For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
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, Thierry’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 her 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.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
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 that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
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 Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf backed in Linen Pillow Cushion Quirky Bright Orange
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf backed in Irish Linen Pillow Bright Orange Description: Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her ...
Linen, Silk
Hermes Equestrian Giant Paper Clip, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial Hermès paper clip with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the top. Light patina to silver. Large scale ...
Metal
Hermes Mega Chariot Vide Poche Change Tray or Ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hermes Mega Chariot rectangular porcelain ashtray, decorated using chromolithography in blue cobalt and silver colorway, with the notches and the c...
Porcelain
Hermès by Annie Faivre "Astres Et Soleils" Silk Carre Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Nuernberg, DE
HERMES silk carré scarf "Astres et Soleils". This scarfs brings across the life of the Maya and Aztec with an opulent terracotta shade and green whimsical design on a ocher and wh...
Silk
$3,941Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Sterling Silver Smoking Compendium c.1960
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A true gem of a smoking set; of course could be used for many other uses, it makes a wonderful table display. Made from solid French silver having...
Sterling Silver
Acrylic Framed Hermes "The Three Graces" Zoom 45 Silk Scarf by Alice Shirley
By Hermès
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A stunning piece of functional art, this Hermès ‘The Three Graces’ Zoom 45 Silk Scarf was designed by Alice Shirley and issued in 2020. The vibrant giraffe motif, set against a bold ...
Silk
$729Sale Price|59% Off
Hermès Custom Silk Scarf Pillow 'Hello Dolly' by Loic Dubigeon with Hermès Box
By Hermès
Located in McKinney, TX
One-of-a-kind handmade custom luxury pillow crafted from a colorful and whimsical vintage "Hello Dolly" Hermès silk scarf designed by Loic Dubigeon. Fabricated using the entire scarf...
Silk
1980s Hermès Silk Scarf Hilton McConnico Souvenirs de Paris Boxed
By Hermès, Hilton McConnico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s New Vintage Hermès-Paris Silk Scarf in original box. Hermès Silk Scarf Hilton McConnico Souvenirs de Paris 35 inches designer Joseph Hilton McConnico approximately 35 inches S...
Silk
$1,800
1950s Hermès Ebony Brush
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Hermès clothing brush. Made from rare Ebony Macassar wood, boar bristles and brass. This brush is meant to preserve the life and appearance o...
Brass
$908Sale Price|30% Off
Hermes Paris 1970 Modernist Purse Pencil In 18Kt Gold And .925 Sterling Silver
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
A purse pencil designed by Hermes. Very sleek and useful purse pencil, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermes, back in the 1970. It was crafted with slim modernist ge...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Hermès Pair of Porcelain Trinket or Cufflink Trays
By Hermès
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A striking pair of Hermès porcelain trinket or cufflink trays, one pink and one green, with intricate geometric detailing on each, and matching velvet color on each of the bottom tri...
Porcelain, Velvet
A Stunning 20th Century Ceramic Ashtray By Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A ceramic ashtray by Hermès, crafted in France during the latter half of the 20th century. It epitomises the elegance and craftsmanship for which the renowned fashion house is celebr...
Ceramic
French Vintage Hermes Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow Rare Purple Blue
By Hermès
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Title: Vintage Hermes Equestrian Silk Scarf and Irish Linen Cushion Pillow Purple Blue Gold Description: The ‘crème de la crème’ of s...
Textile
Set of 6 Hermes Silver Plated Jewelry Trays and Cup, 1950s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of Hermès jewelry dishes. Hermès stamped on the side or base of each piece. Silver plated hallmarks throughout. Different designs ...
Metal
1970's Leather Boxe Signed Hermes Paris
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Rare boxe in green leather designed by Maison Hermes Circa 1970's.
Leather
$1,799Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather Desk Accessory 1970's
By Hermès
Located in Lausanne, CH
Vintage Hermès, Paris, an elegant desk accessory. The paperweight is in the shape of a decimal ruler, silver-plate with detachable black leather tab. Made circa 1975, signed.
Silver Plate
Vintage Enameled Lion Head Bangle Bracelet with Box by Hermès 70mm
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage enameled and gold plated lion head bangle bracelet with original box and ribbon by Hermès, circa 1990s. The bracelet is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.75"D (7...
Enamel
Horseshoe Table Clock by Hermès, 1930s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly unusual table clock by Hermes. Swiss movement recently serviced and in good working order. Clock features a horseshoe still attached to a horse hoof floating inside a metal structure resembling a stirrup. No other similar Hermes clock...
