Hermès originated as a leather goods shop in Paris in 1837. Today, after expanding upon its expert stitching techniques to create handbags, luggage and travel bags, briefcases, crossbody bags and other accessories, it's considered one of the most luxurious fashion and lifestyle brands in the world. And vintage Hermès handbags and purses are catnip to collectors — a Birkin bag, for example, might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough.
The Kelly and the Birkin are the most famous of all Hermès bags, and they are considered luxury investments. Though these bags are typically priced at up to $10,000, exclusive and rare bags can get up to the hundreds of thousands.
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, founder Thierry Hermès’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 Kelly's 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. There are two types of Kelly bags, Sellier and Retourne. Formal and elegant, the Sellier was Grace Kelly’s preferred style. Retourne Kellys tend to be more casual.
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, and the leathers used to make these bags are among the finest in the world. And just as color matters when you’re contemplating an investment in a Birkin — new and seasonal colors are often in great demand — texture and durability matter, too.
There are different types of Hermès crocodile Birkin bags, such as Porosus crocodile Birkins and Niloticus crocodile Birkins, that speak to these attributes. The Birkin Himalayan, which is made in extremely limited qualities, has sold for record-breaking amounts of money.
Jean Paul Gaultier Birkins are unsurprisingly sought-after, and his So Black Birkin — which featured black PVD-coated hardware — is among the most cherished pieces the provocative French designer created for the brand in his role as creative director at Hermès.
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 recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne, a slew of designs on the vintage market that date back to the 1920s, and the Constance bag.
A favorite of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the Hermès Constance bag pairs comfort and refinement. While the distinctive accessory isn't one of the luxury house's much-publicized top-handle bags or totes — the Constance can instead be casually worn across the body or over the shoulder — it's a widely loved bag most noted for the “H” clasp that secures the bag’s top flap.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès shoulder bags, purses, clutches, suitcases and more on 1stDibs.
Hermès Birkin 35 Miel Shiny Porosus Crocodile Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
Investment Piece and Great Deal SKU 33301488 Comes With Hermès Dust Bag, Keys,Padlock,Clochette Date 2007 Model Birkin 35 Serial Number [K] Metal Palladium Materials Crocodile Leath...
Hermès Micro Kelly 15 cm Sellier Red Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Adorable Authentic Hermès Micro Kelly Rare item, a must-have for any Hermès lovers Sellier Version (outside stitching) for a rigid shape...
Hermès Bag Constance 18 cm Metallic Silver Leather Phw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Constance" Made in France Stamp H in square (2004) Made of chèvre leather (Goatskin) and palladium plated hardware (silver-tone) ...
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch in Brown Crocodile Ghw Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel Made in France Stamp A in square (1997) Made of shiny niloticus croco...
Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
Hermès Vintage Sequana Bag Magic Purple Blue Porosus Crocodile Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Stunning Authentic Hermès Vintage Bag "Séquana" This bag is magic! Depending on the weather, the light, your outfit, its color changes!...
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich ...
Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Orange Epsom Brand New In Original Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES epsom Mini Kelly Sellier 20 in orange. This rare and iconic mini Kelly bag is finely crafted of bright orange leather with classic Kelly features includin...
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Padlock Purse Clutch Bag Shiny Brown Crocodile Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "Padlock" Purse Very rare ! Asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and elegant rendering Made in France Stamp N in a circle (1984) Pu...
Exceptional Hermès Evening Clutch Bag Minaudière Shagreen Grey Silver Tone Metal
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Evening Bag Made in France No stamp Made of Shagreen (Galuchat) and Silver Tone Metal, Doblis Shoulder Strap In...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 is crafted from Gold Togo leather with gold hardware, embodying timeless sophistication in a smaller, highly coveted size. It features contrast stitching, a fro...
Hermes Birkin 25 Mauve Sylvestre Swift with Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 25 cm (25 × 20 × 13 cm / 10" × 8" × 5") Material: Swift leather Hardware: Rose Gold Color: Mauve Sylvestre Year / Stamp: U stamp, 2022 Country of Ma...
Hermes Mini Kelly II Fauve SELLIER MINI BARENIA MISS I ALLIGATOR
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Mini Kelly Size: 20 cm Colour: Fauve Material: Matte Alligator leather Hardware: Palladium Hardware (PHW) Year: 2025 Comes with: Full set, including dust ...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Calfskin with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Sellier Size: 28 cm (28 × 22 × 10 cm / 11.25" × 8.25" × 4") Material: Box Calfskin leather Hardware: Gold Color: Black (Noir) Year / Stamp: U stamp, 2022 C...
Hermes Kelly Cut Gris Asphalt Swift with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermes Model: Kelly Cut Size: 31 × 13 × 3 cm (12.25" × 5" × 1") Material: Swift leather Hardware: Gold Exterior / Interior Color: Gris Asphalt Year / Stamp: A stamp, 201...
