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.
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
Hermès Sanguine Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Constance Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sanguine Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Constance Elan Product Details CB1697 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Acco...
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.
Hermès Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Horses Galloping
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Horses galloping through water, with egrets, flamingos, and vegetation in the background. These landscapes are inspired ...
HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes "Bolide" travel bag in Havane (chestnut brown) Taurillon Clemence leather. Open with a zipper on top. Lined in leather and beige cotton. Has been carried with two small black ...
Hermes Vintage 1970s Kelly 28 Navy Blue Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Midnight blue exterior - Comes with lock and key - No box or dustbag Condition: The bag is in overall great condition for its age, the bag has been retouched, the shape has ...
HERMES silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Hermès Padlock Charm Keyring Horse Head
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Lovely Authentic Hermès Padlock Can be used as a charm or keyring thanks to its ring In shape of a horse's head Made of brushed metal on the faces, unbrushed metal on the...
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...
2000's Hermès Jungle Love Black and Grey Silk Scarf by Robert Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2000's Hermès Jungle Love black and grey tone silk scarf by Robert Dallet. This is a highly collected version by the wildlife artist Robert Dallet. Originally issued in the early 200...
Hermès 925 Sterling Silver Chaîne Kellymorphose Sac Bijoux
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès 925 Sterling Silver Chaîne Kellymorphose Sac Bijoux Product Details MML067 Brand: Hermès Model: Kellymorphose Sac Bijoux Type: Top Handle, Shoulder, Crossbody Age: 2026 Accom...
Hermes Jypsiere 37 Bleu Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Crossbody Messenger Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
- Bleu Jean Clemence Leather exterior - Silver Palladium hardware - Comes with dustbag - Comes with crossbody strap - Stamped Square ( M ) 2006 Condition: The bag is in exc...
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a removable shoulder strap in coordinated leather for carrying on the shoulder or across the body, keys, padlock, bell, zipper, dustbag, year 1991. Width 35 cm x height 27 cm x depth 13.5 cm, handles 32 cm, shoulder strap 93 cm. The bag was the subject of a "spa" at Hermès very...
Hermes Lady Vest - 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - Excellent Condition Rare!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Lady Vest Hermes 5 Buttons Charreada Red Violet - 2502241942 Brand: Hermès Item Type: Vest Name Design: Charreada, Mexican Rodeo Artist: Jean de Fougerolle External Material Back: 1...
Hermès Birkin 35 Bag Black Togo Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
An iconic Hermès Birkin 35 crafted in luxurious black Togo leather and finished with elegant gold hardware. This timeless handbag showcases the classic relaxed Retourne structure, of...
HERMES silk COUVERTURES ET TENUES DE JOUR Twilly Scarf Marine Beige Blanc
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Couvertures et Tenues de Jour silk twilly in navy blue, beige and white. Has been worn and is in excellent condition...
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Goodlock Porosus mint green scaled leather PHW push clasp wrist clutch Reference: JACG/A00161 Brand: Hermes Model: Goodlock Material: Leather Color: Green Pattern: Animal Prin...
Hermès Greyhound Whippet Cigar Ashtray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Cute and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Greyhound dog or Whippet in a flower decor Made in France Made of porcelain, edges and notches covered with fine yellow gold Beige s...
Hermès Ashtray Change Tray Sceau Horse Head in Vallauris Ceramic
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Called "cendrier sceau à tête de cheval" (horse head seal ashtray), because this gives the impression that the ceramic has been hot marked wi...
Hermès Gold Porcelain Change Tray Ashtray Carnets d'Equateur Dallet
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Change Tray Can be used as ashtray Print: "Carnets d'Equateur" Designed by Robert Dallet Theme: Africa, wild animals, jungle, leopard, parrots ...
Hermes Black 40 Birkin Bag in Ardennes Leather & Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black 40 Birkin. Vintage ardennes leather. Retired size 40 and leather. Gold hardware. Good condition for vintage. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag...
