Hermès is renowned for its three main handbags, considered the “Big Three” of the luxury brand’s repertoire. The Kelly and Birkin bags tend to receive the most press, which leaves us with the Constance: a bag that may not get as much attention as the other two, but which boasts enviable design features and remains a coveted accessory, loved by those looking for a practical and more portable handbag.
While both the Kelly and Birkin bag collections are designed to be held in the hand or the crook of an arm, the Constance bag is designed for hands-free use – a concept that was brought to the luxury accessories market by none other than Coco Chanel. The design of the Constance was spearheaded by in-house designer Catherine Chaillet in 1967, with the bag ultimately being named after Chaillet’s newborn daughter – Constance.
Ever since that initial release in 1967, the Constance has been recognised as a chic and elegant shoulder bag, which can also be carried by hand as a large clutch. Its large ‘H’ clasp links it to the Hermès brand and has become a hallmark trait of the bag – available in different hardware finishes and iterations – while the manufacturing of each Constance bag is said to take around 14 hours of distinct craftsmanship.
Suffice to say, the only way to ensure the longevity and continued quality of a genuine Constance bag is to invest in proper maintenance. Which is where this article comes in.
Selling Points of the Constance Bag
As you might have derived from the basic outline above, the Constance bag is one of Hermès’ most versatile luxury pieces. Not only can it be worn over the shoulder, enabling hands-free usage, but it can also be carried by hand as a large clutch. And with a plethora of sizes available to choose from, starting at the Mini Constance and increasing in size right up to the Constance Cartable 29, it’s incredibly easy for buyers to find their perfect lifestyle match.
Another top selling point of the Constance bag has to be the standout design feature: the ‘H’ clasp on the front of the bag. This immediately links the bag to its brand of origin, is a fashion statement that’s underpinned by prestige and exclusivity, and adds a pop of juxtaposing texture to the otherwise simple design and construction of the bag.
As hinted at above, this bag is made with the utmost attention to detail – requiring upwards of 14 hours of craftsmanship for each and every piece. The elegance of the portable and compact shape means that the Constance is as much an aesthetic accessory as it is a practical addition to every outfit, with Hermès taking every step necessary to ensure the look and usability of the bag is always of premium quality.
And let’s not forget that, as the lesser known of the Hermès Big Three, this bag is more accessible – with more choice available to those buyers who seek their ideal Constance through the hands of a reputable reseller.
Of course, when buying a second-hand bag, its past care and maintenance soon becomes clear – and incredibly important. To ensure that your bag retains its value as well as its pristine aesthetic, here are just a few tips from our team of luxury bag experts.
Maintenance Tips for Your Constance Bag
The Constance bag is designed to be carried with you from day to night – with the use of premium materials, the diverse collection of colour tones and finishes, and the range of sizes meaning that buyers can find their perfect look in the Constance collection.
But, while the leathers typically used by Hermès are durable and sturdy, there is an element of care that’s required to ensure the bags can hold and retain their shape. It’s important not to overstuff an Hermès Constance bag, as this can cause damage to its structure and it can lose its compact presentation. There are several videos and articles online that share exactly what you can comfortably fit inside most popular Hermès bags, carrying out the experiments so that you don’t have to.
Another maintenance tip is to consider lining the inside of your Constance bag with a dedicated insert. This protects the material that lines the inside of the bag and plays an important role in mopping up any residue on the outside of makeup products or accessories. And, while we’re on the subject of material, it’s equally important to be able to clean the outside of your bag properly, depending on the leather and its durability.
Of course, you may be the kind of buyer who wants to collect Constance bags rather than use them – in which case, proper storage is critical. That means no weight on the box holding your Constance bag, and ensuring that the environment remains dry and consistent in temperature.
However, if you ask us, this is a bag that was made to be used, celebrated, and enjoyed. It’s an everyday example of Hermès style – made accessible both in its use of a longer shoulder strap and the ‘H’ clasp that keeps possessions safe when in use.
How to Know a Constance Bag Is Real
With any reputable luxury brand there comes a high risk of counterfeit and fake goods – and this is no different when seeking your ideal Hermès Constance bag.
To ensure a bag is authentic, make sure it comes with the original box and dustbag, and has all the relevant certification to accompany it. A reputable reseller will be able to point out the hallmarks of an authentic bag and will give you the time and space to browse the different colours, finishes, and sizes – comparing the Constance with other luxury designs to help you find your perfect match.
They can also provide you with bespoke advice on maintenance and care, including how to clean your bag and enjoy its beauty without causing damage.