Hermès originated as a leather goods shop in Paris in 1837. Today, after expanding upon its expert stitching techniques to create tote bags, handbags, luggage and travel bags, briefcases, crossbody bags and other accessories, Hermès is 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, and 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.
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 tote bags — 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 totes, shoulder bags, purses, clutches, suitcases and more on 1stDibs.
Hermes Yellow Togo Leather Tsako Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Tsako” Yellow togo leather shoulder bag featuring a cotton shoulder handle, a logo fastening strap with a fastening snap, gold-tone hardware. Circa 1988 In good vintage co...
Hermes Garden Party 30 Pink Canvas TPM Top Handle Shopping Bag
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of wear, scratches on the hardware, a broken button, small stains on the interior and surface, and scuffing on the four corners. Accessories: No Accessories ...
Hermes Garden Party 36 Tote Bag Toile and Negonda Striped Stmap Q
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, corner wear, handle wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: Dust bag size: Width:36cm Designer: Hermes Model:Garden Party 36 Tot...
Hermes Paris Vintage Red Cotton Canvas Fourre Tout PM Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the world of 1990s Parisian chic with the iconic Hermes Fourre-Tout, a model celebrated for its perfect blend of utility and effortless style. This PM tote, expertly crafte...
Hermes Picotin Lock 18 PM Bag Red Taurillon Clemence Gold Hardware Stamp C 2018
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of wear, corner abrasion, minor scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust bag,lock, k...
Hermes Paris Vintage Blue and Brown Cotton Fourre Tout MM Tote
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the golden era of 1990s French utility with this authentic Hermes Fourre-Tout MM tote. A masterpiece of functional luxury, this medium-sized icon is crafted from durable na...
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 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 Sesame Swift leather & Toile Viking canvas 24/24-35 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 24/24-35 bag in ecru-beige Toile H Viking with Sesame (beige) Veau Swift leather trims. Features an open pocket on the outside back. Closes with a gold-plated t...
HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Côté-a-Côté in black corduroy with Veau Swift leather trim and gussets. Features palladium plated hardware and cleaning brush for corduroy. Brand new ...
HERMES Nuit blue Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Rose Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag in Bleu Nuit (midnight blue) Veau Togo leather with rose-gold plated hardware. Lined in Chèvre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front a...
Hermes White Leather Trim Shoulder Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes white shoulder leather Trim tote bag featuring a shoulder handle, a top zip opening, an inside logo stamp, ar gold-plated hardware. Circa: 1990s Under the attached strap mark...
HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Birkin 30' bag in Rose Poupre pink Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper po...
HERMES pink leather BIRKIN 25 Bag Rose Azalee Swift Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 bag in Rose Azalee (pink) Veau Swift leather with palladium-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a z...
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 Encre blue Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 soulder bag in Bleu Encre Togo leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in Bleu Saphir goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zi...
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...
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 ...
New Hermes Kelly 25 Depeches VEAU Togo Etoupe Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 in Etoupe Veau Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a sophisticated, modern reimagining of the classic Kelly aesthetic. Moving away from the tra...
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 Gold Bolide 35”Courchevel Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Gold “Bolide 35” Courchevel leather handbag featuring gold plated hardware with top zipper closure. Circa 1990 stamped T circle, leather lining with inner slip pocket, set ke...
Hermes Black Box Leather Onimaitou Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Black box leather “Onimaitou” shoulder bag featuring a thin long strap 44.5 in. (113cm), a flat shape, unlined leather, stamped at the side. Circa 2000 In good vintage condi...
Hermes Mimile Navy Cotton Backpack Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s navy "Mimile-Marin”cotton backpack bag featuring a front “H” embroidered logo, a natural leather shoulder tie and a fabric logo label. 100% cotton. Circa1990s In good...
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...
Hermès Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML026 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 40cm HAC Type: Tote, Travel Serial Number: K Age: ...
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 ...
New Hermes Kelly Birkin 25 Togo Black Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Birkin 25 in Etoupe Togo leather with Palladium Hardware (PHW) is the ultimate benchmark for luxury and versatility. This "Baby Birkin" is a true collector's piece, featur...
HERMES Rouge Vif red Skipper leather BIRKIN 35 Bag Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Birkin 35' bag in Rouge Vif (true red) Skipper leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper ...
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. The Herme...
Hermès Lime, Sésame, Rose Confetti & Terre Battue Epsom Leather Sunrise Birkin 3
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Lime, Sésame, Rose Confetti & Terre Battue Epsom Leather Sunrise Birkin 35cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML027 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Numb...
Hermès Rouge H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML033 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Rose Mexico Crocodile Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 in Rose Mexico crocodile is a striking fusion of rarity and elegance. Rendered in one of Hermès’ most coveted jewel-toned pinks, this bag offers...
Hermes Brown Box Leather Onimetou Shoulder clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown box leather “Onimetou” shoulder clutch bag featuring a thin long strap 44.5 in. (113cm), a flat shape, unlined leather, stamped at the side. Circa 1990 In good vintage...
Hermès 2003 Herbag Cabas PM Tote in Brown Vibrato Leather & Khaki
By Hermès
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Hermès Herbag Cabas PM tote from 2003, a highly sought-after and versatile classic from Hermès. Crafted in rich Ebene (deep brown) leather with gold-tone hardware...
Hermes Navy cotton Toto Medium Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 1990s "Toto" Medium size Navy cotton Fourre Tout tote bag featuring bicolor handles ( navy and Bordeaux), striped strap, press-stud fastening, side press-stud fastening, slip ...
