Hermès Herbag Zip 31 – Bleu France Toile & Fauve Vache Hunter Leather

The Hermès Herbag Zip 31 in Bleu France Toile and Fauve Vache Hunter Leather is a distinctive expression of Hermès design that combines equestrian-inspired practicality with the refined craftsmanship associated with the maison. With its vivid blue canvas body, warm Fauve leather trim, signature Clou de Selle closure, and versatile carrying options, the Herbag Zip 31 offers an appealing alternative to the more formal Birkin and Kelly silhouettes.

The Herbag has often been appreciated for its resemblance to the Kelly while maintaining a more relaxed, lightweight character. Its canvas construction, interchangeable body concept, and practical interior make it particularly suitable for everyday use. Hermès describes the Herbag as a design built around a canvas body and an unlined leather flap, with multiple storage options and a removable pouch.

A documented Bleu France and Fauve example from 2016 measures approximately 31 × 25.5 × 10–11 cm, with a shoulder strap drop of about 18 inches.

The Heritage of the Herbag

The Herbag occupies a unique position within the Hermès handbag collection.

Its design combines elements associated with traditional equestrian equipment and the clean proportions of the Kelly family. The structured leather flap, vertical body, top handle, and Clou de Selle closure immediately create an association with Hermès's classic designs, while the canvas body gives the bag a more casual personality.

This contrast is one of the Herbag's greatest strengths.

Instead of presenting the formal presence of a fully leather Kelly, the Herbag introduces a lighter textile body that makes it suitable for everyday situations. The combination of canvas and leather also creates a visually interesting two-material construction.

Bleu France Toile

The Bleu France canvas body provides the handbag with its vibrant visual identity.

Bleu France is an energetic blue that has a distinctly fresh and sophisticated character. On the Herbag's substantial canvas panels, the color becomes a prominent feature without appearing overly decorative.

The canvas construction is particularly well suited to this shade because the textile surface gives the blue a softer, more casual appearance than it might have on a highly polished leather handbag.

The result is a handbag that can function as a colorful accent while retaining the understated elegance of Hermès design.

A documented 2016 example is specifically described as Bleu France and Fauve, with a sturdy blue canvas exterior and Fauve leather trim.

Fauve Vache Hunter Leather

The warm Fauve Vache Hunter leather creates a beautiful contrast against the blue canvas.

Vache Hunter is a particularly appropriate leather for the Herbag because of its history and physical character. Hermès describes Hunter cowhide as a 100% vegetable-tanned leather with a firm hand, substantial thickness, and high density. The maison notes that these characteristics make it especially suited to structured flaps, straps, and shoulder straps.

The Fauve shade brings a natural saddle-like warmth to the design.

Against Bleu France, the leather appears particularly rich. The combination recalls classic equestrian colors—deep blue textiles and warm natural leather—while remaining modern enough for contemporary wardrobes.

The Blue-and-Fauve Color Combination

One of the most attractive qualities of this Herbag is the contrast between the two principal materials.

Bleu France contributes brightness and energy.

Fauve leather introduces warmth and natural depth.

Together, they create a balanced palette that can work with both neutral and colorful clothing.

The bag can be paired with:

• White shirts
• Cream knitwear
• Beige trousers
• Denim
• Navy tailoring
• Camel coats
• Black dresses
• Neutral summer clothing

The Fauve leather also makes it easy to coordinate the handbag with brown or tan shoes and belts.

The Herbag Zip 31 Size

The 31 cm format is one of the most versatile Herbag sizes.

Hermès currently lists Herbag Zip 31 dimensions at approximately 30.5 × 25.5 × 11 cm, with a shoulder strap measuring about 95 cm without the snap hooks. Because the bag is handmade, Hermès notes that dimensions may vary.

A secondary-market example of the Bleu France/Fauve configuration is listed at approximately 31 × 25.5 × 14 cm, demonstrating why measurements can vary according to the individual bag and measuring method.

The proportions are large enough to provide useful daily capacity while remaining sufficiently compact for comfortable shoulder or handheld carrying.

The Signature Clou de Selle Closure

The Clou de Selle closure is one of the defining visual details of the Herbag.

Positioned prominently on the leather flap, it provides a direct connection to Hermès's equestrian heritage. The closure also creates a strong focal point where the warm Fauve leather meets the Bleu France canvas.

On the documented Bleu France/Fauve example, the closure is accompanied by palladium-finished hardware, padlock, keys, and leather clochette.