$13,159Sale Price|25% Off
Hermès 1992 Vintage Kelly 35 Navy Handbag with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1992 Hermes Kelly 35 in dark Blue navy with Gold hardware. Hardware and shoulder strap have been replaced by Hermes. The bag comes with dustbag and n...
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details MML057 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Seria...
$14,972Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Dachshund Photos Holder Photos Frame Teckel
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Exceptional and Rare Authentic Hermès Photo Frame Absolutely stunning, a true collectible item for dachshund lovers Base is in shape of a dachshund, the body holding glass panels i...
HERMES Rose Bubinga nude leather ANCORA Loafers Flats Shoes 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
These 100% authentic Hermès Ancona loafers in Rose Bubinga (dusty rose) supple calfskin leather blend refined craftsmanship with subtle signature detailing. Designed with rounded toe...
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bubblegum Ostrich Leather Constance Elan Product Details MML064 Brand: Hermès Model: Constance Elan Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: K Age: 2025 Accompanied By: Hermè...
Hermès Fuschia Shiny Crocodile Porosus Birkin 35 Palladium Hardware, 2014
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Hermès Birkin 35 in fuchsia shiny porosus crocodile from 2014 is a striking example of the house’s craftsmanship, paired with palladium hardware. The structured silhouette is so...
HERMES poppy orange leather 2011 BELTED PEPLUM WAIST Belt 38
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès by Jean Paul Gaultier waist belt is crafted in poppy orange lambskin leather and designed with a dramatic peplum silhouette. It features a sculpted, corset...
Hermès "Jour de Casting" Scarf NIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Jour de Casting scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, designed by artist Liz Stirling. This whimsical design, features seven well-groomed dogs dressed in collars and a...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
Hermès Customised Heron Jige Elan PM
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Burgundy leather trim - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted heron design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Includes original box (damaged) - Stamp K ...
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Blanc Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML046 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: Y Age: 2020...
$18,950
Hermes Orange Birkin 30 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Orange Birkin 30 Bag. Original orange Hermes color. Palladium silver hardware. Good condition. Togo leather. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guar...
Hermès Terre Cuite Ostrich Leather Birkin 30cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Terre Cuite Ostrich Leather Birkin 30cm Product Details Xupes Ref: MML049 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: T Age: 2015 A...
Hermès 925 Sterling Silver Chaîne D’Ancre Sac Bijoux
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès 925 Sterling Silver Chaîne D’Ancre Sac Bijoux Product Details MML066 Brand: Hermès Model: Chaîne D’Ancre Sac Bijoux Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Age: 2026 Accompanied By: Hermès...
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rose Tyrien Birkin 35 Bag. Epsom leather. Palladium silver hardware. N stamp from 2010. Good to very fair condition. Has some wear on corners. Please see photos. Light wear on...
Faune et Flore du Texas Forever Scarf 90 NEW 2025
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Faune et Flore du Texas forever scarf 90 cm Jaune Vif / Bleu Azur / Multicolore Last piece ,sold out in stores and this is our last piece . New with tags and box. Final sale
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML056 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
HERMES black Box leather BOLIDE 35 Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bolide 35 in black Box leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in black lambskin. Has been carried and is in excellent condi...
HERMES black leather Band Collar Quilted Shoulder BIKER Jacket 38 S
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès band-collar biker jacket in midnight blue lambskin with knit waistband on the back in midnight blue viscose (75%) and nylon (25%). Features a quilted storm flap on the left sh...
Hermès Bleu Marine Shiny Alligator Mississippiensis Sellier Kelly 25 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Bleu Marine Shiny Alligator Mississippiensis Sellier Kelly 25 PHW SKU: Z155925 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Founded in Paris in 1837 as a harnes...
HERMES black & brown cashmere wool H Muffler Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès jersey muffler in black and espresso brown cashmere (50%) and wool (50% - please note the content tag is missing). One side has a s...
