Paris’ Hermes Headquarters
For tonight we’ve saved up a delicate snack that is so high in calories you may want to cut back on the Tostitos and salsa for the next few days. Further reading may also cause high amounts of stress and as a result thereof, hightened blood pressure, sudden queasiness and uncontrolable sweating. In addition, you may start drooling like a Pavolian dog at ring bell and tears may roll down your cheeks for no apparent reason.
Actually the reason is very apparent, because the purse blog duo had worked its way into the lion’s den, the molten, glowing hot core of the Big Momma of all handbags - the Hermes Headquarters in Paris. Being nearly paralyzed of awe, we stood in front of the wide store front and stared for literally 20 minutes at the carefully selected exclusive goodies resting in the display cases. Jealous eyes scanned those that came out of the enormous store with one of those highly sought after orange shopping bags, being proof of obvious financial wealth or willingness to dive into debt. Eventually, reality settled in and we figured that it was still yet another store that was offering goods, and that there was nothing to really be afraid of. Another reality settled in rather quickly once the heavy black doors swung open, we stepped in and the aura of perfection slapped us in our faces like a soft velvet glove.
Yes, perfection. The layout of the store, the incredible variety of items, outstanding in both price and quality, the overall flair of the three story store all just added additional weight to the already lowered jaw, like Mr. Universe was fishhooking you personally. Absolutely breathtaking. Did we mention variety? From watches, card games, to towels, jewelry, perfumes, pen holders, from tables to evening sweaters, Hermes seemed to have it all. It was quite the task to even find a handful of items, no matter how seemingly insignificant, whose prices went under the 3-digit Euro mark. There is no use to talk about the upper boundary, since there really didn’t seem to be one. And then the bags… sigh.
Strategically placed right around its main entrance, a great selection of handbags, small clutches or large totes, were presented to us in a wonderful fashion. Our eyes ran across the glass vitrines, unknowing which bag to look at first, because they all seemed so pretty, so perfect. The green tote below was one of our favorites (if any of our readers know its name, please let us know), and fortunately it happened to be showcased to the outside world. We also took a snapshot of two barrel bags that just looked plain delicious, too. At a price of over EUR 4,600, the deliciousness wore off a notch though. We ended up spending almost a good hour in the store, leaving it behind with a really sad heart, and a motivation to work harder and earn more money to buy us some Hermes goodies. Because afterall, who does not want to be one of those people with the orange shopping bag for once too?
- Posted by Megs on 3.24.2005 in Hermes Bags.
The green bag is called a Bolide, and it’s one of their most classic pieces. Beautiful, no? Very similar in shape to the LV Alma bag, and I think they both came out around the same time during the 1920’s.
So perfect. So expensive.
3.30.2005 - 6:31 pm
Hello, I know the green bag is a Bolide, but a real huge size! It is mostly sold in the 31 or 27 size but this one is much bigger and frankly, not as elegant as it’s smaller friends!! xoxoxoxo
6.27.2005 - 3:05 pm
Hello, I see someone already gave the name of the bag it’s really a huge size! It is mostly sold in the 31 or 27 size but this one is much bigger and frankly, not as elegant as it’s smaller friends!! xoxoxoxo
6.27.2005 - 3:06 pm
THE GREEN ONE IS GORGEOUS!
8.13.2005 - 5:22 pm
Interestingly, the Hermes Bolide was at one time called the “Bugatti,” perhaps about 15 years ago. I have an old “Voyage du Monde de Hermes” magazine with a picture and the caption of the original name. Wonder why they changed it?
8.23.2005 - 5:10 pm
I have a 70s vintage Hermes Kelly, brown leather and canvas. I have not seen one online and wondered at its value and if anyone knows who might restore Hermes bags. There is a stain on the canvas. I also have a 70s vintage black leather Hermes envelope that needs polishing. Would love to hear values and sources for loving care. BT
11.7.2005 - 12:32 pm
“Bugatti” is actually name of a racecar; the bag was named because the shape resembled it. However, they were sued by the car company, so they changed the name to bolide.
I wouldn’t let anyone other than Claude at Hermes NYC touch my bags.
Cheers!
12.10.2005 - 4:12 pm
Hi, Barbara,
Agree with Pursefiend, don’t let anyone but Hermes touch your bags. I’ve seen some botch jobs that ruined the resale value of the bag. Claude at Hermes NYC is great, but overwhelmed right now. Just dropped my bags for a cleaning and was told not to expect them for 4-6 weeks. “It’s the busy season”. So, just a heads up. Also, the resale value depends on condition, size, rarity, and the desirability factor right now. Hope this helps.
12.17.2005 - 6:44 pm
Does the orange Birkin come in two tones?
