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 chocolat & cognac silk BOLDUC AU CARRE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Bolduc au Carre 90' scarf by Caty Latham in chocolat brown silk twill (100%) with details in cognac, white, orange beige and white. Has been worn and is in exc...
Hermès New Tea Time Celeste Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Tea Time celeste silk scarf. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Silk Scarf En Liberté – Jaune Soleil Vert - New / Store Tag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
En Liberté – Jaune Soleil Vert – NWSTS – 2505081640 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Artist: Carine Brancowitz Size: 90 cm x 90 cm / 35 in x 35 in Color: Jaune Soleil (...
Hermès Les Danses Des Indiens Silk Scarf New in Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Les Danses Des Indiens" yellow silk scarf. Rare and collectible Kermit Oliver design. New in original box.
Hermès Les Clés à Pois Fringed Twilly Bleu Marine - '20s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A rare and striking reinterpretation of the iconic Hermès Twilly, this exceptional Les Clés à Pois Fringed Twilly combines the Maison’s celebrated silk craftsmanship with dramatic le...
Hermès Scarf "Harnais Français Premier Empire" 1957
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Scarf "Harnais Français Premier Empire" 1957. This scarf was first issued in 1957 and then reissued in 1980. Designed by Hugo Gr...
Hermès "Clic Clac" Navy Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Clic Clac" in red and blue, 100% silk shawl with hand rolled edges. Excellent condition.
Small silk printed scarf made of two lays Hermès NEW with tag
By Hermès
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Small silk printed scarf made of two lays. SIZE 70cm X 68cm NEW with tag
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Silk Scarf 90 Rose Vif Anthracite Miel
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers alimited edition Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Rose Vif, Anthracite and Miel. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the graceful majesty of felines ...
Hermes Vintage Silk Carre Scarf "Livrée Impériale" designed by Philippe Ledoux
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage silk carre scarf "Livrée Impériale" designed by PHILIPPE LEDOUX featuring a traditional French Napoleonian hunting party. Circa 1975. Collection scarf. Not re-issued....
Hermès Story New Red Grey Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new "Hermes Story" silk scarf in red and grey pattern. Hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
HERMES Gris Fonce grey Box leather TOUAREG COLLIER DE CHIEN 24mm Belt 75
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Collier de Chien 24mm belt in Gris Fonce (dark grey) Box leather. Features a hand carved solid sterling silver buckle by Nigerian artist of the Touarg tribe. Ha...
Hermes Magnificent "Limited Edition" "Couvertures et Tenues Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes magnificent and elegant "Limited Edition" "Couvertures et Tenues" silk jacquard scarf designed by Jacques Eudel features poised horses wearing fine riding gears with a rich Co...
Hermes, Arcs en Ciel silk scarf
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, arcs en ciel silk scarf. A few small stains overall in good condition.
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur silk twill
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes tie Cheval en Cœur Hand-sewn 100% silk twill tie. The expert hands of our Lyon-based artisans have been overseeing the various stages of this tie's production since 1949. Mad...
Hermès 2018 Foulard Carré 90 Tour du Monde en 63 cases silk Twill Scarf Hermes
By Hermès, Pierre Marie
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès square scarf 90 in silk twill, Le Tour du Monde en 63 Cases motif by Pierre-Marie, published in 2018, in shades of blue and pink. Width 90 cm x length 90 cm approximately. The...
Vintage Hermes La Camargue Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Red silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by Lamotte in 1981, 'La Camargue' scarf depicts horses, bulls and ranchers in muted, neutral tones. Encased in a snaking, black and white illustr...
HERMES red & white silk LTD ED MINI BRIDES DE GALA 20 Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Brides de Gala' mini scarf by Hugo Grykar in white and red silk twill (100%) with details in gold. Rare miniature size. Brand new in box. Width 20cm (7.8in) H...
$1,092Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Shearling Orange Oran Sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Oran Sandals are in Orange Shearling and feature the iconic H crossover strap with a black rubber sole. Size 37, with dustbags and box.
Hermes Grand Apparat by Jacques Eudel Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk scarf "Grand Apparat" by Jacques Eudel featuring a navy border and a Hermès signature. Circa:1986 1962 (First edition) In good vintage cond...
Hermès Au son de tam tam plisse Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès “Au son du tam tam” plisse’ blue silk scarf. No label, comes with original box.
