Sometimes a classic is a classic for a reason — and every so often, a designer just gets it right from the start. That’s certainly true of the Hermès Bolide. Introduced in 1923, it was the first handbag to feature a zipper closure, a then-revolutionary detail Emile-Maurice Hermès brought back after visiting Henry Ford’s automobile factory in North America. Originally designed as a sleek travel bag called le sac pour l’auto, it was later renamed Bolide, the French word for “racing car,” capturing the era’s fascination with travel.

No longer relegated to car trunks, the Bolide has graced the ensembles of the most well-heeled for decades. Its softly curved dome silhouette and minimalist design have barely changed, proving that sometimes less truly is more. Over the years, Hermès has introduced thoughtful updates—like detachable straps, new sizes, and fresh styles such as messenger bags and backpacks—offering modern versatility without losing the original’s timeless elegance.

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Classic Design Meets Modern Life

The Hermès Bolide is instantly recognizable by its smooth dome shape, double top handles, and signature zipper that arcs almost from side to side. The Bolide collection offers two key styles: the Rigide, structured and upright with a solid feel, perfect for those who prefer a polished look; and the Mou, meaning “soft,” which delivers a relaxed silhouette crafted from supple leathers like Clemence.

Vintage Bolide bags featured a distinctive seam running about three-quarters up the body and an iconic oval patch designed for monogramming. Today’s Bolide 1923 collection embraces a cleaner, seam-free design without the patch, giving the bag a sleeker, more streamlined silhouette while honoring its timeless dome shape.

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Image courtesy: @ginger.ellen_

Originally designed to be carried by hand, straight from the car to wherever the day took you, the Bolide got a modern update in 2011 with the Mini Bolide’s removable shoulder strap—finally offering hands-free style and seriously upping its versatility.

hermes mini bolide 1923

The Luxe Materials Behind the Bolide

The Hermès Bolide is crafted in a range of luxurious leathers that highlight its refined silhouette and travel-ready functionality. The most common leathers are now Epsom and Evercolor, each offering a different look and feel. While more exotic or seasonal leathers occasionally appear in limited editions, these three remain the most iconic and widely used.

Today, the Bolide is available in these signature leathers:

Epsom

Epsom leather is an embossed calfskin known for its crisp structure and fine, cross-hatched texture. Lightweight and durable, it holds its shape better than softer leathers and resists scratches, water, and general wear. Epsom also takes color especially well, giving the Bolide a vibrant, slightly glossy finish that’s easy to maintain.

Evercolor

Introduced in 2013, Evercolor is a pressed calfskin leather prized for its tightly grained texture and soft, satin-like finish. Lightweight yet durable, it absorbs color beautifully, resulting in rich, vibrant hues that hold up well over time. Initially popular for small leather goods, Evercolor has become a go-to for Hermès handbags seeking a smooth, refined look with excellent scratch resistance.

Swift

Soft to the touch with a fine, delicate grain, Swift leather brings a smooth, luminous finish to the Bolide’s curved silhouette. Lightweight and pliable, it enhances the bag’s elegant shape while taking color beautifully—making it a favorite for vibrant and seasonal shades.

Chèvre Mysore

Chèvre Mysore is Hermès’ signature goat leather, known for its elegant, fine grain and subtle sheen. Lightweight and naturally scratch-resistant, it offers a refined texture that’s both soft and resilient. Often identified by a distinctive spine running down the center of the hide, this leather lends a sophisticated, understated glow to the Bolide.

Chèvre Chamkilight

A premium variation of goatskin, Chèvre Chamkilight is typically reserved for smaller bags and leather accessories. Renowned for its natural, luminous sheen, this leather reaches new heights of elegance in special editions—particularly in the rare Doré (metallic gold) finish. Its delicate glow and supple feel make it a standout choice for collectors seeking a subtle yet radiant texture.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Ostrich

Recognizable by its unique quill pattern and velvety matte texture, the use of Ostrich leather is limited to the smallest of the Bolides, the Mini. Lightweight and durable, this soft tactile material resists scratches.

Alligator Mississippiensis

One of Hermès’ most coveted exotic leathers, Alligator Mississippiensis is sourced from the southeastern United States and recognized for its fine, symmetrical scale pattern. Often reserved for smaller styles like the Bolide Mini, it can appear in either a glossy lisse (shiny) finish or a more understated matte version—both offering distinct looks.

Bold Editions: When the Bolide Gets Playful

Hermès knows how to make bags fun—and the Bolide is no exception. While it’s usually all quiet elegance and refined curves, the Maison has let its imagination run wild with a few bold, collectible twists.

