Hermès Herbag Zip 31 in Black Canvas and Ebene Vache Hunter Leather
Top Handle Satchel with Shoulder Strap (Trapeze silhouette) · Hermès (LVMH group), Haute Couture Luxury tier. Known for artisan-led craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Collection: Herbag Collection; specifically the 'Zip' retourné version which is part of the permanent collection but often produced in limited seasonal rotations.
Style
Top Handle Satchel with Shoulder Strap (Trapeze silhouette)
Brand
Hermès (LVMH group), Haute Couture Luxury tier. Known for artisan-led craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Material
Body is made of Officier Canvas (heavy-duty cotton); the top flap and handle are Vache Hunter leather (stiff, matte cowhide). Construction uses the 'Retourné' method (sewn and then turned inside out) with painted edge finishing on the leather trim.
Dimensions
31cm (W) x 25cm (H) x 10cm (D) with a 7cm handle drop and a 45cm shoulder strap drop.
Description
The Herbag Zip is often called the 'Kelly's Little Sister' due to its similar trapeze shape and flap closure. It combines a relaxed canvas body with the structured, rigid leather of a traditional saddlery bag, offering a more casual and accessible entry point to the Hermès world.
Key Features
External back zipper pocket, front Clou de Selle closure, 'Hermès Paris' engraving on the hardware, and the ability to detach the canvas body from the leather top (modular construction).
Material & Construction
Body is made of Officier Canvas (heavy-duty cotton); the top flap and handle are Vache Hunter leather (stiff, matte cowhide). Construction uses the 'Retourné' method (sewn and then turned inside out) with painted edge finishing on the leather trim.
Color & Pattern
Black (Noir) canvas body with Ebene (dark brown) or Black leather trim. Plain, solid colorway with no external monogram, adhering to the brand's 'quiet luxury' aesthetic.
Hardware Details
Palladium-plated (silver-tone) hardware. Features the signature Clou de Selle (saddle nail) closure, shoulder strap studs, and a functional padlock and keys in a leather clochette.
Interior Description
Unlined (canvas interior), one main compartment, include a removable matching canvas zip pouch attached via a leather strap. The exterior back features a zip pocket (characteristic of the 'Zip' model).
Closure Type
Leather flap with pull-through 'sanglas' (straps) and a circular Clou de Selle toggle closure.
Strap & Handle Details
Single leather top handle for hand carry and a non-adjustable leather shoulder strap for crossbody or shoulder wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits signature Hermès craftsmanship including perfectly aligned saddle-stitching on the handle, smooth burnished leather edges, and heavy-weight textile that resists sagging better than industrial canvas.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the trapeze shape, precise stitching on the Vache Hunter leather, distinct 'Hermès Paris' typeface on the Clou de Selle, and high-quality edge glazing. Note: Blind stamp (date code) would be found under the back of the leather flap.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France. Produced in Hermès ateliers with high standards of hand-finishing and saddle-stitching on the leather components.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-2020s). The Herbag Zip is a redesign of the original Herbag (discontinued in the mid-2000s), modified for modern utility with an external pocket.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2023. The 'Zip' modification and current hardware configuration point to recent production within the last decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the trend of 'high-low' luxury—mixing utilitarian cotton canvas with high-end leatherwork. It is a staple for younger collectors transitioning into Hermès.
Condition Notes
The bag in the image appears to be in Very Good condition with slight softening of the canvas and minor creasing on the leather flap, common with regular use.
Value Estimate
Retail: Approx. $2,800 - $3,000 USD. Resale: $2,500 - $4,500 USD depending on color rarity and condition. High resale value due to Hermès scarcity.
Care & Maintenance
Canvas should be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth; leather requires conditioning with a specialized cream. Store in its dust bag and use an organizer to maintain the trapeze shape.
Similar Handbags
Hermès Kelly (all leather, more structured, higher price point); Louis Vuitton OnTheGo (larger tote style, different silhouette); Celine 16 Bag (similar flap style but all leather).
Interesting Facts
The original Herbag used to come as a 'two-in-one' set with two different colored canvas bodies that could be swapped onto the same leather top; the modern 'Zip' version is sold as a single unit.