Established in 1837, Hermès has solidified its reputation for creating the world's most coveted and expensive handbags. Hermès is known for its iconic designs, including the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags, but its portfolio offers much more than just these three. Let's explore 10 most popular bags from Hermes.
Hermes Heritage
Whether through archival pieces revered by collectors or contemporary offerings that meet modern needs, Hermès maintains a broad appeal, ensuring there's a design that resonates with each aficionado's personal taste.
The journey of Hermès bags started in 1837 with Thierry Hermès, a harness-maker, who set up his own shop to craft saddles.
From its inception, and over six generations, Hermès has upheld its commitment to making high-quality, timeless, and practical products. The brand has always focused on creating items that are both attractive and durable.
As a family-run business for nearly two centuries, Hermès has consistently been recognized for its outstanding products, thanks to its long-standing dedication to craftsmanship and strong values.
Hermès began as a saddlery company, a heritage that is still represented by their horse logo. The first bags produced by Hermès were luggage pieces designed for travel.
The very first bag, called the Haut á Courroies (HAC), was created in 1892 by Thierry’s son, Charles-Émile, with help from his sons Émile and Adolphe. It was made to carry saddles and boots. Women's handbags weren't a thing back in the day.
Over time, the special design of the HAC has greatly influenced many of Hermès' popular bags. Key features of the HAC have been used in designs across almost all of Hermès' product lines.
1. The Hermes Birkin
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The Hermès Birkin bag stands out as one of the most iconic and sought-after handbags globally, celebrated across various forms of popular culture including photography, films, and social media. With the auction prices for unique pieces surpassing $250,000, Birkin is the most expensive handbag in the world.
Renowned for its unique design—a rectangular shape with top handles and straps on the front—the Birkin is recognizable even to those not familiar with luxury fashion after being featured in such iconic women's series as "Sex and the City".
Its story began on a flight from Paris to London, with French singer-actress Jane Birkin seated next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Birkin was dissatisfied with her own straw bag and complained how hard it was to find a bag that would be comfortable. This conversation with Dumas culminated in the redesign of the HAC to suit the needs of a modern woman balancing work and family. Birkin became the second Hermes bag named after a celebrity. Launched in 1984, the bag quickly gained fame and became a status symbol.
With features like a lockable front flap, interior pockets, and a proportionate design, the Birkin combines practicality with style. Sizes range from 25cm, favored for its compactness, to 35cm for more space. Recently, a 20cm version has been introduced, marking its rarity alongside the less common 40cm and 45cm travel size.
The Birkin prices start from $13,000. It's nearly impossible to walk in the boutique to get it so it makes a lot of sense to buy it on the resale market.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Offers a range of sizes |
Crazy prices |
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The most luxurious bag |
Impossible to get at the boutique |
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Spotted on countless celebrities |
2. The Hermes Kelly
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Despite its status as the second most popular bag in the world, the Hermès Kelly bag truly embodies the rich history and legacy of the French luxury fashion house. This elegant purse boasts nearly a century-long history.
The original design, christened Sac à Dépêches in 1935 by creator Robert Dumas, drew from the Haut à Courroies (HAC) of the 1850s and the Monaco bag.
Rebranded as the "Kelly" in 1956, the bag's fame skyrocketed when Grace Kelly, the celebrated actress and Princess of Monaco, was photographed using it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi. Its newfound popularity led Hermès to honor her by renaming the bag in her tribute.
Crafted in a variety of sizes, the Kelly comes in both the Sellier version, with its defining external stitching, and the softer Retourne with internal stitching, available in the following sizes:
- 25 cm
- 28 cm
- 32 cm
- 35 cm
The 20 cm Mini Kelly is exclusively Sellier. While the 40 cm and the Maxi Kelly exist, they're notably rarer.
An editorial detailing Hermès Kelly sizes can offer deeper insight.
The Kelly's design has inspired multiple variations, including the following designs:
- Kelly Cut clutch
- Kelly Ado backpack
- Kelly Danse waist bag
- Kelly Dépêches 25 wrist pouch
Each model typically employs either a Sellier or Retourne build, suited to its specific style.
Despite these variations, only the classic Kelly design is complemented with a clochette, lock, keys in sizes 25 cm and up, and a shoulder strap.
Each Birkin or Kelly bag, requiring 18-24 hours of craftsmanship by a single artisan. Interested in most Hermes facts? Check out our article.
