Hermès is sometimes referenced as a standalone luxury brand name, and other times in direct correlation with its most iconic bag designs and models.
But, while the Kelly and Birkin bags remain arguably the most famous, there is a growing demand across the market for bags that fall under the Constance model name.
The Hermès Constance bag was released in 1959, brought to life by an Hermès designer who was pregnant with a daughter (who she also named Constance), and who wanted to create something simple but timeless – with all the elegance of Hermès style, but including a nod to its equestrian roots.
The only one of the Hermès trinity of bags with a longer shoulder strap, the Constance is considered an everyday go-to. While not as sought after as the Kelly and Birkin bags, it combines all the prestige of the brand with a more practical design. Not to mention, it boasts the same high price tag as anything else you would expect to buy with an Hermès brand label.
Let’s take a closer look at the key features of the Constance bag, what makes it so popular, particularly among the modern 21st century market, and which celebrities are choosing this over other luxury bags.
The Hermès Constance bag is available in five key sizes, which include a Mini and a Micro variation for on-the-go accessorising. The largest is known as the Constance Elan and measures 25cm in length – a mere 1cm larger than the next size down, but a more practical option for those looking to carry a phone, keys, and other items.
Among the main features of this bag is its longer shoulder strap, which was actually made prolific in the accessories market by luxury designer Coco Chanel, and the flap bag fastening, which is held in place by an H-shaped clasp.
When you look at the Constance bag, it’s the H clasp or emblem that really stands out. Whether crafted from gold hardware, silver, palladium, or enamel with a variety of colours across its surface, this H derives from the Hermès brand name and makes the bag pop.
Other leading features include the sleek lines of the bag’s exterior, the portable size, and the two slip pockets, which allow for compartmentalisation when on the go.
We cannot escape or overlook the fact that this bag is an Hermès bag – and so both high demand and exceptional quality are always going to play a role on the market. The Constance bag is known for taking around 14 hours to produce, with each bag uniquely handcrafted by one artisan producer.
For those who want to own their own piece of luxury, specifically in the portable bag market, the Constance is attractive thanks to its smaller size and structure. Because this bag is more compact than the Birkin and Kelly bags, and because it has the longer shoulder strap, it’s instantly a more convenient size and finish compared with the other handbags.
That’s not all. The range of fabrics and finishes available means that the Constance comes in a range of colours, with Hermès always tapping into seasonal trends and releasing new shades every season to meet demand. Despite this, the same neutral tones tend to remain the most popular and in demand across the market.
Aside from the quality, found in the production process and detailing as well as the materials used, the Constance bag is backed by its prolific fanbase. And it’s this that really puts the Constance bag on the map, alongside other top-quality Hermès bags.
Perhaps the most famous early fan of the Constance bag was first lady Jackie Kennedy, who made the Constance a core part of her outfit and look in the 1960s. And the celebrity fanbase of the Constance didn’t end there.
Ever since Jackie O made the Hermès Constance bag a must-have accessory, celebrities across different industries have made it a part of their wardrobe and outfit base.
Nicky Hilton, Diane Kruger, Ashley Olsen, and Kristina Bazan have all been pictured out and about with the Constance slung over their shoulders. Perhaps most notably, it’s interesting to observe just how diverse the occasions that the Constance is worn are, and how versatile the bag appears as a result. The aforementioned celebrities bridge their everyday looks with red-carpet appearances, always leaning on the Constance as a go-to accessory.
Emily Ratajkowski was referenced by Vogue back in 2021 as having embraced the Constance as her own accessory go-to. A renowned fashion figure in magazines and publications, Emily is just one in a series of high-profile Constance fans who revel in the functionality and timeless style of the H-adorned flap bag.
With that said then, is the Hermès Constance bag a good option for a buyer keen to step into the luxury world and own a piece of the Hermès story?
The Constance bag benefits from the coveted status of Hermès products and is considered one of the holy trinity of bags from the luxury brand – though it is undoubtedly the most accessible of the three.
If you’re looking for a Constance bag, whether you’re seeking one of the smaller Micro bags or a larger everyday accessory that will carry everything you need, the most likely place to find the right bag for you is through the stock of a reputable reseller. Visiting a boutique reseller opens up access to the best bags currently available, backed by a quality valuation and the certification that proves authenticity.
The Constance is not the most famous bag that Hermès has produced – but if you ask us, that only adds to its charm and status.
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