–SPECIAL– "HERMES" 70’s Foncebel oval link bar-lock box calf top handle bag

Since its founding in 1837, built upon the functional beauty and craftsmanship cultivated as a harness workshop, HERMÈS has defined luxury without compromise from material selection to structural design. We are pleased to introduce the rare model "Foncebel," an icon of the 1970s archive.

The design of the hardware, which strongly reflects harmony with jewelry lines, and the structural bag construction exude a quiet dignity, making it an exceptional masterpiece.

Based on a stoic black box calfskin, the oval link bar lock closure positioned at the center demonstrates its presence as a form rather than decoration. It is designed to be recognizable as HERMÈS at a glance without relying on the brand logo, achieving a high level of completeness.

The box calfskin, with its uniform and fine surface, reflects light beautifully. Its firmness maintains a square shape, making the contours less likely to distort over time. The firm tension felt upon touch is not only visually appealing but also a practical choice reflecting durability as a tool, embodying HERMÈS's philosophy.

The front lock mechanism features two supporting posts protruding from the flap, with a bar passing through them, reminiscent of the complex manufacturing process unique to the 1970s.

The gold metal hardware, featuring the "Gourmette" motif with linked oval rings, vividly tells of the era when jewelry ideas were adapted for bags. It clearly differs from mass-produced hardware of the 2000s and beyond, leaving traces of craftsmanship and a sense of weight.

The interior is lined with lambskin and features a three-layer accordion compartment structure, reflecting a strong organizing philosophy for beautifully arranging belongings. Unlike modern minimal interiors, the act of opening and closing itself feels refined, a luxury unique to that era.

The balance of the top handle is excellent, providing a high sense of stability when held, and practicality naturally fits within its classic appearance.

In terms of dating, the internal stamp with "HERMÈS / PARIS" in two layers of gold foil, and the font style with strong serifs and generous letter spacing typical of the 1970s to early 1980s, can be confirmed. Additionally, the model's specific features, such as the Gourmet lock hardware used only in the 1970s and the three-layer accordion structure, fully align, making this item a highly credible "Foncebel" manufactured around 1970–1979.

This model is considered the source of the later "Roulis" design, but the lock mechanism and internal structure are entirely different, making it an important point that it is not a direct successor.

The value of this masterpiece lies not in iconic pieces like Kelly or Birkin but in its ability to incorporate HERMÈS's design history into everyday life. The Foncebel, produced only briefly in the 1970s, is very rare today and has established itself as a "connoisseur's" archive and collector's piece.

The sense that value accumulates through background and structure rather than decoration is the greatest appeal of owning this bag.

Styling-wise, pairing it with a neat coat or tailored jacket balances the overall look and highlights the hardware's shine without excess. Alternatively, pairing it with a minimalist shirt and slacks or a simple dress allows the bag's structural beauty to stand out as the main feature, elevating it to an elegant presence regardless of gender.

This piece, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and era's aesthetic, is among the most refined in the HERMÈS archive.

Don't miss this opportunity.