Perfect for Summer: The Canvas Birkin or Kelly Bag
Explore the timeless appeal of Hermès canvas Birkin and Kelly bags—combining luxury with practicality, making them the perfect seasonal staple.
For decades, Hermès has been synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. While most associate the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags with supple leathers and exotic skins, the maison has long embraced canvas as a refined and versatile material. Hermès first introduced canvas variations of the Birkin and Kelly as early as the mid-20th century, pairing the durable yet lightweight textile with premium leathers for a more relaxed, seasonal alternative. Over the years, the brand has explored various canvas types, weaving techniques, and printed motifs, making these bags highly coveted among collectors. Whether it’s the classic Toile, the vibrant Potamus, or the structured Flag Birkin, Hermès’ canvas bags exude effortless sophistication—perfect for the warmer months ahead.
Hermès Canvas Birkins and Kelly Bags
Canvas might seem like an unconventional choice for what is often regarded as the most valuable bag in the world, but at Hermès, all materials are treated with equal reverence. Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags featuring beige ‘Toile’ bodies have been produced for decades, offering a timeless and lightweight alternative to their leather counterparts. Another variation, ‘Officier’ canvas, features a tighter weave and comes in an array of colors, adding durability and subtle texture. Toile GM, a more recent iteration, magnifies the traditional Toile weave for a bolder, more pronounced aesthetic.
Beyond classic Toile, Hermès has experimented with other canvas variations, including Criss and Burlap, often found on Haut à Courroies (HAC) models. The new Toile Goéland is specifically designed for Cargo Birkin bags, while Panama, though not a true canvas, is a woven straw alternative that requires careful handling due to its delicate nature. Denim Birkin and Kelly bags, once a 1990s and early 2000s favorite, have resurged in popularity in response to today’s nostalgic fashion trends. Recently, Quadrille canvas has emerged from Hermès’ workshops in vibrant new colorways, further proving the brand’s commitment to innovation. However, what excites collectors the most are Hermès’ printed canvas bags, each offering a unique take on artistry and craftsmanship.
Hermès Potamus Birkins
The Hermès Potamus Birkin bags, produced between 2006 and 2007, are among the maison’s most distinctive canvas designs. Available in four striking colors—Orange, Burgundy, Blue, and Red—each Potamus Birkin features black Box leather trim for a sophisticated contrast. These bags were primarily made in 30cm and 35cm sizes, with rare instances of the design appearing as a JPG Shoulder Birkin. Kelly bags with the Potamus print are even more elusive, produced in limited numbers in 32cm and 35cm Retourne styles. While the name “Potamus” does not have a direct French translation, its Latin and Greek origins mean “Drink” and “River,” a fitting nod to the fluidity of the design.
Hermès Lettre Au Carré Kelly
In 2018, Hermès introduced a fresh take on its signature geometric patterns with the Lettre au Carré Kelly. Unlike the all-leather Lettre Kellys, this edition features printed Toile de Camp, displaying the entire Lettre geometric alphabet in bold black and red hues. Complemented by Black Swift leather trim, this 28cm Retourne Kelly is considerably rarer than its leather counterparts, making it a prized piece for collectors who appreciate both graphic design and Hermès craftsmanship.
Hermès Flag Birkin
A striking blend of minimalism and nautical influence, the Hermès Flag Birkin makes a bold statement with its vertical stripe of colored canvas running down the front. Topped with luxurious Barenia leather, these bags were produced in 35cm and 40cm sizes. The first editions, launched in 2013 and 2014, featured beige canvas with either orange or blue stripes. In 2015, Hermès introduced a navy version with a blue stripe, which remained in production until 2016. The Flag motif was also applied to HAC models, while Flag Kellys took a different approach, incorporating an all-leather construction with a central stripe in varying colors. Inspired by sailing signals, the Flag Birkin’s lightweight canvas structure is ideally suited for life on deck.
Hermès Cavalcadour Kelly
Among Hermès’ most colorful printed canvas bags, the Cavalcadour Kelly stands out for its vibrant belt and buckle motif, printed on Toile de Camp. Produced exclusively as a 32cm Sellier Kelly between 2016 and 2018, this bag is especially notable for its rear exterior slip pocket—a rarity found on only one other modern Kelly edition, the Berline. The intricate pattern, combined with the black Swift leather trim, makes the Cavalcadour Kelly a striking and highly sought-after collector’s piece.
Canvas Birkin and Kelly bags offer a unique fusion of luxury and practicality, making them an excellent choice for summer styling. From classic Toile to rare printed editions, Hermès continues to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and design, proving that elegance can be both effortless and durable. Whether you seek a lightweight companion for a seaside escape or a bold, artistic statement piece, Hermès’ canvas bags embody the maison’s commitment to innovation, artistry, and timeless sophistication. Collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike will find that these seasonal variations are not just functional accessories but true works of art—perfect for summer and beyond.
Advantages to Buying an Hermès Bag 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, 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 Canvas 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 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.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès canvas bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
