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 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 ...
Hermes Birkin Cargo Hac 40 Birkin Bag Gold Evercolor Leather Toile H Ecru Gold
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès HAC 40 Cargo in Gold Evercolor leather with Toile H and Palladium hardware. This rare Hermès Cargo HAC reinterprets one of the house’s most iconic travel...
$1,775Sale Price|28% Off
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
Rare Hermès Tie Baby Foot Table Soccer Print in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Print: Baby Foot Players, Table Soccer A goal and a small ball are hidden in the lining on the back Made in France ...
Exceptional Set of 4 Hermès Ties from The Fables of La Fontaine in Silk
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Set of 4 Authentic Hermès Ties Prints: Les Fables de La Fontaine From left to right: 1. The Hare and the Tortoise in green, grey, orange, blue. 100% Silk. Lined with plain gr...
Hermès Pocket Cigar Cutter in Leather Case
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Cigar Cutter Its size allows it to be stored in your pocket, and it's safe from cuts thanks to its original Hermès case. Ma...
Hermes Connect the Dots Limited Edition HAC 40 Black Evergrain Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès HAC 40 “Connect the Dots” edition which reimagines one of the house’s most historic silhouettes through a modern, graphic lens. Rather than relying on tr...
Hermes Toilette Annes MM Beach Bag
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès beach set up for sale: yellow and white striped bag with matching sarong. Mint condition. Beach sarong is in mint condition, - 28” x 58” 100% cotton
Hermès Sac Coins or 1979 Dark brown Leather Precious Shoulder Bag Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Coins d'Or clutch bag in precious leather and gold metal, interior in soft leather with 1 compartment and 1 front pocket marked with the Hermès carr...
Hermes Red Silk Ascot Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès red silk scarf ascot featuring an all-over flower print, a red border and a center pleat. Circa 1990s 100%silk In good vintage condition. Made in France. 45.2in (114cm) X 6.7...
Hermes Exhibition Japan Limited Voyage En Terre D'Etoiles Backpack
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes 2000s Blue Exhibition Japan Limited "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" backpack bag featuring blue nylon fabric, "Voyage en Terre d'Etoiles" print, front flap closure, shoulder strap...
Exceptional Hermès Silk Scarf Viny Record Print
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: Vinyl Record Made in France Made of 100% twill silk Made in France Colorways: navy blue, mustard yellow, turquoise blue "HERMÈS-PARIS...
Hermes NIB Birkin 30 Blue Atoll Epsom
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 30cm Birkin bag in blue atoll epsom leather and palladium hardware. Plastic on hardware, worn a few times. Handle drop, 3"L. Includes clochette, tirette, lock, keys, felt, 2 d...
HERMES checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES blue white checked 100% cotton made in france collared long sleeve shirt EU39 M Reference: LACG/A00478 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: White, Blue Pattern: Checkered Cl...
Hermes Paris Equestrian Print Red Silk Necktie in Hermes Box
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Paris Equestrian silk print red necktie in Hermes Box c 1990s The stylish silk necktie is illustrated with a series of facing horse figures set against a muted red background. Hermes' H initial...
Hermès New Blue "Baobab" Silk Gavroche
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible blue and yellow "Baobab" silk gavroche. Hand-rolled edges.
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...
Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a horsewhip Made of Silver 800 (crab hallmark) Made in France Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved at the end of...
$210Sale Price|30% Off
HERMES 7199 UA red grey signature H chain lock print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7199 UA red grey signature H chain lock print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00706 Brand: Hermes Model: 7199 UA Material: Silk Color: Red, Grey Pattern: Monogram Lining: Red Silk E...
Rare Hermès Buckles Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Buckles theme 100% Silk Made in France Multicolored print Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket RARE CUSTOM MADE
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
HERMES Black Crocodile Men's Jacket in like-new excellent condition. This is a very rare find from Hermes as it was custom made for a Royal in Dubai. You won't find anything like it online on in stores. Black semi matte crocodile leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware. Full front zipper closure. Two zippered side pockets. Zipper slits upon bottom hem of each arm. Black bemberg lining with small Hermes logo woven throughout. Interior breast pockets with button closures. This piece exudes classic Hermes style with flawless lines, body shape and of course impeccable construction utilizing the most luxurious crocodile leather available. Very subtle sheen to the crocodile skin which only contributes to the timeless design of this piece. Perfect for men & women. Excellent condition. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Hermes history with this custom made crocodile jacket...
