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.
Exceptional Hermès Kelly 32 Toile Barenia Special Edition India Gange RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Stunning and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bag "KELLY II" retourné Special Edition for the Year of India, also called "Gange" A must-have for any H...
Hermès Kelly 32 Retournè Black togo leather
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Kelly 32 cm sellier is in black togo leather with tonal stitching and gold tone hardware. Date stamp R for 2014. Clochette, tirette, lock and 2 keys. Plastic on hardware,...
HERMES Constance Kiwi Green Leather Shoulder Bag Y Stamp France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES CONSTANCE Kiwi Green shoulder bag stamp Y France Accessories: Dust bag. size: Width:18cm,height:14cm Designer: Hermes Model: CONSTANCE 18 MINi Exterior Materia...
HERMES Toffee Bordeaux Lime Evercolor leather MAXIBOX CABAS 36 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès tricolor Maxibox Cabas 36 tote in Toffee brown Veau Evercolor leather with Lime and Bordeaux Epsom trimmings. Lined in off-white canvas with one zipper pocket a...
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise New S/Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Blanc Rose Indien Turquoise – NWSTS – 2001281329 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere/Silk Artist: Pierre Marie Size: 140 cm x 140 cm / 55 in x 55...
Hermès 1996 Foulard Carré 90 Fantaisies Indiennes Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, size 90, in silk twill, Indian Fantasies print by Loïc Dubigeon, first produced in 1986 and reissued in 1992 and 1996 (like this one), in autumnal colors. Approx...
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Orange H Togo Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML053 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...
Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Colvert Togo Leather Gold Hardware Rare Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Ultra Rare and highly coveted, Hermes Birkin 25 Blue Colvert Togo Leather complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitine Condition 2016 X Stamp. Plastic on all Hardware! Please keep in min...
Vintage Hermès “Jumping” Silk Scarf Philippe Ledoux Equestrian 35” Vintage 1970s
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Add an iconic equestrian touch to your collection with this authentic vintage Hermès “Jumping” silk scarf, designed by renowned artist Philippe Ledoux and first released in 1971. Cra...
Hermès Birkin 30 Rose Pourpre Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 30 in Rose Pourpre is featured in a classic togo leather. The bag features rolled leather top handles and palladium hardware.The top opens to a matching goatskin leather ...
Hermès Blue Lin Mini Evelyne Cross Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Mini Evelyne Bag features jaune ambre Clemence leather, palladium hardware, a detachable flat strap, and an open top with a tuck closure and perforated “H” logo on the fr...
HERMES Victoria II 35 Fourre-Tout Purple Clemence Leather
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Normal signs of use, interior with yellowing oxidation and stains, corner wear, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Key,Lock size: Width:35cm,height:23cm Designer: Herm...
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 ...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Black 37.5
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Black Sandal with contrast white stitching is in calfskin with iconic "H" cut-out.This silhouette is an essential piece in every wardrobe. Italian number 37....
Hermès Bamboo Swift Jige Elan Clutch
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Swift Jige Elan Clutch in Vert, features calfskin leather, a cross-over flap and a strap that tucks under a leather Hermes "H." This opens to a leather interior. Comes wi...
Hermès Per Astra Ad Astra Silk Scarf Pink Green Sandra Laroche 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Per Astra Ad Astra" Designed by Sandra Laroche and firstly issued in 2009 Made in France Made of 100% twil...
Hermes bag 'Ring' by Catherine de Károlyi 1975
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - A Collection from 1975, under the artistic direction of Catherine de Károlyi. 25cm coffee-colored Crocodylus Porosus 'Ring' bag with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a...
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Shiny Rose Scheherazade Alligator Mini Kelly 20 is a stunning and luxurious handbag that exemplifies elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from exquisite shiny rose-colored alli...
HERMES Etoupe taupe Clemence leather EVELYNE 33 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne III 33 crossbody bag is crafted in Etoupe taupe Clemence leather with contrasting white stitching and palladium hardware. It features the house’s s...
Hermès New Oasis Sandal Epsom Etoupe 37
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Oasis Sandal Brown with a natural leather sole and an etoupe leather heel, features a hazelnut goatskin insole and lining. Italian number 37. Come with double dustcover ...
Hermès Shiny Orange Poppy Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Hermès Shiny Orange Poppy Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 is a true statement piece, exuding luxury and sophistication. The vibrant, glossy red-orange hue is complemented b...
