Hermes Bolide Bag Clemence 35
View Similar Items
Hermes Bolide Bag Clemence 35
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Depth: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
- Period:
- Material Notes:Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Orange Interior Material: Leather Interior Color: Orange Hardware Color: Palladium
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good. Loss of shape near base corners. Moderate splitting on handle base wax edges, minor cracking on strap base wax edges, scuffs and indentations on interior base, scratches on hardware.
- Seller Location:NY, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 110328/951stDibs: LU84215464262
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.
- Hermès Mustard Clemence 35 cm Victoria II BagBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Mustard Clemence 35 cm Victoria II Bag is in excellent condition. The relaxed silhouette is roomy and soft to the hand in textured mustard yellow Clemence leat...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Special Order Tri-colour Togo Kelly Retourne 35cmBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThe pinnacle of luxury, this pre-owned 2014 Hermès Tri-colour Kelly 35 special order bag has been expertly crafted from Togo leather - a favoured Hermès hide for its texture and dur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Orange Cut-Velvet HandbagBy LewisLocated in Alford, MAUnusual rectangular box bag in orange cut velvet with metal handle in gold accented in silver.The rectangular clasp pulls down to open the bag. Black faille...Category
1960s American Top Handle Bags
- RARE 1980's Hermes Picnic / Grooming Box Wicker BasketBy HermèsLocated in Carmel, CA1980's wicker basket by Hermes featuring leather trimming and top handle with gold-tone stamped grommets. Originally a Grooming Box but would make a lovely gathering or picnic basket...Category
1980s French Top Handle Bags
$5,000 Sale Price20% Off - HERMES Taurillon Clemence Top Belt BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRThis travel bag is grained leather taurillon clemency orange. The attributes are golden. It has its padlock, zipper, bell and keys (two). Closure of the bag by flap. It is carrying i...Category
2010s French Luggage and Travel Bags
- 1940s Apricot Twill Hand Bag with Brass HardwareLocated in San Francisco, CA1940s twill hand bag in a rare tone of apricot twill. The closure is made of brass and designed into a decorative curse to match the decorative grip on the double sash handle. The in...Category
1940s 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.