Hermes HAC 40 Flag Limited Edition Haut a Courroies Birkin Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes HAC 40 Flag bag featured in H Toile and Black. Black Evercalf leather and signature Hermes Toile H in Bla...
Hermès Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Evergrain Leather Hac a Relier Birkin 40cm HAC Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML026 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 40cm HAC Type: Tote, Travel Serial Number: K Age: ...
$1,044Sale Price|25% Off
Hermes Vintage Feux d'Artifice 150th Anniversary Silk Vest
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES Paris vintage rare FEUX D'ARTIFICE print silk vest. 1987 limited edition manufactured to commerate the 150th year anniversary of the founding of HERMES (1837-1987). This sh...
Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès introduced the playful Candy collection as a fresh interpretation of its iconic handbags, pairing vibrant exterior colors with contrasting interiors and hardware. This 2012 Ke...
Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack Caban Tricolor Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack featured in Caban Togo calfskin. This gorgeous colour is the deepest of blues leaning to black. Fun...
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 Mens Leather Trimmed Trench
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Hermes Mens Leather Trimmed Trench from the 2000's. Classic cut with interesting details reminiscent of Margiela's tenure at the house. Each detail is extremely well thought ...
Hermès Constance 24cm Gold Epsom GHW 2025
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Constance 24cm handbag. The exterior of this Sac Constance is crafted in Gold Epsom leather with tonal stitching, a gold-tone hardware "H" snap lock closure and an ad...
Hermes Limited Edition Tote Bag Fauve Leather Removeable Toile Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Tote featured in Fauve. Tote has a detachable Toile insert with canvas shoulder strap. The bag has Fauve leather handles and Palladium...
Rare Hermès Swans Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
From a private collection Rare, chic and funny Hermès tie Swans theme 100% Silk Made in France Green and grey color Great conditions Fast shipping from Italy included in the price !
Hermes HAC 50 Birkin Bag Etoupe Togo Leather Brass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes HAC 50 bag featured in Etoupe. Accentuated with Brass hardware. Comes with lock, keys and clochette. This is the mom...
Hermes Chypre Black Calfskin Leather Men's Sandal 45 / 12
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Noir. Black calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across fo...
Hermes Men's Chypre Black Calfskin Leather Sandal 43 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Noir. Black calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across fo...
Hermes Izmir Sandal Bleu Bleuet and Orange Epsom Leather Men's Shoes 42 / 9
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes Men's Izmir sandal featured in Bleu Bleuet with orange insole calfskin leather lining. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Epsom leather. Sophisticated colours in a silhouette that works for every wardrobe. Naturel calfskin insole. Black heel with leather sole. Comes with sleepers. Please our extensive selection of Hermes Homme...
Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack Men's Bag Vert de Gris Togo Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hac a Dos PM Backpack featured in Vert de Gris Togo calfskin. Vert de Gris is a fabulous year round neutral whic...
Hermes Men's Limited Edition Vest Sueded Porosus Crocodile and Leather 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's vest featured in grey sueded porosus Crocodile. This very rare and limited edition Hermes vest has a zip closure with two angled zip pockets with p...
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...
Hermes Men's Chypre Vert Toundra Suede Sandal 43 / 10
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers Hermes Men's Chypre Sandals featured in Vert Toundra. Suede goatskin with Vert Toundra anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adju...
Auth. Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Genévrier Blanc – NWCTS – 2510281928 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Not applicable / no specific artist credite...
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...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Matte Gold Alligator Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Gold matte Alligator. Fabulous unisex Hermes clutch that is perfect for day to ...
HERMÈS - Vintage men's silk vest "Carpe Diem" by Joachim Metz, 1994
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk vest featuring the iconic "Carpe Diem" Carré pattern by Joachim Metz, 1994 - Wooden hanger missing.
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...
Super Cute Hermès Silk Tie Kala's Family Monkeys Prints
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable and Funny Authentic Hermès Tie From the "KALA'S FAMILY" collection Prints: Dangling Monkeys Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorways: CIEL / VERT / BLEU CLAIR ( Sky B...
