Hermès originated as a leather goods shop in Paris in 1837. Today, after expanding upon its expert stitching techniques to create handbags, luggage and travel bags, briefcases, crossbody bags and other accessories, it's considered one of the most luxurious fashion and lifestyle brands in the world. And vintage Hermès handbags and purses are catnip to collectors — a Birkin bag, for example, might be on many fashion lovers' wish lists, but to the hardcore collector, one is never enough.
The Kelly and the Birkin are the most famous of all Hermès bags, and they are considered luxury investments. Though these bags are typically priced at up to $10,000, exclusive and rare bags can get up to the hundreds of thousands.
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, founder Thierry Hermès’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 Kelly's 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. There are two types of Kelly bags, Sellier and Retourne. Formal and elegant, the Sellier was Grace Kelly’s preferred style. Retourne Kellys tend to be more casual.
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, and the leathers used to make these bags are among the finest in the world. And just as color matters when you’re contemplating an investment in a Birkin — new and seasonal colors are often in great demand — texture and durability matter, too.
There are different types of Hermès crocodile Birkin bags, such as Porosus crocodile Birkins and Niloticus crocodile Birkins, that speak to these attributes. The Birkin Himalayan, which is made in extremely limited qualities, has sold for record-breaking amounts of money.
Jean Paul Gaultier Birkins are unsurprisingly sought-after, and his So Black Birkin — which featured black PVD-coated hardware — is among the most cherished pieces the provocative French designer created for the brand in his role as creative director at Hermès.
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 recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne, a slew of designs on the vintage market that date back to the 1920s, and the Constance bag.
A favorite of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the Hermès Constance bag pairs comfort and refinement. While the distinctive accessory isn't one of the luxury house's much-publicized top-handle bags or totes — the Constance can instead be casually worn across the body or over the shoulder — it's a widely loved bag most noted for the “H” clasp that secures the bag’s top flap.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès shoulder bags, purses, clutches, suitcases and more on 1stDibs.
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...
$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...
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...
Exceptional Hermès Silver Keychain Boat Propeller Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Keychain In shape of a boat propeller Can be used as a charm, attached to your Kelly or Birkin bag Made of silver (crab hallmark) Colorway: silvery "HERMES...
Hermès New Toile Clutch Traffic Jam
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès flat case in H canvas with "Traffic Jam" print, 100% cotton, screen print, made in France and designed by Katie Scott. Brand new in unused condition.
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermès Rodeo Pegase Leather Bag Charm Horse Etoupe Biscuit PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm "Rodeo Pegase" in the most thought after colorway Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of milo lambskin and swift calfskin leathers (smooth and...
Hermès New Fuchsia Bride-a-Brac Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Bride-a-Brac Case in small features 100% cotton, lining in herringbone canvas, strap in polycotton, embroidered "H" motif, and three interior pockets. Includes a handle for ha...
Hermes Silver Metal Symbole Amour Plate Pendant Set of 2 Necklaces
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Discover the understated charm of the Hermes Symbole "Amour" collection with this exquisite set of two necklaces, a rare find for any vintage enthusiast. Crafted in France, these sil...
Hermès Rodeo Pegase Bag Charm Horse Shaped Sesame Black Nata PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Charm Called "Rodeo", Horse shaped Made in France From 2021 (stamp Z) - hidden on photo Made of milo lambskin and swift calfskin leathers (smooth and s...
Hermès Constance Slim Wallet Quebracho Evercolor PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown - Palladium hardware - PVC on hardware - Top-stitching - Interior zip pocket - Slim silhouette - Removable change purse with zip closure - Two credit card slots - Belt loop -...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Jaune Blue Bleu Rodeo Horse NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Jaune Blue Bleu Rodeo Horse NEW with Hermes box. Made in France FINAL SALE.
Excetional Hermès Lucky Charm Key Ring Horseshoe Green Crocodile Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Ring Please choose seller shipping for this item Can be used as key holder or bag charm In shape of a Horseshoe Horseshoe is a lucky charm symbol of luc...
Hermes Constance Wallet Gold Epsom Leather Silver Palladium Hardware 2017
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Good condition, slight usage marks, clean interior, slight scratches on hardware Accessories: No Acce...
Hermès Limited Edition Navy Kelly Ghillies Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Navy - Exotic alligator leather - Gold-tone hardware - Internal red lining - Partitioned smooth leather interior - Card slots, patch pockets - Inner zipper compartment - PVC still ...
