I finally got my own set of Hermès wheels. Yes, my bag collection is rolling right along in ways I never expected. And this set was the biggest surprise. First seen (at least by me) at the opening of the new New York City Madison Avenue boutique, it sent my heart spinning.
Read also: Hermès Night to Remember: Inside the Epic Madison Flagship Opening Party and Shopping Experience
Front windows at the new flagship on opening night.
These are no ordinary wheels. They come with a bag: the Bolide bag.
It’s one of those novelty runway Hermès bags you see, love, dream of, but never really expect you’ll have the opportunity to actually own. But be careful what you wish for… dreams sometimes come true. And this Bolide with wheels already has traveled far and wide for multiple runway and related events, all in less than one month.
Here’s the whole story:
About a week before my birthday (early July), I was in New York City for work, and made my customary stop at the Madison flagship. I walked the floors with my sales associate in search of new and pretty things.
As we stood on the fourth floor behind the first case opposite the bar counter chatting, I casually mentioned while peering into the glass case “that mini bolide with wheels is adorable.” It was a spontaneous statement— at the time, I uttered many descriptive phrases in appreciation of it’s ingenuity while I marveled at it’s craftsmanship. I was laser focused on admiring the little car from all angles. It was in Vert Fizz with white wheels. I think my SA casually asked me, “would you actually wear it, or just keep it as a collectors piece”?
“OMG, I would wear it of course!”
The display case and ‘car’ I was admiring at the Madison Hermès store.
I continued my visit seeking to fulfill my shopping wish list: black boots for fall and Chypres for Mr. PurseBop and me. No surprise, I got the purple shearling. We moved to the RTW department and then my newest Hermès interests – jewelry and furniture.
After a little while — my sales associate said, “keep looking around, I’ll be right back… I need to take care of something.” Okay. I continued browsing.
There’s always so much to see in the Madison Avenue boutique. So much that it is nearly impossible to fully explore the entire store no matter how many times I visit. I’m always there in a time crunch sandwiched between meetings.
My SA was back in what seemed like a jiffy (actually!) with a small orange box in hand. I wasn’t expecting or anticipating anything – as I knew if anything was to come my way — it might be for my birthday. The box looked almost mini K20-sized, but not exactly. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what the difference was.
She ushered me into the pretty room at the back of the 4th floor. I tried to play it cool but my heart was racing and I think my voice escalated a few octaves.
This was going to be quick — she placed the mystery box on the table… gloved hands gripping the box and said “are you recording?!”
She doesn’t usually need to remind or prompt me but I was a bit bewildered. I giggled, got my phone positioned in hand and began to record. I don’t know what I was murmuring all while she lifted the cover but then, HEART STOP…
It was a blue lined box. So, it was a special edition; that is a model produced in very limited quantity for only a season or two. But what could it be?
The shape of the draped dust bag was somewhat like a mini Kelly – but perhaps narrower up top. I was completely stumped.
A few seconds later – when the handles peeked out — there were two by the way so it clearly was not a Mini Kelly … I remained confused till… OMG…
The Bolide on wheels in Craie with Vert Verone tires, Lol. I broke into a smile from ear to ear. It was absolutely precious. Far cuter in my hands than behind a display case.
I was especially delighted with the color as surprisingly Craie was a shade missing from my collection. My new Craie car would complete a rainbow of beautiful whites including Blanc (white in French), Nata, and, most recently, Mushroom. I promise I will gather them all for some comparison photos soon. But till then, here’s a little stroll down memory lane:
My Special Order White Birthday Birkin 25
Manifesting a Creamy Hermès Birkin for My Birthday
The Hermès Reveal – the Mini Mushroom that Made Its Way Home From Paris
These wheels have traveled far… how appropriate that her maiden voyage was back to NYC to attend the Hermès Men’s Fall/Winter 2023 Runway presentation on Sept 14th with Mr PurseBop.
The bags that traveled with me to NYC to the Hermès Men’s runway. Photo taken in the closet at The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Do you spy the blue laces?
For those that will want to know what’s in the other dust bag, LOL. My mushroom Mini Kelly. Photo taken in the closet at The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Hermès Mushroom chèvre Kelly 20 versus Craie epsom mini Bolide. Photo taken in the closet at The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
It’s always a mystery, even to me… the exact moment a new treasure will come out to play. Sometimes it happens immediately, and as you all know… sometimes mystery boxes get tucked away waiting for that perfect moment. I had not planned her debut… but once we received our invites for the NYC Men’s runway show and after party, my wheels were spinning literally. This was the perfect time.
Show was held at a venue called Skylight at The Refinery in Brooklyn, NYC.
Rooftop at The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The view from our terrace at The William Vale.
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Then, just two weeks later, it was wheels up to Paris for the Women’s S/S 2024 runway presentations. My intention was to pack only a couple of mini sized bags in shades neutral enough to coordinate with all of my looks. My Craie car fit this criteria to a T. More on this in an upcoming article.
With regards to capacity, the mini Bolide holds just enough. Barely. Much more than a Kelly 20 but still no iPhone 14 pro max, obviously ;)
Putting aside the novelty factor, this mini Bolide actually proved to be so useful and comfortable to carry whether handheld or cross body. I am convinced the mini Bolide’s inherent shape creates a very comfortable and natural fit against the body. It turned out to be a perfect companion in Paris.
My wheels were perfect by day and night… she made a whimsical appearance at Club Hermès, Paris.
At the Hermès afterparty, she mingled and spun about meeting other influential and unique guests (wink- wink).
Hermès afterparty with @shamswomoon
Hermès after party.
Maison Truffle with @karenzpurses
But the best was saved for last. A visit to a Hermès atelier seemed more like a full Hermès campus. It was an hour outside of Paris in Pantin. An exceptional visit that has fostered a deeper rooted respect and admiration for the treasures I love and carry nearly every day. Although photos were forbidden inside, I took these to document my journal.
Hermès campus (atelier) Pantin, France.
Where will she go next? Only time will tell, but she’s won my heart.
Updated: October 9th, 2023
Comments
1 Responses to “Hermès Reveal: I Finally Got My Own Set of Wheels”
I just love the whimsy of it all. That combination of chic, playful and master craftsmanship is unique! Enjoy 😊