Since its founding in 1837 as a saddler, Hermès has established itself as an emblematic house of French luxury. After a shift towards leather goods in 1922, it gave birth to bags that have become legendary. Here are five must-have models that you can find at Les Folies d’Eugénie.
The Kelly bag
Iconic bag of the house, it was originally a dispatch bag for riders that allowed them to carry all their equipment. It was later redesigned to become what it is today. It was even renamed in 1977 after the actress Grace Kelly to whom this was gifted bag during a shoot and who used it to hide her belly during her pregnancy. It is a leather bag with a trapezoidal shape. It comes with the seams on the outside, giving it a rather strict look, or with the seams turned inward, giving a more casual style. You can find it in sizes 20 cm, 25 cm, 28 cm, 32 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm.
The Birkin bag
Inspired by the Kelly bag, the Birkin bag was designed with the participation of actress Jane Birkin who needed a bag both elegant and practical. It was during a plane trip where she met Jean-Louis Dumas, president of Hermès at that time, that the idea was born. It was therefore renamed after her once launched. This bag is also trapezoidal in shape but it is a bit wider, thus offering more storage space. Unlike the Kelly, the Birkin has two handles and can be worn open.
The Herbag bag
Although it has been nicknamed the “little sister of the Kelly", the Herbag bag is still quite different. Comparable to the Kelly both in its shape, its single handle, and its clasp, it is distinguished by its upper part in leather and its removable lower part in canvas. Launched in the 1980s, its production was stopped in the mid-2000s and then reintroduced in 2009 in a Zip version. The Herbag Zip differs from the classic Herbag because it has additional zippered pockets offering more storage options. It comes in three sizes. Regarding the classic Herbag, it can be found in 30 cm, 37 cm, and 52 cm. For the Herbag Zip, the available sizes are 31 cm, 39 cm, and 52 cm.
The Picotin bag
Launched in 2002, the Picotin bag is inspired by the horse feeding bags used to store oats. This bag is particularly appreciated for the simplicity of its design and its elegance. The bag closes with a strap secured by a padlock which also serves as a decorative element. It comes in several materials, colors, and sizes ranging from 18cm to 31cm. It also exists in a Micro version measuring 14 cm.
The Constance bag
Designed by Catherine Chaillet at the request of Jean-Louis Dumas, during her pregnancy, she then gave it the name of her future daughter. This bag, launched in 1967, became a fashion icon and is characterized by its magnificent "H" clasp. The Constance bag also comes in several sizes: 14 cm, 18 cm, 24 cm, and 25 cm.
Find our selection of authentic Hermès bags in all our consignment stores in Bordeaux, Paris, Nice, Cannes, Geneva, and Saint-Tropez or on our website.
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