Hermès Rare Kachinas Tribal Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès 100% silk twill Kachinas scarf by designer, Oliver. Small defects. Signature 35" square. Dry-clean only.
HERMES green silk FERRONNERIE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Ferronnerie 90 scraf by Caty Latham in green and gold with details in ivory, grey, white and beige. Has been worn with a small stain on the outer frame. Overall...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - Excellent Condition!!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Les Plaisirs Du Froid - Blue - EXCWOCT - 1201011848 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Les Plaisirs du Froid, The Pleasures of the Cold Artist: Hugo Grygkar ...
Hermes Magnificently "Concourse D'Elegance 1885 Limousines De Voyage" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Magnificently detailed "Limited Edition" "Concourse D'Elegance 1885 Limousines De Voyage" silk jacquard scarf surrounded with midnight-black borders, and designed and s...
Hermès For Italy 1861-2011 Silk Tie Boots Print in the Flag's colors
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Tie Made especially by Hermès for Italy, to celebrate 150 years of Italian unification Print: Boots, little nod to the shap...
Hermès NIB Nano Gavroche Ex Libris
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Ex Libris silk nano gavroche , orange and white. Comes with original box.
Hermes Key Print Silk Square
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Hermes Key Print Silk Twill Square, Made in France. 16".
HERMES silk LES CLES Twilly Scarf Scarf Pale Yellow
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Les Cles silk twilly in pale yellow, green and gold. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Width 5cm (2in) ...
$1,000
Hermès cashmere cap
By Hermès
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Hermes cashmere cap size 56 The condition is excellent
Hermes BREAKFAST CUP AND SAUCER MOSAIQUE 24 GOLD
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes big Breakfast cup and saucer in porcelain With Decorative mosaics are screen-printed and applied by hand using gold tiles. With its geometric pattern, the Mosaique au 24 gold...
Hermes Himalaya crocodile oasis sandals
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Includes invoice, box, dustbag and Cites Made in France Brand New Himalayan Crocodile Oran Sandals full set with CITES These beautifully crafted sandals are crafted to mimic the snow...
Hermes Size 40 /9 - 9.5 Black Patent Leather Gold 2000s Sandals Shoes Y2K Slides
By Hermès
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 2000s Hermes black patent leather sandals / slides with gold hardware. Simply slides on the foot. Can easily be dressed up or down. Pair with jeans, shorts, trousers or a dress....
Hermès Scarf "Luna Park" 1993
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès "Luna Park" scarf, designed by Joachim Metz and first issued in 1993, is a vibrant homage to the whimsical charm of early 20th-century amusement parks. In good condition....
New Hermes Silk Mythologies Blue Brown Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Mythologies des Hommes silk scarf by Kermit Oliver. Collectible and rare. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Scarf Super Silk Quest Bleu Royal Rose Multicolore 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Super Silk Quest silk twill scarf. Featured in Bleu Royal, Rose and Multicolore colorway. Depicts nights on horseba...
Hermès Small Silk Scarf Pochette Gavroche Cavale Joyeuse Milinkov 42 cm RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare Authentic Hermès Scarf Pattern: "Cavale Joyeuse" Designed by Ljubomir Milinkov in 1998 Made in France Made of 100% Twill Silk Colorways: Yellow background and hems / Shades...
Hermes Opera Gloves Black Lambskin Leather Size 7
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of Hermes opera length black lambskin gloves. Exquisitely soft and elegant. Subtle stitch detail above the wrist. NEW or NEVER W...
Hermès Rust Kachinas Silk Scarf Kermit Oliver
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rust silk twill Kachinas scarf designed by Kermit Oliver. Hand-rolled edges. Care tag label attached. Excellent condition, rare find.
Hermès 1990 Ceinture T70 Green Leather Collier de Chien 50 Belt 28in Hermes Box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès dog collar belt (or Médor belt for those in the know ;-) 50mm wide, in slightly grained (Epsom) green leather and gold-tone metal, made in 199...
Hermès "Traité des Armes" vintage silk square scarf, 1951
By Hermès
Located in Genova, IT
Hermès *Traité des Armes*, 1951 ABOUT One of the most sought-after vintage Hermès carrés among collectors: *Traité des Armes* by Hugo Grygkar, in the rare first edition from 1951! ...