4.2.2006 - 3:43 am
I don’t look good with a purse BUT I would like another Hermes sterling ballpoint pen.
Any ideas ladies?
Thanks,
Bill
5.12.2006 - 6:21 am
have hermes original bugatti bag late 20’s dk beige was told by hermes paris that it is very rare I would like to sell it It is visible in Monte Carlo If interested call 00377680861187
7.12.2006 - 12:16 pm
I have recently acquired what seems to be a vintage Hermes Bolide Bag. Right near the Hermes Paris embossing, there is a serial number blindstamped. (Very difficult to read) Does anyone know how I would verify authenticity and age of this bag?
7.13.2006 - 12:27 am
Does anyone know how to put a value on a vintage allagator Hermes briefcase/portfolio? I just inherited it and want to insure it.
7.25.2006 - 1:02 pm
Hello,
I’m a reporter searching for a knowledgeable Hermes admirer and/or customer to quote in a story. Prefer someone from San Antonio, Texas, or environs. Please email me.
Elaine Ayala
Features writer
San Antonio Express-News
eayala@express-news.net
9.13.2006 - 12:42 pm
hello I’m froum turkey Very similar in shape to the LV Alma bag, and I think they both came out around the same time during the 1920’s.Right near the Hermes Paris embossing, there is a serial number blindstamped. tnx
9.15.2006 - 4:37 am
Hi, I received a Hermes bag as a gift from an Uncle in Europe back in the late 80’s early 90’s. It is a black alligator bag with Hermes Paris, Made in France embossed in gold at the top front of the bag. There are three sections with the center section having a snap closure. All three sections close with a belt that starts at the back of the bag and goes through the sections and has a lock closure in the front. The lock has a large engraved H on both sides. The gold hardware on the belt is also engraved with Hermes Paris. A leather key holder and 2keys hang from the handle.In the front, center is a raised leather oval with the letter H made from tiny hole punches. These tiny holes also outline the oval. I was wondering what the name of the bag is and its possible value. The bag is in excellent condition and has only been used 2-3 times. Most of the time it has been store in my closet. If you have any information, Please
email me at kcastaldo@comcast.net
10.6.2006 - 6:55 pm
Hi. I got an authentic Hermes backpack (Material: leather/canvas)as a gift. It has 2 interchangeble coated canvas bags, both in black. The top of the bag is interchangeble w/both bottoms - black leather. All the hardware on the bag marked Hermes. Inside inside the bag is a metal pole/rod fits nicely inside to hang w/c bag you are using. One end of that pole has a screw lock marked Herms and I LOST THAT SCREW. Anyone knows where can i get that missing screw? PLEASE… my email add: stagevirgo1@aol.com THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
11.27.2006 - 11:09 am
Looking for an old Hermes enamel equestrian bracelet in greys and browns and whites of horses and a brown carriage.
12.13.2006 - 7:18 pm
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9.25.2007 - 7:56 pm
[...] the house of ultimate luxury, Hermes, a slew of products are produced. At the flagship in Paris, a wide variety of items are sold on the stores two enormous floors. While the Hermes handbag [...]
10.22.2007 - 4:05 pm
Hey if anyone is interested in Vintage HERMES…I found this site…They have the KELLY bag, 60’s Lucille DE PARIS Kelly Bag, Black HERMES Bolide…As well as many other Vintage brand names..Gucci, Chanel, Ferragamo..I think its pretty cool…Anways check it out…Have fun!!!
2.1.2008 - 8:26 pm
I would love to find the sight as I am trying to sell my Kelly bag. THANKS
Kathleen
2.28.2008 - 4:52 pm
I have a vintage Hermes Brown Briefcase
Not the traditional square hard type…
more like a Lawyers Brief That opens at the top. What makes it unusual is the large silver circular locking system on the front of the bag. It needs to be refurbished..
Any info would be greatly appreciated
please email me skipbomaxx@aol.com I can send you pics
Regards Sandi
4.1.2008 - 5:53 am
At me is Vintage Hermes Kelly Bag, which I wish to sell. 28 cm, a black leather, a canvas, gilding. On a thong symbol K. How, where and for how many I can sell it?
Thanks!
4.4.2008 - 7:16 am
anybody know the name of those barrel bags in the first picture??
7.19.2008 - 5:47 pm
what’s the website you’ve found for hermes? Please advise.
8.15.2008 - 10:05 am
Hi. I have a vintage 50s/60s Lucille de Paris alligator bag that I want to restore and sell. It needs some work. Polishing and I have to have the strap re-attached by a professional. Know of where to go- who might be interested? I’m in Brooklyn, NYC. I can’t believe what I’m seeing them go for- $45 - $1200. Same bag.
rustnyc@mac.com
8.22.2008 - 12:24 am