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.
Hermes 1990s Hermès Haut A Courroies HAC 50 in Vert Foncé Ardennes with Gold
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Green Leather Exterior - Early 1990's - Come wit dust bag lock and key - IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND Measurements (approximately in inches) : Handle Drop: 5.9 Height: 15.75 Width: 19.6...
Hermes 1980s Haut À Courroies HAC 60 Black Natural Tan Vache Fjord Box Calf Gold
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Circa late 1980. - Discontinued size " 60 " - Brand new handles & singles ( Straps ) with ORIGINAL HARDWARE - Noir Fjord & Tan box leather exterior - The bag will c...
HERMES Victoria II 35 Fourre-Tout Purple Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, interior with yellowing oxidation and stains, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35cm,height:23cm Designer: Herm...
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather and canvas “Victoria” travel Large Bag 50
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence leather and beige canvas “Victoria” travel Large Bag 50 featuring tarnish gold plated hardware, a top zipper closure, set clochette and address tag sta...
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...
Hermes Vintage 1980s Haut a Courroies Hac 55 Naturel Vache Hunter Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Vache Hunter Naturel Exterior - Brass Hardware - Circa late 1980's - Absolutely amazing patina Condition: The bag is in overall decent condition with no major imperfecti...
Hermes Gold Gulliver Leather Plume 32 Hand Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold "Gulliver" leather "Plume 32" handbag featuring gold plated hardware, leather lining with slip pocket. You could fit a laptop inside. Circa 1996 (Z in a round) In good ...
Hermes Drag De Voyage Travel Bag Tan Brown Leather Carry On Luggage Top Handle
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Brown leather exterior - Silver colored hardware - No dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition, has some minor discoloration on the piping throughout t...
Hermès Birkin Haut à Courroies 50cm Barenia Leather and Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Monumental in scale and deeply rooted in Hermès’ equestrian heritage, this Birkin Haut à Courroies 50cm represents one of the house’s most iconic travel silhouettes in its most authe...
Hermes Roule Shopping Cart Roler Matte Havane Porosus Crocodile & Printed Toile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This extraordinary limited edition Hermès Roule Birkin bag is a rare Petit h creation that reimagines the iconic Birkin in a functional rolling form. Originally conceived within the ...
Hermes HAC Birkin 40 Bag Black Toile and Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers The Hermès HAC 40 in Black with crisp Black and Ecru Toile represents timeless sophistication grounded in heritage design. Crafted from Togo leather and accented wi...
Hermès Vintage Sac Mallette Red Leather Doctor Bag with Gold Plated Accents
By Hermès
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
Hermes Vintage Sac Mallette was originally designed in the 1920's .Very unusual, this exceptionally stunning piece is a must have for all Hermes collectors. It features beautiful, ri...
Hermes Haut à Courroies Hac 60 Black Ardennes GoldCarry On Birkin Vintage 1991
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black Leather Exterior - Silver Hardware - Stamped circle U (1991) Measurements (approximately in inches) : L: 26.5 " H: 18.8 " W: '12 " Description: This bag is truly in...
Hermes Vintage Ulysse Toile Barenia Trunk Carry On Suitcase Gold Hardware 1950s
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Special order ulysse exterior HH logo throughout - Brass hardware - Estimated to be from the early 1950's - Dual front buckle strap with functioning snap closure - Linen lined...
Vintage HERMES Canvas Calfskin Travel Bag XL
By Hermès
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage HERMES Toile travel bag is crafted of light beige cotton canvas and smooth calfskin leather in dark brown. Zip-around closure opens t...
Hermes HAC 40 Flag Limited Edition Haut a Courroies Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes HAC 40 Flag bag featured in H Toile and Black. Black Evercalf leather and signature Hermes Toile H in Bla...
Hermes Vintage Kelly 50 Red Bordeaux Gold Hardware Travel Carry On Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Red Exterior - Gold Hardware - Should Strap - Lock & Key - Stamp D ( Year 2000 ) Condition: The bag is in great shape with no major imperfections, the bag has light p...
