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 Vintage Kelly Bag 32 cm Horse Hair Crinoline New Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès KELLY bag Outside stitching for a rigid shape Made in France Stamp V in Square (1992) Made of Crinoline (Horse Hair) and smooth leather NEW Yellow g...
Hermès Birkin 40 Gold Togo PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown - Gold - Palladium hardware - Two rolled top handles - Front flap closure with twist-lock fastening - Comes with lock, clochette and keys - Stamp J square. Year 2006 - Condit...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Red Ostrich Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Made in France Vintage item (V in circle, 1992) Made of ostrich and yellow gold plated hard...
Hermès Silver Micro Kelly Bag Pill Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Smallest "Kelly" bag ever made This baby kelly has nothing to envy of the grown-ups, because she opens up too Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pi...
Hermès Smallest Mini Kelly Bag Pill Box and its Safety Pin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Adorable Authentic Hermès Pill Box "Kelly" Bag shape The smallest Kelly bag ever made Will come with its original safety pin, allowing it to be hung Can be used to put ...
HERMES Terracotta red canvas ^ BRIDE-A-BRAC CABRIOLE LARGE Case Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bride-à-Brac GM vanity case in Terracotta cotton canvas with charming Cabriole embroidery by Alice Charbin. A playful yet refined essential, designed with a dur...
HERMES Gold tan Clemence leather EVELYNE 29 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 29 III crossbody bag in Gold Taurillon Clemence leather. An iconic everyday silhouette in classic camel brown, elevated by contrasting white stitching a...
HERMES Cuivre Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 MAXI QUADRILLE Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 crossbody bag in Cuivre Taurillon Clemence leather. A timeless icon in a rich copper-brown hue, featuring the signature perforated H and refined gold...
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 Sterling Silver Pill Box Micro Bolide Bag
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Cute Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a "Bolide" Hermès Bag Made in England Made of sterling silver (925 and Minerva hallmarks engraved) Vintage Item Opens at th...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Bag Shiny Red Lizard Gold Hdw Vintage
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Cutest ever Authentic Hermès Mini Kelly Among the most coveted Hermès bags Sellier Version, rigid, so chic ! Will come with its matching pencil case and ring scarf cl...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag featured in the highly sought after Bai Brun and Toile combination. This refined pairing blends rich saddle-inspired b...
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 cm Sellier Bag Satin Doblis Leather Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Bag "Mini Kelly" Sellier version, rigid, so Chic ! Collector piece ! Only a few in the world. A true collector bag Made in France Stamp U in a circ...
Hermès 1990s Sac Kelly 25 Sellier Brown Crocodile Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 25, in dark brown Niloticus Crocodile exotic leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features one zipped pocket a...
New Hermes Birkin 35 / 40 Number 5 Rain Cover Jacket Protector
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
An authentic Hermès Birkin 35 Rain Cover, still sealed in its original plastic sleeve. Designed to fit the 35 or 40 cm Birkin, this waterproof protector keeps your treasured bag saf...
Hermès Sac Cabas Herline Toto PM Black Navy Cotton Canvas Hand Bag Tote Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Toto bag (formerly Herline), small size, in black cotton canvas with navy and black cotton strap. The interior features a large zipped pocket and a silver-tone metal Clou de S...
Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Bandouliere Black Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 32, in black box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (not zippered). It incl...
Hermes Kelly 32 Veau Box Calf 1998 Black GHW Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Hermès Kelly 32 in classic black Veau Box calf leather with gold plated hardware. Crafted in 1998 and marked B in a square, with additional S and 23 stamps. The structured silhouette...
Hermès Tigre Royal Bucket Bag Chevrons Toile Canvas Barenia Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bucket Bag Print: "Tigre Royal" (Royal Tiger) Made in France Stamp N in Square, 2010, Year of the Tiger in the...
HERMES orange Swift leather MINI JYPSIERE 22 Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Jypsière 22 crossbody bag in classic Hermès Orange Veau Swift leather. A refined, modern icon blending equestrian herit...
Hermès 1999 Sac Reteint Noir Birkin 35 Dyed Black Epsom Leather Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Birkin bag, size 35, in beige Epsom leather re-dyed in black and gold metal, keys, padlock, zipper, bell, dust bag, year 1999. Width 35 cm x height 25 cm x depth 18 cm, handle...
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...
Hermès Hunter Herbag Zip 31 PM Red
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is an authentic HERMES Toile Militaire Vache Hunter Herbag Zip Retourne PM 31 in red leather. This stylish tote is crafted of sturdy toile canvas. It features a rear exterior zi...
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
Rare Hermès Vintage Sumac Travel Riding or Picnic Bag Canvas Leather 50 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
RARE Authentic Hermès Bag "SUMAC" Made in France Stamp X in circle (1994) Made of : Canvas (Toile), grained and smooth leathers, golden hardware Colorways: Beige, White, Naturel...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Gold Leather
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in black togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and gold tone hardware. Partial lastic on hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather int...
