6 stylish Hermes bags for the New Year — and the scarves to go with them

For fervent collectors, there’s nothing more exciting than a new Hermes collection.

For one, it answers all the burning questions they’ve had since last season: Which bag has made a comeback? What colours and materials do they come in now? And are there any new bags introduced?

Then there’s the explicit beauty of the new Hermes offerings, which is something that we can all appreciate, collector or not. The French luxury brand is dedicated to craftsmanship like very few other fashion brands are today. It knows the value of taking time to perfect something; their exquisite silk scarves alone are years in the making

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Hermes also knows the value of traditions. Throughout the Maison’s history, an array of design techniques have been passed down from one masterful artisan to another. Owning an Hermes bag is like owning a piece of history, entirely made by hand. And if you sensibly decide to pass it down as an heirloom, you’d be keeping up the tradition of… well, traditions.

That doesn’t mean that Hermes makes no room for modernity. As the brand’s Objets Spring/Summer 2021 collection shows us, it embraces it fully. For the New Year, the brand has given the Kelly a makeover and introduced new ways to carry the Birkin. It has also launched two bags that are unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

Intrigued? Below, we take a look at the most stunning bags from the collection — as well as the stylish scarves to go with them.

Birkin 30 bag in Barénia Faubourg calfskin and Harness in Swift calfskin

This particular Birkin bag is no newcomer. It’s made with Barénia Faubourg calfskin, which is one of Hermes’ original saddle leathers. It’s satisfying smooth and forms a patina over time, which will give the bag a charming, timeworn look.

What’s new, though, is the harness. It’s inspired by the bridle used in horse-riding, but here the sturdy leather accessory is made to keep your Birkin safely strapped. Besides the top handle, you can now conveniently carry the iconic bag with a shoulder strap. We’d top it all off with the La Danse Des Chevaux double-face scarf, Hermes’ very first reversible style — the colours just go so well together.

Birkin 35 Fray Fray bag in H twill canvas and Swift calfskin

Clearly, the Objets S/S21 collection is a treat for Birkin fans. This new version comes in Hermes’ H twill canvas — light, but very durable. In this case, it’s even a little fun thanks to its frayed edges, which gives the bag its name. It makes a nice contrast to the hot pink leather used on the top half of the bag, which we think should be matched by the equally vibrant Cheval De Fete Scarf.

Kelly Sellier 28 bag in Quadrille canvas and Swift calfskin

This season, the Kelly handbag is smartened up with a check pattern, courtesy of Hermes’ use of Quadrille canvas. Geometry is highlighted throughout the bag; its very shape is emphasised by bold lines of tan leather. This is definitely one to bring out when you mean business. And what better scarf to pair it with than the Wow double-face scarf, showcasing the Hermes woman on the go?

Aline bag in printed chevron canvas and Swift calfskin

On the other end of the spectrum is the Aline, Hermes’ casual sling bag. This season, the canvas pouch is striped in sunset hues that will have you dreaming of your next beach vacation. You can slot in your phone, your cards and your AirPods, and carry them all with ease using the bag’s leather cord. To really bring out the new Aline’s zesty colours, style it with the Rencontre Heureuse scarf.

Perspective Cavaliere bag in Togo calfskin and Hunter cowhide

The brand new Perspective Cavaliere bag was one of only two bags that appeared on the Hermes S/S 2021 runway. (Yes, there wasn’t a Birkin in sight.) Artistic director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, being a modern working woman herself, designed the bag with a sense of everyday ease. It’s crafted from Togo calfskin, a leather that is lightweight but sturdy and scratch-resistant. There’s also a hint of playfulness in the bag’s deceivingly flat appearance (hence the name).

It comes in small and large sizes, and classic colours like red, black and brown — the last of which will be nicely complemented by the fantastical Le Pégase d’Hermes cut scarf.

Mors De Bride bag in Allegro calfskin

Here’s the second new bag from Hermes. It’s inspired by the equestrian leather harness — you can see the metal ring of the horse’s bit used in the shoulder strap. Like the Aline, the Mors De Bride bag is rather slim and can only hold your essentials. Unlike the Aline, though, it’s more suited for the evening thanks to its sleek design. Style it with the En Roue Libre scarf, another Hermes design inspired by a piece of equestrian equipment.

Header photo credit: Hermes