Understanding the history behind the creation and origin of a luxury item allows you to connect with the brand and grasp the mystique and craftsmanship behind each piece, as well as the attention to every little detail. Have you ever wondered where the names of the most popular Hermès handbags come from?
In this post, you will learn the details of how each creation is given a special name and the meaning behind each one.
- Origin of the name of the Birkin bag
- Origin of the name of the Kelly bag
- Origin of the name of the Constance bag
- Origin of the name of the Evelyne bag
- Origin of the name of the Jypsiere bag
- Origin of the name of the Lindy bag
- Origin of the name of the Garden Party bag
- Origin of the name of the Bolide bag
- One name, one personality
Origin of the name of the Birkin bag
In 1984, the famous British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin was on an Air France flight from Paris to London, coincidentally seated next to the then CEO of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas.
Frustrated because she couldn’t find a handbag she liked that was practical enough for her lifestyle, she engaged in a lively conversation with Dumas, expressing her desires and needs for the design of an ideal handbag.
The result was a handbag specially made for Jane Birkin, sturdy, spacious, comfortable, and capable of accommodating her dynamic schedule.
This customized handbag became the iconic Birkin bag that we know today. Hermès named the bag in honor of Jane Birkin, and although she is no longer with us, it has since become one of the most coveted and exclusive handbags in the world of luxury fashion.
Origin of the name of the Kelly bag
The unforgettable actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, was the one who motivated this significant decision.
The story goes back to 1954 when Grace Kelly, who was not yet a member of royalty, was on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “To Catch a Thief” on the French Riviera. She used the handbag, originally named Sac à dépêches, as part of her costume in the film.
It was in 1956 when everything changed. After marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco and becoming a princess, Grace Kelly continued to use the same handbag to conceal her pregnancy because she liked it so much that she kept her own collection.
Grace Kelly’s image with the Hermès handbag became a symbol of elegance and sophistication to the extent that women from high society at the time referred to it as “the Kelly bag” when purchasing it.
The interest in this piece persisted over time, to the point that it wasn’t until 1977 when Hermès decided to rename the Sac à dépêches as the Kelly bag.
Since then, this handbag has maintained its status as one of the most coveted and iconic pieces from Hermès, paying tribute to Grace Kelly’s timeless elegance and her legacy in the world of fashion.
Origin of the name of the Constance bag
In 1959, the influential designer Chaterine Chaillet created this special accessory and named it Constance, after her fifth daughter.
This handbag is characterized by its rectangular shape, its “H” clasp on the flap, and its elegant, timeless, and playful design. It is an iconic Hermès handbag that has endured over the decades and continues to be highly regarded in the world of luxury fashion.
The choice of the name reflects the importance of heritage and tradition in the Hermès brand, as well as the personal influence of its designers in the creation of significant products.
Origin of the name of the Evelyne bag
This Hermès handbag is known for its casual style and its perforated “H” logo on the front. It is popular among those seeking a more relaxed and functional yet still exclusive handbag.
This Hermès handbag, crossbody and somewhat more informal, was created by the head of the riding department, Evelyne Bertrard, and her team in 1978. They aimed to create a functional product that could serve as a handbag for the staff who cared for horses. In fact, the design of the perforated “H” on the back allowed grooming tools to be ventilated while inside the bag.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, this piece left the equestrian department of the brand and joined the leather goods division due to its significant commercial potential. This potential remains strong today, as it has a dedicated audience.
Origin of the name of the Jypsiere bag
This handbag owes its name to the bohemian and nomadic style, reminiscent of gypsies. The word “Jypsiere” is a phonetic variant of “gypsy”, which means the same in English.
It is known for its messenger-style design, evoking the idea of a bag that a traveler or free spirit might carry while venturing around the world. This design includes an adjustable strap that allows it to be worn crossbody or over the shoulder, making it practical and versatile.
It is an example of how Hermès often incorporates cultural and conceptual elements into the name and design of its products.
Origin of the name of the Lindy bag
This ergonomic handbag, designed by Frédéric Vidal, was unveiled during the launch of Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2007 collection as a homage to the 1920’s swing dance, the Lindy Hop, granted thanks to the handbag’s characteristic that allows free movement.
Why is this bag ergonomic? It was designed so that the handles fall perpendicular to the body, unlike the design we are accustomed to where the handles are parallel. This design allows the body to maintain its natural position and not have to adapt to the structure of the piece.
It is known for its versatile and modern design, with double handles that allow it to be carried in various ways. Its contemporary style and functionality makes it popular among those looking for a more relaxed and suitable everyday Hermès bag.
Origin of the name of the Garden Party bag
The Garden Party handbag is known for its casual and versatile appearance, ideal for more relaxed events or even for everyday use. The name “Garden Party” suggests the idea of a bag that is appropriate for outdoor events, such as picnics, where comfort and elegance are harmoniously combined.
Unlike other Hermès bags that often bear names of famous personalities or cultural inspiration, the name “Garden Party” focuses on the functionality and relaxed atmosphere that the bag represents.
Origin of the name of the Bolide bag
The name “Bolide” for the Hermès handbag has an interesting history. It was originally known as “le sac pour l’auto” or “the car bag”, and it was designed by Émile-Maurice Hermès in 1923.
The Bolide introduced significant novelties and technological advancements for its time, as it was one of the first handbags to have a zipper closure instead of traditional flap closures, giving it a more streamlined and modern appearance.
Hermès went a step further, not only by using a zipper on the Bolide but also by patenting the creation as their own after discovering it on the fabric roof of an automobile during a visit to Henry Ford’s automobile industry in The United States.
However, the origin of the name of this bag has a hidden story, and that is that in 1923, Émile-Maurice Hermès was a good friend of Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the Bugatti brand. Ettore asked for a handbag that could be added to the design of the door of his newest car, the Torpedo. Hermès designed the bag and named it “Torpedo” after the car.
Later, in 1982, the Hermès brand decided to rename the bag as “Bugatti” in honor to Ettore’s inspiration to create it. However, the Bugatti brand was not happy with it, and a series of trials followed, until Hermès agreed to rename the bag and decided to use the name “Bolide” a 16th century word for comet. This new name was also a homage to fast racing cars in the 1920’s.
One name, one personality
Hermès leaves no detail overlooked, from the choice of materials, manufacturing, design, down to the special names given to its pieces, everything is finely controlled and studied to satisfy the most discerning tastes.
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