Since its founding in 1837 as a saddler, Hermès has established itself as an iconic French luxury house. After turning to leather goods in 1922, it gave rise to bags that have become legendary. Here are five must-have styles available at Les Folies d’Eugénie.
The Kelly bag
An iconic bag from the house, it was originally a dispatch bag for riders, allowing them to carry all their equipment. It was later redesigned to become what it is today. It was also renamed in 1977 after actress Grace Kelly, who was given this bag during a film shoot and used it to hide her stomach during her pregnancy. It is a leather bag with a trapezoidal shape. It is available with exterior stitching, giving it a fairly structured appearance, or with turned-in stitching, creating a more relaxed 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 that was both elegant and practical. The idea was born during a flight on which she met Jean-Louis Dumas, Hermès’ president at the time. It was therefore named after her once it was launched. This bag also has a trapezoidal shape, but it is slightly wider, providing more storage space. Unlike the Kelly, the Birkin has two handles and can be carried open.
The Herbag bag
Although it has been nicknamed the “little sister of the Kelly,” the Herbag bag is nevertheless quite different. Comparable to the Kelly in its shape, single handle and clasp, it stands out with its leather upper section and removable canvas lower section. Launched in the 1980s, its production was discontinued in the mid-2000s and it was later reintroduced in 2009 as the Zip version. The Herbag Zip differs from the classic Herbag because it has additional zipped pockets, providing more storage options. It comes in three sizes. The classic Herbag is available in 30 cm, 37 cm and 52 cm. The available sizes for the Herbag Zip 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 its simple design and elegance. The bag is closed with a strap secured by a padlock, which also serves as a decorative element. It comes in several materials, colors and sizes ranging from 18 cm to 31 cm. It is also available in a Micro version measuring 14 cm.
The Constance bag
Designed by Catherine Chaillet at the request of Jean-Louis Dumas during her pregnancy, it was subsequently given the first 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 is also available in several sizes: 14 cm, 18 cm, 24 cm and 25 cm.
Discover our selection of authentic Hermès bags at all our consignment stores in Bordeaux, Paris, Nice, Cannes, Geneva and Saint-Tropez, or on our website.
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