PurseBop Attends the Hermès Fall/Winter 2023 Runway Show
I’ve arrived at La Garde Républicaine. Heading to my assigned seat, I stroll through the room with a glass of Sancerre in my hands, my Mimosa Mini Kelly gripped loosely between my fingers —I feel this sense of floating in a sea of Hermes. All well dressed, some more casual than others, beautifully manicured hands carrying exquisite exotic Kellys — men and women from near and far cultures.
Where am I? Am I in the mecca of a world in my dreams?
The music is mysterious, the lighting is dim —there’s an aura of the unknown.
My heart is racing with adrenaline running through my veins. My eyes are keenly focused on the bags.
I watch people move about, mingling – hobnobbing — soaking it all in. An experience of a lifetime. Introducing myself to those with whom I felt a kindred spirit through the years.
I want to encapsulate these moments into a memory and hold onto them forever.
The lights dimmed, and then the music throbbed through me….
The Hermès Bag Review
For its Autumn-Winter 2023 runway show, Hermès pulled out all the stops. Even without an extravaganza of equine friends, the cavalry setting allowed everyone a front row seat to view the fashions. The entire venue – walls and carpet – was clad in a burnt sienna velvety fabric.
Despite, or because of the simplistic setting, the fashion stood out – gleaming, sophisticated metallic fabrics draped in neat pleats. A wonderful backdrop for what was to come in the collection imagined by Hermès’ women’s Creative Director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski.
Inspired by knots found in nature, from lanyards to tresses, the program tells us:
“there is a dialogue constantly taking shape between materials, between colors, between details. Enveloping and warm, monochromatic silhouettes unfold in their winter tones.”
The collection manages to be simultaneously classic and modern, and completely feminine.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Of course, PurseBop fixated on the handbags. While not a bag-heavy grouping of fashion, there were plenty to catch her eye. Large and small versions of the classic Bolide strolled by, veering from its latest turns on the men’s runway to the women’s. Hermès classicists will love the re-appearance of Hermès hallmark Box Leather on a Sellier Birkin. Consider it not only a shout-out again to Hermès’ original roots, but verification that the Sellier Birkin lives on.
No Kellys were spotted, but other Birkins also graced the collection. The Harness Birkin reappeared as well as a newer Fringe Birkin.
Lest you think horses were not considered, there were at least two styles of bucket bag. As you may recall, often these styles harken back to equestrian oat feed bags, as, for example, the Picotin Lock.
Bucket Bags
Let’s start with the buckets… Gotta feed those horses. Neither the Picotin Lock nor the recent In the Loop bucket were on display. These are new. And, frankly, given the shape and structure, they likely wouldn’t accommodate a horse nose. But they could carry stable or cavalry tools. Or your daily necessaries.
Sac Mini Médor
First up, a bag that resembles a bongo drum or even an hourglass. With an open top and short strap handle, and metal hardware, it certainly attracts attention. Inspired by the feeding bags of horses this mini Médor bag will be available in box calfskin.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Sac So Medor
A slightly larger model, hews to a conical shape, almost more of a pail. Structured, unlike some of Hermès’ other bucket bags, this one includes the iconic Hermès collier de chien detailing on the top exterior. The silk interior closes with drawstrings. It comes in togo calfskin leather.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Drawstring Tote Bag
Looking through the classic Hermès styles, you know what’s missing… or what was? New to the season is a drawstring hobo tote bag, along the lines of Louis Vuitton’s Neo Noé. Hermès’ version includes a short strap for hand holding and a longer one for shoulder carry.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Arcon Bag
It may be a new season, but it doesn’t mean everything is brand new. Returning from it’s introduction in Spring/Summer 2023 is the Arcon bag. Don’t remember it? Well, few probably have hit stores yet. It’s that large half-moon hobo with a pocket and a key fob, shown in heritage leather.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Hermès Arcon captured on the runway by PurseBop
Fringe Birkin
Get your groove on. Or your western style. This mover and shaker Birkin is something new to the Birkin family. No, this is not the canvas Fray Fray of recent collections. Rather, this Birkin incorporates long (really long) leather fringe hanging past the bottom of the bag. Perhaps the fringe is inspired by a horse’s mane. Either way, unfortunately, the feet on the bottom of the bag won’t keep its long locks from touching the ground.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Sac Birkin Seller Anate en veau Evergrain
Sac Birkin Seller Anate en veau Evergrain
Sac Anate en veau Swift Kelly Danse
Harness Birkin
We can’t believe it’s back. For the Birkin lovers asking for a shoulder strap, your wishes have come true. Now we hope this one makes it into production. If you remember, we saw hints of this one for Spring/Summer 2021.
Read: Exciting Pieces We Can Expect Including a Birkin Harness
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Birkins We Know
There was one big Birkin on the stage. Not nearly enough of them, but this one certainly deserves attention. It appeared to be a B35 in Box leather in… drumroll please… Sellier style.
Yes, apparently Hermès is still showing the Sellier Birkin, notwithstanding rumors of its demise. Or that it is only available by special order. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get one. But it seems the Hermès Sellier Birkin remains on the roster. For now.
Additionally, there were some variations on the Classic Birkin, seen more clearly up front and personal at the after-viewing. Mixed materials, extra pockets, and fringe, were just a few of the special treatments given one of our favorite bags.
And, in what is destined to be the accessory’s accessory of the season, Hermès offers a Birkin trench coat, if you will. Plaid fabric and designed to fit each size of the bag, it includes a pocket on the back. Neither rain, snow, nor sleet need damper the desire to carry one’s Birkin.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Removable Birkin raincoat.
Lots of box leather Birkins at the presentation.
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Bolide
The Hermès Bolide is one of those classic styles that, well, never goes out of style. Originally created for road trips when automobiles became the transportation mode, it evolved into a work and travel bag. And as a handbag in multiple sizes. The mini version often makes the PurseBop list of Hermès bags under $6k. Larger sizes usually appear on the Men’s runway, sometimes in newly designed styles with leather embossing or designs.
This time, however, Hermès brought out two Bolides for the feminine side of its selections. Appearing in both a large and a small size, really, these work for anyone.
Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Hermès Bolide captured on the runway by PurseBop
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Left: Sac Constance III Miroir Clouté en box leather. Right: Sac Kelly II Sellier Clouté en box leather.
Sac Constance III Miroir Clouté en box leather.
Top: Sac Constance III Miroir Clouté en box leather. Bottom: Sac Kelly II Sellier Clouté en box leather.
Updated March 9th, 2023
Scrolling through our vast collection of photos from the Hermès presentations we discover a few more bags that need to be added to our journal.
Felt Picotin with leather top stitch detailing.
Hermès Kelly 25 box leather with exotic skin appliqués.
The new Kelly pochette shape again in box leather with exotic skin appliqués.
Etched and painted Barenia leather Kelly 25.
Open top tote with a rim of Collier de Chien belt in matte black.
What They Wore
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Here’s a special presentation of guests attending the runway show and what they wore and carried.
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This is our first take on the runway pieces. Stay tuned tomorrow as we update you after the Collection Re-Sees and in person Object Presentations.
It’s all so special… as are the bags coming for Fall/Winter 2023. How big is your wishlist and what’s on it. Let us know.
Love PurseBop
XO
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Updated: March 24th, 2023
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