Since its founding in 1837 as a saddler, Hermès has established itself as an iconic French luxury house. After shifting towards leather goods in 1922, it gave birth to bags that have become legendary. Here are five must-have models you can find at Les Folies d’Eugénie.
The Kelly bag
An emblematic bag of the house, it was originally a courier bag for riders that allowed them to carry all their equipment. It was later redesigned to become what it is today. In fact, it was renamed in 1977 after the actress Grace Kelly, who was given this bag during a film shoot and used it to hide her belly during pregnancy. It is a leather bag with a trapezoidal shape. It comes with external stitching, giving it a rather strict look, or with turned-in stitching, offering 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 that was both elegant and practical. The idea was born during a plane trip where she met Jean-Louis Dumas, then president of Hermès. It was therefore renamed after her once launched. This bag also has a trapezoidal shape but is a bit wider, offering more storage space. Unlike the Kelly, the Birkin has two handles and can be worn open.
The Herbag bag
Although nicknamed the “little sister of the Kelly”, the Herbag bag is still quite different. Comparable to the Kelly in shape, its single handle, and its clasp, it stands out by its upper part made of leather and its removable lower part made of canvas. Launched in the 1980s, its production stopped in the mid-2000s and was then reintroduced in 2009 in a Zip version. The Herbag Zip differs from the classic Herbag as it has additional zipped pockets offering more storage options. It comes in three sizes. The classic Herbag is available 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 horse feeding bags used to store oats. This bag is especially appreciated for its simple design and elegance. The bag closes with a strap secured by a padlock that also serves as a decorative element. It comes in various materials, colors, and sizes ranging from 18 cm to 31 cm. There is also a Micro version measuring 14 cm.
The Constance bag
Designed by Catherine Chaillet at the request of Jean-Louis Dumas during her pregnancy, she later gave it the name of her unborn daughter. This bag, launched in 1967, has become a fashion icon and is characterized by its beautiful "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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