Hermès Egee Clutch Blue Niloticus Crocodile with Palladium Hardware (2013)
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted from highly coveted, glossy Niloticus Crocodile in a striking deep blue hue, this ultra-luxury Hermès Egee clutch exudes modern sophistication. The focal point is its bold, p...
Hermès Green Epsom Leather Pochette Belt Bag - '90s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A rare Hermès vintage accessory, the Floride belt bag embodies the Maison’s refined approach to leather craftsmanship and understated elegance. Crafted in vibrant green Epsom calfski...
Hermès Smooth Leather Jaune Milton Kellyfestival Kelly Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Bag Charm "KELLYFESTIVAL" A cute small bag with the famous "Kelly Clasp" Perfect to quickly find your keys or your makeup if you hang it to your bag Ma...
Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model wallet in black leather (Epsom) and silver metal (palladium), 2 large interior compartments separated by a zipped coin purse with pull tab in the Kelly padlock mot...
Constance Slim Wallet Quebracho Evercolor PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Brown Palladium hardware - PVC on hardware - Top-stitching Interior zip pocket - Slim silhouette - Removable change purse with zip closure - Two credit card slots - Belt loop - Sta...
Hermès Bleu Zanzibar Kelly Long Wallet Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An iconic expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly Long Wallet is crafted in vibrant Bleu Zanzibar Chevre leather and finished with elegant palladium hardware. Inspired by the...
Hermès Refillable Perfume Spray and Case in Rose Pourpre Crocodile RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Perfume Spray and Case Perfect dimensions for handbag Case made of crocodile skin and metal Refillable spray made of glass Colorways: Shiny Rose Pour...
Black Hermes Dogon Compact Wallet
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Black Dogon compact wallet by Hermes. Silver-tone hardware. Front closure. 7.5" height, 4.75" width, 0.5" length.
Hermès New Horse Head Money Clip
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hermès Equestre bill clip features a palladium horse head, that allows for easy keeping of bills. Comes with ribbon, original dustcover and box. B...
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 Green Leather Note Case
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Green leather note case featuring a foldover rectangular shape, an inside Hermes note book that fits inside pocket, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vinta...
Hermes Red Leather Cover Diary
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Red leather cover diary featuring a foldover rectangular shape, an inside Hermes address book that fits inside pocket, and an inside Hermes signature. Circa 2000s In good vi...
Hermès Sheriff Hat Leather Charm for Kelly or Birkin Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Charm Comes from the "petit h" collection In shape of a sheriff's hat, with a 6-pointed star cut out Can be used as Bag Charm for your Hermès Kelly or...
Hermès New Rodeo Pegase Gold Black
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new in box limited edition rodeo Pegase small charm. Gold, black, nata. Comes with original box .
Hermes Kelly Wallet Blue Epsom Palladium HW R Stamp Leather Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition:Slight signs of wear, clean inside and out. Accessories: Box size: Width:21cm,height:11.5cm Designe...
Hermes In-the-Loop 18 Belt Bag Gold Swift Leather Waist Bum Clutch Pouch 2021
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal wear and tear, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories:Strap size: Width:18cm,...
Hermès Leather Case Agenda Teal
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Teal blue - Internal card slots - Spiral-bound design - Planner inserts - Condition: Pristine, Unworn This pre-owned item is in pristine, unworn condition with no signs of use. Pl...
Hermes Bearn Wallet With Gusset Etoupe Epsom Calfskin Leather Palladium Plated
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Béarn pays tribute to the South-West region of France and is part of a collection featuring the names of different French regions. A wallet or card holder with a sleek design, it...
Hermes Rose D Ete’ Tiger Pochette BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes brand new in box small square pochette. Rose d’ ete’ leather with imperial tiger design.
Hermes Grey Herline Diary Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Grey “Herline” diary cover featuring a silver-tone logo zipper opening, inside black cotton compartments, a cotton brand label. Circa: 2000s In good vintage condition. Made i...
Hermes Brown Leather Notebook Cover
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown leather notebook cover featuring an inside small compartments, an internal logo stamp. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition. Made in France. Length: 3.5in. (9cm) Hei...
HERMES gold LTD ED 2001 L'HOMME PEUT EMBELLIR LA TERRE CADENA Lock Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès 2001 L'Homme Peut Embellir la Terre Cadena lock in gold-tone metal. Has been carried and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 2.2cm (0.9in) Length 4c...
Hermes Portefeuille MC2 Copernic Wallet Matte Havane Alligator
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's MC2 Copernic compact bi-fold wallet featured in matte Havane Alligator. This warm tobacco brown men's wallet is rare to...