Hermes Chypre Brun Fume Woolskin / Shearling Men's Sandal 43
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Men's Brun Fume and Ecru Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin sandals featured in suede. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Doblis with...
Hermes Chypre Black Calfskin Leather Sandal 42
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of limited edition Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Noir. Black calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across fo...
HERMÈS 1997 Vintage Silk Vest Featuring the "L'Or de Chefs" Carré Design
By Joachim Metz, Hermès
Located in Padova, IT
CORRADO LUXURY EXCLUSIVE HERMES COLLECTIONS - Rare pure silk vest featuring the iconic Carré "L'Or de Chefs" pattern by Joachim Metz, 1997 - The front is made of fine peccary leather...
$240Sale Price|40% Off
Hermès Men's 21st Century Nautical Silk Tie in Gold Blue Silver Grey
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
The Hermes tie 7038 TA refers to a specific style of authentic hand sewn 100% silk men's tie from Hermes, known for its nautical theme featuring anchors. The colors of this tie are g...
Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Sweater Algue (Seaweed) Cashmere M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Puzzle Floral Cashmere Crewneck sweater featured in Algue. Sweater has floral intarsia motif in front. Ribbing at cuf...
Hermes Mini Evelyne Vert Vertigo Silver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes vert vertigo Evelyne TPM in clemence leather with canvas strap. Smallest model of Evelyne has tonal stitching, a large perforated H icon in circle at front, pull tab top closu...
Exceptional Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Pipe Holder Pipe Shaped
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Can be used as change tray or pipe holder Pipe-shaped Vintage item Made of glazed ceramic Colorways: Beige / Brown "HERMÈS" engraved on a side M...
Hermes Belt Cape Cod 32mm Black Matte Porosus Crocodile Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Cape Cod 32 mm belt featured in Black Matte Porosus Crocodile. We owe this beautiful buckle to the inspiration of Henri d'Origny, the famed Hermes designer...
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Ostrich Leather Vintage Birkin 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML028 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 35cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [J] Age: 2006 Accompanied ...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135 x 95cm - Ecru Camel - New Care Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
laid Avalon Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Ecru Camel – NWCTS - 2602181809 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Throw Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37...
Hermes Hebdo Reporter Messenger Bag Black Evergrain Palladium New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Hebdo Reporter bag featured in Black Evergrain leather. Crisp Palladium hardware. Detachable shoulder strap is adjustable...
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles - New
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Plaid Avalon Cabriole Baby Blanket – 135x95cm - Rose Airelles – NWCTS - 2604231648 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Avalon Baby Blanket / Plaid Artist: Hermès Studio. Cabriole design, where applicable, is by Alice Charbin. Size: 135 x 95 cm / 53.1 x 37.4 inches Color: Rose Airelles (Lingonberry Pink), Blanc (White) Fabric: 90% Merino Wool - 10% Cashmere Approx. Issue Date: Avalon design originally created in 1988; Rose Airelles / Blanc baby blanket version is a modern 2020s issue. Condition: New With Care Tag, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: Made In Great Britain Story about the Design: Avalon is one of the most recognisable Hermès home designs. Inspired by traditional horse blankets and heraldic coats of arms, the design presents the iconic Hermès H motif in a timeless graphic style. The name Avalon refers to the mythical British island associated with Excalibur. In the baby range, the classic Avalon look is softened through delicate pastel colours, making it especially suited to a nursery or luxury baby gift. Artist's Story: The Avalon design is credited to Hermès Studio. If the Cabriole wording is retained in the listing, Hermès identifies the Cabriole design story as the work of Alice Charbin, a French illustrator known for her poetic and whimsical drawings for Hermès. Her Cabriole world celebrates childhood, movement, imagination, and the joyful relationship between a child and a faithful companion. Craftsmanship Note: This Hermès baby blanket...
Hermes Chypre Naturel Safari Calfskin Sandal 41
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Naturel Safari. Calfskin with black anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Comfortable and neutral, this sand...
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...
Hermes Mens Chypre Sandals US 9 EU 42 Aligator Crocodile Beton Beige Tan Slides
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Alligator exterior - Tagged size 42 - Comes with dust - Current retail is $8,000 Condition: The Sandals are brand new with box Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches )...
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.