Hermès Vintage Bolide Tan Leather Bag
View Similar Items
Hermès Vintage Bolide Tan Leather Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Width: 13.78 in (35 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CSLTHEB1stDibs: LU336227616
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.
- UNIQUE MADE TO ORDER Prada Colour Block HandbagBy PradaLocated in London, GBThis yellow and pink crocodile leather colour block tote from Prada features foldover top with twist-lock closure, gold-tone hardware, a panelled colour block design, an internal zip...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Céline Python Evening ClutchBy CelineLocated in London, GBThis black python skin evening clutch from Céline features an all around zip fastening, a snap button closure, internal zipped pockets and an embossed internal logo stamp. Colour...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Marchesa Floral Detail Box Shoulder BagBy MarchesaLocated in London, GBThis box shoulder bag from Marchesa adds a playful touch to an outfit with a jewelled, floral embellishment along the body of the bag. This piece features a small internal pocket and...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Structured Shoulder Bags
- Vintage 1950s Aqua Blue Beaded HandbagLocated in London, GBA truly prized vintage handbag from the 1950s. Dazzlingly in its shimmering textures, its evocatively rippled pattern of aqua blue beads is offset with a gold-tone frame. Its top cla...Category
1950s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Lana Marks Clutch BagBy Lana MarksLocated in London, GBFinished to glimmering perfection, this vintage Lana Marks handbag is truly enchanting in its sleek, burnished gold crocodile-effect leather. Its snap-lock fastening opens to reveal ...Category
Late 20th Century Clutches
- Chanel Black Union Jack Reissue Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCrafted in suede and lambskin leather, this limited edition Chanel flap bag showcases the coveted union jack pattern. A beautiful gold hardware turn lock opens the bag to the main co...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dior Multicolor Studded Canvas and Leather Bohemian Inspired Shoulder StrapBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Dior brings you this super-chic shoulder strap that you can flaunt with your great collection of handbags. The strap is made from studded canvas & leather and is complete with two me...Category
2010s Italian Wallets and Small Accessories
- Chanel Gold Textured Leather Wild Stich Weekender BagBy ChanelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Chanel weekender bag is an example of the brand's fine designs that are skillfully crafted to project a classic charm. It is a functional creation with an elevating appeal. Inc...Category
2010s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
- Stella McCartney Off White Canvas and Faux Leather Stella Logo ToteBy Stella McCartneyLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This alluring tote bag for women has been designed to assist you on any day. Convenient to carry and fashionably designed, the tote is cut with skill and sewn into a great shape. It ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Gucci Brown Guccissima Leather Bamboo Tassel Zip Around WalletBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Gucci wallet is an immaculate balance of sophistication and rational utility. It has been designed using prime quality materials and elevated by a bamboo tassel. The creation is...Category
2010s Italian Wallets
- Gucci Black Matelassé Leather GG Marmont Belt BagBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior that ...Category
2010s Italian Belt Bags
- Escada Y2K Eluna Purse Mint Blue HandbagBy EscadaLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Escada 1990s Eluna Mint Blue Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag - a masterpiece in vibrant elegance! This stunning hobo bag boasts the most beautiful mint blue leather, comple...Category
1990s Italian 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.