The combination of blue canvas, Fauve leather, and polished metal creates a particularly refined contrast.

Canvas Construction

The Herbag's canvas body is central to its identity.

Unlike an all-leather handbag, canvas allows the design to feel lighter and more relaxed. It also provides an interesting textural contrast against the smoother leather flap and straps.

Hermès currently offers Herbag Zip models in several canvas constructions, including Militaire, Officier, H Berline, and Criss Viking depending on the particular version and market.

For the Bleu France example, the canvas gives the vivid blue color a practical, casual character that works particularly well with the Fauve leather.

Interchangeable Body Concept

One of the Herbag's distinctive features is its relationship between the leather components and canvas body.

The textile portion can be replaced or changed on appropriate Herbag designs, giving the concept an element of versatility that is unusual among luxury handbags. A documented Bleu France/Fauve Herbag specifically notes the interchangeable canvas body as one of the model's practical characteristics.

This concept allows the handbag to be appreciated not only as a finished color combination but also as a design platform.

The leather flap and handle provide the recognizable Hermès identity, while the textile body can introduce a different color or personality.

Interior Organization

The Herbag Zip 31 is designed with everyday organization in mind.

Hermès describes the model as featuring a removable interior flat zipped pouch and an exterior zipped rear pocket. The maison also notes that the interior volume can accommodate useful daily storage, including space suitable for a computer along with dedicated areas for smaller belongings.

The removable pouch is particularly useful because it can function as an independent organizational compartment inside the larger bag.

This makes the Herbag more practical than its relatively minimalist exterior might suggest.

Rear Exterior Pocket

The exterior rear pocket adds another useful element.

It provides convenient access to smaller belongings without requiring the main compartment to be opened.

This feature is especially practical for items such as receipts, travel documents, cards, or other objects that the wearer may need to reach quickly.

The pocket also maintains the understated appearance of the handbag because it is integrated into the rear canvas structure. Hermès lists the exterior zipped pocket as one of the standard features of the Herbag Zip 31.

Collapsible Handle

The collapsible top handle gives the Herbag another distinctive design characteristic.

It allows the bag to be carried by hand while remaining visually streamlined when placed against the body.

The handle is constructed in matching leather, reinforcing the Fauve portion of the design and creating continuity between the flap, straps, and carrying structure.

This leather-and-canvas relationship is central to the handbag's visual identity.

Shoulder Strap and Versatility

The detachable shoulder strap allows the Herbag to transition easily between carrying styles.

Hermès describes the Herbag Zip 31 as suitable for carrying by hand or over the shoulder.

This makes it appropriate for a broad range of settings.

For formal or polished styling, it can be carried by the top handle.

For everyday use, the shoulder strap provides a more relaxed and practical option.

The documented Bleu France/Fauve example has a shoulder strap with an approximately 18-inch drop.

A Relaxed Alternative to the Kelly

The Herbag is sometimes described as a more casual relative of the Kelly, and the comparison is understandable.

Both designs have:

• A structured leather flap
• A prominent central closure
• A top handle
• A removable shoulder strap
• A vertical, elegant silhouette

However, the Herbag's canvas body changes the personality of the design considerably.

The Kelly can project a highly formal and polished impression, particularly in Sellier construction. The Herbag feels more relaxed, practical, and adaptable.

This makes it especially attractive to someone who wants recognizable Hermès design without the formality of a fully leather Kelly.

Equestrian Inspiration

The Fauve leather and Clou de Selle closure reinforce the Herbag's equestrian associations.

The warm leather resembles traditional saddle tones, while the firm Hunter leather is specifically associated by Hermès with structured components such as flaps, straps, and shoulder straps.

The combination of sturdy canvas and vegetable-tanned cowhide therefore feels authentic to the broader visual language of Hermès.

The result is not merely decorative equestrian inspiration; the materials and construction themselves contribute to that character.

Styling the Bleu France Herbag

The vivid blue canvas makes this handbag especially effective as a statement accessory.

For a sophisticated daytime look, it can be paired with:

White and Fauve: A white shirt, cream trousers, tan loafers, and the Herbag create a clean, warm ensemble.

Denim and leather: Blue jeans and a simple knit allow the bag's Bleu France color and Fauve details to become the focal point.

Navy tailoring: Deeper blue clothing creates tonal layering while allowing Bleu France to provide contrast.