We have also examined the differences between the two most iconic Hermes bags. Here's the Birkin vs Kelly comparison, prepared just for your convenience.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Offers a range of sizes |
Crazy prices |
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The history and legacy of the brand |
Impossible to get at the boutique |
3. The Hermes Constance
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In the 1960s, Jean-Louis Dumas, a big fan of the stylish Paris shop Victoire, asked the shop owner Catherine Chaillet to design a new handbag for Hermès. While she was expecting her fifth child, Chaillet created the bag and named it Constance, after her daughter born around the same time in 1967. The Constance quickly became popular, especially after Jacqueline Kennedy was seen carrying it often.
The Constance bag is designed to be both useful and beautiful. It has an adjustable strap and a big "H" on the front that works as a clasp. It's easy to open and close because of a special spring mechanism. These days, the Constance is made in two sizes, 18 and 24 cm, but it used to come in other sizes too. There's even a longer version called the Elan and a tiny one known as the micro.
What makes the Constance really stand out is its unique clasp. Unlike other Hermès bags, the Constance's clasp comes in many leathers and materials, making it very special. This, along with its practical design and the fact it was favored by famous people, makes the Constance a sought-after and cool bag.
In terms of pricing, Constance is hardly different from Birkin and Kelly bags. Its retail price exceeds $10,000, whereas a preloved Hermes Constance might cost less.
4. The Hermes Evelyne
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The Hermès Evelyne bag has a fascinating history that ties back to the brand's equestrian roots. Like many of Hermès's creations, it draws inspiration from the world of horse riding. Initially designed to carry horse-grooming equipment, the Evelyne took cues from the bags that stable hands used.
The bag was launched in 1978 and named after Evelyne Bertrand, who led Hermès' equestrian division. The Evelyne is distinctive for the pattern of holes on one side, designed in a big "H" shape surrounded by an oval. These holes weren't just for show; they allowed wet grooming tools stored inside to dry out.
This bag is simple and sporty, ideal for wearing across the body. It's a favorite for a lot of Hermes fans as it stands out like one of the most affordable bags. Its retail price starts at $4,000, while a preloved Evelyne is available at around $1,500. Sometimes you can find an even better deal!
The Evelyne has been released in different styles:
- Evelyne I – Comes with a fixed strap and doesn't have an outer pocket.
- Evelyne II – Also has a fixed strap but includes an exterior pocket.
- Evelyne III – Features an adjustable strap and an outer pocket.
- Evelyne Sellier – Has a stiff structure, instead of holes, there's a stamped 'H' pattern.
The Evelyne III and Sellier are still being made today. They come in five sizes:
- the smallest (16 cm)
- medium (29 cm)
- large (33 cm)
- with the previous models also including a medium-large (31 cm)
- and extra-large (40 cm)
Whether to wear Evelyne with the holes showing or against your body is up to you. Hermès says it was originally worn with the holes against the body, but there's no harm in breaking the rules!
5. The Hermes Herbag
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The Hermès Herbag is also one of the most popular Hermes bags. Its design was inspired by horse riding, just like many Hermès products. It came out in the 1990s and is sometimes called the "little sister" of the fancier Kelly Bag because they look alike. The cool thing about the Herbag is that you can switch its look with a changeable leather top and canvas body, making it both stylish and useful.
Herbag is insanely popular because it looks classy without trying too hard. It closes with a special clasp like the Kelly Bag and comes with its own lock and key, showing off the high-quality work Hermès is known for. Compared to other luxury bags from Hermès, the Herbag is much more affordable. Used ones might cost around $1,000, while new ones can go a bit above $3,000, depending on their size and what they're made of.
Hrebag comes in various sizes to cater to different preferences and needs:
- Herbag Zip 31 – Measuring at 31 cm, this medium-sized option is quite popular.
- Herbag Zip 39 Messenger – A larger version at 39 cm, suitable for those who carry more items.
- Herbag Cabine – With dimensions suitable for travel as a carry-on.
The Herbag is really popular because it's versatile. You can use it for both everyday stuff and more formal occasions. Even if you have a fancy Hermès Kelly Bag in your collection, sometimes you just opt for something a bit more laid-back and sturdy, so the Herbag comes handy. One cool feature is that you can change the canvas part of the bag to give it a whole new look, making it feel like you have several bags in one.
Also, collectors and fashionistas really value the Herbag. It's a key item from Hermès that shows off the brand's skill in making things without being as expensive as their more famous bags.
6. The Hermes Lindy
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The Hermès Lindy bag, created by the brand's former creative director Jean-Paul Gaultier, is a blend of elegance and casual style. Its name takes inspiration from the 1920s American dance, the Lindy Hop.