Hermes Kelly 28 Bleu Lin Retourne Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne in Bleu Lin Epsom leather with gold hardware embodies a softer interpretation of luxury, pairing the graceful lines of the Kelly with one of Hermès’ most...
Auth. Hermes Scarf - Complication Equestre - Marine Parme Blanc - New with Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Complication Equestre - Marine Parme Blanc - NWSTS - 2604131733 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Complication Equestre, Equestrian Complication Artist: Octave Marsal Size: 88.5 cm x 88.5 cm / approx. 35 in x 35 in Color: Marine (Navy), Parme (Lavender), Blanc (White) Fabric: 100% Silk Twill, hand-rolled edges Approx. Issue Date: Fall/Winter 2024 collection (first issued 2024) Condition: New With Store Tag, S Item, Never worn; store tag attached; without box. Country of Origin: Made in France Story about the Design: Complication Equestre is presented by Hermès as a Carré 90 in silk twill with hand-rolled edges, made in France. The design is credited to Octave Marsal. The central image outlines a horse profile built from layered wheel-and-spoke forms and precise technical linework, framed by a border of repeating mechanical elements. In the Marine/Parme/Blanc colorway, the deep navy ground is contrasted with crisp white and soft lilac accents, giving the graphic motif a clean, architectural look. Artist's Story: Hermès credits Octave Marsal as the designer of Complication Equestre. Collector references list Marsal among Hermès carré designers and associate him with other scarf designs including La cité cavalière...
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Fleurs De Lotus" 100% cotton scarf in green and yellow, and features hand-rolled edges.
Auth. Hermès Scarf Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - New Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Tea for Two - Rose Poudré Blanc - NWST - 2504181229 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Jonathan Burton Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Rose Poudré (Pow...
Hermès Equestre Playing Cards New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Equestre Playing Cards Set contains two decks of bridge playing cards with 54 cards in each. The cards features silver-edges and multi colo...
Hermès Mini Kelly Rose Extreme Porosus Crocodile w/Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Mini Kelly in Rose Extreme Porosus Crocodile with palladium hardware is an extraordinary expression of color, rarity, and craftsmanship, bringing together one of the house...
HERMES black Evercolor leather TRIM DUO 24 Crossbody Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Trim Duo 24 crossbody bag in black Veau Evercolor leather exemplifies refined everyday elegance. Featuring palladium hard...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
Hermes Birkin 35 Handbag Togo Leather Pourpre PHW
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Normal signs of wear, clean interior, scratches on hardware, slight corner wear. Accessories: Key,Lock,Dust bag size: Width:35cm Designer: Hermes Model: Birkin 35 Handb...
Hermes Kelly Mini 20 Rose Tyrien Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Rose Tyrien Ostrich Leather Complimented by Gold Hardware. Prisitne Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. C Stamp 2018. Includes all Accessor...
Hermès Birkin 25 Verso Epsom Rose d'Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 25 verso limited edition features a epsom leather in rose d'ete` with rolled leather handles, a front flap with turn-lock closure, gold hardware, and interior zip and sli...
Hermès Set of 2 Giraffes and Camels Prints Silk Ties Africa Wild Animals
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Giraffes and Camels Made in France Made of 100% silk 1. Giraffes print: - Beige background, yellow giraffes and grey palm trees. - Lined wit...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Etoupe Togo Leather GHW Gold Hardware Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, minor scratches on hardware, clean inside and out. Accessories: Dust Bag,lock,key,shoulder Strap size: Width:32cm,height:23cm Designer: Hermes Mod...
HERMES Poussiere beige Tadelakt leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Poussiere (ocher brown) Veau Tadelakt leather with gold-plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the fro...
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 Birkin 25 Mushroom White Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Absolutely Stunning New Hermes Birkin 25 Mushroom Togo Leather complimented by Palladium Hardware. As New B Stamp 2023. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh bag. It has...
HERMES Kelly Classique Medium Wallet Epsom Leather France
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good, Normal signs of use, corner wear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories: No Accessories size: Width:16cm,height:10cm Designer: Hermes Model: Kelly ...
Hermes Sport Silk Twill Print Dress
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Sport Ivory silk twill afternoon dress printed with various insects and foliage, within an equestrian unfurling border of gold and blue decorative straps. Self belt signed Her...
Hermès Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Ecorce Togo Birkin 35 PHW SKU: Z155430 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harness workshop,...
Hermès Two Mugs Chateau Épopée New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new set of 2 mugs in porcelain. Unicorns and dragons design. Decorations are screen-printed and applied by hand. Comes with original box.
