The Hermes Bolide

Cheers from Kyoto! Today, I wanted decided to share with you one of the bags I brought on our trip to Japan – the Hermes Bolide. The Bolide has a long history but I’ll give you the short one- it was first created in 1922 for the wife of Hermes’s owner Emilie-Maurice Hermès, who at the time, wanted a bag to carry in a new invention at the time – a car! The Bolide  was thus was given the name “Bugatti” at the time, and was also the first bag to ever incorporate a zipper.

Since the Bolide design is nearly ~100 years old, I rarely paid attention to the design at first, thinking that it was probably too “old”. Then, the bag started creeping up on me. I saw it in fresh, fun new colors and loved the relaxed look it had when in a softer leather. I tried a few Bolides on in stores and realized that the design was very practical, and great for both work and play.

Finally, I took the plunge and the Bolide is now one of my favorite bags ever. So comfortable, chic and easy to carry – and totally under the radar. I love my Birkins and Kelly but sometimes those bags attract too much attention (thank you, Kardashians). Plus, since the Bolide is underrated (in my opinion), it’s possible to find good deals on the gently used resale market. I found my little black Bolide this way at a nice price, and with some advice from Doc, touched it up a bit to looking almost-as-good-as-new. However, I would definitely vote this bag full Hermes price worthy (I’m contemplating special ordering a colorful combo in the future!)

Here are some photos of the bag being worn by me – both on the shoulder using the detachable strap…

And handheld, below. The two straps of the Bolide make the bag quite easy to carry (honestly easier than the Kelly) and plus the straps are thinner and softer than the Birkin’s. I find the Bolide quite easy to hand carry (and I’m a shoulder strap lover)!

And one more of me, wearing the Bolide with a more formal outfit (it’s very versatile for both formal and casual!).

Finally, here are some of the images that inspired me to take the Bolide plunge. Also – I just realized on my trip that the Bolide is everywhere in Tokyo! Very popular for a every day bag that still looks professional. The Bolide is also the Hermes bag I usually see the most on locals in Paris.

via The Sartorialist

Aerin Lauder with her black Bolide

Maggie Rizer with a red Bolide

Christine Lagarde with her red personalized Bolide – that’s what the round oval is for!

Carla Bruni with her black Bolide, walking away

Beautiful Japanese lady with a 27cm Bolide

PS: If the Bolide is a bit out of budget right now, my second favorite similar bag is also a classic at a fraction of the price – the Le Pliage Cuir by Longchamp (under $550).