2000 Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 GHW Vache Naturelle Leather
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and iconic Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier Beautiful and iconic camel color Vache Naturelle leather Golden hardware Year 2000 "D" series Single handle Brand new keys and locker, sti...
Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Brown Caramel Togo Leather Palladium Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Absolutely Stunning and most Coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Verso Ebene Togo & Caramel Interior Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. Like New Condition Plastic on all Hardware. ...
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier Black Epsom Leather Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Vert Bosphore Epsom leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a breathtaking piece that showcases one of the brand's most enigmatic and sophisticated co...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Special Orde Etain Gray Pink Epsom Gold Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare most wanted Hermes Kelly 25 Special Order Sellier Etain Epsom Leather. Complimented by Pink interior, Pink Contrast Stitching & Brushed Gold Hardware. D stamp 2019 As New...
New Hermes Kelly 20 Epsom Etoupe Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 20, commonly known as the Mini Kelly II, in Etoupe Epsom leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is one of the most coveted and difficult-to-acquire pieces in the world of ...
HERMES Casaque red Clemence leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag is crafted in Rouge Casaque Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-plated hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives it a slightl...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Togo Etoupe Palaldium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the quintessence of the brand’s heritage and perhaps the most versatile handbag ever created. Unlike the r...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 30 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 30 in Black (Noir) Togo leather with Gold Hardware (GHW) is the absolute pillar of the luxury handbag world. While the 25cm is a darling of the "micro-bag" era, the...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Bai Brun Brown Madame Leather Permabrass Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted New Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Bai Brun Madame Leather Complimented by Permabrass Hardware. New 2025 K Stamp. Additional Information: Condition: New without tags Sh...
Hermes Khaki Cotton Toto PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Khaki cotton “Toto” PM (small size) tote bag featuring navy stripy details, top handles, top logo snap opening, inside zipped pocket. 100% cotton. Circa 1990s In good vintage ...
Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Blanc Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin 30 PHW SKU: Z153832 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: The elusive Birkin bag from Hermès was designed...
Hermes Bikrin 30 Rouge Grenat Togo Leather Stamp A With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Birkin 30 in Rouge Grenat. This sought-after color is featured in a classic Birkin, crafted of rich grained burgundy calfskin leather. The bag featur...
HERMES Beige Marfa Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious Beige Marfa Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is ...
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance. The structured silhouette i...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Jaune Ambre GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
Hermès Birkin 35 Black GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold hardware - Two rolled top handles - Front flap closure with twist-lock fastening - Includes dust bag, clochette, keys, and padlock...
HERMES Malachite green Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from stunning jewel-toned Malachite green Veau Togo leather, paired beautifully with gold-plated hardware. The rich green hue evok...
HERMES Rouge de Coeur red Clemence leather PICOTIN 18 LOCK Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Picotin Lock 18 is crafted from Rouge de Coeur (bright red) Taurillon Clemence leather, featuring elegant Palladium hardware. It closes with a strap and lo...
HERMES black Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious black Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in Chèvre (goat skin) and f...
Hermès NIB Barenia Faubourg Kelly 25
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 retorunè barenia faubourg leather and gold tone hardware with contrast white stitching. Date stamp K for 2025. Unusual double strap option: leather an...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 Flag Blue White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Kelly 35 sellier Flag Handbag in Bleu Thalassa and White Epsom leather with Palladium hardware is a classic and rare find. Limited production customized item. Date stamp R...
Hermes Picotin GM 26 Bag Black - 2004
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
First introduced in 2002, the Picotin bag is known for it's equestrian inspired design and takes its name from a French term referring to the measurement unit of horse feed. The roomy bucket shape is inspired by the horse’s feedbag, which has a strap that secures the bag over the horse’s ears and allows the animal to move around freely as it eats. Description: This Hermès Picotin GM, often referred to as the Picotin 26...
HERMES Grenat red Epsom leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 30' bag in Rouge Grenat (dark red) Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
HERMES Orange Mecano Fauve Toile & Hunter leather HERBAG ZIP 31 RETROUNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag Zip 31 Retourné bag is crafted in Orange Mécano Toile Militaire canvas with Fauve Vache Hunter leat...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Graphite Madame VEAU Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Graphite Madame Veau leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in understated elegance and technical refinement. This piece is distinguish...
HERMES orange Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in orange Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper pocket...
Hermès Birkin 30 Sellier Epsom Bleu Royal Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin sellier 30 in bleu royal and epsom leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
Hermès Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Birkin 30 Bleu Electrique Epsom Leather Bag with Gold Tone Hardware is a bold expression of timeless luxury and collector appeal. Crafted from structured Epsom leather, th...
Hermes Kelly Mini Pochette Black Noir Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Black Noir Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Y Stamp 2020.
HERMES black Box leather BOLIDE 35 Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bolide 35 in black Box leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in black lambskin. Has been carried and is in excellent condi...
Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Blanc Himalaya Matte Crocodile Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Diamond Blanc Himalaya Birkin 35 representing the ultimate expression of rarity and refined craftsmanship. It unites artis...
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.