Hermès Roulis: Quiet Luxury Alternative to the Hermès Constance
Read on for a complete guide to collecting the Hermès Roulis.
T he Hermès Roulis is a modern shoulder bag that embodies timeless elegance and sophistication. Its signature clasp draws inspiration from Hermès’ iconic Chaîne d’Ancre design, first introduced in 1938 as a bracelet. This motif, inspired by ship anchor chains, symbolizes progress and innovation—a nod to the vision of Hermès designer and former CEO, Robert Dumas.
First unveiled in the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, the Roulis pays homage to this heritage while offering modern functionality. Its sleek metal clasp secures the front flap, revealing a thoughtfully designed interior with three compartments for effortless organization. Available in a range of premium materials and hardware finishes, the Hermès Roulis comes in two versatile sizes: the compact 18 cm Mini and the spacious 23 cm model, making it a refined accessory for any occasion.
Key Takeaways: Hermès Roulis
| Category | Notable Features |
| Design | Introduced in 2011, featuring the signature Chaîne d’Ancre clasp inspired by Hermès’ nautical heritage. |
| Structure & Function | Compact design with three interior compartments for organization, offered in Mini (18 cm) and Standard (23 cm) sizes. |
| Comparison to Constance | A subtler, quieter alternative to the Hermès Constance, with hardware less prone to scratches and lower resale prices. |
| Materials | Produced in leather, ostrich, lizard, and alligator, with Touch models combining exotic flaps and leather bodies. |
| Collector Appeal | Praised for its discreet elegance and value relative to the Constance, making it a favorite among quiet luxury enthusiasts. |
Hermès Roulis vs Hermès Constance
While the Hermès Constance is widely more recognizable with its prominent metal H clasp, the Hermès Roulis is the perfect choice for collectors seeking a more "quiet luxury" option. The design and functionality of the Roulis is very similar to the Constance since both are square shoulder bags with front flaps and metal hardware closure. The Roulis Hermès hardware is also less likely to show scratches on the hardware given the sleek design. The price of the Roulis Hermès is also about half the price of the Constance in the secondary market. A store fresh leather Hermès Mini Roulis sells for between $7,000-10,000 while the Mini Constance 18 sells for $17,000-$20,000 in the secondary market.
Exotic Hermès Roulis
The Hermès Roulis is available in leather, ostrich, alligator and lizard. The Roulis is also available as a Touch, with an alligator flap and leather body. Prices for a store fresh alligator Hermès Roulis are similar to a leather Cosntance bag at auction and Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace. Given this price difference, it's an opportunity to purchase an Hermès alligator bag for the same price as many of the leather bags.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hermès Roulis
How much does the Hermès Roulis cost compared to the Constance?
The Mini Roulis typically sells for $7,000–10,000 on the secondary market, while the Mini Constance 18 averages $17,000–20,000, making the Roulis a refined yet more attainable alternative for collectors.
What materials are used for the Hermès Roulis?
The Roulis is crafted from a range of premium leathers and exotics, including Evercolor, ostrich, lizard, and alligator. Touch versions combine exotic materials with leather, offering the allure of Hermès craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
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