When it comes to luxury, few names resonate as powerfully as Hermès, a brand synonymous with artisanal craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, this Parisian house began as a humble harness workshop catering to European noblemen. Known for crafting high-quality bridles and harnesses, Hermès soon garnered accolades at prestigious exhibitions, establishing itself as a purveyor of excellence in the equestrian world. By the late 1800s, the brand had broadened its offerings to include saddlery and retail products, attracting clientele from elite circles across Europe, Russia, and the Americas. The distinctive heritage of Hermès was, from its inception, steeped in a dedication to the artistry of leatherwork, quality, and refined luxury.

As the 20th century unfolded, Hermès expanded into new categories, from leather handbags to haute couture, all while preserving its rich equestrian roots. A pivotal moment in the brand’s evolution came in the 1920s when Hermès introduced its first leather handbag, inspired by Emile-Maurice Hermès’ wife’s complaint of not finding a handbag she liked. This adaptation marked the beginning of the brand’s enduring legacy in luxury accessories. The 1930s cemented Hermès’ reputation as an icon, with the introduction of the now-legendary Kelly bag and the Hermès silk scarf, both of which became cultural symbols embraced by celebrities and royalty alike. By mid-century, the brand had introduced its signature horse-and-carriage logo and iconic orange packaging, which remain hallmarks of the Hermès image today.

From leather goods to scarves and perfumes, Hermès has consistently bridged the worlds of tradition and innovation. Throughout the decades, the brand expanded globally while refining its identity as a “quiet luxury” brand, where quality and craftsmanship spoke louder than logos. The meticulous detailing and exclusivity of Hermès products continue to captivate generations, turning them into timeless investments. Each piece is designed to endure, carrying with it the spirit of Hermès’ early days while evolving to meet contemporary tastes—a blend that has allowed Hermès to remain both relevant and revered for nearly two centuries.

Stunning Hermes Bag Montage

How to tell if Hermes is vintage from the logo

Hermes, one of the most iconic luxury brands, has maintained a timeless elegance through its logo. Known for its rich heritage in crafting high-quality leather goods, apparel, and accessories, the Hermes logo is a strong marker for identifying the brand’s vintage pieces. The logo, which prominently features the brand name and often an image symbolizing the brand’s equestrian roots, has undergone minimal changes, focusing instead on consistency that reinforces its classic appeal. Here’s how you can identify a Hermes piece based on the logo.

1928 to now Hermes logo

• The Hermes logo has remained largely consistent since 1928, showcasing the brand’s dedication to timelessness and heritage.
• Features a classic serif font with the brand name “HERMÈS” in uppercase letters, exuding luxury and sophistication.
• Below the brand name, “PARIS” is often displayed in a smaller, simple font, emphasizing the brand’s origins.
• The logo sometimes includes an illustration of a horse-drawn carriage, symbolizing Hermes’ historical ties to the equestrian world and its roots in saddlery craftsmanship.
• This logo’s minimal evolution over the years makes it challenging to date pieces solely based on the logo itself; instead, materials and other design elements are often used to help verify vintage status.

1928 to now Hermes logo

How to tell if Hermes is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Hermes tags over the decades reflects both a commitment to timeless luxury and a distinct sense of brand heritage. From the intricate equestrian-themed illustrations to the simplicity of later labels, each era showcases Hermes’ unique style. Tag details such as fabric quality, typography, and manufacturing locations offer insight into the brand’s history, helping collectors and enthusiasts authenticate vintage Hermes pieces.

Need help with vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1960s vintage Hermes tags

• Classic “Hermes Paris” logo featuring the equestrian carriage illustration.
• Typically has “Fabrique en France” or “Made in France” printed, emphasizing French craftsmanship.
• Detailed and intricate horse-and-carriage design with a traditional serif font for “Hermes Paris.”

1960s Hermes tags

1970s vintage Hermes tags

• Continued use of the iconic horse-and-carriage illustration, reflecting the brand’s heritage.
• Tags often say “Made in France” to emphasize the brand’s dedication to French manufacturing.
• Font for “Hermes Paris” appears bold with a slightly more refined, structured layout.

1970s Hermes tags

1980s vintage Hermes tags

• Features the classic “Hermes Paris” text paired with the iconic horse-and-carriage motif.
• Tags may appear on a variety of colors, including cream and dark shades, with “Made in France” printed vertically on the side.
• Elegant serif font with a highly detailed illustration, emphasizing Hermes’ luxurious image.

1980s Hermes tags

1990s vintage Hermes tags

• Horse-and-carriage motif remains central, often with an embroidered look on fabric tags.
• Text style for “Hermes Paris” maintains the bold serif font, consistent with previous decades.
• Tags still emphasize “Made in France,” indicating the product’s French origins and high-quality craftsmanship.

1990s Hermes tags

2000s vintage Hermes tags

• Tags evolve with more modernized layouts, retaining the “Hermes Paris” branding.
• Horse-and-carriage illustration continues to be present, though with slightly simplified lines.
• Tags use softer, neutral colors, aligning with contemporary aesthetics of the decade.

2000s Hermes tags

2010s vintage Hermes tags

• Further refined tag designs with various materials and more minimalistic approaches.
• The horse-and-carriage logo is often simplified, with some tags omitting detailed elements for a cleaner look.
• Font style remains consistent, but the overall tag design is streamlined to reflect modern luxury trends.

2010s Hermes tags