There are some Hermès bags that everyone has heard of, regardless of their experience within the luxury goods industry or across the fashion market. Bags like the Hermès Birkin are so famous and revered that they are regularly referenced in pop culture, talked about in movies, and photographed on the arms of celebrities both out and about and on the red carpet.
To own an authentic Hermès bag is to own a piece of history, shrouded in status, prestige, and of course high value. But what about the lesser known Hermès bags? Are they just as coveted?
And perhaps more interestingly, what is it about these alternative bags that keeps them just outside the spotlight?
Introducing the Lindy Bag
The Lindy bag was first released by Hermès in 2006, making it one of the more modern bags in the brand’s repertoire. It was designed under the creative helm of Jean-Paul Gaultier, by designer Frederic Vidal – and actually boasts some incredibly practical innovations.
But, before we get to the key features and design origin of the Lindy bag, let’s first look at the bag market as it stood before the launch of the Lindy.
Prior to this unique bag’s release, handbags always positioned the handles across the width of the bag, meaning that women had to sit the bag in the crook of their arm and then extend their arm outwards for a comfortable parallel position.
The name ‘Lindy’ derives from the way that this bag was designed to be comfortable and versatile in how it’s used and worn. Lindy comes from the Lindy Hop, an American dance that’s broad and embodies a number of moves from different genres.
Origin and Design of the Hermès Lindy Bag
Frederic Vidal noted that most classic handbags had an uncomfortable format, insofar as the position of the handles and how they force the wearer to hold their arm outwards to keep the bag sitting snug to their body.
He designed the Lindy bag with handles at either end of the structure, straddling the width of the bag’s main body. Focussing on the comfort and practicality of the bag above all else, the ability to hold and handle the bag in this way allows the user to adopt a more natural posture and streamline their figure. This realignment of the handles became a notable feature, alongside the shoulder strap, which connects these two handles positioned at either end of the bag, with users able to bunch the two handles together and relax the structure of the bag or sling it over their shoulder and enjoy hands-free use.
And that’s not all. The Lindy bag is available in a plethora of sizes – and while the first release of Lindy bags were made for everyday leisure and beach use, in fact it’s the smaller sizes that have become both the most coveted and the most valuable. The Mini Lindy was the most recent release in 2019 and has fast become the most popular and sought after of the entire collection.
Another feature worth noting is the flat bottom of the Lindy bag, which, like many other Hermès bags, enables the bag to be placed on a surface without additional support. Finally, the flap that holds the bag shut with two zips, one down each side, enables the bag to be carried around with optimum security for the owner.
What Makes the Lindy So Sought After?
We can’t talk about any Hermès bag without mentioning the factors that put Hermès at the forefront of the luxury handbag market.
When you look at any Hermès bag, you will notice that the supply and stock levels are low – regardless of how many bags are sold and how long the waitlists surrounding each individual model are. This low supply is juxtaposed with the high demand of each and every Hermès, pushing the value and resale potential skywards.
The Lindy, like so many other luxury handbags, has also undergone a series of limited-edition rebrands and redesigns, and has been spotted on the arms of celebrities and high-profile influencers – all of which solidify its prominence on the market.
Some of the limited and exclusive collections of Lindy bags, which all seek to tap into different trends and corners of the market, include:
- The Toile Lindy
- The èclat Lindy
- The Verso Lindy
- The Touch Lindy
- The Himalayan Lindy
All of these are separated by different materials, design traits, and colour palettes.
Famous Fans of the Lindy Bag
Despite being a relatively new bag in terms of Hermès history, the Lindy bag has been spotted out and about on the arms of several celebrities – including Naomi Campbell and Sarah Ferguson.
Should You Buy an Hermès Lindy?
With all that in mind then, is this lesser known Hermès bag the right purchase for you?
Because it doesn’t fall under the same level of status as the Birkin or Kelly models, buyers tend to find that the Lindy is more accessible in terms of market availability and price. While still a high-level purchase, the Lindy does not have the same prestige as other bags, and so makes for a good first step into the luxury market.
Buying your perfect Hermès Lindy means identifying the features and design traits that matter most to you – be it colour, size, or material – and centring your search around those features. A reputable reseller or boutique seller will be able to support you in identifying the best bag for your needs and preferences, while offering a full authentication service and support in ensuring that the bag comes with all its relevant certification.
Visit your local reseller to see Hermès Lindy bags in person and to browse the available selection, looking at the hallmark characteristics and the innovative design of this bag.