When it comes to world-famous bags and luxury brands, there are very few names that match the prestige of Hermès.
The brand behind the iconic Birkin bag and the Kelly bag, Hermès has built an empire from sophisticated designs and some of the most expensive and highly sought-after materials on the market – not to mention the impeccable marketing that keeps the brand front of mind.
But, while both the Birkin and Kelly bags boast famous namesakes and have been seen on countless big-screen movies and TV shows – Sex and the City and Selling Sunset to name just two of them – there are other Hermès bags that are worth knowing about when considering a luxury purchase.
In this article, we’re focussing on one of our favourites: the Hermès Constance.
The Story Behind the Hermès Constance
The Hermès Constance bag was first released in 1959 and has become a mainstay in the brand’s collection ever since. Featuring an ‘H’ clasp that derives from the brand name and can now be found across many Hermès accessories, including blankets and scarves among other household items, the Constance bag is a portable piece that boasts a shoulder strap, and is considered one of the most wearable bags in the full Hermès range.
The bag was designed by Hermès’ in-house designer, Catherine Chaillet, who was pregnant at the time of design and went on to name the bag after her daughter.
When considering the rise of the Constance bag as one of Hermès’ popular styles, like with the Birkin and the Kelly, we need only really look at the famous faces who covet, own, and are seen out and about with the bag. In the case of the Hermès Constance, it’s First Lady Jackie Kennedy who helped to elevate the status of this bag to a broader audience.
Key Features of the Hermès Constance Bag
Before we dive into the features of the Hermès Constance bag, it’s worth noting that this is considered the third of the Hermès ‘Big Three’. Though not necessarily as well known or as recognisable as the Birkin and Kelly bags to a wide audience, for luxury bag lovers and investment buyers the Constance remains a high-level investment that’s suitable for regular use or for storing safely ahead of a future sale.
One of the things that makes the Constance so highly sought after is its compact size, and the fact that it’s the only one of the ‘Big Three’ that replaces a traditional handle with a shoulder strap for ease of carrying. The standard Constance size is the 24cm bag, with an 18cm and 14cm Mini model also available. And it doesn’t end there.
As you will see in the next section of this article, Hermès has continued to move with the times and release innovative models in line with customer demand, since its earliest introduction of the Constance on the market. However, as a little teaser, think wallet purse, versatile storage, and an exclusive range of alternative Constance models that play with the dimensions of the original.
Another notable feature is the ‘H’ on the front of the bag, which holds the flap in place and alludes to the exquisite and recognisable branding. The shoulder strap is adjustable and can be fixed in length according to the wearer’s preference, while the plethora of finishes in terms of both the bag’s material and the hardware vary depending on trends and on buyer activity.
How the Hermès Constance Has Evolved for a Modern Audience
When we look at the history and evolution of the Hermès Constance bag, it’s interesting to note how the sizes within each collection vary, how the materials change with the season, and how Hermès has transformed the original Constance bag into several offshoot products.
The first example of evolution becomes apparent when you browse the up-to-date Hermès Constance range and see that some of the former larger sizes of bags are no longer available. This is because Hermès discontinued some of the larger pieces, leaving the 24cm bag as the biggest in the standard collection.
Another example of evolution, and something that is always worth looking at when tracking the rise and timeline of a specific bag or brand, lies in colour palettes and materials. Hermès is renowned for always delivering exceptional quality with regard to its bags and the materials used, be it a rare and exotic animal skin or the on-trend block colour of the season, brought to life on leather.
Hermès has also evolved the Constance range with regard to the bags themselves, their structure and their underlying purpose for everyday users. While the shoulder-strap Constance bag remains the gold standard of the collection and arguably the most popular piece among buyers, the rise of the Constance To Go Wallet, the Slim Wallet, and the Compact Passant Wallet speaks to the ability of Hermès to adapt to the market and continue experimenting with bags that its customers respond well to.
Should You Invest in an Hermès Constance Bag?
Suffice to say, the Hermès Constance has a great story behind it. Not only was it brought to life by an Hermès designer who incorporated her own needs for an everyday bag into the design, but in doing so, she created a bag that was made to be passed from mother to daughter – and so on.
Whether you opt for a vintage or older Constance bag or choose one of the newer and more modern pieces, this bag combines functionality with elegance and is a true example of an accessory that is elegant and classy but that also serves a purpose.
For buyers keen on an Hermès bag, we always recommend that they consider a Constance – rather than just opting for a Birkin or a Kelly. The Constance may be underrated, but the right piece delivers both value and unrivalled style.