Hermès Customised Jige Elan PM Black
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black / Blue - Box leather - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted rope and belts design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Canvas interior - Stamp X Ci...
Hermès Porcelain Ashtray Change Tray Horse Seahorse Mythology Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Seahorse This drawing inspired by Greek mythology represents the sea horse with a horse's head, 2 front legs, and a tail inspired...
Hermès Customised Bandana Print Kelly 28 Black Box GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Hermès Kelly in Box Leather features a white intricate bandana print . The bag is customised and the stencil is not original to the piece. Its black leather facade...
HERMES New Bleu Jean blue Clemence leather EVELYNE 16 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Evelyne 16 TPM Crossbody Bag is crafted from New Bleu Jean (jeans blue) Taurillon Clemence leather and features a matching uni wool sangle strap. The desig...
Hermès Evelyne TPM Gold GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Gold brown - Evelyne 16 - Gold-tone hardware - Signature perforated H logo - Press-stud fastening - Main compartment - Internal logo stamp - Comes with detachable canvas shoulder ...
Hermes Sac Good News PM Shoulder Bag Rouge Casaque Leather 2008
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal wear and tear, scuffs on four corners, minor cracking on edge coating, slight whitening on interior trim in partial areas. Size Width: 27cm, Height: 25cm De...
Hermès Silver Money Clip Gaetan de Percin Spur Shaped Horse Texas
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Money Clip In shape of a spur Equestrian theme, horse ridding, Texas Vintage Item Made by Gaetan de Percin for Hermès ("GP" hallmark) Made of silver 800 (c...
Hermès 1965 Foulard Carre 90 Les Fiacres Blue Dip Dyed Silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Philippe Ledoux, Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Les Fiacres pattern by Philippe Ledoux, published in 1965 and never reissued, patterns in shades of blue on an ecru background with a green edge...
Hermès Black Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Birkin 30cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: MML047 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 30cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [Q] Age: 2013...
Hermès Women's H Cashmere Leather Coat, Size FR36/UK8, Excellent
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
The luxest ever Hermes H cashmere and leather coat. Bought for £9500 and worn once. Made from incredibly soft cream cashmere with tan deerskin H detailing. It has a timeless, slight...
Hermès Metallic Goat Leather Plume Elan 28 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Metallic Goat Leather Coromandel Plume Elan 28 Handbag - Good condition, shows slight signs of wear - Hermès handbag - Metallic leather - Metallic handle - ...
Hermes Jumping by Philippe Ledoux Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes "Jumping" by Philippe Ledoux silk scarf featuring a yellow ochre border and a Hermès signature. Circa 1975 In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35,4in. (90cm) X 35,4i...
Hermès Puzzle 140 Pieces
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Authentic Hermès Puzzle 140 pieces Colorways: Bue, Pink, Black No photo of the drawing inside Measurements: 42 x 30 cm (16,53 x 11,81 inches) Condition: New condition. Done once...
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...
Hermès 2025 Carré 140 Couvertures et Tenues Cashmere Scarf Shawl Carre Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf, 140 cm, shawl in cashmere twill (70%) and silk, "Couvertures et Tenues de jour" (Coverages and Daywear) print by Jacques Eudel, originally published in 1974 and ...
Hermès Porcelain Gold Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Barber Hairdresser Tools
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: barber's hairdresser's equipment: scissors, shaving blades, lotions, brushes Perfect gift for a Barber Hairdresser ! Made in Fra...
Hermes White Leather Trim Shoulder Tote Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes white shoulder leather Trim tote bag featuring a shoulder handle, a top zip opening, an inside logo stamp, ar gold-plated hardware. Circa: 1990s Under the attached strap mark...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Bai Brun and Toile offers a refined interpretation of the classic silhouette through a combination of rich leather and textured canvas. This pairing introduces...
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.