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Brown Negonda Garden Party 36 Tote Bag is a sophisticated and versatile accessory that seamlessly blends luxury with practicality. Crafted from high-quality Negonda leather wi...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML028 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied ...
Hermès Garden Party Negonda Small New
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès small 30cm garden party bag in rouge h negonda leather and palladium hardware. Handle drop, 4.5"L. First letter U. Comes with booklet, original dustcover and box.
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Leather Massai Tote Bag Green tote bag crafted from Hermes' signature Swift leather in with palladium hardware. Featuring leather shoulder strap and zipped top leading to sp...
Hermès Deauville Red & Ivory Tote MM
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès red leather & ivory toile H Deauville MM tote features flat handles, logo snap closure, palladium hardware, one open compartment, one full-length zip pocket, and a side s...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35 Rare Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare, limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow. This exquisite bag is a collectors treasures and very rare to market in new, never...
Hermes Birkin 30 Bag Rose Poupre Pink Ostrich Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Poupre in rare ostrich. Vivid pop all grown up pink with purple undertone to carry you all the way through fall / winter! Fresh with Pallad...
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3700 beautiful & elegant summer tote
By Hermès
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Hermès Noeuds Marins beach bag Org Price $ 3,700 Bag is NEW Beach bag in water-repellent cotton with "Noeuds Marins" print and interior pouch Made in France Dimensions: L 49 x...
Hermes Birkin 30 Classic Hermes Orange Birkin Gold Hardware RARE
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Classic Hermes Orange Birkin Ultra coveted and ultra rare combination- classic Hermes Orange has been out of production for many years! Brand New in Box in Store Fr...
Hermes Birkin 35cm Black Togo Palladium Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 35cm Black Togo Palladium Hardware Bag Store Fresh. Brand New in Box. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect holiday gift! Comes with lock, keys, cloche...
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Gold Matte Alligator with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in timeless Gold. This iconic hue from the House of Hermes is totally neutral and year...
Hermes Marwari Bag Leather Shoulder Bag Rubis Red Stamp N 2010
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:26cm Designer: Hermes Model: Marwari Bag Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Red
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Black Togo Leather Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gorgeous Black Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured with the warm glow of Rose Gold hardware. This beautiful Birkin bag is a perfect combination to move from day to eve...
2022 Hermès Birkin 25 Orange Togo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermès 2022 Hermès Birkin 25 Orange Togo Leather Gold Tone Hardware New Never used. Rest of Boutique Stock. Width: 25 cm Height: 20 cm Depth: 13 cm ...
Hermes Exhibition Japan Limited Voyage En Terre D'Etoiles Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s Blue Exhibition Japan Limited "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" backpack bag featuring blue nylon fabric, "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" print, front flap closure, shoulder strap...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Verso Vert Verone Rose Lipstick Novillo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Verso 25 bag featured in Vert Verone with Rose Lipstick interior. This beautiful clear green is accentuated in the gorgeous Novillo leather. A smal...
Hermes Birkin 35 Ebene Barenia Faubourg Bag Palladium Hardware Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin bag featured in Ebene Barenia Faubourg. Beyond chic the finish and texture to this exquisite Barenia leather requires a highly s...
Hermès Kelly Touch 25 Togo Noir Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermès Kelly Touch 25 Noir Lezard/Togo Permabrass Hardware This exclusive Hermès Kelly 25 Touch is is one of these true collector's items. It's handmad...
New Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch in Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in modern, streamlined luxury. This specific model, often refer...
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...
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1628 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: X Age: 2016 Accompan...
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Bag Braise with Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a fabulous Hermes Birkin HSS 35 bag featured in Braise and Black porosus crocodile. This exceptional special-order Hermes Birkin is nothing short of breathtaking T...
Hermes Birkin 30 Gold Bag Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 30 bag featured in iconic Gold. Fresh and crisp with difficult to find Palladium hardware. Accentuated with signature bone top stitch. Epsom leathe...
Hermes Birkin 30 Beton Gold Hardware Off White Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Beton Gold Hardware Off White Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes in ...
From classic medium-sized Louis Vuitton leather tote bags to authentic cube-like Loewe shoulder bags woven in raffia, the large selection of vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs offers something for special occasions as well as everyday needs.
Although part of a modern look, tote bags have been roomy and versatile accessories since at least 1944, with the launch of L.L.Bean’s “ice bag.” The Maine retailer, then largely known for rugged field coats and hunting shoes, had introduced a big, durable canvas bag that was initially intended to carry firewood or ice. In those days, to keep produce and other foods cool in refrigerators, consumers had to regularly replace the blocks of ice that were doing all the work in their bulky appliances. There was no better bag to help haul big blocks of ice from the trunk of your car to your front door and, subsequently, to your kitchen.
Years later, during the 1960s, L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote was introduced as an overhauled structured canvas version of the ice bag. Tested to lug up to 500 pounds, the Boat and Tote became a best seller. Also during the 1960s, American designer Bonnie Cashin created the Cashin Carry for Coach. Cashin was Coach’s first lead designer, and she liked leather, large pockets and earth tones. Her modern interpretation of the tote bag introduced a touch of elegance to this increasingly ubiquitous accessory.
In the subsequent decades, more brands debuted their own iterations of the tote bag, from Tory Burch’s Perry leather tote bag to Goyard’s luxurious Saint Louis.
Pay tribute to this long and interesting history of a well-loved accessory by browsing the vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs.
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.