Hermes Bolide 27
There are times that a woman desires a fuss-free, simple looking bag with clean lines and good structure.
Preferably in black.
(I know, I know, this post is super overdue, and I’ve had the Bolide 27 for about 3 years by now. But hey, all the more I’m able to share my experience with it, right?)
The best things come in Orange Boxes
Back then, I had requested for a Bolide from my lovely SA, and after waiting for a few months, she told me that the Hermes Bolide 27 in black epsom leather and gold hardware was available for pickup.
Front view: with the Three Graces twilly – version in Bleu Vert, Gold, and Marron
By now, my instagram followers and blog readers know that I’m a Hermes lover. I’ve written on a few Hermes bags by now, including the following:
- Birkin 30 in Rose Extreme
- Constance 18 in Rose Confetti
- Kelly 28 in Gold.
- Long Bearn Ostrich wallet in Mykonos blue
- Picotin 22 in Gold
And of course, talked about my love for Hermes twillies as well.
So, it seemed only natural to also add the Hermes Bolide to my collection, and for good reasons (more in the pros / cons section later).
Back view: with the Three Graces twilly – versio in Noir, Gold, and Taupe
Fun fact: according to my SA, the Hermes Bolide is the most coveted bag after the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance.
Black. Pink.
Black Epsom
I love epsom leather because it is durable, scratch-resistant, and has a wonderful feel of tiny even grains.
Hermes Bolide 27 in Black
In the 1920s, the bag was created and labelled the ‘le sac pour l’auto’ (bag for the car). It was Hermes’ first bag with a zip.
Upright
In the size 27, the zipper reaches to approximately half the bag’s height, on both side.
Zipper
The bag comes with either gold or palladium hardware. Gold tends to be is a little more sought after, but not by much.
This one has gold hardware
The dome-shaped bag is well-structured, has two handles, and the back looks nearly identical to the front.
Dome shaped
Also comes with a detachable strap.
Side-ish view
Internally, the dome-shaped structure has a flat base and a small pocket.
Inside view
What fits in the Hermes Bolide 27
Positioned somewhat between a medium-sized and mini bag, it can carry the daily essentials, AND a little bit more.
In my case, the maximum I stuff in here are: x1 long wallet, x3 card holders, x1 small notebook, x1 lipstick, x1 eyeshadow set, x1 keyholder
What fits in the Hermes Bolide 27
For one cardholder, I usually use the inner pocket for this.
One cardholder in the pocket
Next is my long wallet. Picture here for comparison’s sake – the Bearn is significantly shorter than the Bolide 27, and slides in without difficulty.
Here’s how it looks inside.
Plenty of space
Here’s a comparison against a small notebook.
A5 size notebook
In it goes:
Fits comfortably
There is enough room remaining for an assortment of small leather goods or cosmetics.
x2 more card holders, keyholder, lipstick, eyeshadow
Fits without over stuffing.
All in
And zipppppppppppppppp.
Zipped up. Looks exactly the same as when it was empty.
Hermes Bolide 27 Mod Shots
For reference, I am 154cm tall, or a little over 5 feet.
For these shots, I dressed in black and white.
Handheld
As a handheld bag, the straps feel comfortable and sturdy – even if the bag is fully stuffed, the straps, despite being thin, do not feel strained in any way.
Sturdy and Comfortable handheld straps
The straps are wide enough that it fits easily on the arm – even when pushed all the way to the elbows.
Hangs on the arm
Bonus: you know how bags have shoulder straps that get in the way? Somehow, I’ve never experienced it with the Bolide 27 – i simply lay the straps naturally as they are by the handles, and it stays there BEAUTIFULLY.
Shoulder straps sits nicely on the Bolide 27
Of course, it also hangs nicely as a shoulder bag. On my frame, the handles fall just above my waist and the base slightly below my hip.
Shoulder bag
But not as a crossbody – it crosses oddly and sits too high on the body.
How to NOT wear the Bolide 27
Overall thoughts
Being a Hermes lover and all, I doubt I’m far from objective – so disclaimer: any opinions are based on my very personal experience with the Hermes Bolide 27.
Pros of the Hermes Bolide 27
- Understated luxury. On it’s own it’s a plain black bag. Unless one KNOWS what a Hermes Bolide is, the bag practically falls under the radar. Great for those who love quiet luxury.
- Durable. I’ve used it fairly regularly for 3 years, I hardly baby the bag, and the condition is impeccable.
- Extremely easy to Glam Up. Add a Twilly. Or two. For extra character to the bag.
(Personally I like adding blue or pink twillies to mine, as I like a blue-black or pink-black combination).
Front – Danse Pacifique Twilly in Bleu Nuit, Jaune Vif, and Noir
Back – Paureres Des Maharajas Twilly in Rouge Grenadine and Rose Mauve
- Extremely well made, down to the tiniest detail. The inner lining – buttery smooth and gorgeous feel. Its zipper – insanely smooth plus zips in a quick easy fashion. Plus the handles – the most comfortable I’ve found in ANY handbag to date. I’ve also said this in the mod shots – if using handheld, the shoulder strap rests beautifully atop and around the bag and doesn’t get in the holder’s way.
- Very likely, the most versatile and idiot-proof bag in the world. I’ve worn it with jeans and a tee and it looks just as good as when paired with dresses. Arguably, in my case the versatility is inflated due to the black colour, but trust me – the Bolide 27’s simplicity of a dome-shaped zipper is pure genius. It goes with ANYTHING.
with jeans and collared tee
Truly, if there’s a day that I absolutely don’t know which bag to use, the Hermes Bolide 27 becomes an automatic default. You can’t make a wrong choice on this.
with dark grey dress and hot pink shoes
- Comes in a variety of colours and a few sizes (though the ability to GET the colour and size you want is another matter).
- As far as Hermes goes, much easier to obtain than the Birkin, Kelly, or Constance (from what i personally have been told, there may be waiting periods, but there is no spending requirement or purchase history necessary).
Cons of the Hermes Bolide 27
- Cost. Especially when you consider that one can easily get a similar look for much, much less.
- Potential for the zipper to wear down the bag near its edges. (Though, this applies to ANY leather bag with a zipper, and not just the Bolide).
- Applies mostly to the mini bolide (the 1923 tiny version) – this specific size can be difficult to come by. Other sizes are easier to come by, though as always, an existing relationship with an SA does help volumes.
Hopefully this review helps anyone thinking of getting the bag. Thank you for reading and for sharing my joy.
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