Bolide Picnic

Released in 2012 as part of a limited-edition lineup, the Bolide 25 Picnic blends smooth Barénia leather with hand-woven Osier rattan. A warm-weather take on the classic shape, its taller, north-south silhouette expands the coveted Picnic lineup beyond the Kelly and Birkin.

hermes Bolide 25 Picnic blends smooth Barénia leather with hand-woven Osier rattan

Bolide Secret

Launched in 2015, the Bolide Secret is essentially the classic dome-shaped Bolide elevated atop a zippered compartment. This vertical extension adds a hidden external pocket and a separate bottom section with double zippers—ideal for securing valuables like passports and jewelry on the go.

hermes bolide secret bag

Bolide Smile

First released in 2020, the Bolide Smile puts a jewel-like spin on the classic 1923 style. In place of the original designs oval patch, it features a gold “Eye of Cleopatra” detail with shiny Niloticus lizard inlay, along with a gleaming Mors de Bride chain and a second key to accompany the lock. Refined with a wink, it’s a clever take on hardware as decoration.

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Bolide On Wheels

The Bolide On Wheels made a memorable debut in 2022 to celebrate the reopening of Hermès’ Madison Avenue flagship in New York. Embracing the bag’s automotive inspiration, it features tiny functional wheels that bring the idea of the Bolide as a “car” to life—ready to roll wherever style takes you. A mini charm version followed in 2023, complete with a working zipper, and tiny top handles.

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Bolide 1923 en Désordre

In 2023, Hermès also introduced the Bolide 25 en Désordre, featuring a fresh take on the classic silhouette. This updated model includes a practical exterior pocket and repositions the original oval exterior patch found on vintage designs to the bottom of the bag.

hermes Bolide 1923 en Désordre

Bolide 1923 Mini Piqué-Colle

To mark 100 years of the Bolide, Hermès launched the Bolide 1923 Mini Piqué-Colle bag in 2024. Crafted in Mysore goatskin and printed Swift calfskin, this playful edition is covered in trompe-l’œil travel stickers—like a well-loved trunk stamped with memories.

hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Piqué-Colle

Bolide 1923 Mini La Selle Imaginaire

Known for its artistic silk scarves, Hermès brings that same creative flair to leather with the La Selle Imaginaire Mini Bolide designed by Jan Bajkij. Instead of the usual minimalist body, this edition features intricate multicolor embroidery across smooth black Swift leather—transforming the bag into a canvas.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Hermès Bolide Men’s Collection

Beyond the classic Bolide 1923 lineup, Hermès offers a rich array of men’s bags, travel holdalls, and limited-edition Bolide designs.

Sporty Bolide

Unveiled during Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2018 Men’s show, the Sporty Bolide 45 paid tribute to vintage sports culture. With stitching that echoed classic baseball seams and a relaxed, retro vibe, it was a sporty spin on the heritage design.

Bolide Skate

The Bolide Skate debuted on the Men’s Spring/Summer 2022 runway, reimagining the iconic 45 cm Bolide with a skateboard deck base. This bold reinterpretation fuses streetwear edge with Hermès craftsmanship, complete with an archival scarf print on the underside – putting a playful spin on the Bolide’s streamlined form. The concept also appeared in a more wearable Bolide Skate 31, a messenger-style version that carries the same attitude.

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Bolide Shark

Following that, the Bolide Shark made a splash in the Fall/Winter 2023 collection. Bold and playful, it boasts metal studs, sharp teeth, and a cartoonish monster face – proof that even Hermès classics can bite back. Like the Bolide On Wheels from the women’s lineup, the Bolide Shark was also miniaturized into a charm.

Bolide à Dos Backpack

A modern twist on the classic silhouette, the Bolide à Dos backpack transforms the zippered bag into a practical and versatile everyday companion. Crafted from supple Togo and Swift calfskin, it features a zip closure with a leather pull-tab, an unlined interior with a handy pocket, and two sturdy handles for carrying by hand.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Bolide Messenger

The Bolide Messenger is perhaps the most relaxed interpretation of the classic Bolide to date. It ditches the signature dual top handles and replaces the traditional leather shoulder strap with a wide, adjustable canvas one for a casual, everyday look. Crafted from durable Togo calfskin, it retains the iconic curved silhouette while adding practical features like a zip closure and an unlined interior with a back pocket.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Image courtesy: Hermès

Navigating Bolide Sizes

Today, the Hermès Bolide is produced in a range of sizes to suit every lifestyle: the ultra-compact Mini, the everyday-friendly 25 and 30 cm models, and the spacious 45 and 65 cm travel editions. Each size maintains the Bolide’s timeless silhouette while offering varying levels of functionality—from daily carry to short-haul travel and beyond.

