To the extent that any Hermès handbag can be underrated, I’ve always thought the Hermès Herbag Zip was underrated. It has an immediately recognizable Hermès shape, most similar to the more formal and expensive Kelly Bag, with its gently flared sides and belt-closed top flap. Finally, though, the Herbag is getting the credit it’s due, first with a front-and-center spot in the brand’s Resort 2019 runway show, and now with new availability on the Hermès website.
Unlike the more famous and formal Birkin or Kelly, the Herbag Zip doesn’t usually require a waitlist and comes into stock from time to time on the Hermès website. Its general availability and reasonable (relative to other Hermès products) price make it an ideal option for new Hermès shoppers to grab one of the brand’s day bags in a quintessential Hermès structure without getting too close to the five-figure price point—all of the Herbag Zip options currently available in the US via the brand’s website are priced at $2,550.
The lower price point is because the Herbag Zip is more simple than the Kelly in its details and finishes, but there’s also another big difference: the body of the bag is made of textile instead of leather, and that textile is one of Hermès’s various canvases. (Yes, of course a brand like Hermès has multiple canvas options.) Although the canvas will turn off some shoppers, I think it gives the bag a more casual look that’s a great balance to some of the brand’s more formal, buttoned-up options.
The canvas comes trimmed with a cowhide flap and both a top handle and shoulder strap, which is removable in a unique way: by unscrewing a removing the rod that runs under the bag’s flap, which allows you to remove the strap. (There’s a piece of hardware at the end for easy removal and replacement.) Depending on the version you choose, the leather accents might match the canvas or contrast, but there’s no price difference between those options.
The bag’s interior is just one big, open compartment, unlined and without pockets. The back of the bag, though, offers a pouch pocket that’s a good size for a phone, and it’s trimmed in leather and zips entirely. (Thus the name of the bag.) Currently, the Hermès website offers three Herbag Zip options; check them out below.
Hermès Herbag Zip Bag
$2,550 via Hermès
Hermès Herbag Zip Bag
$2,550 via Hermès
Hermès Herbag Zip Bag
$2,550 via Hermès
I’ve alwsys liked the HerBag for the reason that you just stated-it’s more casual to than the Kelly. The pink is calling my name! It’s just a tad bit too big. A 28 or even 25 is more my speed. 31 is too big.
The top handle that won’t hinge over/lie flat is a dealbreaker for me unfortunately. I have been in love with bags but if the top handle perpetually sticks up even with a shoulder strap, I just can’t do it. It feels like I slapped a strap on a bag that was supposed to be hand carried.
Other than that, I love the shape and the price point 🙁
I have a canvas Hermes bag and it is very difficult to get cleaned. Also the corners wear out and you cannot repair. Leather bags are easier to clean and repair. I’ve had Hermes repair vintage leather bags in horrible condition! For that price point, I would not get a canvas bag – even an Hermes!
So good to know. Thanks for sharing your experience.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Interesting—do you know if it is a coated canvas like LV, or just uncoated material that’s hard to clean?
The canvas isn’t the problem, the leather scratches very easily.
unless there is a sudden change it is the same uncoated canvas that Hermes always uses which is nothing like the LV canvas. Canvas is 100% natural and should not be hard to clean but it will stain.
Thanks! I went on the site in US and two of
the colors were already sold out. For Hermès the price is good, but it’s still a costly bag. I worry about canvas ripping too, I once had a canvas Gucci which did that and could not be repaired, but I got $$ back.
y tho
Nice bags
They are nice bags but awfully expensive (I know its Hermes but still) which is mainly canvas with a bit leather. And for a casual bag, I don’t want to worry about stains etc. I want something that’s hardy and durable.
I have the first Herbag shown, in the prune color. It’s pretty on the arm, but I rarely use it because I can hardly fit anything in it.
Unlined and untreated canvas?