When you think about Hermès and its bag collection, it’s easy to restrict your thinking to the Birkin, Kelly, and perhaps even the Constance bags. Considered the “Big Three” of the renowned luxury brand, these bags are staples in the collections of both investment buyers and luxury bag enthusiasts, owing to the bold designs and iconic histories.
But Hermès has developed other bags within its collection, many of which are as stylish and as functional as these iconic models. The Evelyne is one such bag, which boasts an interesting and insightful history – one which links directly back to the early days of Hermès and the very first collections that were developed under the world-famous luxury brand.
The Story Behind the Hermès Evelyne Bag
Most luxury bag enthusiasts and investors will know that Hermès started life as a harness workshop, manufacturing high-end accessories for noblemen and their horses.
The Evelyne bag is derived from and inspired by this history and by the original market in which Hermès was active, as it was originally released as a carry bag for riders to hold all of their horse-grooming equipment. Designed in 1978, the Evelyne bag owes its name to its designer, Evelyne Bertrard, who carried the saddlebag shape and distinctive perforated ‘H’ emblem direct to the market and made it an Hermès must-have.
Key Features of the Hermès Evelyne Bag
The shape of the Evelyne bag is vastly different to that of the other Hermès bags, which instantly makes it stand out on the shelf and across extensive Hermès collections.
While the Birkin and Kelly bags boast rigid structures that stand tall, the wider base supporting the slightly narrower top with its structured handles, the Evelyne bag boasts a rounded saddle shape that is designed to be worn across the body via its long strap.
The aforementioned ‘H’ logo is constructed from perforated holes in the leather – which, far from adding a standout design element, was originally added to provide ventilation to the bag and for the groom equipment stored inside it.
The long strap gives this bag more of a practical design and application in terms of portability, while the belt closure keeps the bag closed and its contents securely contained.
Perhaps the most important thing to note when considering all of these features is the fact that, while these are unique and interesting selling points for modern buyers, at the time of design – and for years after – these features were solely designed for their practical application.
The Evelyne bag was not made for the mass market or to be used as a handbag – and didn’t make it into the everyday market for years after its first release. It was developed for the equestrian market and remained there until the early 2000s, when it was finally released on a wider scale for a broader market of buyers. Since then, there have been four different variations of the Evelyne bag released to the market, with four different sizes now available for buyers to enjoy.
Which is where the different design finishes and colour palettes of the Hermès Evelyne come in.
Hermès Evelyne Material Finishes
When the Hermès Evelyne was released as a leather good, attracting interest from investment buyers and style lovers, suddenly its aesthetic finish and the materials used became important.
Because the Evelyne is recognised on the market as a more relaxed and arguably more practical bag than the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags, the material used matters. Most Evelyne bags are made from either the scratch-resistant and matte-finish Clemence leather, or the softer and more lightweight Epsom leather. Other leather types include the Maurice and Hunter leathers, which are seen across more modern versions of the Evelyne.
Regardless of the leather used, one of the underlying features of the Evelyne bag is its raw interior and the canvas strap – not to mention the distinct lack of hardware when compared with other Hermès bags. This is a bag that was originally manufactured to bridge style and functionality on a practical scale in the equestrian market – a motivation that remains reflected across more modern designs too.
Today, buyers will see that the Evelyne has become increasingly adaptive with regard to the materials used and the ever-blurred distinction between its practical nature and the modern buyer’s love of unique and unexpected finishes. While Hermès lends itself to classic and timeless designs, the brand is known for pushing boundaries with regard to colour palettes and aesthetic details – with some of the following the most coveted and sought-after looks…
Coveted Hermès Evelyne Colour Palettes
There will always be an incredibly high demand for classic and timeless Hermès colour palettes, including classic black and brown leathers and neutral tones. Because the Evelyne does not have the same reliance on a harmonious link between colour and hardware, buyers will often find that the Evelyne is available in a wider range of bold and statement colours too – often with juxtaposing or patterned canvas straps to inject a little personality into the piece.
Some popular colours for the Evelyne include oranges and yellows, green, purple, and blue. We are also seeing a rise in enquiries for soft pinks and other pastel shades, with some of the demand coming from seasonal preferences alongside more classic palettes.
The more you browse and search for your perfect Evelyne, the higher your chance of coming across unique models that use different materials and boast more than one colour – sometimes showcasing a different coloured trim, or a juxtaposing oval surrounding the perforated ‘H’ logo.
If buying an Hermès Evelyne is at the top of your wish list, then we recommend visiting your local boutique reseller to enjoy a selection of the most popular colours in stock – seeing how they look, both in person and as part of your own personal style. Not only does visiting a reputable reseller give you access to a wider range of stock, but you also benefit from onsite valuation and formal authentication services.