All About the Hermès Constance
Learn everything about the Hermès Constance bag, from its 1959 debut and iconic “H” clasp to today’s most sought-after styles.
A Brief History of the Hermès Constance
The Hermès Constance was first introduced in 1959 and forms part of Hermès’ legendary “Big Three” alongside the Kelly and Birkin bags. Instantly recognizable for its bold “H” clasp, the Constance was designed by Catherine Chaillet, who named it after her newborn daughter.
Elegant yet practical, the Constance embodies the perfect balance of form and function. Its structured silhouette and sleek lines have made it a timeless favorite among collectors. Its visibility soared when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was frequently photographed carrying it, cementing its status as a fashion icon.
Since 2021, Sotheby’s has sold nearly $10 million in Hermès Constance bags and wallets, underscoring its continued relevance and collector demand across global luxury markets.
Hermès Constance Bag Key Takeaways
| Origin | Introduced in 1959 and designed by Hermès draftswoman Catherine Chaillet, who named it after her daughter. |
| Signature Feature | Iconic “H” clasp and adjustable shoulder strap allowing crossbody or shoulder wear. |
| Popular Sizes | Constance 18 remains the most in-demand; discontinued 23, 25, and 29 sizes trade actively on the secondary market. |
| Rarity | Though a quota bag, generally more attainable than the Birkin or Kelly; limited editions such as Au Bout du Monde and Marble Silk are particularly rare. |
| Market Popularity | Leather Constance bags dominate demand; neutral tones and pastel hues perform best. |
| Auction Highlights | Constance 24 Himalaya Crocodile sold for nearly $100,000 (2023). |
| Collector Appeal | Coveted for its elegant design and craftsmanship—Sotheby’s has sold nearly $10 million in Hermès Constance bags and wallets since 2021. |
Hermès Constance Sizes and Construction
The Constance is currently produced in 14, 18, 24, and Elan sizes. Discontinued sizes such as 23, 25, and 29 remain highly collectible on the secondary market. The Constance Elan is the most distinct, with its rectangular profile compared to the square shape of the others. It can be worn both as a shoulder or crossbody bag, offering versatile styling options.
It takes an Hermès artisan 14 to 18 hours to craft a single Constance bag—an impressive testament to the brand’s devotion to craftsmanship. Of all the formats, the Constance 18 remains the most popular due to its ideal proportions and wearability.
Hermès Constance Leathers, Exotics, and Hardware
The Constance has been produced in nearly every signature Hermès material. The earliest versions were made in Box leather, while today’s most sought-after examples feature Epsom, Chevre, and Swift leather. Exotic renditions in Ostrich, Lizard, Alligator, and Crocodile offer added prestige, though leather versions consistently command stronger market demand.
Hermès collectors favor timeless neutral tones like Black, Gold, and Etoupe, along with modern shades such as Nata or seasonal pastels. Hardware finishes typically include palladium or gold, though limited-edition pieces sometimes feature unique embellishments.
Limited Edition Hermès Constance Bags
Each season, Hermès releases a select number of limited-edition Constance bags, which are among the most collectible in the market. Notable examples include:
- Constance Sac Miroir Clouté (2021) – crafted in Black Box leather with silver stud detailing.
- Constance Marble Silk (2021) – featuring the intricate Japanese suminagashi marbling technique, originally peaking around $25,000 at auction but now trading closer to $15,000.
- Constance On a Summer Day (2017) – a collaboration with Nigel Peake featuring his architectural motifs printed on Swift leather.
- Constance Au Bout du Monde (2019) – translating Antoine Carbonne’s “Endless Road” scarf design into mixed exotic leathers and vibrant inlays.
These special editions highlight Hermès’ creative innovation and ensure continued collector appeal.
Hermès Constance Wallets and Small Leather Goods
The Constance’s success led to an expanded line of wallets and clutches beginning in 2004. The most popular iteration, the Constance To Go Wallet, retains the classic “H” clasp and now features a removable strap (introduced in 2020), making it wearable as a clutch, shoulder, or crossbody.
Other designs include the Constance Slim Wallet, known for its rounded edges and removable zip coin purse, and the Constance Compact Passant Wallet, a structured square version with sharper lines. The Hermès Constance wallets are most often crafted in Epsom leather with palladium or gold-plated hardware, offered in a wide range of Hermès colors.
How Much Does a Hermès Constance Bag Cost?
Pricing varies significantly by size, leather, color, and condition.
- A Constance 18 retails for around $9,700, while a Constance 24 retails near $14,000 in leather.
- On the secondary market, pristine leather Constance 18s range from $9,000–$20,000, and Constance 24s from $9,000–$15,000.
- Vintage leather Constance bags generally trade below $10,000, while exotic and limited editions can exceed $50,000.
The most expensive Hermès Constance ever sold at Sotheby’s was a Constance 24 Himalaya Crocodile (2023), which achieved 762,000 HKD (nearly $100,000).
Since 2021, Sotheby’s has sold nearly $10 million worth of Hermès Constance bags and wallets, underscoring their enduring global demand among collectors.
How to Buy a Hermès Constance Bag?
The Hermès Constance remains a quota bag, meaning its availability is restricted to select clients through boutique allocations. Securing one directly from Hermès typically requires patience and a well-established relationship with a sales associate.
For those seeking immediate access, the secondary market provides an excellent alternative. Through Sotheby’s Marketplace and global auctions, collectors can purchase pristine Constance bags in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and materials. Every bag is authenticated and expertly curated, allowing buyers to shop with confidence while gaining access to rare or discontinued editions unavailable at retail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermès Constance Bags
Why is the Hermès Constance considered a quota bag?
The Constance is produced in limited numbers each year, similar to the Kelly and Birkin. Boutique allocations are tightly controlled, making it a quota bag that typically requires a relationship with a sales associate or a strong purchase history.
What size of the Hermès Constance is most popular?
The Constance 18 is the most sought-after size for its versatility and ideal proportions. It easily transitions from day to evening and fits essentials while maintaining a compact silhouette.
Do Hermès Constance bags hold their value?
While resale premiums are lower than for the Birkin or Kelly, the Constance maintains strong long-term value—especially leather versions in classic colors or limited editions like the Marble Silk and Au Bout du Monde.
What is the difference between the Constance 24 and Constance Elan?
The Constance 24 is square and structured, while the Elan features an elongated, rectangular shape for a sleeker profile. Both carry the signature “H” clasp and can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder.
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