18/10/2026
SOME ICONS ARE SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN
Join our handbag expert Marie Friedrich as she explores a selection of exceptional Hermès bags in this special edition of “This or That”.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s one final reveal: the rare Hermès bag “Le Sac Initiale”, soon to be offered in our upcoming November auction.
Designed under Martin Margiela, who served as creative director at Hermès from 1997 to 2003, the bag was introduced in the Autumn/Winter 2002 collection. At 32 x 23 x 17 cm, it takes its proportions from the classic Kelly 32, yet translates the house’s most famous silhouette into Margiela’s own language.
With an exterior entirely free of hardware and logos, it embodies the quiet, discreet luxury that defined his vision for the house. Its asymmetric shoulder straps interlace to form an “H”, the only signature it needs – and this could be one reason why the bag got its name. “Le Sac Initiale” was reportedly produced for only a short time, until around 2004, which makes it a rarity today.
Take your opportunity to own a rare piece of fashion history on November 27!
Which Hermès beauty would be your pick?