The Complete Guide to the Hermès Herbag
Discover your next Hermès Herbag from a curated selection, available for immediate shipping.
Brief Introduction to Hermès Bags
The Hermès brand was born in 1837 when Thierry Hermès founded a harness workshop in Paris. The company’s mission was to create equestrian leather goods for European nobles. In 1900, Hermès introduced its first bag to consumers: the Haut à Courroies (aka the HAC). This Hermès bag was designed specifically to carry riders’ saddles. In the 1920s, Hermès grew to include accessories, clothing, handbags, and travel bags. In 1935, the Hermès Kelly – then called the Sac à Dépchêches – was introduced, followed by the Hermès Constance in 1959, and the Birkin in 1984. Hermès has always possessed an unwavering commitment to quality and their leather goods are still handmade by highly trained artisans today.
History of Hermès Herbag
The Hermès Herbag, also known as the "two-in-one bag" and has been around since the 1980s. The Hermès Herbag was discontinued in the mid-2000s and reintroduced in 2009 as the Herbag Zip. The new Herbag Zip added external pocket, a zip pocket, and an interior removable pouch. The Herbag and the Herbag Zip both have collapsible handles and a strap.
The Hermès Herbag is one the Maison’s most accessible bags in terms of its price point and casual style, yet the Herbag maintains the classic elegance standard of any Hermès bag. In fact, the Hermès Herbag is frequently compared to the Kelly thanks to its sophisticated design. The body of the Herbag is constructed from Officier canvas while the top flap is Vache Hunter leather. Officier canvas is a cotton canvas woven from a thin thread and Hunter is a stiff, durable cowhide. The top flap of the Herbag features the clou de selle closure in palladium-plated hardware and a back pocket for necessities to which you need quick and easy access.
Variations of the Hermès Herbag
The most exciting feature of the Hermès Herbag is that it is two bags in one! The top of the Hermès bag can be detached from the body, allowing for the wearer to mix and match Herbags. You can purchase individual canvas styles to pair with the leather structure of your original bag. In addition to solid color canvas options, there are also limited edition Herbags that feature fun designs like the Pegase Pop Herbag Zip and the H Vibration Herbag Zip. Herbag sizes that are currently available include Herbag Zip 31, Herbag Zip 39, Herbag Zip Cabine 50, and Herbag Zip 52. The smaller Hermès Herbag sizes are great daily bags, while the Cabine and Zip 52 are excellent travel bags. There is also a backpack version of the Herbag for those seeking an especially casual Hermès bag. With this extensive variety, the Hermès Herbag is truly a bag for everyone.
Hermès Herbag Price
The Hermès Herbag price at an Hermès boutique is about $2,700 for the Hermès Herbag 31 and $2,900 for the Hermès Herbag 39. A store fresh pristine Hermès Herbag on the secondary market is about $1,000 more than retail or about $3,900-$4,100 for either the 31 or 39 sizes. This is a popular casual lightweight Hermès bag great for summer weekends and an excellent travel companion since the body of the bag is canvas.
Buying and Selling Hermès Herbag at Sotheby's
Sotheby's has a curated selection of Hermès Herbags available to purchase online or in person in one of our global Salons. Sotheby's often has a few Hermès Herbags avaialble at No Reserve at auctions located in New York, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Expect to find pristine condition bags in a range or colors and patterns.
- Browse Hermès bags available for immediate delivery.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag & Fashion Specialist about selling a Hermès Herbag.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
