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.
A Precious Hermès Toiletry Leather Travel Case Circa 1970
By Hermès
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970. France Elegant vintage Hermès travel case with toiletries in a red Hermès leather case with compartments. This case is stamped Hermès Pa...
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
$2,300 / set
H 2.5 in W 14.5 in D 11 in
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
Hermes Vintage Travel Razor Shaving Set Brown Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Rome, Rome
Rare and hard to find vintage travel razor in case by Hermes - Paris. Possibly dating back to the 1940s. Two piece 'Wardonia - Sheffield' safety razor in metal. The razor comes in a ...
Cartier Sterling Silver Gentleman’s Fitted Leather Vanity Case
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Sterling Silver Gentleman’s Fitted Leather Vanity Case London, 1937 Maker’s Mark: J.C (Jacques-Théodule Cartier) Made in France A superb and rare Art Deco gentleman’s fitt...
Silver
Hermès Le Van Quatre Red Leather Coin Case with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Hermes Le Van Quatre Coin Case in Red Leather. Features red leather compact design, snap closure, gold hardware. It is part of the LE 24 line and is stamped inside, Fi...
1970's Stitched leather box by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Stitched leather box probably designed by Paul Dupre-Lafon Signed by Hermès Good condition
Leather
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Jewelry Case c1970s
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Jewelry Case c1970s in excellent condition. Signature monogram canvas exterior with brass hardware a...
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988 This refined Hermès correspondence box exemplifies the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship, discretion, and timeless lu...
Brass
$1,350
H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 1 in
20th Century French Modern Leather Makeup/Vanity Wallet with Mirror by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern compact leather makeup/vanity wallet with mirror by Hermès Paris, France By: Hermès Paris Material: leather, mirror Technique: embossed, polished Dimensions: 1 in x 5.5 in x 7.5 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: France Encased in fine reddish-brown leather, this mid-20th century Hermès vanity wallet is a sophisticated expression of modern design. The exterior features a subtly textured leather surface, accentuated by precise stitching and a geometric clasp adorned with a pale green panel. The closure mechanism, a structured leather strap looping through a matching leather slot, secures the case with refined simplicity. Inside, the wallet reveals a well-organized layout lined in soft beige, hosting a built-in mirror, a series of compartments, and a translucent amber-hued comb. The craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous finishing of each section, balancing elegance with practicality. The Hermès stamp...
Leather, Mirror
Hermes Rare Rouge H Men Toiletry Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes 1960’s rare and collectible men toiletry case. Rouge H box calf leather and palladium hardware. Excellent condition with all interior parts in pla...
Hermès Vintage Vanity Case in Burgundy
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Vintage vanity case in burgundy leather is in excellent condition, and is complete; no piece is missing. Comes with original box.
Hermès Caramel Toiletry Travel Case
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Vintage Hermès grooming travel set is composed by a leather luggage with 2 silver metal bottles, 1 silver metal box, 2 wood brushes, 1 leather jew...
Hermès Rouge H Vintage Grooming Set
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage grooming travel set is composed by 1 bifold leather case with: 1 wood shoe horn, a silver metal razor, a blade holder, 1 leather pouch with a comb, manicure set. Comes w...
Hermes Red Vintage Epsom Leather Jige Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès red epsom leather jige clutch. White contrast stitching, toile interior. Comes with original dust bag.
Hermès New Passport Holder Rouge H
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Passport holder in chevre (goatskin) calfskin features a snap closure that is palladium plated. Classic rouhe H color. The slim desi...
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.