Launched in the Spring-Summer 2007 collection, the Lindy bag showcases a distinct oblong shape with handles at each end, creating a unique look that folds in the middle like a fortune cookie when carried. It comes with a removable strap, allowing it to switch between a tote and a shoulder bag easily.
The Lindy bag features a wide flap on top, with zippers on the sides for securing items inside. These zippers, along with long leather pulls, fasten to a turnlock closure for extra security. Additionally, it has a pocket under each handle, offering more storage.
The Lindy bag is available in various sizes:
- 20 cm
- 26 cm
- 30 cm
- 34 cm
- 45 cm
Hermès only introduced the highly sought-after Mini Lindy at 20 cm in 2019. It comes with a longer strap suitable for crossbody wear, unlike the larger sizes designed for shoulder wear. This makes the Lindy a versatile and fashionable choice for many occasions.
7. The Hermes Jypsiere
The Hermès Jypsiere bag, designed for both crossbody and shoulder wear, was also created by the brand's former creative director, Jean-Paul Gaultier. It made its debut in the Autumn-Winter 2008 collection. Taking inspiration from the HAC (Haut à Courroies) bag with its front-flap and turnlock closure, this bag also borrows elements from traditional hunting bags. It's known for its wide, adjustable strap and practical interior compartments.
The Jypsiere has been produced in the following sizes:
- 28 cm
- 31 cm
- 34 cm
- 37 cm
Recently, Hermes also released a mini size of Jypsiere.
As for pricing, like many Hermès bags, the Jypsiere is considered a luxury item with prices that are generally far from affordable. However, in the Hermes bags line, Jypsiere is a modestly priced bag and its prices start at $4,000.
The bigger sizes of the bag have been discontinued, so you can only find them preloved.
8. The Hermes Garden Party
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The Hermès Garden Party bag is a classic tote known for its durable design, including strong tubular handles and a spacious interior with a flat base. It features a Clou de Selle snap closure for security. Some leather versions also come with a zipper. The bag has snaps on the sides, allowing you to expand it for extra space.
Introduced in 1964, the Garden Party comes in materials like lightweight canvas or Negonda leather, known for its softness and durability. It's available in the following sizes:
- 30 cm (TPM)
- 36 cm (PM)
- 49 cm Voyage (TGM)
Additionally, there's a sleeker variant, the Garden File 28, which includes a detachable canvas shoulder strap, and the Garden Party Pockets Vertical, a taller, more slender version with shorter handles and external pockets for easy access.
The Garden Party bag remains in production, catering to various styles and needs. Prices can vary widely based on size and material, typically starting from $6,250 and increasing for larger or leather options.
9. The Hermes Bolide
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The Hermès Bolide bag features an innovative design that began with the introduction of the zipper to France. Émile-Maurice Hermès, the then-CEO, was inspired to use this new closure during a visit to Henry Ford's automobile factory in 1916 and secured the patent for its use in France. By 1923, Hermès utilized the zipper for its latest bag creation.
Originally named "le sac pour l’auto" and intended for car travel, the design included a rounded top, two handles, and an oval patch for monogramming. It was revised in 1982 to include a lock, clochette with key (excluding the mini size), and a removable shoulder strap. The bag was known as the Bugatti before being renamed the Bolide in 1994, which means "comet" or "meteor" in French.
Today, the Bolide is available in various sizes and styles, including 27, 31, and 35 cm, with options for a rigid "Rigide" or soft "Mou" structure, as well as the Relax 45, streamlined 1923 in Mini, 25, and 30 cm, the Skate 31 and 65, and the playful Bolide on Wheels.
The Bolide remains in production and offers choices that cater to different preferences and needs. Pricing varies widely, reflecting the bag’s size, material, and design, typically ranging from several thousand dollars up, marking it as a luxury item with functional elegance and historical significance.
10. The Hermès Jige clutch
Purchase Hermes Jige on Fashionphile
The Jige clutch by Hermès is a chic and sleek accessory if you're looking for a luxury clutch from Hermes. Created by Jean Guerrand, Émile Hermès' son-in-law, the Jige was initially a wedding gift for his daughter-in-law. Its unique name comes from Guerrand's initials (J.G.), and it hit the market in 1975, making it a timeless choice for both formal and business settings.
Featuring an iconic H-closure, this clutch is designed to fit comfortably under your arm. Its elegance is suitable for a variety of occasions, from business meetings to cocktail parties, emphasizing its adaptability.
Available in Mini, PM, and GM sizes, the Jige also offers the Elan version—a more rectangular shape—in 29 and 35 cm, with the Mini size including a strap. The clutch continues to be in production.
