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.
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...
Exceptional Hermès Handbag Purse Clutch Black Porosus Crocodile Gold Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptionally Rare Authentic Hermès Purse Absolutely divine, a jewel The entire bag is rigid (leather and hardware), so chic ! Made in France Stamp R (no circle nor square - the...
HERMES blue silk ISOLA DI PRIMAVERA Scarf Marine Brun Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Isola di Primavera 90 scarf by Matthieu Cossé in Marine blue silk twill (100%) with a contrasting Brun brown border. Th...
$660Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Vintage Brown Herline MM Tote Bag w/Entrupy Certificate
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
This vintage Hermes Herline tote is also known as the Air Line or Yale Line. It is made of durable canvas made up of 69% polyamide and 31% polyester. It features dual webbed top hand...
Hermès Paris Silk Scarf Dies et Hore by F. Faconnet 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Hermès scarf ; Hermes "Dies et Hore" or "Astrology" by F. Faconnet - Collectors item We offer more Hermes and exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Color; blue/gold...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather. Features a sculptural top handle, elegant gold-tone hardware and a matching Vert Vertigo ...
Hermès Vintage Guilloche Horse Head Ashtray by Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray The silver tray is beautifully guilloché, adorned with a horse's head on one side and a cigarette notch on the other. Can also be used as change tra...
HERMES Grenat Saphire Naturelle HERBAG ZIP 39 Bag Toile / Hunter
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Herbag 39 is crafted from a sophisticated combination of Natural Vache Hunter leather and Rouge Grenat and Bleu Saphir toil...
Exceptional Hermès Exclusif Giant Shawl Silk Scarf Oriental Drawings
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Vintage Scarf Extremely rare, this scarf is from the vintage "HERMÈS EXCLUSIF" collection Pattern: oriental-inspired designs Made in France M...
Hermès Sac Bolide Courchevel Bandouliere 1993 Gold Leather Hand Bag Strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide bag, size 35, in slightly grained leather (Epsom, formerly Courchevel) in camel or "gold" color, with a supple leather interior that coordinates with a large slip pocke...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Sous le Charme d’Orphée - CS140 - Orange Vert Bleu - NWST - 2606290838 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Sous le Charme d’Orphée, Under the Spell of Orp...
HERMES Gold camel Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 TPM Crossbody Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM crossbody bag in Gold is crafted from supple Taurillon Clémence leather in the Maison’s iconic camel hue. Compact yet effortlessly functiona...
HERMÈS silk blue on white "les pivoines" pants
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Silk pants "Les pivoines" (the peonies) blue and white high-waisted pants Two side pockets and two back pockets White double stitching Bronze metal button with logo Size F...
Exceptional Hermès Spats Mini Chaps Brown Suede Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Spats Made of suede leather and silver-tone buckles Inside is lined with brown leather Colorway: Brown Please note: The color variations com...
Hermès Destier Bolo Tie Necklace Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Stunning Authentic Hermès Necklace Tie From the "Destrier" Collection "Boho Tie", perfect mix between tie and necklace Theme: Equestrian, Horse, Cow bow, Western, Texas ...
Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Platinum Horse Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horse Theme: horse riding, rodeo Made in France Made of printed porcelain, notches covered with platinum (silver-tone)...
Hermès 1975s Sac Kelly 35 Bandouliere H Red Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 35, in Hermès red box leather (almost burgundy) and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket ...
Hermès Mini Kelly Bag Sellier 20 cm Navy Blue Box Leather 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 (Z in circle, 1996) Made of box leather and yellow gold plated ...
Exceptional Hermès Book Shaped Telephone Repertory Keychain Silver
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Charm or Key Ring In shape of a book, linking multiple address pages, whose edges are silvered The pages are bound together with a small nail, an "H" engraved...
HERMES black Togo leather HAC 50 Travel Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès HAC 50 travel bag in black is crafted from durable and beautifully textured Togo leather, offering a refined balance of structure and softness. Inspired by...
Hermes Birkin 35 RED SILVER HARDWARE
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes Birkin 35 in Excellent Condition. Red with silvertone hardware. Top handle. Togo leather exterior. Togo leather interior. Interior on zip pocket & one slip pocket. Date Co...
Hermes Jypsiere 28 IN GOLD MINT!
By Hermès
Located in Ardmore, PA
Hermes Jypsiere 28 Crossbody Bag in mint condition. GOLD Clemence Leather. Palladium plate hardware. Single adjustable shoulder strap. Chevre goatskin. Three interior pockets. Turn l...
Exceptional Hermès Secret Watch Pendant in Working Order
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Watch A beautiful blend of craftsmanship, elegance, design and functionality, and above all, an exceptional collector's item The pulley-shaped penda...
HERMES blue silk LE PERMIER CHANT 90 Scarf Aqua Vert Grenadine
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Le Premier Chant 90 scarf by Sophie Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud in Aqua blue and white twill silk (100%) with a grey ...
Exceptional Hermès Gold Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse Vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of yellow gold and silver "HERMES PARIS", serial number, craftman's hallmark and 75...
Hermès PVC Souvernir de l'exposition kelly 1997 handle bag
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès PVC Souvernir de l'exposition kelly 1997 handle bag Misure prodotto Profondità 10,5 cm Manico 5 cm Larghezza 39,5 cm Altezza 28 cm
Hermès Women's Kelly 32 Vert Anglaise Alligator Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Rare Hermès Kelly 32 in Vert Anglaise Alligator Mississippiensis with gold hardware. This exquisite exotic Kelly showcases beautifully matched scales and a deep jewel-toned green tha...
