Hermès is one of those luxury brands that every fashion lover has heard of. Not only are the bags themselves timeless in their design and effortlessly stylish, but the stories at the heart of those bags add an extra layer of prestige to each and every collection.
Whether it’s the people involved in the design of each bag, or the celebrities and influencers who style them as part of their everyday look, each and every Hermès bag on the market is elevated by its connection to such an iconic brand.
Of course, there are some collections and models that are more widely known than others. The Birkin and Kelly bags are undoubtedly Hermès’ most famous models – renowned for their versatile design and plethora of finishes and colour palettes available. But that doesn’t mean we should overlook the features – and the stories – behind Hermès’ other bags.
In this article, we’re looking specifically at the Evelyne bag, and the perforated ‘H’ logo at the centre of its design.
History of the Hermès Evelyne Bag
The Evelyne bag was designed and released in 1978, named after its designer Evelyne Bertrand, and owing its structure and shape to the equestrian roots of the Hermès brand.
When the bag was first introduced to the market, it was designed as a form of saddlebag that could carry around grooming equipment. And it’s the equestrian market where the Evelyne bag spent many years, until the 2000s when it was finally re-launched as a nod to Hermès’ history, but with a design flair built for the modern audience.
Despite not being on the same level as the Birkin or Kelly with regard to popularity or prestige, the Evelyne bag is versatile and has collected a broad legion of fans, owing to its direct link with Hermès’ equestrian history.
The Evelyne is available in four main sizes as well as an infinite variety of different colours and shades. Sizes range from 16cm to a vast 40cm, with colours blending from neutral to bold statement tones.
Features of the Evelyne Bag
The Evelyne bag is remarkably simple in design. It presents as a form of saddlebag, with a long strap and a single compartment structure for ease of access to everything you choose to carry around with you.
The shoulder strap, which aids its versatility and functionality as a bag, is removable. Meanwhile, the belt strap that fastens across the top and holds the bag closed is an extra feature for security, which also adds to the detail and design of the bag.
And let’s not forget the central hallmark of the Evelyne bag, which comes in the form of the perforated ‘H’ in the centre of an oval. Now a characteristic of the Evelyne bag, the ‘H’ was first added to the bag as part of its practical design and usage. Here’s how it came to be…
How the Perforated ‘H’ Came to Be
The perforated ‘H’ was not always a purely aesthetic design trait. To understand how it came to be added to the bag, we need to look back at the origin of the Evelyne bag and why it was first introduced to the market: as an equestrian tool.
Interestingly, the ‘H’ was originally meant to sit on the inside or backside of the bag – not visible from an external position but rather a hidden feature. The reason behind the perforation was to keep the bag ventilated, letting air circulate around the horse grooming tools while they were being transported.
Of course, while this feature was always meant to add to the versatility and functional benefits of the bag as an everyday tool for horse owners, it has now become a staple of the bag’s design. Different models and versions of the Evelyne bag boast different ways of showing off this ‘H’ feature, with modern Sellier versions of the Evelyne even replacing the perforation with studs and embedded gemstones.
Nonetheless, the fact that the ‘H’ remains a core part of the bag means that Hermès is keen to retain the original features of the bag, harking back to its primary use back in the 1970s.
Purchasing an Hermès Evelyne
Hermès is a brand esteemed for its escalating value and for the fact that genuine, authentic bags are often incredibly difficult to acquire.
While buying in the luxury market has long been a statement of both style and status, Hermès sits at the very pinnacle of that market – offering bags in exceptionally high demand but extremely short supply. And, while certain models like the Birkin and Kelly are nearly impossible to find at retail, the Evelyne is one of the more accessible options.
An authentic Evelyne bag will hold its value and may even increase in value as demand continues to soar, regardless of whether you purchase a vintage model or one of the more modern variations of the classic saddlebag.
Available in a plethora of colours, sizes, and finishes, the Hermès Evelyne is an everyday bag that lends itself to the needs of bag lovers everywhere. Its deep interior can hold all the everyday items you need to carry around, while the shoulder strap enables hands-free carrying – something that puts the Evelyne ahead of other Hermès bags in terms of practical use.
Heading to your local boutique reseller will give you the best access to a selection of Hermès bags from different collections, available in a range of colours and finishes. Choose the Evelyne if you are new to the luxury market or if you want to own something that bridges Hermès’ timeless style with an intrinsic part of its history and prominence on the market.