Hermès Constance Elan 25 Amethyst Shiny Niloticus Crocodile with Palladium Hardw
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Size: 25 cm (L 25 × H 13 × W 6 cm) Material: Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Hardware: Palladium Color: Amethyst Year / Stamp: Z stamp, 2014 Country of ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Touch 3 Parchemin and Gris Ostrich with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Touch 3 Size: 25 cm (25 × 20 × 13 cm / 10" × 8" × 5") Material: Ostrich leather with calfskin interior Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior Color: Parchemin and Gris Year / Stamp: B stamp, 2023 Country of Manufacture: France Condition: Unworn, New (stickers intact on hardware) Comes with: Hermès box, dust bag, and original receipt An extraordinary Hermès Birkin 25 Touch...
Hermes Mini Kelly Sellier 20 Limoncello Chevre Palladium Hardware 2023
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
An exquisite Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier 20 in radiant Limoncello Chevre leather, finished with refined palladium hardware. The Mini Kelly is one of the most sought-after designs in t...
Hermes Birkin 35 White Clemence with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermes Model: Birkin Size: 35 cm (35 × 25 × 18 cm / 14" × 10" × 7") Material: Clemence leather Hardware: Gold Color: White Year / Stamp: R Square stamp, 2014 Country of Manufa...
Hermes Kelly 28 Retourne Vert d’Eau Matte Alligator with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Retourne Size: 28 cm (28 × 22 × 10 cm / 11.25" × 8.25" × 4") Material: Alligator Mississippiensis (Matte) Hardware: Gold Color: Vert d’Eau Year / Stamp: B ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
This Hermès Birkin 25 is crafted from Gold Togo leather with palladium hardware, embodying timeless sophistication in a smaller, highly coveted size. It features contrast stitching, ...
Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Rouge Epsom with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Sellier Size: 32 cm (32 × 23 × 11 cm / 12.5" × 9" × 4") Material: Epsom leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior Color: Rouge Year / Stamp: O ...
Hermès New Mini Kelly Idole Picto Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible Kelly Idole Picto bag in blue royale, nata and gold epsom leather. Palladium hardware. Black leather for the funky detachable backpack that can fit a phon...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Prunoir Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Pochette Size: 22 × 13 × 7 cm Material: Alligator Mississippiensis (Matte) Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior Color: Prunoir Year / Stamp: O in ...
Hermes Birkin 25 Anemone Togo with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Hermes Birkin 25 Anemone Togo with Gold Hardware Hermès Birkin 25 Anemone Togo with Gold Hardware (R Square Stamp, 2014) Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 25 cm (25 × 20 × 13 cm ...
Hermes HAC A Dos PM HSS Black Veau Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: HAC À Dos PM (HSS Special Order) Size: PM (L 18 × H 28 × D 8 cm; strap length 69–125 cm) Material: Veau Togo leather Hardware: Pallad...
Hermes Beton 25cm Togo Gold Hardware Off White Baby Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Beton 25cm Togo Gold Hardware Off White Baby Birkin Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gif...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bleu du Nord Swift with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 25 cm (25 × 20 × 13 cm / 10" × 8" × 5") Material: Swift leather Hardware: Palladium Color: Bleu du Nord Year / Stamp: T stamp, 2015 Country of Manuf...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Craie Off White Cream Epsom Gold
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Craie Off White Cream Epsom Gold Do not miss this perfect little jewel - the only Birkin you need day and night, all four seasons! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes in full set with clochette, lock, keys, dust bag, and orange Hermes box. Craie is the most coveted and incredibly gorgeous off white or cream color that is uber chic and goes with every color. Ideal with all manners of beige, brown, black, white, khaki, blues, greens, greys, and nearly every pop color in your wardrobe. Sellier Birkins are a rare find, very limited in production and offered to Hermes VIP's. Stitched on the outside, 25cm Sellier Birkins give you the comfort and ease of a Baby Birkin as well as the structure and elegance of a Baby Kelly. This magnificent Craie Birkin 25...
Vintage Hermès Sac Cordelière White Patent Leather Envelope Handbag- 25 cm, 1951
By Hermès
Located in Tucson, AZ
Though it is almost 70 years old, this magnificent handbag is as lustrous and stylish as the day it was made in 1951. Best of all it is true, bright white and an ideal complement to ...
Hermes HAC A Dos PM Etoupe Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: HAC A Dos PM Size: PM (L 18 × H 28 × D 8 cm; strap length 69–125 cm) Material: Togo leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior C...
Hermes Birkin 35 Arlequin Multicolor Clemence with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 35 cm (35 × 25 × 18 cm / 14" × 10" × 7") Material: Clemence leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior Colors: Orange, Sanguine, Gold, Bleu Lin, Bleu Hydr...
Hermes Constance 18 Mini III Mirror Vert Criquet Swift with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Hermes Constance 18 Mini III Mirror Vert Criquet Swift with Gold Hardware Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Mini III Mirror Size: 18 cm Material: Swift leather Hardware: Gold “H” c...