Exceptional Hermès Pill Box or Candies Box
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box Vintage item Made of metal "Clou de selle" in front engraved "HERMÈS PARIS" "HERMÈS PARIS" engraved at back Colorway: silvery Perfect to keep pil...
Hermès 2009 Birkin 30 Crocodile Vert Chartreuse Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Expertly crafted Hermes Birkin made from exotic Crocodile porosus leather in Vert Chartreuse - Embellished with palladium hardware and has a zipped compartment inside to keep you...
Hermès Evelyne TPM 16 Amazone Taurillon Etoupe
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Leather tab with snap closure Front with perforated "H" logo Plain Wooly canvas shoulder strap Comes with the original box, dust bag and strap Stamp K. Year 2025. Condition: Pr...
Hermes Birkin 25 Cote A Cote Tuffetage Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Birkin 25 Côte à Côte Tuffetage in Black Swift with Permabrass hardware. This rare limited edition Birkin introduces Hermès’ Côte à Côte tuffetage techniq...
$13,200
Hermès Constance Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Colvert Alligator Mississipiensis leather Enamel H buckle on palladium hardware Interior card slot panel on each side and zipper Comes with original box. Condition: Very Good This pr...
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...
2023 Hermès Kelly to Go Epsom Pale Pink leather palladium hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Kelly To Go Epsom leather palladium hardware Removable shoulder strap. Can easily be worn crossbody or as a clutch. Colour name pale pink. This bag is from 2023, stamp "B", in...
HERMES Gold camel brown leather ORAN Slide Sandals Shoes 41.5
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Oran slide sandals in Gold (camel) Box calfskin leather epitomize timeless elegance and effortless style. Featuring the iconic H cut-out, these sleek slide...
Hermès Silk Scarf Tea Time Jonathan Burton Hearts Valentine's Day
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "TEA TIME" Designed by Jonathan Burton Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Colorway 08: ORANGE / GRIS / BLANC (orange, grey, white) Lov...
Hermès Vintage Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Hare Xavier De Poret RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Hare, Rabbit Made in France Made of printed french porcelain (Limoges), egdes and notches hand painted with fine gold Colorways: White, Caram...
Hermes Medor 23 Clutch Bag Black Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Médor 23 in Black alligator with Gold hardware. This striking limited edition Médor clutch represents one of the house’s most distinctive and bold designs...
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 Mangrove Green Swift leather KELLY POCHETTE Clutch Bag PBhw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette clutch in Vert Mangrove is crafted from smooth, supple Swift leather, showcasing a rich deep dark green hue that enhances its elegant, compa...
Hermès 1990s Kelly 32 Black Box Leather Unisex Top Handle Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
The Hermes Kelly 32 in black Box leather captivates with its structured lines and iconic look. Its Box leather, emblematic of the House of Hermes, offers a smooth feel and a refined ...
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW A new Hermes Kelly in special order in two colours still with box and invoice. Modello:Kelly Clutch Me...
Hermès Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Bonheurs a Paris
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Plates From the "Bonheurs à Paris" collection (happiness in Paris) Plates number 3, 4, 5 and 6 Places: ...
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in 1 in Gold Togo Leather with Gold hardware.
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Birkin 30 3 in- in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware. This exceptional limited edition Birkin features a rare 3-in-1 configuration, offering both classic structure and mo...
$9,312Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Shaped Photos Frame By Ravinet d'Enfert
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Photos Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collector item for all Hermès and Dachshund lovers! In shape of a dachshund, "teckel" in fr...
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre Bottle Opener Orfevrerie Ercuis
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener From the "Chaine d'Ancre" collection (anchor chain) Made in France Designed by "Orfevrerie Ercuis" (OE and centaur hallmark) Made of metal Co...
Hermès Birkin 30 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware
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. Plastic removed with hardware. The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
HERMES cream silk CIRQUE MOLIER 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 'Cirque Molier 90' scarf by Philippe Dumas in cream silk twill (100%) and multicolored details. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Widt...
Hermès 1990s Ceinture Chaine d Ancre T80 Adjustable M Black Leather Belt Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Chaine d'Ancre belt, circa 1990, featuring a reversible smooth box leather strap in black on one side and camel or gold on the other, and a gold-tone metal clasp inspired by t...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...
$51,218Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Auth. Hermes Shawl - Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - New Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Chorus Stellarum - CS140 - Marine Indigo Blanc - NWST - 2606290824 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Chorus Stellarum, Chorus of the Stars Artist: Daisk...
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...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Coin Purse Chainmail Gaetan de Percin
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Chainmail Coin Purse The purse is a vintage item, made of flowing meshes Made of silver (crab hallmark) "HERMÈS" and crab hallmark enbraved on one...
HERMES Tie blue & Caban Swift leather QUELLE IDOLE KELLY DOLL Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Quelle Idole Kelly bag in Bleu Tié Veau Swift leather with contrasting Caban details. This highly coveted and rare Hermès collectors piece — also known as the K...
Hermès 1987 Sac a depeches 41 Hermes Black Leather Brief Case Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès briefcase, Sac à Dépêches model, in smooth black box leather and gold-tone metal, 41 cm wide with two gussets, interior with two compartments plus a large front pocket under t...
Hermes Double XL Bali Fishes Terry Beach Towel
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Rare Hermes Double XL Twin "Bali Fishes" Beach Towel in 100% Terry Cotton Dimensions : Dimensions : 57.09" x 74.80" approx. Condition : Pristine
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.
What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.
Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
The beloved Bolide, one of the luxury house’s classic travel pieces, gets a playful spin in this 2018 special edition.
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.
More than a fashion statement, this iconic style continually appreciates in value.