Bolide Style	Dimensions (Inches)	Dimensions (cm)
Bolide 1923 Mini	7.2 x 5.7 x 2.8	18.5 x 14.5 x 7.3
Bolide 1923 - 25	9.8 x 11.4 x 4.1	25 x 29 x 10.5
Bolide 1923 - 30	11.8 x 9 x 5.1	30 x 23 x 13
Bolide 45	17.7 x 14.1 x 9.2	45 x 36 x 23.5
Bolide à Dos Backpack	15.5 x 13.3 x 7	39.5 x 34 x 18
Bolide Messenger	10.4 x 8 x 3.5	26.5 x 20.5 x 9

Image courtesy: Hermès

Bolide 1923, Mini

The most compact in the lineup, the Mini is ideal for those who prefer a sleek bag for essentials only. It comfortably fits keys, cards, a small cosmetics case, and a phone—ideal for streamlined outings or evening events.

Bolide 1923 - 25

A versatile everyday size, the Bolide 25 holds daily essentials like a phone, wallet, keys, lip gloss, and hand sanitizer with ease. Its generous opening also accommodates sunglasses, tissues, and a small makeup case, combining practicality with elegant simplicity.

Bolide 1923 - 30

Designed for those who need a bit more space without sacrificing style, the Bolide 30 is primed for daily use. It can hold documents, a small laptop or tablet, and other essentials comfortably. Its sturdy construction allows it to carry more than it looks, making it ideal for both business and casual settings.

Bolide - 45

The largest within the lineup, the Bolide 45 is made for weekend getaways and short-haul trips. Spacious enough for a laptop, notebooks, and travel essentials, it blends practicality with the iconic curved silhouette. Designed to comfortably fit in the trunk of a car or atop a carry-on suitcase, it’s a polished yet roomy carry-all for life on the move.

Bolide à Dos Backpack

Striking a balance between compact and spacious, the Bolide à Dos Backpack is designed for those always on the move. With room for a laptop, work essentials, and even a change of clothes, it’s a hands-free companion built for travel and weekend getaways.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Image courtesy: Hermès

Bolide Messenger

Falling between the sizes 25 and 30, the Bolide Messenger comfortably holds daily essentials like phone, wallet, keys, and sunglasses. It includes a handy interior back pocket for keeping valuables secure, while the adjustable canvas strap offers casual, hands-free wear.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Discovering Bolide Colors

The Hermès Bolide comes in a spectrum of shades that range from timeless neutrals to vibrant statement hues. Classics like Étoupe, Gold, and Rouge H offer a subtle elegance suited to everyday wear, while more daring options such as Orange Field and the shimmering Doré bring a serious pop of personality to this Hermès icon.

The Bolide in Action

Effortlessly elegant, the Bolide offers versatile styling that honors its heritage while fitting seamlessly into modern life. You can carry it gracefully by the dainty top handles or in the crook of your arm for a classic look, or attach the strap to wear it hands-free as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

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Thanks to its detachable strap, the Bolide invites endless styling possibilities. Swap in a bold new strap or get creative by turning a silk Farandole necklace into a luxe charm-strap, making your bag uniquely yours.

Bolide Price Guide

While Hermès bags are known for their investment value, the Bolide holds a distinct place in the Hermès lineup—one of the few house classics to inspire such a wide range of reinterpretations. From the accessible Mini Bolide to bold limited editions and playful charms, it blends timeless design with creative range and collectibility.

Bolide Style	Leather/ Material	Price (USD)	Price (EU)
Bolide 1923 Mini	Epsom
	Evercolor	$6,900	€4,800
	Chèvre Mysore		€4,950
	Chèvre Chamkilight	$8,100
	Ostrich	$14,200
	Matte Alligator
Bolide 1923 - 25	Epsom		€5,800
	Evercolor		€5,900
Bolide 1923 - 30	Epsom
	Evercolor		€6,850
Bolide 45	Epsom
Bolide on Wheels	Epsom	$19,400	€13,500
Bolide à Dos Backpack	Togo & Swift	$13,900	€10,000
Bolide Messenger	Togo

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A Mini Bolide in Epsom leather sits just under the $7,000 mark, offering a relatively accessible entry point. Meanwhile, rarer editions in Chèvre Chamkilight and exotics carry a higher price tag due to their exclusive materials and limited availability. On the collector’s end, the Bolide On Wheels – crafted from durable Epsom leather- commands a steep price, reflecting its technical design and rarity.