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.
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
Limoges Coffee Tea Service Yolande Manin 6 People 20th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Artist: Yolande Manin Turquoise and Gold Porcelain Tea Set by Yolande Manin: A Harmony of Color and Tradition We are delighted to offer this exceptional tea set by Yolande Manin, fa...
Porcelain
20th Century Czech Demitasse Coffee Set
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Demitasse coffee set, 2nd quarter 20th century, Czechoslovakia. Comprised of the pot, creamer, covered sugar and 2 cups (1 with tiny chip on rim) and ...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Brass
20th-Century Chinese Jade Tea Set- 9 Pieces
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Vintage Chinese Jade tea set. It was hand made and hand carved with beautiful Chinese traditional carving works on it. It has 6 cups together with on teapot ...
Jade
$1,666Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 6.5 in W 4.34 in D 7.68 in
Robin’s egg Blue Tea Set by Robj, Art Deco, 20th Century
By ROBJ, Villeroy & Boch
Located in Lisbon, PT
A tête à tête tea set in Robin’s-egg blue, each stamped Import de/ Robj / Paris / Luxembourg. Red labels on the base with the Evaluator assessment. Set: 2 cups 2 dishes 1 sugar...
Earthenware
Brass Tea Set, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Brass tea set is an original decorative object realized in Europe in the early 20th century. The set is realized in brass with chiseled decorations. The set includes: one tea ...
Brass
$3,491
H 10.24 in W 8.27 in D 4.34 in
20th Century Italian Silver torchon Chocolate-Pot, completely handcrafted
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Silver 800 Baroque replica chocolate-pot The torchon body is chiselled completely by hand. Feet, spout, and lid are melted. The transversal handle is of precious and shaped wood. Th...
Silver
$426Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 6.3 in W 10.63 in D 7.09 in
Vintage Tea Service H & C 'Selb Bavaria' Heinrich Porcelain, 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Tea Service H & C 'Selb Bavaria' Heinrich Porcelain, Germany, early 20th century. Teapot and 6 cups with saucers. diameter 10 cm, ba...
Porcelain
Japanese Tea Service in Hand Painted Porcelain, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Japanese tea service in hand-painted porcelain. Mid-20th century. Consisting of two teacups with saucers, a teapot and five plates. The teacup m...
Porcelain
Capodimonte Baroque Coffee Set, Porcelain, Mid-20th Century, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Charming 20th Century Capodimonte Coffee Set A delightful set all fully marked beneath, Coffee Pot, Cream Jug, Sugar Jar and 6 Coffee Cans with Saucers T...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Yellow Dragon Tea Service, 20th century
Located in New York, NY
Consisting of tray 17.5" x 14.75", pot (H 5"), covered sugar (H 3.5"), creamer (H 4"), 4 cups (H-2, D - 3.75) and saucers, 6 plates (D 8"). Condition: additional 2 cups and saucers a...
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Handcrafted Moroccan Silver Plated Tea Pot
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Classic aged Moroccan silver plated tea pot. Handcrafted in Morocco. Our gently vintage Moroccan teapots come from the older areas of the brass market of Marrakesh and though not ant...
Metal, Silver Plate
21st century Set of Four Tea Cups by Hermes
By Hermès
Located in LEGNY, FR
Tea set consisting of four porcelain cups and saucers from the most famous French brand, Hermès, Africa model. Decorated with savannah animals in pastel green and yellow. Signature o...
