A Celebration of 100 Years
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Hermès Bolide bag. Originally designed as the ideal automobile travel companion, the Bolide continues to be functional handbag option for road trips and flights further afield.
The understated yet chic appeal of the Hermès Bolide certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. The bag is available in a diverse range of sizes with a removable shoulder strap, lock and keys (except in the mini size) and top zip closure for added security (Read more: Hermès 101: Hermès Bolide Bag). The oval patch on the top center of the bag is designed for customized monograms. The Bolide 1923 does not have the oval patch.
We discuss all things Hermès Bolide bag and catch an insight into an avid Bolide fan’s collection…
No Less Luxurious than the Hermès Birkin
While the Bolide may not have the allure and exclusivity of the Hermès Birkin and Kelly, it has a timeless appeal. A favorite with celebrities, chic Parisians, and collectors alike, the Bolide remains a popular choice.
Image courtesy: @____sa.ra.___
Image courtesy: @yurihan622
Jennifer Lopez, who is famous for her vast collection of Hermès bags, wore a classic white Hermès Bolide to complement her second wedding dress at her Las Vegas wedding in 2022. Although her collection also includes the rare Himalayan Birkin bag, the star chose a large white Bolide for this occasion.
Jennifer Lopez. Image courtesy: Beautynesia
Let’s take a look at how other celebrities style their Bolide bag…
Catherine Zeta-Jones paired her chic all-white airport outfit, with a pop of color in the form of not one, but two Hermès bags. The ostrich Bolide bag certainly makes a statement!
Catherine Zeta-Jones. Image courtesy: Pinterest
Jada Pinkett Smith opts for a monochrome look, completed with the Bolide 45. Perfectly sized for travel, the largest size of the Hermès Bolide packs a punch.
Jada Pinkett Smith. Image courtesy: Pinterest
Mariska Hargitay keeps things classic with a navy blue Hermès Bolide – effortless and chic.
Mariska Hargitay. Image courtesy: Pinterest
The Whimsical World of Hermès – The Bolide on Wheels
This variation of the classic Bolide, emphasizes the history of the bag itself. The design, complete with luggage-style wheels, is a nod to the bag’s globetrotting past. The Bolide on Wheels first appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2022 collection.
Images of courtesy: Hermès
Images of courtesy: Hermès
The Hermès Bolide on Wheels is a collector’s piece and comes with a price tag to reflect this…
| Style | 2023 Price (USD) | 2023 Price (EU) |
| Bolide on Wheels | $15,900 | €12,200 |
For fans of the Bolide on Wheels, there’s something else even cuter that could be mistaken as a child’s toy. Those that love adorning their bags with playful charms, such as the iconic Rodeo, Oran Nano, and the Kelly Twilly, will love this new addition (Read more: Do Hermès Charms Have you Charmed?). However, it is offered in-store in very selective and limited quantities. The Bolide on Wheels charm currently retails for €2,600.
Bolide on Wheels Charm at George V Paris Hermès boutique
The Hermès Bolide 101 with @mrslulu
In honor of this under-the-radar favorite, we sought insight from an avid Bolide collector, @mrslulu, with nine Bolides in her collection. The most recent Bolide addition to her closet is the Bolide en Desordre.
Join us in getting to know @mrslulu3, we discuss all things Hermèa Bolide, including her incredible collection.
- How many Bolides do you have in your collection?
9 Bolides.
Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
- What do you love the most about your Bolide?
I love the simplicity, shape & easy zipper closure. Different sizes for different occasions.
Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
- What essentials must you carry in your Bolide?
Wallet, phone (does not fit in mini), lip gloss, powder & keys.
Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
- Do you prefer to wear the shoulder strap or carry it by the top handles?
I love to carry on the shoulder strap! The mini I will messenger sometimes.
Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
- What Bolide is next on your wishlist?
I keep saying I am done…
Hermès Bolide 1923 en en Desordre 25 in Black. Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
- Would you splurge on the Bolide on wheels?
Not sure I want that one (but never say never!).
- What are your thoughts on the Bolide secret bag?
The one with the bottom section? It feels kind of tall for me? But I have not seen it in person. I almost got the baseball one, but again too big! I have the Bolide relaxed which does not come with a shoulder strap and that one is harder for me to use. I love the strap option
- What advice would you give to others on taking care of Bolides?
I take care of Bolides just like my other bags. I keep them all safe and snug in their boxes, laid down, and stuffed.
Image courtesy: @mrslulu3
Bolide Pricing
Fortunately, the Bolide is not deemed as a quota bag and is currently available to purchase in boutiques and from time to time, online. Although, much like any Hermès item online, the Bolide sells out incredibly quickly, so you’ll have to move fast!
While the price of the Bolide isn’t as painful as a Birkin or Kelly, it’s certainly a high-end luxury bag with a price tag to reflect this. Let’s take a look at the current prices of the Hermès Bolide models in 2023 in the US:
| Style | 2023 Price (USD) |
| Bolide 25 Epsom | $6,850 |
| Bolide with Canvas Strap | $7,150 |
| Bolide Evercolor Leather | $6,900 |
| Mini Bolide Epsom | $5,600 |
| Mini Ostrich Bolide | $12,300 |
After the latest price increase at Hermès in February 2023, the Bolide 1923, 25 is now $6,850. Meanwhile, the Bolide 25 currently retails for €5,300 in Continental Europe. See more: US Hermès Price Increase 2023 – Here are the New Prices.
This functional bag is ideal for those looking for a Hermès bag without chasing the Birkin and Kelly dream.
Are you considering adding a Bolide to your handbag collection? What are your thoughts on this more understated H bag?
Read related articles below:
US Hermès Price Increase 2023 – Here are the New Prices
6 Hermès Bags Under 6K – 2022 Edition
Do Hermès Charms Have You Charmed?
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: June 12th, 2023
Comments
2 Responses to “The Insider’s Guide to the Hermès Bolide Bag”
Hi, I would to ask two questions; first I am dying to get a medium channel vanity bag in pinkish beige, used in good condition. Please help me on where to look?
Second, the regular Boldie in mauve slivester ?please advice on how to get one?
I thought the Bolide would be perfect but I never could quite warm to it. Those stiff handles that made getting in to the bag quickly were not good for me and it just stuck out so far I was always worried about knocking it in to things. It is lovely and quite charming, but these two things were just dealbreakers for me. Really tried to love it as it is beautifully crafted, but it just wasn’t true love (at least at this point in life ;)