Iconic Handbags: Hermès Constance

When you think of Hermès, the Birkin and Kelly bags immediately cross your mind. And why wouldn’t they? They’re two of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious bags, but the stunningly beautiful Constance is living in the shadows of her elegant and glamorous big sisters.

So, what if the Constance is the Cinderella of the Hermès bags?

Hermès 1st Flap Bag

Launched in 1959, the Constance was created by in-house designer, Catherine Chaillet, and named after her first child. This was the first flap bag for Hermès, featuring a flat top, adjustable shoulder strap, the option of a single or double gusset (or compartment) and the gleaming H buckle closure.

Originally crafted in classic Box Calf leather or Porosus Crocodile and finished with gold hardware, the bag has changed with the times and is now available in many different shapes, sizes, colors, materials (like lizard, alligator, Epsom, ostrich, and Swift), and hardware (diamond-covered palladium, ruthenium, burnished, and more).

But is it worth it?

Incredibly chic and eye-catching, the Constance craze caught on after Jackie Kennedy was spotted toting one around town, and Hollywood followed her lead. As I mentioned above, the Constance is the lesser known and less popular of the Hermès bags, which I find makes it worth more since there aren’t as many fakes being produced.

Now, I know you’re thinking this bag is probably going to break the bank—surprise, it just might—especially if you’re able to snag a brand new one from an Hermès boutiques or if you’re special enough to order a custom design.

To remain consistent with the brand, the Constance is crafted in a timeless design with impeccable craftsmanship in mind. Each bag is hand-made and hand-stitched by a single artisan at the Hermès workshop and takes between 14-18 hours to create. The bag is finished off with the brand’s signature ‘H’ front clasp closure.

Size does matter

As the size of the bag increases, so does the price. Currently, the Constance bag is available in five different sizes: Micro, Mini, the 24, the Elan and the Cartable. I’ve created a handy comparison chart below, but keep in mind the prices vary greatly depending on size and materials.

*Prices vary based on material, hardware, and customized requests.

So, I know you’re probably looking at the prices listed above and thinking the Constance is out of your reach, but not when you have LePrix on your side. We’ve got pre-loved Constance bags at up to 54% off retail price. Click on this link and see for yourself.

How do you authenticate a Constance bag?

Hey, if you’re going to spend that kind of money on a handbag, please do not attempt to authenticate it yourself. Some of the fakes out there are really good, and if you’re not an expert in designer luxury goods—especially Hermès —you could lose a lot of money AND be stuck with a counterfeit bag.

Remember retail’s #1 rule of thumb…if the price is too good to be true, you’re more than likely dealing with a fake. It’s always in your best interest to shop with a confidence at a luxury consignment shop or online at LePrix. And if you must authenticate an item yourself, try our friends over at Real Authentication.