A Guide to Hermès Handbags

Established as a harness workshop in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, the goal was to provide European aristocrats with quality equestrian leather goods. The business quickly grew and even counted Napoleon Bonaparte as a client, but it wasn’t until 1900 that Hermès introduced their first bag. Renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, there are many who consider a Hermès bag the holy grail of luxury handbags. With reports in recent years stating that a Hermès bag is officially a better investment than stocks or gold, we have compiled a list of the top ten most popular styles.

1. The Hermès Birkin

Born out of a chance encounter between actress and “It girl” Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, new mum Jane mentioned the lack of functionality from her current handbag. Dumas famously designed a new bag on the back of a paper sick bag, which offered the functionality and space that Birkin was looking for, it even had space for baby bottles.

These days the Birkin is considered the crème de la crème of the Hermes range, and it’s not that easy to get hold of a new one. In one infamous scene from the HBO series Sex and The City, we were entertained by Samantha Jones’ frustration at a five-year waiting list for the bag, with the salesperson disdainfully informing her “It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin”.

Luckily for those who are unlikely to get an invitation from Hermès to purchase this iconic bag, a wide selection of pre-owned Hermès Birkin bags is available on the market, but they do not come cheap. Since its conception in the early 1980s, the price for a Birkin has continuously outperformed the S&P 500 and the price of gold!

^{Hermès - a Birkin Retourne 25}

^{Sold for £10,000}

    2. The Hermès Constance

Simple and functional, the Constance was conceived by pregnant designer Catherine Chaillet, the Constance was named after her new-born and released on the day of her birth.

    3. The Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC)

The first bag ever produced by Hermès, it was originally designed to carry saddles and riding boots but remains popular to this day particularly as a travel bag.

    4. The Hermès Kelly

Originally called the Sac-à-Dépêches, this bag shot to fame in the 1950s when actress-turned-Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, used hers to hide her baby bump from photographers. Hermès credited her for popularising this classic bag by renaming it for her in 1977.

 ^{Hermès - a Kelly Sellier 28}

^{Sold for £8,500}

5. The Hermès Picotin

Taking its name and inspiration from the measure of feed given to horses, this bucket shaped bag never goes out of style.

6. The Hermès Evelyne

Evolving from their equestrian roots, the Evelyne was originally designed with the transport of horse grooming equipment in mind. The perforated “H” to one side of the bag was meant to be worn against the body and enabled ventilation of air to dry brushes and combs in the process. These days the bag is worn outward as a status symbol.

7. The Hermès Bolide

This bag was designed for the frequent traveller. It features a hard-wearing zip brought back from America by Émile Hermès following an inspirational tour around the Henry Ford factory.

8. The Hermès Jypsière

Introduced by Creative Director Jean Paul Gaultier, this reinterpretation of the iconic Kelly bag is popular for everyday use.

9. The Hermès Garden Party

This large tote bag offers generous space and versatility of use.

10. The Hermès Lindy Bag

Named after the Lindy Hop, a famous American dance from the 1920s, this soft leather bag was designed to comfortably hug the body of the wearer during movement.

^{Hermès - a Birkin Retourne 25}

^{Sold for £15,000}

These are the top ten most coveted styles, but there are numerous other designs on offer that are also increasing in demand. There are several ways to go about selling your highly sought-after Hermès, but it is becoming increasingly obvious that auctions are achieving exceptional prices for these bags. In 2022 we saw multiple records achieved for these iconic accessories, and there is no sign of the market slowing down.

Whether you are considering parting with one of your luxury bags, or you would like to grow your collection, our team here at Dawsons would be happy to help.

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Nicky Houston

Our Head of Department - Jewellery, Silver & Watches... Nicky is a highly respected Auctioneer & Valuer, who had dreams of becoming an artist. Whilst she may not have made it as a successful artist herself, Nicky has helped many a customer to successfully sell and buy beautiful pieces of jewellery and works of art over her many years working within the auction industry.

 

Jewellery Silver & Objects of Virtue Watches

Are you thinking of selling any Hermes or any other luxury handbags?

With a global audience of more than 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the highest prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / [info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk](mailto:info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk)