The Hermès Bolide Bag: The Original Travel Bag
Learn how the Hermès Bolide Bag set the standard for luxury travel with its innovative design and its lasting influence on modern luxury bags.
Hermès Bolide Inspiration From an Unlikely Source
The Hermès Bolide bag is not just a handbag; it is a piece of history that revolutionized luxury travel accessories. Its origins trace back to 1916, when Émile-Maurice Hermès, the grandson of the fashion house's founder, embarked on a trip to North America. During his visit to Henry Ford's automobile factory, he encountered an innovative fastening mechanism—the zipper. Recognizing its potential, Hermès secured exclusive rights to use the zipper on leather goods in France and, in 1923, introduced the first handbag to feature a zipper closure: the Bolide. Originally named "le sac pour l'auto," it was designed as the ultimate companion for automobile travel, catering to the growing demand for elegant yet functional travel accessories. Later renamed "Bolide," a term derived from a 16th-century French word for a comet, the bag paid homage to the burgeoning sports car industry and the excitement of modern travel.
From its inception, the Bolide bag was designed for transcontinental journeys, aligning with Hermès’ broader range of travel essentials, including driving gloves, custom trunks, and road map wallets. Over the decades, the Hermès Bolide bag has remained a staple of the brand, maintaining its reputation for sophistication and utility.
Key Takeaways: Hermès Bolide
| Model | Notable Features |
| Bolide (Classic) | Introduced in 1923 as the first bag with a zipper closure, designed for automobile travel with a sleek, dome silhouette. |
| Bolide Mou & Rigide | Offered in soft (Mou) and structured (Rigide) styles, giving a choice between relaxed slouch and polished structure. |
| Bolide in Exotic Skins | Produced in alligator, crocodile, and mixed materials, prized for luxury, rarity, and premium resale value. |
| Bolide On Wheels | Introduced in 2022, featuring luggage-style wheels and strong demand, with prices around $20,000–$25,000. |
| Bolide Secret | Features hidden compartments and secure closures, valued for discreet storage and functionality. |
| Bolide Special Editions | Includes artistic, playful designs, showcasing Hermès’ craftsmanship and creativity. |
| Tricolor Bolide 1923 | Modern interpretation with contrasting colors, blending heritage with contemporary appeal. |
Signature Features of the Hermès Bolide
The Bolide's design is a harmonious blend of practicality and elegance. Its signature dome shape offers a streamlined, aerodynamic aesthetic, reminiscent of the sleek automobiles that inspired its creation. The bag features a single zipper closure for security, a removable shoulder strap for versatility, and a distinctive oval leather patch on the exterior, traditionally used for monogramming. Inside, the Bolide offers a spacious compartment, ensuring ample storage for travel essentials.
The bag is available in two structural variations: the Mou and Rigide styles. The Mou variation is crafted from soft, pliable leather, giving it a relaxed, slouchy silhouette, ideal for a casual yet chic appearance. In contrast, the Rigide style features firmer leather construction, maintaining an upright and structured form, offering a more polished and refined look.
Materials, Sizes, and Colors of the Hermès Bolide
The Hermès Bolide bag is commonly made from Clemence, Epsom, and Sikkim leather, each offering unique qualities. Clemence, one of Hermès’ most sought-after leathers, is soft, supple, and resistant to scratches, making it a popular choice. Epsom leather, a lightweight embossed calfskin, is durable and maintains its structured form with minimal maintenance. Sikkim leather is exceptionally soft and smooth, lending itself well to the Mou variation’s relaxed shape. For those seeking an exotic touch, the Bolide is also available in luxurious materials such as alligator and crocodile. Some versions incorporate mixed materials, including leather trims with pony hair or Toile canvas, adding unique textural contrasts.
The Bolide is available in four sizes: 27 cm, 31 cm, 35 cm, and 45 cm. The 45 cm variation is particularly favored for travel, offering ample space while maintaining an air of understated luxury. Additionally, Hermès’ mastery of color ensures that the Bolide is offered in a vast array of hues, from timeless neutrals to bold, eye-catching shades.
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.
Hermès Bolide Secret
Hermès has continuously reimagined the Bolide, offering limited editions that push the boundaries of creativity. In 2015, the Bolide Secret was unveiled as part of the Hermès Fall/Winter collection. This variant introduced a hidden external pocket and a separate bottom compartment with a double-zipper closure, enhancing security and organization for valuables such as passports and jewelry.
Hermès Bolide Special Editions
Over the years, the Bolide has been a canvas for artistic and whimsical reinterpretations. Notable designs include the Shark Monster Bolide, featuring playful, animated motifs, and the 1923 Baseball Bolide 45, which pays tribute to vintage sports culture. The Barénia Osier woven rattan Bolide 25 showcases Hermès' dedication to craftsmanship, combining handwoven elements with luxurious leather. Another standout is the Bolide 1923 Chimeres Dragon, featuring embroidered dragon motifs created using a specialized tufting technique directly applied to the leather. The Au Bout Du Monde Bolide 1923 is an exquisite blend of premium leathers, incorporating Swift, Box, Alligator, Lizard, Sombrero, and Chèvre in a striking mix of deep blues, greens, and noir shades.
Hermès continues to innovate while honoring the Bolide’s legacy. The Tricolor Bolide 1923, introduced in the Spring/Summer 2022 collection, brought a fresh twist to the classic design, featuring three contrasting hues on the body, zipper, clochette, and leather trim. This vibrant interpretation reflects Hermès’ ability to balance tradition with contemporary trends, making the Bolide a perennial favorite among collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Nearly a century after its introduction, the Hermès Bolide remains a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, luxury, and functionality. What began as a pioneering travel bag inspired by the early automotive industry has evolved into a timeless icon, beloved by collectors and travelers alike. Whether in its classic form or as a daring special edition, the Bolide continues to embody the spirit of adventure and elegance, ensuring its place in the pantheon of luxury handbags for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermès Bolide Bags
Why is the Hermès Bolide considered an important bag in fashion history?
The Bolide was the first handbag to feature a zipper closure, introduced in 1923 after Émile-Maurice Hermès discovered the mechanism at the Ford factory. Its design redefined luxury travel accessories and paved the way for modern, functional handbags.
Which sizes of the Hermès Bolide are most popular?
The Bolide 31 and 35 are favored for everyday use, offering space and structure without feeling oversized. The Bolide 27 provides a smaller, elegant option, while the Bolide 45 serves as a true travel companion for air and car journeys.
What makes the Bolide different from other Hermès bags?
The Bolide stands out for its historical innovation, travel-ready practicality, and understated silhouette. With its zipper closure, removable strap, and clean lines, it balances utility and elegance in a way few luxury bags do.
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