Hermès Lilac Chevre Mysore Card Holder
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Lilac Chevre Mysore Card Holder SKU: 154118 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very g...
HERMES Brique Box leather & canvas SANGLE KELLY 50mm Bag Strap
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès shoulder strap for your Kelly or Evelyne bag in Brique (brick red) canvas and Box leather. Has been carried and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5...
Hermes Quelle Idole Doll Bag Charm Sable Mushroom Havane and Black
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Kelly Idole bag charm featured in Sable, Havane, Black and Mushroom. This playful Kelly Doll charm...
HERMES Kelly Short orange shiny liz leather PHW classic wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Kelly Short orange shiny liz leather PHW classic wallet Reference: NILI/A00106 Brand: Hermes Model: Kelly Short Material: Leather Color: Orange, Gold Pattern: Solid Closure: T...
Hermès Porte cles Touquet Margiela Black Leather Kelly Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "Touquet" model key holder by Martin Margiela, inspired by the clochette and strap found on Kelly, Birkin, or Bolide bags. Crafted from black Box leather (with matching graine...
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
Hermes MC2 Copernic Sesame Bifold Wallet Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's MC2 Copernic compact bi-fold wallet featured in Sesame. Light and slim in Epsom leather. Interior has eight credit card slots, two flat pockets and one paper money...
Hermes Bolide Rayures Rocabar Travel Case Etoupe / Azur Mini Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Bolide Rayures Rocabar travel case featured in Etoupe and Azur. Zipper toggle has lambskin leather pull and base has leather trim. This charming Mini Boli...
Hermes Calvi Duo Card Holder Nata Moulin a Vent Swift Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Calvi Duo card holder in Nata with Moulin a Vent design. Printed front and rear. The new design is clever pla...
Hermes Citizen Twill Long Wallet Black Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Citizen Twill Long Wallet featured in Black. 5 card slots, 2 flat slot pockets and 1 bill pocket. Zip change purse lined in t...
Hermès Rose Pourpre Rodeo Charm MM
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Rodeo Charm in pink. This piece is made out of lambskin leather and comes in a bright pink. The handle drop is 7.25" and the charm is brand n...
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rodeo Bag Charm GM Celeste Craie Rodeo Horse NEW with Hermes box. Made in France FINAL SALE.
Hermes Bag Charm So Black Rodeo Horse GM Limited Edition Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes So Black GM Rodeo limited edition rare bag charm. This striking So Black rodeo is a perfect luxury gift for any man or woma...
Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Orange Togo Kelly Depeche 25 PHW SKU: 152582 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally calle...
Hermès Evelyne Coral Chèvre Coin Purse
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Evelyne Red Coin Purse is in chevrè goatskin leather in coral red. The purse has a frontal perforated Hermes H and a palladium zipper.
Hermes Kelly Idole Mini Quelle Bag Charm Sable Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Kelly Idole bag charm featured in Sable, Nata, H Orange and Brique Tadelakt leather. Whimsical and delightful this fabulous charm...
HERMES Dogon Duo green togo leather PHW loop through long wallet
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Dogon Duo green togo leather PHW loop through long wallet Reference: NILI/A00105 Brand: Hermes Model: Dugon Duo Material: Leather, Metal Color: Green, Silver Pattern: Solid Cl...
Hermès Billfold Wallet Burgundy Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Billfold Wallet in Burgundy Lizard presents a compact, highly refined expression of the house’s leatherwork, where the precision of the small format puts full emphasis on mate...
Hermès Geegee Iroquois Camail Horse Bag Charm in Leather
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Super Cute Authentic Hermès "Geegee Iroquois" Charm In the shape of a horse's head with a tousled mane, covered with a pretty camail Made in France From 2023 (stamp B) Made of mi...
Hermès Three Russian Dolls Kelly Birkin Leather Charm Matryochkas Russia
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Charm In the shape of russian dolls, called Matryoshkas in russian 3 Russian dolls of different sizes connected by a silk link The link can be rem...
Hermes Carre Pocket Pouch Couverture Novelle Swift Leather New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Carre Pocket Pouch featured in Couverture Novelle printed Swift calfskin leather. Interior has one credit card sl...
Hermès Constance Slim Belt Wallet in Taupe Epsom with Gold Hardware - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A refined expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Constance Slim Belt Wallet is crafted in structured Epsom leatherin a sophisticated taupe tone with warm undertones, part of the Ma...
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.