Bolide 27: The First Handbag with a Zipper in 100 Years of History

This bag holds a significant title as the

first handbag in history to feature a zipper.

Bolide was introduced in 1923 by

Émile-Maurice Hermès, the grandson of

Hermès’ founder, Thierry Hermès.

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What makes this bag truly special is that

it was the first-ever handbag to incorporate a zipper,

a groundbreaking innovation at the time.

In the early 1920s, Émile-Maurice Hermès traveled

to the United States and visited the Ford automobile factory.

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While there, he discovered the zipper used on

Ford’s convertible soft tops.

Fascinated by this revolutionary closure system,

he decided to integrate zippers into Hermès bags

and thus, the Bolide was born.

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The word "Bolide" means "racing car" in French.

This name was chosen because the Bolide was

the first-ever travel bag designed specifically for automobile travel.

​At the time, zippers were an advanced technology,

allowing travelers to quickly and securely store their belongings.

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Since its debut in 1923, the Bolide has remained

one of Hermès’ most beloved designs.

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For over 100 years, it has been a symbol of elegance and

practicality, continuing to capture the hearts of collectors worldwide.

While maintaining its classic design, Hermès has introduced

new sizes and colors, blending timeless beauty with modern sensibility.

The Bolide is now available in a wide range of

sizes and leathers to suit different lifestyles:

✔ Mini Bolide
✔ Bolide 25
✔ Bolide 27
✔ Bolide 31
✔ Bolide 35
✔ Bolide 45

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Among these, the Bolide 27 is particularly popular

for its compact yet spacious design.

Despite its petite 27cm frame, it comfortably fits essentials

like a phone, wallet, and cosmetics making it an excellent everyday bag.

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Signature Features of the Bolide 27

✔ Front Leather Tag

​✔ Top Handles & Shoulder Strap

Can be carried by hand or worn

over the shoulder for versatile styling.

✔ Expertly Crafted Handles

The handles are seamlessly integrated into the bag's structure,

showcasing Hermès’ signature saddle stitching.

✔ World’s First Handbag with a Zipper

A historic design element that makes access to

belongings quick and convenient for travel or daily use.

✔ H Detail on the Zipper Stop​

A subtle yet iconic Hermès design element.

✔ Luxury Riri Zipper

The Bolide features Riri zippers, renowned as

the gold standard in luxury zippers.​

A distinctive V-shaped herringbone pattern

can be seen on the zipper fabric.

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✔ Hermès Logo Stamp

​Located on the interior leather,

emphasizing its understated luxury.

Bolide has stood the test of time, maintaining its

prestige and elegance for over a century.

Thank you for reading

Stay tuned for more insights into Hermès' legendary designs! :)