Six Hermès Clutches You Need Now
Read on to discover the top six most stunning Hermès clutches.
T he clutch is a critical bag to have in one’s arsenal. A chic accessory with day to night versatility, the clutch takes one’s outfit to the next level. Hermès offers a variety of clutches to choose from, made from top quality leathers and exotics. Read on to discover which Hermès clutch is right for you!
1. The Jige: A Symbol of Unity and Hermès History
A bona fide classic, the Hermès Jige is an envelope-style clutch. At first, it was given as a wedding present from Jean Guerrand – son-in-law of Hermès CEO Émile Hermès – to his future daughter-in-law. The Jige became available to the public in 1975. This clutch features an H closure that secures the top flap. The Jige can be brought to work meetings during the day and taken right out to dinners or cocktail parties in the evening. The Jige is available in an assortment of colors and leathers, as well as more complex color and leather combinations. This Hermès clutch comes in an assortment of sizes: the Mini, PM, GM, and Elan. The Jige Mini comes with a strap, much resembling a wallet on a chain. Alternatively, the Jige Elan is a more rectangular clutch that comes in two sizes: 29 cm and 35 cm.
2. The Medor: A Showstopping Accessory
The Medor clutch is a glamorous bag that incorporates Hermès’ signature Collier de Chien motif into its chic design. The spiked closure gives this clutch an edgier feel and its cylindrical shape allows you to fit more of your belongings. The Medor is available in a variety of Hermès leather colors, as well as exotics. This Hermès clutch can be most commonly found in palladium-plated and gold-plated hardware. You can choose from two size options: the 23 cm and the 29 cm. The 29 cm Medor is no longer offered by Hermès, but you can find this coveted clutch at luxury resalers like Sotheby’s.
3. The Egee: An Elegant Work of Art
The Egee is a striking, artful clutch, first introduced by Hermès in 2011. This handbag features the elegant Chaine d’ancre motif as the central clasp. The interlinked chains sit as a sculptural form atop this cylindrical clutch, making it an excellent bag for those looking to make a bold statement. This Hermès clutch is best used as a striking evening bag, ensuring that you stand out in a crowd. The Egee is most commonly found in Tadelakt leather but truly shines in Niloticus crocodile skin. Hardware options for this Hermès clutch include palladium-plated and gold-plated metal. The Egee only comes in one 25 cm size.
4. The Cherche-Midi: Understated With A Contemporary Edge
The Cherche-Midi is a decidedly modern clutch. Minimal hardware and a sharp silhouette come together in a chic, versatile Hermès bag. The central clasp is a singular Chaine d’ancre chain, a more understated reference to the iconic Hermès style than the Egee. The Cherche-Midi is typically found in Epsom leather in a variety of colors: if you are feeling daring go for the Rouge Tomate, but if you want a more subdued tone, the Gris Etain is an excellent neutral shade. The Cherche-Midi is typically found in gold-plated or palladium-plated hardware. This Hermès clutch comes in 18, 22, and 25 cm sizes.
5. The Opli: A Clutch At The Crux of Relaxed and Refined
The Opli clutch is a minimalist’s dream. This Hermès bag’s geometric silhouette and absence of obvious branding makes it a subtle yet chic accessory. The Opli first premiered in Hermès’ Spring / Summer 2017 collection. This handbag’s trapezoidal body folds in on itself, allowing extra storage space for your essentials. Typically found in Chevre leather, the Opli is a less structured bag, providing a more casual look. This 24 or 28 cm clutch lacks exterior hardware; its top flap is secured with a hidden palladium-plated magnetic closure.
6. The Pliplat: A Pouch You Won't Put Down
With functionality as a priority, the Pliplat’s unique envelope design features a handle on the top flap. The Pliplat comes in many leather options, including combinations with exotic accents. One fun option is the Pliplat in Swift leather combined with Lizard skin detailing on the top handle. The Pliplat is a larger clutch at 33 cm and is an extremely versatile style: you can take this Hermès bag anywhere!
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, 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 an Hermès Bag 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.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès 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.
