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 Scarf Ors Bleus d'Afrique Green / Chartreuse / Brown Silk 90 New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Ors Bleus d'Afrique silk scarf by Zoe Pauwels. Green, Chartreuse and Brown colorway. Depicts the rich African geometric designs and animals native to the ...
Hermes green pink TORANA 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Torana 90' scarf by Annie Faivre in pistacio green (silk twill) with contrasting burgundy hem and details in pink, purple and blue. Has been worn and is in exc...
Hermes Silk Scarf, Torana
By Hermès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hermes Silk Scarf, Torana Designed by Annie Faivre, 1987, appears to have never been used. 35 by 35 in. Condition Report Good condition.
HERMES Malachite green SHINY PRORSUS CROCODILE 32mm Belt Strap 90
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 32mm belt strap in Malachite (green) Shiny Porosus crocodile. Brand new. Comes with box and CITES. Measurements Tag Size 90 Width 3.2cm (1.2in...
Hermès Médor Belt in Vert d’Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware - '10s
By Hermès
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An iconic expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Médor belt is crafted in exquisite Vert d’Eau matte alligator leather, a refined and rare shade that highlights the Maison’s master...
Hermes blue green CASQUES ET PLUMETS 90 silk twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Casques et Plumets 90' scarf desgined by Julia Abadie in absinthe, blue, lime green, bone, beige, red, burgundy and taupe silk twill (100%)....
$236Sale Price|20% Off
W 34.5 in L 34.5 in
Ted Lapidus Paris Vintage Silk Scarf 1970s Blue Green Geometric 34.5\"
By Ted Lapidus, Ted Lapidus Paris
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous Ted Lapidus silk vintage scarf in blue and emerald green tones with geometric designs and hand rolled edges. Made in France Circa 1970’s. Large size: 34.5 x 34.5 inches. About: Edmond "Ted" Lapidus was a French fashion designer. He was born in Paris, the son of a Russian-Jewish émigré tailor. Lapidus was considered the creator and pioneer of the unisex fashion look and is credited with introducing a military and safari look into haute couture. Ted Lapidus was a prominent French fashion designer known for his innovative designs in the 1960s and 1970s. Born on June 23, 1929, in Paris, France, Lapidus started his career in fashion by designing accessories before launching his own fashion house in 1951. Lapidus gained international recognition for his modern and futuristic designs, which often featured geometric shapes, bold patterns, and innovative use of materials. He was particularly known for his unisex clothing...
Hermès Enamel Bracelet Torana Elephants Africa NEW Phw Size 65 PM
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Bracelet Print: "Torana" Pattern: Elephants Made in Austria + L (2008) Made of printed enamel and NEW palladium plated hardware (silver-tone) Colorways: White background, Grey Elephants, Pale Yellow and Purple Columns "HERMÈS PARIS" in golden letters inside Size: Large Width / PM 65 diameter Measurements: 6,5 cm Diameter / 1,8 cm Width (2,56 / 0,71 inches) Condition: New Condition. Enamel in mint condition and NEW hardware. Would make a great gift ! Will come in its new Hermès felt...
Palladium, Enamel
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New W/T
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Equateur Carre Wash Bleu/Azur/Vert/Bru Scarf New With tags and box 90 cm .Made in France Final sale
Hermes Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - New - Rare Collector!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Jungle Love - Pareo - 100% Coton - Green - NWCTS - 2406081654 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pareo (Large cotton pareo), “Jungle Love” by Robert Dallet Size: Approx. 142 x 178 cm (55.9 x 70.1 in) Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg (0.66 lb) Color: Green (primary), cream/white (secondary), multicolor animal/accent tones Fabric: 100% cotton (light cotton voile) Approx. Issue Date: Original motif 2000; pareo reissues in later beach collections Condition: New With Care Tag, New, Never Worn, Without Box (S Item) Country of Origin: France Story about the Design: Drawn by wildlife artist Robert Dallet, “Jungle Love” depicts a pair of leopards amid lush foliage—an emblematic Hermès scene celebrating big cats and their habitats. The motif became one of the house’s modern classics. Craftsmanship Note: Hermès pareos...
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Grey Green Paisley Silk Tie
By Ermenegildo Zegna
Located in San Francisco, CA
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA necktie in a grey silk featuring a green paisley pattern. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Measurements: Width: 3.75 inches Length: 61 inches ...
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA One Size Green Blue Silk Tie
By Ermenegildo Zegna
Located in San Francisco, CA
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA necktie in a green and blue silk featuring a cornerless checkered pattern. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3 inches Length: 60 inches ...
PIERRE CARDIN Navy Turquoise Paisley Silk Tie
By Pierre Cardin
Located in San Francisco, CA
PIERRE CARDIN necktie in a navy and turquoise silk jacquard featuring a paisley pattern. Made in Japan.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3.25 inches Length: 60 inches Su...
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Green Blue White Abstract Floral Silk Tie
By Ermenegildo Zegna
Located in San Francisco, CA
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA necktie in a green silk featuring blue and white abstract floral pattern.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor snag. Measurements: Width: 3.5 inches Length: 60 ...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Blue Multi Color Abstract Silk Tie
By Christian Dior
Located in San Francisco, CA
CHRISTIAN DIOR necktie in a blue and multi-color silk featuring an abstract pattern.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3.75 inches Length: 58 inches Sui Generis Reference...
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Green Orange Beige Geometric Silk Tie
By Ermenegildo Zegna
Located in San Francisco, CA
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA necktie in a green, orange, and beige silk featuring a geometric diamond and stripe print. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.Width: 3 inches Length: 60 in...
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.