Hermes Silk Scarf - Tarot - Blue Red Multicolor - Excellent Condition!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Tarot – Blue Red Multicolor – EXCWCT – 1405302316 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Scarf 90 Silk Twill Name Design: Le Tarot, The Tarot Artist: Annie Faivre Size: 90 cm × 90 cm / 35 in × 3...
Hermès Scarf "Alternateur" 1971
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès scarf Alternateur, designed by Pierre Péron in 1971. The almost transparent silk is beautiful and iconic. Vintage editions of Alternateur are sought after by collectors. I...
Hermès New "Pani la Shar Pawnee" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Omani La Shar Pawnee silk twill scarf originally issued in 1984. Designed by Kermit Oliver, the most famous painter of Texas natives images. Hand rolled edges. Comes with orig...
Hermes Anthracite/ Vert/ Quetsche Cannes Et Cannes Scarf 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Anthracite/ Vert/ Quetsche Cannes Et Cannes Scarf 90cm Silk Scarf by Virginie Jamin Made In: France Color: Dark grey, green, multi, orange ...
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas" Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès "Le Voyage de Pythéas", is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges, created by designer Aline Honoré.
Hermès "Daimyo Princes du Soleil" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Silk Daimyo Princes du Soleil Levant Scarf is made from 100% and hand-rolled edges. It features a black background with an array of golden Japanese samurai swords and med...
Hermès Rare Jungle Love Twilly BNIB
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new Jungle Love limited edition hearts twilly . Designed by Robert Dallet, iconic subject. Comes with original box.
Hermès Tribord Chaîne Ancre Scarf Rings
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A set of three Hermès Tribord Chaîne d'Ancre scarf rings in red, white, and black colors. Designed to hold a scarf in place and can be used in various ways to style a scarf or twilly...
Hermès Silk Scarf Offrandes d'un jour Rybaltchenko Blanc Sepia Marron 90 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Absolutely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "Offrandes d'un jour" Designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko in 2008 Made in France Made of 100% Silk Colorway: Blanc / Sepia / Marr...
Hermès Mountain Zebra Multicolor Scarf New In Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new collectible Mountain Zebra silk scarf. Multicolor, hand rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermès La Fontaine Silk Scarf With Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès La Fontaine de Bartholdi gold silk scarf with silver and grey details. Hand-rolled edges. Original box included.
Hermès Silk Scarf "Chevalerie" 1967
By Hermès, Caty Latham
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Chevalerie" 1967. This beautiful scarf was designed by Caty Latham in 1967, with only one edition this scarf can be considered a collectible and is really sought a...
$1,398
HERMÈS belt
By Hermès
Located in Rubiera, RE
HERMÈS Collier de Chien belt Vintage - year 1996 Z in circle Rouge casaque courchevel leather Signature gold plated Medor spikes Adorned with four nail heads, carved faced and a rin...
Hermès New Gold Scarf Ring W/Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès brand new gold tone scarf ring. Comes with original dustcover and original box. Scarf in photos not included.
1967 Hermès "Ceres" Silk Twill Carre Scarf
By Françoise Faconnet, Hermès
Located in Geneva, CH
First issued in 1967 (our "Carré is most probably from that original edition), "Cerès" was designed by the talented Françoise Faconnet. Celebrating the Roman goddess of agriculture, ...
Hermès Black & White Brides De Gala 90 Fluide Jersey De Soie Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned rare 2007 - 2013 limited edition Hermès black and white silk jersey scarf featuring Brides de Gala print by Hugo Grygkar, gold bridles motif, and tonal hand-rolled edges. C...
Hermes NEW Creme/ Jaune Vif/ Multicolor Tea for Two 90cm Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes NEW Creme/ Jaune Vif/ Multicolor Tea for Two 90cm Silk Scarf designed by Jonathan Burton Made In: France Color: Creme/ Jaune Vif/ Multicolor Materials: 100% Silk Overall Cond...
Hermès "Pony Express" Silk Scarf White
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès collectible "Pony Express" 100% silk scarf is designed by Kermit Oliver and with hand-rolled edges. Excellent condition, cara tag attached .
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Petits Métiers De Paris" 2006
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Hermès Silk Scarf "Les Petits Métiers De Paris" 2006. Please note this item is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use. This beautiful scarf was designed by Kar...
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.