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.
Night Valet Coat Rack by Paul Dupré-Lafon & Hermès
By Hermès, Paul Dupré-Lafon
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Night Valet coat rack by Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900 - 1971) and Hermès. This creation has a unique removable shelf. Thierry Couvrat Desvergnes (1990) "Dupré...
Wood
$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 Equator Imprime, Leopard Backing
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite limited edition Hermes Fabric Equator Imprime pillow, a truly exceptional piece that encapsulates the essence of luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty....
Cotton
Vintage Hermes Paris Silver Bracelet “Boucle”
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Vintage Silver Bracelet The bracelet features the iconic belt buckle shape, a recurring Hermès motif that directly references its equestrian heritage. Engraved with the ...
Sterling Silver
Paire d'armoires par Guido Faleschini éditées par Mariani pour Hermès 1970's
By Guido Faleschini, Hermès
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Paire d'armoires par Guido Faleschini éditées par Mariani pour Hermès 1970's Paire d’armoires dessinées par Guido Faleschini, éditées par Mariani pour Hermès, années 1970. Les volum...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
1960’s Hermes Paris Silver Plated Horse Equestrian Magnifying Paperweight W/Box
By Hermès
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful vintage Hermes Silverplated Horse motif magnifying paperweight. The detail of the casting is quite extraordinary. The original box is included although the box is quite...
Silver Plate
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
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
Vintage 20thC Hermès Gilt Brass Swiss Made Desk Clock c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A vintage 20th Century Hermès Paris desk clock with a finely engraved gilt brass case decorated in an intricate crosshatched pattern. The square architectural form is raised on a ste...
Brass
Hermés Steel Bottle Opener Multi Tool, 1980s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined addition to your home bar, and the perfect gift for any collector of vintage Hermés. Manufactured for Hermés for Schlumberger, this stainless steel pocket knife features tw...
Stainless Steel
Hermes, Paris - Silver Plated Table Bell - Horse Bit Handle
By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and highly collectable table or dinner bell by the luxurious French fashion house, Hermes of Paris. The bell is made from silver plate and has just arrived back from my silve...
Silver Plate
Hermes Etain Pitcher with Original Box
By Hermès
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely Hermes pitcher marked on the base Hermes Etain which we believes means Tin or Pewter. The pitcher has its original bag and box. There is no ot...
Pewter
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Pen Tray – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
An elegant mid-century Hermès Paris desk accessory, beautifully designed in the maison’s iconic equestrian tradition. This refined pen tray features a sculptural horse head terminal ...
Metal
$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
Hermès Clipper Valjoux Diver Chronograph Watch
By Hermès
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hermès clipper Valjoux chronograph mechanical titanium watch in black rubber band. Comes with original receipt and box.
Stainless Steel
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
Hermès Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Paper Holder – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A refined vintage Hermès Paris desk accessory, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s celebrated equestrian style. This elegant paper holder features a beautifu...
Metal
Hermès Saddle Leather Shaving Case, 1950s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome saddle leather case by French fashion house, Hermes. Made in the 1950s. H metal buckles flank each side of the case. Case opens up to reveal 'HERMES - MADE IN PARIS' on leather. Inside there is a large grouping of shaving/toiletry items. Leather folding mirror with tons of patina, that stands up on its own. Stamped 'Hermes' in gold. Leather folding pouch that can hold tweezers, scissors, a comb also stamped Hermes. Ebony brush stamped Hermes - Paris. Metal box with removable lid, stamped Hermes. Bottle with twist off cap, Stamped Hermes Compartment with leather lid, holds a razor, and a small tin...
Chrome
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
$2,999Sale Price|33% Off
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 Paris 1960s Equestrian Horse Head Bottle Opener – Made in France
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
A stylish vintage Hermès Paris bottle opener, made in France during the 1960s and designed in the maison’s iconic equestrian style. This refined desk or bar accessory features a beau...
Metal
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
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
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
Vintage 20thC Set Of 10 Hermès Gilt Solid Silver Gilt Champagne Stirrers, France
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A 20th Century set of 10 French gilt solid silver champagne stirrers by Hermès, Paris. The set includes ten stirrers. Designed in a twisted rope Art Deco style, these stirrers make a...