Hermès Silk Scarf Masan & Masan Special Limited Edition Saut Hermès 2022 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "MASAN & MASAN" Designed by Terawat Teankaprasith This scarf was printed in this colorway in a limited edition for the "Saut Hermès...
1960's Hermes Brown Crocodile Skin Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning and rare Hermes bag from the 1960s. Crafted from a structured glossy toffee brown colour crocodile skin with contrasting warm gold tone metal hardware. Interesting square cl...
Hermès Pastel Kachinas Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Scarf is silk and 90 cm with a Kachina motif in Blue and light green. It features hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Hermès Black Noir Swift Leather Kelly Cut Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermès Black Noir Swift Leather Kelly Cut Clutch Bag with palladium hardware is a sophisticated and versatile accessory that embodies timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from luxurious Swift leather, this clutch offers a sleek, smooth finish that enhances its refined appearance. Its minimalist design makes it perfect for both day and evening events, easily elevating any ensemble. The clutch’s understated elegance pairs beautifully with a variety of designer items, such as a Chanel Little Black Dress, Gucci leather loafers...
HERMES black silk CIRCUIT 24 90 Scarf Noir
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Circuit 24 90 scarf by Benoît Pierre Emery in black 100% silk twill, the bold graphic composition featuring an allover trompe l...
Hermes 24/24 29 Bag Togo Clemence Swift Leather Red Rouge Handbag D Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: HERMES 2424 Vanquatre 29 red Togo Clemence Swift Handbag Shoulder Bag France，There are normal wear marks and scratches on the interior hardware ...
Hermès Kelly 32 Pink Magnolia PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic Kelly bag by Hermès. Adorned in a delicate pink magnolia hue, the Kelly 32 is a timeless classic. Perfect for any occasion, its luxurious des...
Hermes Vintage 90's Parrots Beach / Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermes Vintage Parrots beach ban in cotton canvas. Good condition, it presents some signs of use normal to its age but no major defect. Iconic designs "Les perroquets" Inner brand...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Bougainvillea Leather Palladium Hardware Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Bougainvillea Leather with. Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition, Plastic on all Hardware. 2018 C Stamp. Please ...
HERMES Beige Sable suede EXTRA CHAINE D'ANCRE Slide Sandals Shoes 37.5 fit 37
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Extra slide sandals are crafted in Beige Sable (sand) suede and smooth leather. The design features the house’s iconic Chaîne d’Ancre–inspired strap, roun...
Hermes Acid Yellow Double Faced Cashmere Hooded Jacket
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Ultra luxe, superbly crafted Hermes cashmere hooded jacket. New with tags. Made from the highest quality Jaune Acide or Acid Yellow double faced cashmere with chunky ribbed trims. I...
Hermès Birkin 35 Violet Togo Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin 35 in violet togo leather with palladium hardware and tonal stitching, Front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, a clochette with lock, two keys and doubl...
Hermès "Les Bassets" Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Bassets" scarf, is in 100% silk in the blue colorway with hand rolled edges, designed by the renowned animal artist Xavier de Poret. New in ori...
Hermes Kelly 28 Gold with Gold Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Sellier Gold Kelly 28 Bag. Gold hardware. Epsom sellier. Good condition. Vintage Kelly. Nice structure. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guarantee...
HERMES Vertigo Epsom leather MINI KELLY SELLIER Bag CORDAGE 50 Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Sellier bag in striking Vert Vertigo Veau Epsom leather, paired with a Vertigo–Gris Cordage 50 canvas shoulder strap. Features a sculptural top ha...
$976Sale Price|42% Off
Auth. Hermes Shawl CS140 Bouquets Sellier - CS140 - Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir NEW
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Bouquets Sellier – CS140 – Rose Vif Jaune Dor Noir – NWSTS – 2001211641 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere Silk Name Design: Bouquets Sellier, Bouquets Sellier Artist: Pie...
Hermès Lim. Ed. Pawnee Bandana Scarf NEW IN BOX
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès silk twill Pani La Shar Pawnee 90cm scarf in black with blue color. Designed by artist Kermit Oliver. Limited edition reissue "bandana" with reverse blue and celeste design. B...
Hermès Gold and Silver Money Clip Paper Clip Gaetan de Percin Rare
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Clip Can be used as money clip, paper clip, bookmark Designed by Gaetan de Percin (hallmark at back) Body made of sterling silver (Ag 925) and...
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...
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.