The charm of Hermes bags and how to choose them

Hermes is a luxury brand founded in France in 1837. Hermes bags are loved by people all over the world for their quality, design, and rarity. However, there are many types of Hermes bags, each with different features and price ranges. Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the appeal of different types of Hermes bags and how to choose one.

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Hermes bag type characteristics

Hermes bags are broadly divided into the following four categories.

  • leather bag
  • canvas bag
  • silk bag
  • Bags made of other materials

There are many more types in each category, but we will introduce some of the most popular ones here.

leather bag

Leather bags are the most popular and most expensive category of Hermès bags. Leather bags are made from various types of leather, including cowhide, goatskin, and horsehide, but the most famous are rare leathers such as crocodile and ostrich. The price of leather bags varies greatly depending on the material, color, and size, but in general, they are expensive, ranging from several million yen to tens of millions of yen. Three of the most famous leather bags are:

  • birkin
  • kelly
  • Constance

birkin

The Birkin is Hermes' signature bag, created in 1984. The name came about when French actor Jean-Louis Dreyfus and British actress Jane Birkin sat next to each other on a plane and she talked about her search for the ideal bag. The Birkin was later given to her by Jean-Louis Dreyfus, the designer of Hermès, and there is an anecdote that it spread all over the world. The Birkin has a nearly square shape with two handles and a flap with metal fittings on the front. Sizes range from 25cm to 55cm, but the most common ones are 30cm to 40cm. With a wide variety of colors and materials, you can find the Birkin that suits you. However, since Birkins are extremely popular and rare, they are difficult to purchase in stores and must be obtained through reservations or lottery tickets. They are also traded at high prices on the used market, and are attracting attention as investment targets.

kelly

Kelly is a traditional Hermès bag created in the 1930s. The bag was named after Grace Kelly, an American actress who became Queen of the Principality of Monaco in 1956, who used this bag to hide her stomach during her pregnancy. Kelly has a nearly rectangular shape with one handle and a flap with metal fittings on the front. Sizes range from 15cm to 50cm, but the most common ones are 28cm to 35cm. There is a wide variety of colors and materials, and just like Birkin, you can find your favorite Kelly. However, Kelly is also very popular and rare, so it is difficult to purchase in stores and must be obtained through reservations or lottery tickets. They are also traded at high prices on the used market, and are attracting attention as investment targets.

Constance

Constance is a minimalist Hermès bag created in 1959. Its name comes from the fact that Hermès designer Catherine Chaillet designed the bag while pregnant. The Constance has a nearly rectangular shape with a shoulder strap and a flap with H-shaped hardware on the front. Sizes range from 14cm to 24cm, but the most common size is 18cm. Available in a wide variety of colors and materials, this bag can be used for both casual and formal occasions. However, Constance is also very popular and rare, so it is difficult to purchase in stores and must be obtained through reservations or lottery tickets. They are also traded at high prices on the used market, and are attracting attention as investment targets.

canvas bag

Canvas bags are a relatively affordable category of Hermes bags. Canvas bags are made from natural materials such as cotton and linen, or synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. Canvas bags are suitable for everyday use because of their light weight, durability, and stain resistance. In addition, the colors and patterns are diverse, and you can feel the playfulness and sophistication typical of Hermès. Two of the most famous canvas bags are:

  • garden party
  • Picotan

garden party

Garden Party is a casual bag by Hermes that was introduced in 1984. The name comes from the idea of ​​using this bag to enjoy a party in a garden. The Garden Party is square in shape with two handles and a flap with a button at the opening. Sizes range from 30cm to 50cm, but the most common size is 36cm. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and you can enjoy details such as leather trimmings and snap buttons. Garden Party is a bag that can suit a wide range of ages and occasions due to its simplicity and ease of use. In addition, it is relatively easy to obtain and has a reasonable price, so it can be said to be one of the Hermes bags for beginners.

Picotan

Picotin is a unique Hermès bag created in 2002. Its name means "little basket" in French. Picotan has a cylindrical shape with two handles and a metal strap at the opening. Sizes range from 18cm to 41cm, but the most common size is 22cm. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and you can enjoy details such as leather trimmings and metal fittings. Picotin is a bag that is popular among young women because of its cuteness and uniqueness. In addition, it is relatively easy to obtain and has a reasonable price, so it can be said to be an affordable Hermes bag.

silk bag

Silk bags are the most glamorous category of Hermès bags. Silk bags are made with silk scarves, which are synonymous with Hermès. Silk bags can be used both elegantly and casually due to their vibrant colors, softness, and luster. Silk scarves are also removable and can be changed to different patterns or colors. Two of the most famous silk bags are:

  • Plume
  • Barenia

Plume

Plume is a modern Hermès bag created in 1995. Its name means "plum" in French. Plume has a square shape with one handle and a zipper at the opening. Sizes range from 20cm to 30cm, but the most common size is 26cm. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and you can enjoy details such as leather trimmings and zippers. Plume is a bag that can be worn for business or parties due to its chicness and functionality.