Silver
1960s Mid-Century Leather Travel Case with Vanity/Grooming Set by Hermés, France
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
1960s Mid-Century Modern leather travel case with vanity/grooming set by the luxury brand Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès Paris Material: metal, leather, wood Technique: carved, cast molded, metalwork Dimensions: 11 in x 14.5 in x 2.5 in Date: mid-20th century, circa 1960 Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: France A mid-20th century leather travel case designed by Hermès Paris, embodying the sophistication and functionality characteristic of the brand’s legacy. This finely crafted piece is covered in tan leather, featuring a textured finish that accentuates its timeless appeal. Its secure metal latches and sturdy leather handle combine elegance with practical design, ensuring both portability and durability. Inside, the case contains a meticulously curated grooming set. The set includes two metal screw-top bottles, two wooden brushes with boar bristles, and an additional metal box, all of which bear the Hermès stamp...
Metal
$2,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Spherical Pearwood Candleholders by Bottega Ghianda for Hermès, 1970s
By Bottega Ghianda, Hermès
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional set of four spherical candleholders, exquisitely handcrafted in pearwood by the illustrious Bottega Ghianda for Hermès Paris. Measuring 10 cm in diameter and 9 cm in ...
Pearwood
Very Rare Pair of Hermes Paris Cherrywood Chairs Luxury Premium
By Hermès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this one of a kind pair of custom made Hermes Paris Cherry wood chairs with the H back rests RRP £22,000 These are the only c...
Velvet, Cherry
$1,199Sale Price / set|33% Off
Hermes Pair of Brandebourgs Vide Poches or Change Trays
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes "Brandebourgs" multicolor square porcelain vide poche, change tray, or pocket emptier with braided rope motif / Made in France circa 1980s Original stamp at underside...
Porcelain
Hermes Pillow Feuillage Vague in Orange, Orange 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
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
$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
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
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
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 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
Jacques Adnet Valet Leather Wrapped with Original Tartan Plaid
By Paul Dupré-Lafon, Jacques Adnet, Hermès
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rare Jacques Adnet for Hermes valet de nuit and seat with leather wrapped hand-stitched in Hermès saddle style and original tartan plaid wool upho...
Metal
Hermes Paris, Silver Plated Bottle Opener - Chess / Equestrian
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and substantial bottle opener designed by the iconic Parisian fashion house, Hermes and made by the renowned silversmith, Ravinet d’Enfert which made the majority of silve...
Silver Plate
Hermes Paris porcelain ashtray
By Hermès
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermes Paris Porcelain Ashtray The ashtray features an elegant and classic design, with a rectangular shape and slightly rounded edges. Its base is a soft grey colour, which contrast...
Porcelain
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 Equestrian Desk Tray, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant silver Hermès desk tray with a detailed horse head handle in solid metal. Hermès Paris stamped on the side as well as Made In France. Beautiful con...
Metal
Hermès Paris, "La Promenade De Longchamps" Square in Printed Silk
By Hermès
Located in Madrid, ES
Description HERMÈS Paris, "La Promenade de Longchamps" square in printed silk twill Square in silk twill printed on a light yellow ba...
Silk
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
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
Enormous French Hollywood Regency Style Hermès "Torana" Silk Stuffed Pillow
By Hermès
Located in Stamford, CT
Enormous Hollywood Regency style Hermès "Torana" silk stuffed pillow. One out of a large collection of vintage throw or show pillows with the original Hermès tag in fine condition. T...
Silk
$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
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
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
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...
Ceramic
$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
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
$223Sale Price / item|25% Off
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
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
$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
A striking framed Hermès 90 ‘Quadrige’ silk square by Pierre Peron, circa 1973
By Hermès
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A striking framed Hermès 90 ‘Quadrige’ silk square by Pierre Peron, circa 1973, of high quality heavy silk showing two panels of interlocking yellow and navy horse’s heads, each wear...
Silk
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
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
$4,653Sale Price|24% Off
Gold Plated Mirror by Hermès Paris
By Hermès
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
A very rare table mirror by Hermès Paris – an eagle sitting on a base with its wings spread wide and reflecting the beauty of the moon on its back. The round mirror is equipped with a ball joint and can be individually aligned and rotated on its axis. · Different mirror glasses are mounted on the front or back side · Material: Metal, gold plated (most probably brass) · Marked on the bottom with Hermès Paris and the master mark of Ravinet D'Enfert The Maison Ravinet D'Enfert was founded in 1882 in Paris and designed among other things for Hermès as well as its own productions of table couture...
Metal, Gold Plate, Bronze
Vintage Boho Bronze Bench With Hermes Silk Duchess Upholstery
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Boho bench. A chic bronze bench with a high sides design. Upholstered in Hermes silk/satin fabric. Truly amazing. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Bronze
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
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.