The 1923 Bolide Mini is the smallest Bolide Hermès makes, and one of the most charming bags in the current line. It takes the domed silhouette of the original Bolide, a design that carries the date of its first appearance in its name, and shrinks it to a size you can wear across the body. Alongside it sits the playful Bolide On Wheels. This guide explains both, how they compare with the full-size Bolides, and what to look for before you buy.
Why it is called 1923
The Bolide first appeared in 1923 and is widely credited as one of the first handbags to close with a zip, an unusual idea for leather goods at the time. The rounded, dome-shaped body and the zip that runs around it have barely changed since. The 1923 name on the current line is a nod to that history. For the full story of the shape and the larger sizes, read our Hermès Bolide buyer’s guide; this article focuses on the smallest members of the family.
The 1923 Bolide Mini at a glance
The 1923 Bolide Mini measures about 18 × 13 × 8 cm on the examples in our stock. It has two short top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, so it can be carried by hand or worn crossbody. In practical terms, it holds a phone, a cardholder, keys and a lipstick, which is exactly what most people carry in an evening bag.
Compared with the full sizes, the difference is clear:
- 1923 Bolide Mini — 18 × 13 × 8 cm. Crossbody, evening and travel bag.
- Bolide 25 — 25 × 20 × 10 cm. A compact day bag.
- Bolide 27 — 26 × 19 × 12 cm. Slightly deeper, an easy daily size.
- Bolide 31 — 32 × 24 × 13 cm. A full working bag.
Because the mini keeps the full Bolide proportions, it does not look like a toy. It looks like a Bolide seen from further away, and that is a large part of its appeal.
Leathers and editions
The mini comes in a wider range of leathers than its size suggests. Chèvre and Chèvre Mysore are goatskins with a fine grain and a soft sheen; they are light, durable and take colour brilliantly. Evercolor is a supple calf with a subtle grain that resists scratches. Swift is smooth and rich in colour. In addition, the Bolide Mini appears in exotics such as ostrich, and in special editions: our black Swift example belongs to the La Selle Imaginaire edition, with a graphic printed panel that turns the bag into a small piece of art.
As a rule of thumb, choose chèvre or Evercolor if the bag will be worn often, and an exotic or a special edition if it is a collector’s piece.
The Bolide On Wheels
The Bolide On Wheels is the 1923 Bolide at its most playful: the domed bag mounted on a set of small wheels, so it looks like a vintage car. It measures about 19 × 17 × 9 cm on our example, in Vert Fizz and white Epsom. It is a statement piece first and a bag second, and it is far rarer than the standard mini. If you collect Hermès whimsy alongside the classics, it is one of the most recognisable pieces of the last few seasons.
Who the 1923 Bolide Mini suits
The mini suits anyone who wants an Hermès crossbody that is easier to find than a Kelly Pochette or a Constance. It also makes a natural second bag: small enough to sit inside a larger tote, and polished enough for an evening on its own. Meanwhile, the price sits well below the classic small Kellys and Birkins, which makes the 1923 Bolide Mini one of the most approachable ways into Hermès leather goods.
What to check before you buy
- The zip. It runs around a curve, so it should glide all the way without catching at the corners.
- The dome. The body should hold its rounded shape; dents or creasing on the top are hard to correct.
- Handles and strap. Check the handle edges for darkening and the strap clasps for scratches.
- Base and corners. Small bags are often set down on tables, so look at the base for rubbing.
- Stamps. Confirm the blind stamp and heat stamp, as you would on any Hermès bag. Our authentication checklist explains what to look for.
1923 Bolide Minis in stock now
- Hermès 1923 Bolide Mini Rouge H Chèvre — $6,965
- Hermès Bolide Mini Bleu Royal Ostrich — $8,750
- Hermès Bolide Mini Sun Chèvre Mysore — $5,600
- Hermès Bolide Mini Rose Darling Chèvre Mysore — $7,700
- Hermès Bolide Mini Vert Vertigo Chèvre — $6,650
- Hermès Bolide Mini Bleu France Evercolor — $5,950
- Hermès 1923 Bolide Mini, La Selle Imaginaire, Black Swift — $13,650
- Hermès Bolide On Wheels 1923, Vert Fizz Epsom — $19,950
Prefer a larger size? See the Bolide 25 in Black Epsom, the Bolide 31 in Rouge Pivoine, or the full Bolide collection.
Common questions
Can the 1923 Bolide Mini be worn crossbody?
Yes. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap, so it works by hand, on the shoulder or across the body.
What fits inside a 1923 Bolide Mini?
A phone, a cardholder, keys and a lipstick. It is an essentials bag rather than a day bag.
Is the Bolide On Wheels practical?
It holds about as much as the standard mini, but most owners treat it as a collector’s piece. If you want one bag to wear every day, choose the standard 1923 Bolide Mini. For advice on any piece, call +1 (213) 679-3177, message us on WhatsApp, or email sales@herbirkinbags.com.
