Hermès Shoulder Bags
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.
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century Unknown Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s Swiss Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
20th Century French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
2010s French Hermès Shoulder Bags
Hermès shoulder bags for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Hermès
- Does Hermes have backpacks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the modern backpack is an essential part of any handbag designer’s repertoire—even Hermes who has some delightfully functional backpacks to choose from. Find vintage and contemporary Hermes accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a Roman herm?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Roman herm is a squared off stone pillar that is topped with a carved head. Originally, they represented the god Hermes, but as time went on herms were used to depict any number of people, real and fictitious, as well as animals and mythological creatures. On 1stDibs, find a collection of herms and other statues from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is Hermes RTW?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In the world of fashion, whether it’s Hermes or any brand, RTW stands for ready-to-wear. Sometimes also called the French term pret-a-porter, this clothing is made for the general market and sold in stores. There is no customizing or altering the fit, the clothes are simply bought as is. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a Hermes Picotin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Hermes Picotin handbag is one of the brand’s signature bags with a minimalist approach that was inspired by a horse’s feedbag. The name comes from a French term for the amount of oats given to a horse to eat. This is an unlined bag, very simple and understated. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- How much are Hermes belts?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of a Hermès belt is dependent on the style, condition, age, and rarity. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a Hermès belt at a wide range of prices.
- How much is an Hermes Birkin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Hermés Birkin bag is one of the costliest bags in the world. A single bag might cost anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000. It is regarded as an instantly recognizable handcrafted and extremely limited-edition bag. Jane Birkin, an actress and singer, was the inspiration for the name. Shop a range of original Hermès Birkin bags on 1stDibs.
- How much is Hermes Lindy?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much a Hermès Lindy bag costs depends on size, features and more. It typically costs $4,500 to more than $16,000 and is said to be one of the most coveted brands for bags. Shop a variety of Hermès Lindy bags today on 1stDibs.
- What is epsom leather hermes?1 AnswerChicjoySeptember 24, 2020
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.
- What is Hermes Evelyne TPM?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Hermes Evelyne handbag comes in four sizes, 16 cm is the smallest and is referred to as the TPM. The abbreviation TPM stands for Très Petit Modèle, which this bag is, as it’s just big enough to hold a phone and a couple of other accessories. Shop a collection of vintage and new Hermes bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is Hermes orange called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Hermès orange is called Orange H. Sometimes, you may see it labeled as Classic Orange. The color is a vibrant true orange. It is not as dark as Potiron and has less of a yellow tone than Gold. You'll find a large collection of Hermès bags on 1stDibs.
- What is the best Hermes color?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022What Hermès color is the best is largely a matter of personal preference. Permanent colors used in the luxury brand's handbag collection include Noir black, Gold and gray-brown Etoupe. In addition, Hermès regularly produces bags in dark red Rouge H and pinkish-cream Parchemin. You'll find a large selection of Hermès bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The most expensive Hermès bag is the Hermès Himalaya Kelly Birkin Bag. The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. Today the wide range of iconic handbags designed by Hermès includes the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance and more. Shop Birkin bags on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Hermes scarf?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021An Hermès scarf can range in value depending on condition, rarity, and style. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a Hermès scarf for $195 - $7,444.
- How much is a Hermes bag?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The price of a Hermès bag can vary depending on color, condition, rarity, style and age. Owing to its limited availability and quality craftsmanship, a Birkin bag can be a very costly bag made by Hermès — an example of this accessory sold in 2017 for nearly $400,000 at an auction in Hong Kong. On 1stDibs.com, you can find a variety of Hermès bags for a range of prices.
- Did Hermes make typewriters?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Not to be confused with luxury French fashion house Hermès Paris, Hermes typewriters were manufactured by Paillard-Bolex throughout the early 20th century. Hermes typewriters were initially a side project from the Swiss watch manufacturer looking to capitalize off the lucrative typewriting market. Shop a selection of vintage typewriters, including Hermes, on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Hermes scarves come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are small scarves and larger ones, rectangles and even pocket squares, all from the luxury brand Hermes. Find a collection of vintage and modern Hermes scarves on 1stDibs.
- Where are Hermes boxes made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Hermès boxes are made in France by seven different cardboard manufacturers. Hermès iconic packaging has become a collector’s item in its own right, along with the luxury brand’s wide array of clothing and accessories. Shop vintage and contemporary Hermès from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020
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.
- ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if an Hermes scarf is real, check the hem. Hermes scarves have hand-rolled hems with the rolling moving toward the front or the more vibrant side of the print. The hem thread should perfectly match the main color of the scarf. Always purchase Hermes scarves from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of Hermes scarves from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.