trying to think about the breadth of Hermès’s handbag output in a given year makes me feel a little dizzy. a lot of brands, even those who produce at a global scale, limit things in one way or another in buy to simplify their supply chains: either they only make a limited number of shapes at one time, or they only make a certain number of colors. even brands like Gucci, which seems to have an endlessly diverse product array, put the majority of their bag resources into a few big lines, like the Dionysus, Marmont, Sylvie and Ophidia collections that are out ideal now. The greatest exception to this is Hermès, just like Hermès is the greatest exception to nearly all the policies in high-end accessories.
Not only does Hermès make the most impressively in-depth variety of colors in the handbag world (there are like a dozen different pinks available on the brand’s web site ideal now in various styles), but the brand applies those colors to dozens of bag styles, lots of of which come in multiple size and structure variations, as well as multiple hardware options. When you think about all the distinct pieces that results in, it’s unexpectedly not so mystifying why any particular Hermès bag can be tough to get at any given boutique: there’s simply not a whole lot of any one thing because there are so lots of potential things.
The a lot of tough Hermès things to buy, of course, are Birkin and Kelly bags—you either have to build up a relationship with a particular store, or you have to get really lucky (or, even better: both). Those designs are by far the brand’s a lot of popular pieces, which is a substantial aspect in why they’re so hard-to-get, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate they’re better than the other stunning bags the brand makes. There are just a lot more people who know about them, which makes them scarce.
If you’re new to the handbag game or just new to having an interest in Hermès, figuring out all the things the brand makes beyond the Birkin can be a little opaque. Here, we’ve found ten iconic, longstanding bags from the brand that are well worth knowing, plus a few details about each. You don’t have to invest in a Birkin to join the Hermès club.
Bolide
The Bolide has gone through several phases, but the idea for the bag dates back to 1923, when the first version was created to honor the launch of a new model of Bugatti. If you’re interested in whether the Bolide or the similar-looking Louis Vuitton Alma Bag came first, we have all the history you could want on that story.
Hermès Bolide 31 Bag, $8,100 by means of Hermès
Plume
The original Plume Bag was released as a travel piece in the 1960s, based on archival Hermès luggage designs that stretched back another four decades. Rumor has it that the Plume was first made in the day bag size we know now at the request of legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve.
Hermès Plume II tiny Bag, $6,000 by means of Hermès
Victoria
Although the Victoria II bag, which is now common, dates to 2007, I was unable to find the debut date for the original Victoria. Either way, the reasons it remains a classic are clear: the bag’s simple, functional shape and roomy interior indicate it could be a native to essentially any period in modern handbag design history.
Hermès Victoria II Fourre-Tout 35 Bag, $5,150 by means of Hermès
Garden Party
The garden party tote is another bag whose exact debut date I couldn’t find, but its longstanding popularity is clear: the bag is roomy, sophisticated, absolutely classic and can be carried on the shoulder. It’s also one of the brand’s less expensive all-leather day bags.
Hermès garden party 36 Bag, $3,675 by means of Hermès
Constance
The Constance made its debut in 1959, taking its name from one of the original designer’s daughters. The Constance is the closest Hermès gets to a real logo bag, with the famous H hardware closure gleaming from the front of all versions. If you’re not a logo person, you might be interested in the brand’s Roulis or 2002 bags, which feature a similarly structured flap bag style with a lot more modest hardware.
Hermès Constance Bag, $12,041 by means of Vestiaire Collective
Evelyne
The Evelyne was first created to be a part of the a lot more equestrian-centric part of the Hermès leather lineup, intended to carry grooming accessories. Now, though, the bag is firmly on the fashion accessory side of things after being relaunched in 2000. It’s one of the brand’s a lot of popular pieces because of its casual, functional shape and relatively modest price tag, and it’s normally widely available both in stores and online
Hermès Evelyne III 33 Bag, $3,750 by means of Hermès
Medor
The Medor hold only dates back to 2007, but the inspiration behind it is part of Hermès history dating back to the 1920s: the famous Collier de Chien studded lock, which has graced pet dog collars, cuffs and watches, as well as this bold clutch.It’s fast become a staple for Hermès fans.
Hermès Medor Clutch, $5,150 by means of Hermès
Lindy
Like the Medor, the Lindy Bag was also introduced in 2007, which [turned out to be] a substantial year for both new designs and relaunches of older Hermès bag shapes. Unlike the Medor, the Lindy’s signature isn’t its hardware, but it’s shape itself—the design eschews the normal policies of top handles and carry bags in favor of a combined structure that felt new at the time and continues to be borrowed by other brands to this day.
Hermès Lindy 30 Bag, $7,800 by means of Hermès
Picotin Lock
This bag dates back to 2002, the Picotin Lock takes significant inspiration from the brand’s equestrian heritage: the shape is inspired by the feed bags hooked over horses’ ears. Obviously, though, the simple, casual Picotin Lock is a little bit a lot more sophisticated than its aesthetic beginnings suggest.
Image by means of Hermès
Herbag Zip
The Herbag Zip is the updated version of the Herbag, which was discontinued in 2009. like we explained recently, you can think of it as the a lot more casual, less expensive little sister to the famous Kelly Bag: it has a similar belted flap closure and top manage structure, but the canvas body of the bag and ultra-simple finish makes it feel less formal and dressy.
Hermès Herbag Zip Bag, $2,550 by means of Hermès (currently sold out)