Hermes Helium Hac 50 Travel Bag Alezan Togo Aluminum Hardware Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Helium 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Alezan togo leather. Limited edition accentuated with Aluminum hardware. Chic and timeless. Th...
Hermes HAC 50 Birkin Bag Etoupe Togo Leather Brass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes HAC 50 bag featured in Etoupe. Accentuated with Brass hardware. Comes with lock, keys and clochette. This is the mom...
Hermès Valise R.M.S III Cabine Cargo Toile Goéland/Régate Vert Mangrove/Noir
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès R.M.S III Cabine Cargo is a refined expression of modern travel, designed for those who value discretion and precision in every detail. Rendered in Toile Goéland and Régat...
Hermes Hac 50 Birkin Bag Lime Evercolor and Ficelle Toile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Lime Evercolor leather. The body is warm Ficelle Toile. Complimented with Palladiu...
Hermès XXL Heeboo Handbag Toile
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Heeboo Handbag Toile XXL in excellent condition. The bag has a adjustable and detachable shoulder strap which measures 16 inches. It comes with th...
Hermes Hac 50 Vintage Birkin Bag Black Fjord Leather Brass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage 50 Hermes Hac (Sac Haut a Courroies) featured in Black Fjord leather. This gorgeous matte leather is rare to find and...
Hermes Airsilk Duffle Bag Cavalcadour 50 Blue Silk Limited Edition New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Airsilk Duffle Cavalcadour 50 featured in Blue, Orange, White and Black. Beautiful Cavalcadour silk sc...
Haute A Courroies Hac 50 Red Rouge H Crinoline Buffalo Duffle Travel Bag Vtg
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
This bag is absolutely magnififenct
Hermes Airsilk Duffle Bag Cavalcadour 38 Orange Silk Limited Edition New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Airsilk Duffle Cavalcadour 38 featured in Orange Blue, White, Green and Black. Same size bag is also a...
New Hermès Valise R.M.S Cargo Carry-On Suitcase – Beige/Fauve Canvas Leather PHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Valise R.M.S Cargo Carry-On Suitcase in Beige and Fauve is a sophisticated travel essential that blends luxury with practicality. Crafted from durable beige canvas and acc...
HERMES Foldable Silky Pop Bag in Brown Leather and Printed Silk
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Since 1937 Hermés has passed down painstaking craftmanship through the generations. Their elegant and simple designs stand the test of time as they are highly regarded as some of the best quality goods around the world. This is a foldable Silky Pop tote bag that features a beautiful printed equestrian silk with vibrant colors on a contrasting black foreground. This bag folds perfectly into itself into a 5.5 inch by 5.5 inch compact brown leather zipped pouch. This is a unique design you will not be able to find anywhere else! It is a highly efficient and easy bag to travel with making your vacation a little less stressful to pack for! Pair this tote with your favorite holiday wear with a Missoni dress, Chanel slides...
Hermes Medium Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Grey cotton canvas “Toto” clutch bag featuring bicolor ribbon, inside pockets and a top zip logo fastening. Circa 1990s 100%cotton In good vintage condition . Made in France....
Hermes Cabine 55 Surfer Rolling Mobility Suitcase
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Hermes Cabine 55 Surfer Rolling Mobility Suitcase is an exquisite piece that combines functionality with high-fashion aesthetics. Adorned with a vibrant print of surfboards set a...
Hermès Sable Togo Market Bucket Tote
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Sable Togo Market Bucket Tote SKU: 152817 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition with apparent signs of wea...
Hermès Navy x Green Stripe Herline Briefcase Attache 23her721
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Hermès Navy x Green Stripe Herline Briefcase Attache 23her721
Hermes 1970s Haut À Courroies HAC 50 Black Gold Veau Grènè Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Black grained leather exterior - New handles ( Fresh from the Hermes spa ) - Stamped " Circle G " - 1977 - Comes with dust bag lock & key Base Of the Bag: 19.5 x 10.5 Height: ...
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.