Hermes Kelly Danse II Verso Etoupe Vert Foncé Evercolor with Palladium Hardwar
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Danse II Verso Size: 8.5" W × 6.5" H × 2.75" D; adjustable shoulder strap 18.5"–27.5" Material: Evercolor leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Inter...
Hermès Birkin 30 Bleu Royal Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 30 cm (30 × 22 × 16 cm / 11.5" × 9" × 6") Material: Togo leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior Color: Bleu Royal Year / Stamp: C sta...
Hermès Birkin 25 Anemone Swift with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermes Model: Birkin Size: 25 cm (25 × 20 × 13 cm / 10" × 8" × 5") Material: Swift leather Hardware: Palladium Color: Anemone Year / Stamp: Y stamp, 2020 Country of Manufactur...
Hermes Birkin Officer 30 Bleu Nuit Vert Cypress Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Officer Size: 30 cm (30 × 22 × 16 cm / 11.5" × 9" × 6") Material: Togo leather Hardware: Palladium Exterior / Interior Color: Bleu Nuit / Vert Cypress Year / Stamp: C stamp, 2018 Country of Manufacture: France Condition: Excellent Comes with: Hermès dust bags, receipt, and raincoat A rare and striking Hermès Birkin Officer...
Hermes Kelly 28 Retourne Rubis Evergrain with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermes Model: Kelly Retourne Size: 28 cm (28 × 22 × 10 cm / 11.25" × 8.25" × 4") Material: Evergrain leather Hardware: Palladium Color: Rubis Year / Stamp: X stamp, 2016...
Hermes Birkin 30 Gold Togo with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin Size: 30 cm Colour: Gold Material: Gold togo leather Hardware: Palladium Hardware (PHW) Year: 2020 Comes with: Full set, including dust bag, box, a...
Hermes Balusoie Green Print Silk Scarf & Leather Handbag circa 2023
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Balusoie Green Print Silk Scarf & Leather Handbag circa 2023 is a versatile and chic accessory that seamlessly blends functionality with high-end fashion. Crafted from a v...
Hermès Tiny Silver Minaudiere Purse
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Hermès - (Made in France) Tiny silver minaudiere. It could have been used as a powder compact. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: 9 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm ...
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch Rose Confetti
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in rose confetti is crafted of luxurious epsom leather. There is a cross-over flap and a strap that tucks u...
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...
Hermes Kelly 28 Retourne Trench Togo with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Retourne Size: 28 cm (28 × 22 × 10 cm / 11.25" × 8.25" × 4") Material: Togo leather Hardware: Gold Exterior / Interior Color: Trench Year / Stamp: X ...
Hermès bag 'The case of the bag'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - Matte rubber “Le Cas du Sac” bag with multicolored printed silk strips and a double handle. A 2004 Collection, designed for the LE CAS DU SAC exhibition at the musée de la m...
Hermès Mini Constance pink satin.
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hermès Mini Constance pink satin bag with gold hardware. Crossbody or shoulder strap. Purple inside. Stamp Hermes Made in France.
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin 2015
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès 30 Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Birkin. This classic handbag has beautiful platinum hardware and rich Epsom leather, which is renowned for its strength and form retention. Its...
HERMÉS black Tadelakt Leather Twilly mini Kelly bag charm, gold hardware, 2021s
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About HERMÈS black Tadelakt leather and multicolored silk ribbon Twill Mini Kelly bag Charm, gold tone Hardware. It is a bag charm "KELLY" (Twilly) that faithfully express the Kelly...
Hermès Customised Bandana Jige Elan PM Black
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hand-painted by our in-house artists, this is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. The bandana jige clutch is the perfect size to fit in all your essentials, yet still, be compact and practi...
Hermès bag 1950s-1960s
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in France) Navy-blue box leather and marled beige H canvas bag with a gold-plated fasterner on a flap. Design from the 1950s-1960s. Condition: Very good condition Di...
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare HERMES Herbag A Dos Vert Criquet green black canvas palladium backpack Reference: TGAS/E00354 Brand: Hermes Model: Herbag A Dos Material: Leat...
Hermes Micro Sac 46mm Villandry Noir Silver Paper Clip Chain Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Runway Limited Edition 70mm Micro Sac features Black Veau Villandry leather. This 3" Micro Mini Sac features palladium Paper Clip...
Hermes Micro Rond Veau Noir Villandry Bag Palladium Paper Clip Chain Ltd Edtn
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Rond Micro Sac features Black Veau Villandry leather. Has small hidden mirror inside! Palladium Paper Clip Chain can be carried b...
Hermes Micro Sac 70mm Noir Villandry Palladium Paper Clip Chain Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mikghtychic offers an Hermes Runway Limited Edition 70mm Micro Sac features Black Veau Villandry leather. This 3" Micro Mini Sac features palladium Paper Cli...
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.