 24 flat case featured in Vert. Natural cotton canvas with sailing motif. Designed by Nigel Peake, it is a colorful interpretation of a ...
Hermes Medor Dog Collar and Medor Slim Lead Medium Model Set
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Medor Paille II Dog Collar and Lead Set featured in the Medium size. The collar and lead are featured in Dark Irish bridle leather and a textile interpretation of the Medor st...
Hermes Etriviere Dog Collar Large Model New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Etriviere dog collar featured in Natural Sable natural bridle leather. Buckle is stirrup shape. D ring for a leash. 2cm ...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm MM Blue Celeste Malachite Craie Horse
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic coveted Hermes MM features retired Blue Celeste Rodeo horse charm with Craie tail and mane. Saddle and holder are Malachite. Skin is lamb Milo Signature HERMES P...
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure...
Hermès hunting trumpet
By Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
Hermès Vintage Selection by Corrado Luxury - Rare Elless brand cow horn hunting trumpet for Maison Hermès, mounted on chrome metal slight signs of use along the natural cowhide cord....
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...
Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder Gold Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Passport Holder featured in Gold. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Snap closure with lacquered pall...
Hermes Lampe de Poche In the Pocket Fauve Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Lampe de Poche in the Pocket featured in Fauve Barenia leather. Small flashlight inside the Barenia leather case with white top stitch. Pressing on ca...
Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder Blue Nuit Evercolor Calfskin
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes R.M.S. Card Holder featured in rich Bleu Nuit. In beautiful Evercolor calfskin leather - a small, satiny grain with suppleness. Sn...
Hermes Bag Charm Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe Orange New w/ Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Paddock Fer a Cheval Horse Shoe bag charm. This equestrian charm is featured in rare Orange and will add a delightful touch to ...
Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & Spurs
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Say hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...
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.