Typically a preowned Jige clutch will cost you about $3,000, reflecting Hermès' luxury market position, with costs aligning with the clutch's size and materials.
11. The Hermes Picotin
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The Hermès Picotin bag is a stylish and practical tote that exudes the classic charm and craftsmanship of Hermès. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Picotin is inspired by the brand's equestrian heritage, particularly the feed bags used to hold a horse's feed. This connection to Hermès' roots adds an interesting story to its design.
With its minimalist and bucket-style silhouette, the Picotin is named after a small unit of measurement used by French horsemen and captures Hermès’ tradition beautifully. The bag is unlined, showing off the high-quality leather, and comes with a lock-and-key closure that references the brand's iconic padlocks.
The Picotin is available in four sizes:
- Picotin 18 (PM)
- Picotin 22 (MM)
- Picotin 26 (GM)
- Picotin 33
These dimensions are indicative of each bag's length in centimeters.
Pricing for the Picotin can vary widely based on its size, material, and any special editions or unique leathers, but it generally starts in the lower range of Hermès' lineup due to its simpler design. The Picotin maintains a presence in Hermès' current collection, consistently cherished for its understated elegance and functionality.
12. The Hermes Geta bag
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Introduced in 2021, the Hermès Geta bag stands out with its unique clasp, inspired by the click-clack sound of traditional Japanese Geta sandals. This clasp not only secures the bag's contents but also adjusts the shoulder strap and protects with its innovative magnetic mechanism, showcasing the brand's commitment to both elegance and functionality.
In terms of design, Geta is a sister of Constance. It's an everyday bag that features a symmetrical inlaid H emblem, symbolizing transformation and brand heritage. The bag sits stably on an 'H' shaped base, with a creative reinterpretation of traditional studs for added beauty and practicality.
Crafted to resemble a supple box, the Geta bag's rear is made from luxurious leather that extends into a flap, highlighting Hermès's leather craftsmanship excellence. Introduced by Hermès, a brand renowned for luxury, the Geta bag combines innovation with tradition, quickly becoming a sought-after piece among enthusiasts.
13. The Hermes 24/24 bag
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The Hermès 24/24 bag first appeared in 2018. It was introduced as part of Hermès's lineup with a design that cleverly blends elements from the brand's iconic Kelly and Bolide bags, creating a modern yet timelessly stylish product. The 24/24 bag rapidly caught the attention of Hermès enthusiasts and luxury accessory collectors alike, solidifying its position in the luxury handbag market.
Recognizable for its structured yet supple silhouette, the 24/24 bag uses a distinctive twist-lock closure that embodies the inventive spirit of Hermès.
The Hermès 24/24 bag is available in two sizes:
- 29 cm
- 35 cm
The 29 cm size is quite similar in size to the Birkin 30, making it a great option for both day and night use. The 35 cm size is larger and ideal for a working professional or for travel, offering more room for essentials.
What sets the Hermès 24/24 bag apart is its pricing strategy, which mirrors the brand's luxury standing, reflecting the craftsmanship, material quality, and brand lineage. Each size and version of the bag is priced to correspond with these attributes, making it a significant investment piece for collectors and fashion lovers.
14. The Hermes Verrou Bag
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The Hermès Verrou bag is a distinct and stylish creation, embodying the luxury and uniqueness for which Hermès is renowned. Originally designed by Robert Dumas in the 1930s – not as a bag but as a closure itself – the Verrou found its way onto a bag decades later. The bag, as we know it today, was reintroduced around 2010, showcasing a retro yet modern look.
With its sleek lines and the signature palladium or gold-plated metal bolt lock that gives it its name (Verrou means "bolt" in French), the Hermès Verrou bag delivers a minimalist, structured aesthetic. Its understated elegance is perfect for a range of outfits, from sophisticated work attire to chic evening wear.
The Verrou bag comes in several sizes, including the pochette, mini, and the standard shoulder bag size, catering to different preferences and needs. When it comes to pricing, Hermès Verrou is very much on par with the brand's exclusivity and craftsmanship, with the cost reflecting the quality of materials used, such as premium leather types like Chèvre Mysore, and its intricate design. Prices may vary widely depending on the market and availability, often starting from a few thousand dollars and increasing with size and material.
One interesting fact about the Verrou is that compared to other Hermès classics, it is considered relatively niche, allowing for a level of exclusivity even among luxury bag enthusiasts. The distinctive bolt lock not only acts as a functional security feature but also as a conversation-starting design element that strays from the often-seen turn-lock closures of other high-end bag designs.
Hermes history is rich, thus, over time a lot of beautiful handbags were released. What's your favorite?
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