Hermès Evelyne TPM: The Perfect Mini Crossbody Bag

History of the Hermès Evelyne

Designed in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, head of the Hermès riding department, the Hermès Evelyne bag was originally conceived as a practical carryall for horse groomers. Its most distinctive feature—the perforated “H” logo—was initially intended to face inward, allowing for ventilation to keep grooming tools like brushes and sponges dry. For decades, the Evelyne remained an exclusive tool within the Hermès equestrian division until the early 2000s, when it transitioned to the leather goods department and became a sought-after staple for Hermès enthusiasts. Casual and durable, the Evelyne is celebrated for its versatility, featuring a simple yet understated design that offers effortless, hands-free convenience.

Hermés Evelyne Mini

Hermès Evelyne TPM is also known as the Hermès Evelyne Mini since it is the smallest size of the Evelyne. The Evelyne TPM is 16cm wide and 18cm long and can hold a phone, small compact wallet, keys and a few other small essentials. Its strap is long enough to wear as a cross body. The interior is unlined and there are no interior pockets. The minimalist design is instantly recognizable and popular with established collectors and a new generation of Hermès bag lovers.

Hermès Evelyne TPM Materials

Hermès Evelyne TPM is generally available in Clemence and Epsom leather. It is also made in canvas and wool with leather trim. The straps have leather trim both are made from a cotton canvas. Older Hermès Evelyne TPM had leather straps that weren't removable. Newer bags have straps that can be removed.

How Much is a Hermès Evelyne TPM?

The Hermès Evelyne TPM retails for $2,300 in U.S. boutiques and €1,690 in European boutiques, where Hermès bags typically cost less due to the brand’s manufacturing base in France. However, its popularity and high demand often drive up prices on the secondary market, with pristine-condition pieces commanding a significant premium. At Sotheby’s, a like-new Evelyne TPM can sell for between $3,500 and $4,000, depending on factors such as color and year of production. Auction prices for the Evelyne TPM vary based on condition and rarity, with older models typically fetching around $1,500 to $2,000, while newer or highly sought-after pieces have sold for as much as $5,000. The value at auction is often influenced by the desirability of specific colors that may not be readily available through other retail channels.

Is it Hard to Get a Hermès Evelyne TPM?

The Hermès Evelyne TPM is considered relatively difficult to acquire, especially through Hermès boutiques. Due to its compact size, functional design, and relatively accessible price point compared to other Hermès bags, the Evelyne TPM is highly sought after by both new and seasoned collectors. Many boutiques receive limited stock, and customers often need to build a purchase history or establish a relationship with a sales associate to secure one. Additionally, certain colors, such as classic neutrals or seasonal shades, tend to sell out quickly, making the hunt for a specific color even more challenging. Given the high demand and scarcity in stores, many buyers turn to the secondary market, where the Evelyne TPM often commands a premium.

Advantages to Buying Hermès on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.

3. Value

While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.

4. Discovery

One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.

Buy and Sell Hermès Bags at Sotheby's

Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.

Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.

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