Metal
1970's Wood and bronze compass by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1970's Wall compass by Hermès Bronze and wood Great quality France
Bronze
Acrylic Framed Hermes "Grands Fonds" Blue (Detail) Silk Scarf by Annie Faivre
By Hermès
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A coveted collector’s item, this Hermès ‘Grands Fonds’ Blue (Detail) Silk Scarf features an intricate aquatic design by the renowned artist Annie Faivre. Originally designed in 1992, this rare version focusing on a detail from the original pattern was issued in 2002. The vibrant shades of blue and lavender create a captivating marine scene, showcasing Faivre’s talent for detailed and mesmerizing compositions. Made in France from 100% silk, this scarf boasts hand-rolled edges and is in new condition, free from any flaws. Carefully mounted with acid-free double-sided tape and displayed with new standoff wall screws, this piece comes complete with its original box. The ‘Grands Fonds’ scarf...
Silk, Acrylic
Hermes Paris, Rare French Silver Smoking Set, c 1930
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Refined "guilloché" smoking set for two people in silver. Contains match holders and ashtrays. Original case included. Very rare collectors piece. Hermès Each piece hallmarked, furth...
Silver
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Vintage Silver Plate Equestrian Horse Paper Holder or Desk Accessory
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage Hermès paper holder or letter clip is on the rare side. It is signed Hermès Paris and is polished silver plate. It was desig...
Silver Plate
Hermes 'Savannah Dance' Longboard, 2020s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Get swept away on this whimsical longboard. Featuring the iconic designs of the Ardmore Collective x Hermès 'Savannah Dance' collection, this board is decorated with various colorful...
Beech
Hermes Bronze Console or Coatrack, France 1940's
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Rare bronze coatrack from a Hermès store display, Great for a chic coatroom or used with a glass atop the triangles it could make an elegant coatrack/Shelf or a striking console. Sig...
Brass, Bronze
A fine framed Hermès 90 silk square of Cerès, by Françoise Faconett, circa 1967
By Hermès
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine framed Hermès 90 silk square of Cerès, by Françoise Faconett, circa 1967, the goddess of fertility with a mosaic torso and head, her arms and legs as sheaves of grain being en...
Silk
Hermes Horse / Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France. Sleek Hermès letter opener in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped. Beautiful light patina on the silver and on the blade. This piece is a...
Bronze
$2,089Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES PARIS 1940 Desk Round Box In Gilt Bronze Nickel Plated & Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
A round desk-box designed by Hermès Paris. This is a rare round desk-box created in Paris France by the luxury house of Hermès, during the art-deco period, between the 1935 and 1940...
Silver, Bronze
Hermes Horse Head / Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Equestrian Letter Opener, 1960s France. Sleek Hermès letter opener with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped. Beautiful light patina on the silver...
Bronze
Mid-20th C. Modern French Red Leather Cylindrical Umbrella Stand by Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern french red leather cylindrical umbrella stand by Hermès Paris By: Hermès Paris Material: leather, thread Technique: dyed, carved, hand-carved Dimensions: 8 in x 25.5 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: France This sturdy cylindrical red leather umbrella stand was handcrafted by Hermès in France...
Leather, Thread
Mid-20th Century Wooden Box with Silver Knot Lid by the French Firm Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century wooden box with silver bow/knot lid by french brand Hermès Paris By: Hermès Paris Material: fabric, silver, wood, leather, metal, silver plate Technique: cast, plat...
Silver, Metal, Silver Plate
HERMES Rare Porcelain Tray
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Special Edition hand painted gold porcelain tray, titled "Cuir du Desert" (Desert Leather), by artist Francoise de la Perriere for Hermes. It is embellished with symbolic and decorat...
Porcelain
Hermès Visionaire Limited Edition Case
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Visionaire collaboration with Herme's for issue #32. A set of 53 postcards in a leather shell. Strap is damaged.
Leather
Mid-20 C. Modern Glazed Ceramic Organic Design Bowl by French Brand Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20 century Modern glazed ceramic sinuous organic design bowl by french luxury brand Hermès Paris By: Hermès Paris Material: ceramic, paint, enamel Technique: pressed, molded, painted, hand-painted, glazed, enameled Dimensions: 9 in x 8 in x 3 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Organic Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, Scandinavian Modern Place of origin: France This sinuous organic bowl exemplifies Hermès' mid-20th century embrace of biomorphic Modernism. Molded from colored clay in warm earth tones of orange and brown, its sensuous curves evoke flowing, organic forms and the purity of line reflects Scandinavian inspiration. The marks under the base confirm the bowl's creation by the renowned luxury brand and its french origin. Hermès captured...
Enamel
Hermes Wood and Leather Business Card Holder, 2000s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hermès wood and leather business card holder. Made in France. Minimalist design. Dark hardwood body with taupe leather sides that feature contrast stitchin...
Leather, Wood
Hermès - Folding Armchair And Folding Stool Pippa Leather And Wood
By Hermès, Rena Dumas
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Folding Armchair and Folding Stool "Pippa" made in natural cowhide leather and pear wood frame, brass finish. Designed by Rena Dumas and made in Italy. Leather and wooden frame sig...
Leather, Wood
20th Century Toucan Porcelaine Cremier by Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in Sofia, BG
Serving piece for milk or cream from the iconic porcelain collection Toucan by HERMES in great condition.
