Are you a fan of Hermès and their iconic bags? Then you've probably heard of the Birkin, the Kelly, and the Constance. While the Birkin and Kelly may steal the spotlight, let's not overlook the Constance. With its rich history, the iconic H clasp, and its versatility from day to night, there's a lot to love about the Constance. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about this coveted bag.
Hermès Brand History
Hermès, founded by harness maker Thierry Hermès in 1837, has been a symbol of quality and craftsmanship for over a century. What started as an equestrian store quickly expanded to include silk scarves, jewelry, and handbags. The brand gained immense popularity with the launch of the Kelly bag in the 1950s and the Birkin in 1984. The Constance, released in 1959, also quickly rose to fame in the 1960s. Today, Hermès is a global brand renowned for its commitment to excellence.
The Legacy of Hermès Constance
The Constance was brought to life by Hermès designer Catherine Chaillet in 1959. Interestingly, Chaillet named the bag after her newborn daughter, Constance, who coincidentally arrived on the same day the bag left the Hermès warehouse. The Constance gained further recognition when it became a favorite of first lady Jackie Kennedy. Known for its timeless elegance and functionality, the Constance has remained a classic style for over 60 years.
Credit: @eceetuncel
The Desirable Constance
The Constance is a rectangular flap-top bag adorned with the iconic H buckle closure. It features an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn long for a cross-body look or doubled for shoulder wear. The interior of the Constance boasts two slip pockets, while larger versions offer a zippered pocket. Whether you opt for a single or double gusset, the Constance provides ample space to keep your belongings organized. Hermès also offers variations of the Constance, such as the slimmer Constance Elan and the wider Constance Cartable. Additionally, spin-off products like the Constance To-Go wallet and the Constance belt bag offer further versatility.
Sizes and Options
Hermès currently manufactures the Constance in five sizes, ranging from micro to large handbags. You can refer to the table below for detailed dimensions of each size. It's important to note that while some sizes like the 23 cm, 25 cm, and 29 cm are discontinued, you may still be able to find them through secondhand websites.
| Hermès Style | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (centimeters) |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | 14 | |
| Mini | 18 | |
| 24 | ||
| 25 Elan | ||
| 29 Cartable |
Credit: @kabinet.prive
What Fits Inside
The Constance is designed to accommodate your everyday essentials while maintaining its sleek profile. Here's a breakdown of what each size can hold:
- Constance Micro (14): keys, a tube of lipstick, a few cards, and some cash.
- Constance Mini (18): smartphone, keys, small wallet, and a tube of lipstick.
- Constance 24: everything the mini size can hold, with additional room for items like tissues or hand lotion.
- Constance 25 Elan: slightly more space than the 24 size, allowing for additional makeup items or a pen.
- Constance 29 Cartable: smartphone, keys, small wallet, makeup items, and a mini notebook.
Materials and Colors
Hermès offers a variety of materials for the Constance. The classic choice is box leather, known for its stiffness and ability to retain its shape. Epsom leather is another popular option due to its durability, while Evercolor leather is prized for its softness and long-lasting quality. In addition to these options, Hermès also produces special editions in exotic materials like crocodile, alligator, and ostrich. Suede and canvas variations make occasional appearances as well. The Constance typically features palladium or gold-plated hardware, but you may find exclusive editions with rose gold, enamel, or even diamond-encrusted closures. The bag's interior is lined with luxurious lambskin. As for colors, Hermès offers a wide range, from timeless neutrals to vibrant hues.
Credit: @the.mele
Hermès Constance Prices
Pricing information for Hermès bags, including the Constance, can be challenging to obtain due to the brand's limited online sales. However, we have compiled a list of estimated current prices for different Constance styles and materials. Please note that the Micro, 25 Elan, and 29 Cartable sizes' prices could not be verified.
| Hermès Style | Material | Price (USD) | Price (Euros) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | |||
| Mini | |||
| 24 | |||
| 25 Elan | |||
| 29 Cartable |
Pros and Cons
Like any bag, the Constance has its advantages and disadvantages. Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- One of Hermès’ most iconic styles
- Adjustable strap for various wearing options
- Easy to style on a daily basis
- Double compartment for better organization
- Holds its value well and can fetch a higher price when resold
Cons:
- Some may find the H clasp too ostentatious
- Metal clasp is prone to scratches and fingerprints
- Buckle can be a bit challenging to use
- Strap is not removable
- Non-Epsom leather bags may be prone to scratching around the clasp
- Double gusset interiors can make the bag bulky when filled
- Hard to find, similar to Birkins or Kellys
- Prices have increased significantly in recent years
Credit: @mel_inmelbourne
Outfits and Inspiration
Styling the Hermès Constance is a joy, as its timeless design complements various outfits. Whether you're going for a classic or modern look, the Constance effortlessly elevates any ensemble. Take a look at these outfit ideas for some inspiration:
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Credit: @ingridwilkinson
Credit: @kates_stylediary
Credit: @je.suis.lou
Credit: @ncl.style
Credit: @thecablook
Where to Buy an Hermès Constance Bag?
Finding an Hermès Constance bag can be quite challenging, especially since they are not available for purchase online. If you're determined to own one, you have two options:
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Visit an Hermès boutique and try your luck. Building a good relationship with an Hermès sales associate is key, often requiring significant purchases from the brand. Ask to be placed on a waiting list, regardless of your purchase history. Buying directly from the boutique remains the most coveted option.
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Consider buying a pre-loved Constance from reputable websites like Fashionphile, Rebag, or 1stDibs. While this may not provide the same experience as buying directly from Hermès, it offers a greater selection of colors, leathers, hardware, and sizes.
Credit: Shopmrkatin.vn
Luxurious Alternatives to the Constance Bag
If you adore the looks of the Hermès Constance but have reservations about the price or other features, there are several high-quality alternatives to consider:
- Celine Box: Price - $4,200
- Gucci 1955 Horsebit: Price - $3,250
- Dior 30 Montaigne : Price - $3,900
- YSL Solferino : Price - $3,200
- Louis Vuitton Mini Dauphine: Price - $3,950
How Difficult Is it to Buy an Hermès Constance Bag?
The Hermès Constance bag is highly sought after, and acquiring one can be challenging. The Constance falls under the category of Hermès quota bags, which means there are limitations on how many individuals can purchase in a year. While it's not impossible to acquire a Constance by simply walking into a boutique, the chances are slim. Social media has further popularized the bag, making it just as difficult to obtain as a Birkin or Kelly bag. However, the pre-loved market offers a more accessible alternative, albeit at a premium price.
Conclusion: Is the Hermès Constance Worth Buying?
With its timeless style, versatility, and organized interior, the Hermès Constance is truly a bag worth considering. Its iconic status and strong resale value make it an excellent investment. While there are minor downsides, such as the potentially ostentatious H clasp, the positives of the Constance far outweigh the negatives. If you have the opportunity to purchase one, either from an Hermès boutique or through a reputable reseller, we suggest seizing the chance. We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive guide to the Hermès Constance, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more articles like this.
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