Porcelain
HERMES Le Jardin de Pythagore 6 Piece Porcelain Tea Set
By Hermès
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a rare and fabulous discontinued HERMES Le Jardin de Pythagore 6 Piece Porcelain Tea Set. This set consists of the following: 2 x Cup and Saucer Sets 1 x Sugar Bowl w/lid 1 x Creamer Jug All pieces are in excellent like new condition with no chips, cracks or any damage. It appears this set was never used. Made in France. Circa 2017 More about HERMES porcelain: Hermès is a renowned French luxury brand known for its high-quality products, including its exquisite porcelain collections. Here are some key aspects about Hermès porcelain: History and Background Founded: Hermès was established in 1837, primarily as a harness workshop. It has since expanded into various luxury goods, including leather goods, fashion, jewelry, and home decor. Porcelain Introduction: Hermès ventured into the world of porcelain in the mid-20th century, applying its design expertise and luxurious touch to fine tableware. Craftsmanship High Quality: Hermès porcelain is known for its superior quality. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, often involving multiple stages of production including hand-painting and glazing. Materials: The porcelain used by Hermès is of the highest quality, ensuring durability and a refined finish. Product Range Tableware: Hermès produces a wide array of porcelain tableware including plates, bowls, cups, saucers, and serving dishes. Tea and Coffee Sets: Elegant tea and coffee sets are a hallmark of Hermès porcelain, often featuring elaborate designs and gold or platinum detailing. Decorative Pieces: In addition to functional tableware, Hermès offers decorative porcelain items such as vases, trays, and figurines. Collaboration and Innovation Artistic Collaborations: Hermès often collaborates with artists and designers to create unique and limited-edition porcelain pieces. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and creativity to their collections. Innovation: While honoring traditional craftsmanship, Hermès also embraces innovation in design and production techniques, ensuring that its porcelain remains contemporary and relevant. Collectibility and Prestige Luxury Status: Hermès porcelain is considered a symbol of luxury and refinement. Owning Hermès tableware...
Porcelain
Sold
H 0.04 in Dm 0.04 in L 0.04 in
Hermes Maison - Coffee Tea Set Toucans Limoges Porcelain 18 Pieces
By Hermès
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Coffee-Tea Set "Toucans" made in Limoges porcelain. All pieces are signed. Perfect condition of all pieces. Set including 18 pieces: - 1 teapot-coffeepot 15 high - 1 milk jug 9 cm...
Porcelain
Hermes Paris Coffee Service, Cocarde de soie
By Hermès
Located in Milano, IT
Coffee service with "Cocarde de Soie" cake plate in blue and white porcelain with geometric decorations and ribbons rosettes. Service consisting of: cake plate, 12 saucers and 7 cups...
Porcelain
Hermes Porcelain 'Circus' Cup and Saucer
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whimsical and elegant piece bright fun colors add to a collection or enjoy it by itself with a nice cup of coffee or tea.
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 5.52 in
Hermès Porcelain "Balcon du Guadalquivir" Set of Two Tea Cups and Saucer, France
By Hermès
Located in Cagliari, IT
An elegant set of two Hèrmes porcelain teacups and saucers made with the "Balcon du Guadalquivir" decoration. The graphic, bold scenery re...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 5.52 in L 2.76 in
Hermès Porcelain "Balcon du Guadalquivir" Set of Two Tea Cups and Saucer, France
By Hermès
Located in Cagliari, IT
An elegant set of two Hèrmes porcelain teacups and saucers made with the "Balcon du Guadalquivir" decoration. The graphic, bold scenery re...
Porcelain
Sold
H 5.52 in W 5.52 in D 2.76 in
Hermès Fine Porcelain Marquetry Stones East and West Teapot and Cup Set, 1989
By Hermès
Located in Sofia, BG
Superb teapot and cup Hermès fine porcelain "Marquetry Stones East and West". In perfect condition Length: 14.5 cm Width: 7.5 cm Height: 14.5 cm Collection "Marqueterie" de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident (Ligne créée en 1989) Fabricant : Hermès Paris Matière : porcelaine de LIMOGES Couleur : bleu...
Porcelain
Hermès Porcelain "Voyage En Ikat" Tea Cups Set for Two, France
By Hermès
Located in Cagliari, IT
An Hermès porcelain set of two tea cups and saucers, "Voyage en Ikat" pattern. Inspired by ikat, an exceptional weaving and dyeing techique originating...
Porcelain
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.