Porcelain
Hermes Equestrian Paper Holder, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial Hermès paper holder with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the base as well as Made In France. Light...
Metal
$630Sale Price / item|30% Off
Hermes Pillow Clic Clac Quadrille
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Clic Clic Quadrille, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Me...
Silk
$3,000
1950s Hermès Smoking Set
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Classic vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) decorative lid. Removable metal ...
Metal
Mid-20h Century Golden Brass and Leather Letter Opener/Knife by Hermès, France
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20h century golden brass and leather letter opener/knife by the luxury design house Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès Paris Material: metal, brass, leather, copper, zinc Technique...
Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc
Hermès desk magnifying glass, Paris, France, ca. 1960-1970
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Desk Magnifying Glass, France, ca. 1960-1970 Impressive large-format magnifying glass made of silver-plated metal, signed Hermès Paris. The handle features a sculpture i...
Metal
Stitched leather table lamp by Paul Dupré-Lafon for Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Very nice stitched leather table lamp by Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès Dimensions given without shade No shade included Great condition Signed
Leather
$1,500 / set
Set of 3 Hermes Place Card Holders, 1990s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of Hermès place card holders. Hermès stamped on the slide-out base which supports the cube. Center has a strong spring loaded c...
Metal
Hermés Cartes A Nouer, Scarf Knotting How-To Card Set, New in Box, France
By Hermès
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hermés Cartes A Nouer, Scarf Knotting How-To Card Set, New in Box, France. Vintage set. Never opened.
Paper
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze.
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze. This Hermès Paris decorative box features a cylindrical design covered in textured black leather on the exterior. The top and botto...
Bronze
2 Italian Midcentury Hammered Iron & Gilt Consoles by Giovanni Banci for Hermes
By Hermès, Giovanni Banci
Located in New York, NY
2 Italian Mid-Century Modern neoclassical hand hammered iron and gilt consoles / sofa tables by Giovanni Banci for Hermes. The consoles feature a stun...
Wrought Iron
$700 / item
Hermes Pillow Luco Imprime
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Luco Imprime, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...
Cotton, Linen
1950's Stitched Leather Mine Lamp by Maison Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather mine lamp by maison Hermès Signed France re-wired.
Brass
$700 / item
Hermes Pillow Cheval Pixel, Green Backing
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Cheval Pixel, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...
Cotton
Hermes Pillow Feuillage Vague in Orange, Navy Backing
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Feuillage Vague, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticu...
Cotton, Silk
$1,000 / item
Hermes Pillow Spirographie
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Spirographie, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulou...
Silk
Chaîne D'ancre Vase by Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Chaîne d'Ancre Vase by Hermès Paris, set of 2. Pair of imposing silver-plated vases from the Mainson of Hermès Paris, decorated with the classic decor "Chaîne d'Ancre". Height...
Metal, Silver Plate
A fine framed Hermès 90 silk square of Ludvicus Magnus (Louis XIV)
By Hermès
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine framed Hermès 90 silk square of Ludvicus Magnus (Louis XIV) designed by Françoise de la Perriere, circa 1963, predominantly in pink and gold, showing the Sun King in full cour...
Silk
Art Deco Ashtray by Hermès Paris, Leather & Glass, France, Circa 1930
By Hermès
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Deco ashtray, made by Hermès Paris and designed by Jean Luce (1895-1965). Made in cooked leather and mirrored glass. Signed by Hermes Paris. France, CIRCA 1930.
Leather, Glass
Hermès Set of 7 HTS Collection Dinner Spoons
By Hermès, Nedda El-asmar
Located in Mexico City, MX
A set of 7 dinner spoons by Hermès. The HTS collection, Hermès Tout Simple, presents an ergonomic design and a new form of elegance born from the combination of mirror polish and dee...
Stainless Steel
Hermès Pair of HTS Collection Dessert Spoons
By Hermès, Nedda El-asmar
Located in Mexico City, MX
A pair of stainless steel dessert spoons by Hermès. The HTS Collection, Hermès Tout Simple, presents an ergonomic design and a new form of elegance born from the combination of mirro...
Stainless Steel
$700 / item
Hermes Pillow Zebrures, Orange Backing
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Zebrures, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticulously ...
Cotton, Silk
Blue silk tie with Hermes Paris print
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Blue Silk Tie with Hermès Paris Print This sky blue Hermès silk tie features a detailed, repeating pattern of small stylized fish in white and purple. The design incorporates the bra...
Silk
Hermes Pillow Feuillage Vague in Navy, Diamond Backing
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Feuillage Vague, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Meticu...
Cotton, Silk
20th Century French Ceramic Ash Tray By Hermes
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A ceramic ashtray by Hermes, made in France in the latter half of the 20th century. These ashtrays have always been very collectable with the vintage models in particular. This one h...
Ceramic
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.