Complete History of the Hermès Bolide
Discover the rich history behind the Hermès Bolide bag.
History of Hermès Bolide
In 1916, Emile-Maurice Hermès, grandson of the house’s founder Thierry Hermès, journeyed from France to North America, where he visited Henry Ford’s revolutionary automobile factory. It was there that he discovered an innovative new fastening mechanism—the zipper. Recognizing its potential, Hermès patented the zipper for use in leather goods in 1923, introducing it in the now-iconic Hermès Bolide bag, the first handbag to feature a zipper closure. Originally named le sac pour l'auto, the bag was later renamed Bolide, a nod to the 16th-century term for a comet and a tribute to the rapidly growing sports car industry. As demand for luxury travel accessories soared in the 20th century, Hermès responded with an array of elegant offerings, including driving gloves, racing scarves, bespoke luggage trunks, and leather wallets designed specifically for roadmaps. The Bolide bag, with its sleek design and practical functionality, quickly became the ultimate travel companion for stylish jet-setters.
Hermès Bolide Variations
The dome shaped carry-all Hermès Bolide features a removable shoulder strap, a single zipper closure, an oval patch on the exterior to be monogrammed at your discretion, and a spacious interior. The Hermès Bolide comes in two different styles: Mou and Rigide. The Mou style is known for its relaxed, more casual appearance due to the use of soft leather. In contrast, the Rigide style is known for its solid feel and upright shape.
The most common leathers the Hermès Bolide is offered in are Clemence, Epsom, and Sikkim. Clemence is one of Hermés’ most popular leathers; with a matte finish, flat-grained and resistant to scratches, soft and heavy. Epsom leather, an embossed-calfskin, though less soft and more light weight when compared to Clemence, is still highly durable and easily cared for. Sikkim is a buttery soft leather with a very minimal or no grain. It is thin and lightweight which makes it perfect to achieve the Mou style effect. The Hermès Bolide also comes in exotic materials such as alligator and crocodile, and can sometimes be found with mixed materials such as leather trim and pony hair or Toile.
Hermès Bolide Sizes
The Hermès Bolide comes in two basic variations. The original Hermès Bolide comes in four sizes, Bolide 27, Bolide 31 Bolide 35 and the largest travel size Bolide 45. The newest Hermès Bolide called the Hermès Bolide1923 comes in Hermès Bolide Mini, Hermès Bolide 25 and Hermès Bolide 30. The original Bolide has an oval exterior patch that was meant to be monogrammed while the Hermès Bolide1923 does not have an oval exterior patch. The Hermès Bolide also comes with a lock and keys except the smallest Hermès Mini Bolide.
Hermès Bolide Mini
Hermès Mini Bolide was first introduced around 2011 and is the most popular size due to growing popularity of mini bags. In addition to it's small size, the Hermès Bolide mini does not come with a lock and keys but has a removable strap.
Limited Edition Hermès Bolide
Hermès regularly creates playful limited edition Bolide bags. The Hermès Bolide Smile comes in the 1923 style without the exterior oval patch. Is was created in 2020 and is enhanced by a gold 'Eye of Cleopatra' with a shiny niloticus lizard inlay where the magnify glass normally resides. It also possesses a 'Mors de Bride' chain and bar with an additional key, that pairs with the lock provided, hanging at the end of the chain. In 2021, Sotheby's sold a Black Tadelakt Leather and Shiny Niloticus Lizard 1923 Smile Bolide 30 for 22,680 USD. Limited edition Hermès Bolide styles are available for both men and women.
Newest Hermès Bolide
Hermès first released the Bolide On Wheels in 2022. It's whimsical design with luggage style wheels is nod to its history as a travel bag. The Bolide On Wheels retails for $15,900 and is selling on the secondary market for about $25,000 for a store fresh version. In 2023, Hermès introduced a new Bolide called the 1923 Bolide 25 en Desordre. It has a an exterior pocket and the oval exterior patch has been relocated to the bottom and is angled. Sotheby's sold a Bleu Saphir Epsom Bolid on Wheels Palldium Hardware for 20,320 USD in December 2023.
Advantages to Buying an Hermès Bolide on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès Bolide bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Hermès Bolide bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a bag at an Hermès boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing an Hermès bag.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès bags or rare limited edition bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell Hermès Bolide Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès Bolide bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