Black: Black clothing creates a dramatic background for the blue and natural leather.

Neutral tailoring: Beige, taupe, gray, and cream provide understated backgrounds that allow the handbag to stand out.

Seasonal Versatility

The Bleu France and Fauve combination has strong year-round potential.

During spring and summer, the bright blue canvas works naturally with white, linen, cream, and light denim.

During autumn, Fauve leather pairs beautifully with camel coats, brown boots, beige knitwear, and deeper neutral shades.

In winter, the vivid blue can add color to otherwise dark wardrobes dominated by black, charcoal, and navy.

This versatility helps prevent the handbag from feeling tied to a particular season.

Craftsmanship and Handmade Character

Hermès emphasizes that the Herbag is handmade and that its dimensions can vary.

This handmade character is particularly relevant to a design that combines different materials.

The canvas needs to be carefully fitted to the leather structure, while the flap, closure, handle, straps, and hardware must remain proportionate and precisely aligned.

The Fauve Hunter leather is firm and dense, providing the structure needed for the flap and straps. The canvas contributes flexibility and a lighter visual presence.

The craftsmanship therefore lies not only in individual components but also in how these contrasting materials work together.

Practicality for Everyday Use

The Herbag Zip 31 is particularly compelling for those who want a luxury handbag that can genuinely function as an everyday companion.

Its 31 cm width provides useful capacity without making the bag excessively large.

The interior pouch provides organization, while the rear zipped pocket offers quick access.

The shoulder strap makes hands-free carrying possible, and the canvas body gives the handbag a less precious appearance than an all-leather alternative.

This combination of practicality and luxury is one of the Herbag's strongest characteristics.

Collector Appeal

The Bleu France Toile and Fauve Vache Hunter combination is particularly appealing because of its distinctive color contrast and traditional Hermès materials.

A documented 2016 example is identified as Bleu France and Fauve, with a sturdy blue canvas body, Fauve leather trim, palladium hardware, rear zipper pocket, shoulder strap, padlock, keys, and clochette.

Another documented Bleu France/Fauve Herbag 31 from 2022 was described as unworn and included its box, protective bag, invoice, key, lock, clochette, booklet, and ribbon.

These examples demonstrate the enduring appeal of the color pairing among Hermès collectors and luxury resale specialists.

Care and Preservation

The combination of canvas and leather requires thoughtful care.

The canvas should be protected from excessive moisture, staining, and abrasion. Fauve Vache Hunter leather can develop changes in appearance with use, so avoiding prolonged exposure to water and harsh substances is advisable.

Hermès describes Hunter leather as vegetable-tanned, firm, thick, and dense, characteristics that make it particularly suitable for structured components.

The handbag should ideally be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

The hardware should also be protected from unnecessary scratches, particularly around the Clou de Selle closure and lock.

Professional care is preferable when significant cleaning or restoration is required.

Why the Herbag Zip 31 Remains Relevant

The Herbag Zip 31 succeeds because it combines several qualities that are difficult to balance in one handbag.

It has the visual heritage of Hermès, the practicality of a canvas tote, the sophistication of leather craftsmanship, and the flexibility of multiple carrying options.

The Bleu France and Fauve version adds another advantage: color.

The bright blue canvas makes the handbag distinctive, while the natural Fauve leather keeps the overall aesthetic grounded and timeless.

Final Thoughts

The Hermès Herbag Zip 31 in Bleu France Toile and Fauve Vache Hunter Leather is an elegant combination of color, craftsmanship, practicality, and equestrian-inspired design.

Its approximately 30.5–31 cm width, 25.5 cm height, and 11 cm depth provide a useful everyday format, while the removable interior pouch, rear zipped pocket, collapsible handle, and shoulder strap add genuine functionality.

The Bleu France canvas gives the handbag a vivid and contemporary personality, while Fauve Vache Hunter leather introduces warmth, structure, and a traditional saddle-inspired character. Hermès's own description of Hunter leather emphasizes its vegetable tanning, density, and suitability for structured handbag components.

Ultimately, this Herbag offers a distinctive alternative to the maison's more formal leather icons. It combines the recognizable elegance of Hermès with the relaxed practicality of canvas, creating a handbag that can move effortlessly from everyday errands to sophisticated city dressing.

For anyone seeking a Hermès piece with strong visual character, useful capacity, versatile carrying options, and a beautiful relationship between Bleu France and Fauve, the Herbag Zip 31 is an especially compelling choice.

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