Hermès Bolide 27 Epsom Rouge H
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Length: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Birkin 35 Rouge H ClemenceBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermes birkin 35 rouge H clemence with palladium hardware, partial plastic on hardware. Excellent condition, date stamp L. Comes with clochette, tirett...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermes 30 Ghillies Turquoise Birkin BagBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès 30cm Ghillies Birkin in turquoise Togo and swift leather with palladium hardware. T stamp for 2015. Handle drop, 4"L. Excellent condition, used only a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- New in Box Hermès 18cm Rose Mexico Picotin BagBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès brand new in box collectible rose Mexico taurillon clemence leather picotin 18cm. Palladium hardware. Date stamp Y for 2020. Comes with original dus...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Oversize Coral Caviar ToteBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAThis beautiful City bag from Chanel comes in a coral color which looks good with a business outfit as well as jeans. The handles have a drop of 7 inches so you can also wear it over ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- 1990's Vintage Chanel Epsom Black Leather Zipped ToteBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAChanel authentic everyday bag in durable epsom leather and gold tone hardware. Top zipper, side open compartment and side zipped compartment. Collecti...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- 2018 New Rare Hermes Birkin 35 Vert Cypress OfficeirBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermes collectible officier Birkin 35 cm in vert cypress togo leather with blue zellige swift stripes and interiors. Palladium hardware. Date stamp C for ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Chic 1960s Wood Patchwork Novelty Egyptian Triangular Purse Vintage 60s Hand BagLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1960 wooden patchwork novelty bag of various shades on one side, and an Egyptian figure on the other side. Plastic covered handle. The perfect size th...Category
1960s Top Handle Bags
- 2008 Hèrmes Birkin 35 Hevercalf Trench Top HandleBy HermèsLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITIconic Hermès bag, Birkin model size 35, made in Trench-colored Hevercalf leather with silver hardware. The bag has a front flap equipped with a twist lock with two side bands. Equip...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Pave Tiger Head Gold Leatherette Box BagLocated in New York, NYCharming top Handled Gold Leatherette Box Bag with pave and enamel tiger head clasp retailed at Saks Fifth Ave. in the 1960's.Category
1960s American Novelty Bags
- Whimsical Quirky Wine Cork Wood Box Purse Handbag c 1980sLocated in University City, MOWhimsical wine cork wood box purse handbag c 1980s The quirky wood box purse is decorated with a collection of wine bottle corks on both exterior front &...Category
1980s Unknown Novelty Bags
- Spring Theme Handbag by Soure' with Woodland Animals Print Fabric on Front PanelLocated in Chicago, ILThis spring theme handbag by Soure' has a two layer construction with a clear vinyl sheet on top of the fabric layer. The printed design of birds in trees and woodland animals...Category
1950s American Novelty Bags
- Hermes Rose Indien Doblis Rose Azalee Lizard Sterling Silver Lid Stromboli BagBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offer a Limited Edition Hermes Stromboli bag. Rare Rose Indien Doblis (suede) accentuated with Rose Azalee Lizard. Strap is held by Sterlin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.