Barenia

Barenia is a natural bag from Hermes that was introduced in 2004. The name means "Vau Epson", a type of traditional Hermès leather. Barenia has a circular design with one handle and a strap with metal fittings at the opening. Sizes range from 20cm to 30cm, but the most common size is 26cm. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and you can enjoy details such as leather trimmings and metal fittings. Barenia is a bag that can be used for both daily and travel due to its naturalness and cuteness.

Bags made of other materials

Bags made of other materials are the most diverse category of Hermès bags. Bags made of other materials include textile materials such as wool, cashmere, and lace, plant materials such as rattan, bamboo, and wood, and inorganic materials such as metal, plastic, and glass. Bags made of other materials allow you to feel their individuality, creativity, and technical ability. It may also change depending on the season or trends. Among the bags made of other materials, the following two are particularly famous.

  • bolide
  • rumble

bolide

The Bolide is a classic Hermès bag created in 1923. Its name means "bomb" in French. Bolide has a hemispherical design with one handle and a zipper at the opening. Sizes range from 19cm to 50cm, but the most common size is 31cm. They come in a wide range of colors and materials, including not only leather but also canvas and silk. Bolide is a bag that has been loved for a long time due to its simplicity and historicity.

rumble

Rumble is an innovative bag created by Hermes that was introduced in 2010. Its name means "noise" in French. Rumble has a square design with two handles and a zipper at the opening. Sizes range from 30cm to 40cm, but the most common size is 35cm. They come in a wide variety of colors and materials, and include not only leather but also metal and plastic. Rumble is a bag that attracts attention for its novelty and playfulness.

How to choose a Hermes bag type

There are many types of Hermes bags, but it is important to choose the one that suits you. Please refer to the following points when making your selection.

  • budget
  • the purpose
  • preference
  • rarity

budget

Budget is the most important consideration when choosing the type of Hermes bag. Hermes bags are generally expensive, but the price range varies greatly depending on the type. In general, the order of price is leather bags > silk bags > canvas bags > bags made of other materials. Prices also vary depending on material, color, and size. In particular, rare leathers, limited edition colors, and large sizes are traded at high prices. We recommend narrowing down the options according to your budget.

the purpose

Purpose is also an important point when choosing the type of Hermes bag. Hermes bags have different occasions and coordination depending on their design, functionality, and atmosphere. In general, leather bags are versatile bags that can be used for both formal and casual occasions, but they are expensive, heavy, and delicate, so they must be handled with care. Canvas bags are light and durable bags that can be used for both casual and sporty situations, but since they are simple and plain, it is a good idea to choose colors and patterns that will accent the bag. Silk bags are gorgeous and soft bags that can be used for both elegance and pop, but you need to be careful about stains and wrinkles. Bags made of other materials are unique and creative, but they are easily influenced by seasons and trends, so it is important to match them to your style. We recommend choosing the type according to your purpose.

preference

Preference is also an important point when choosing the type of Hermes bag. Hermès bags allow you to express your personality and mood through their colors, patterns and details. Generally, leather bags give a chic and elegant impression, but choosing bright colors or unusual leathers can add a touch of glamor and individuality. Canvas bags give a casual and natural impression, but if you choose colors and patterns that evoke the playfulness and sophistication typical of Hermès, you can show off your charm and intelligence. Silk bags give a gorgeous and elegant impression, but choosing pop colors and patterns can bring out a fun and youthful look. Bags made of other materials can give a unique and creative look, but choosing simple, modern colors and materials can give your bag a sense of calm and class. We recommend choosing the type according to your preference.

rarity

Rarity is also an important point when choosing a Hermes bag type. Hermes bags are not only attractive for their quality and design, but also for their rarity. In general, leather bags are rare and difficult to purchase in stores, and must be obtained through reservations or lottery tickets. They are also traded at high prices on the used market, and are attracting attention as investment targets. Canvas bags and silk bags are rare and relatively easy to purchase in stores. However, limited edition colors and patterns are rare and highly sought after, making them difficult to obtain and fetching high prices even on the used market. Bags made of other materials are moderately rare and can be purchased in stores, but availability changes depending on the season and trends. Prices also change depending on popularity in the used market. We recommend choosing the type based on rarity.

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summary

There are many types of Hermes bags, but it is important to choose the one that suits you. When choosing, please refer to points such as budget, purpose, preference, and rarity. Hermes bags are loved by people all over the world for their quality, design, and rarity. Enjoy a wonderful lifestyle with a Hermes bag.

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