Have you noticed that designer handbags have been shrinking? Every year, it feels as though luxury brands are releasing bags with increasingly smaller dimensions. The mini bag trend – which dates back to 2018 – has continued to gain traction over the past few years, producing some handbags so small they barely maintain function. Hermès is among the plethora of designers miniaturizing their handbags, producing smaller takes on cult classics: the French Maison now offers many of its most popular bags in petite sizes. Hermès’ mini bags make for adorable accessories with an elegant feel and surprisingly accommodating interiors. Read on to learn more about Hermès’ newest mini editions of its most popular bags.
Faubourg Birkin: A True Celebration of Hermès History
In 1890, Hermès CEO Charles-Émile Hermès made history when he relocated the Hermès flagship store. The new location on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris proved to be a pivotal change to the Hermès legacy. The Hermès Faubourg Birkin was released in 2019 to celebrate the Maison’s home of over 100 years, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after limited edition Birkin bags. The Hermès handbag measures 20 cm and comes in three colorways: brown, blue, and white. Each colorway features three windows with orange awnings and a shopping bag clochette. The brown and blue leather colorways have a matte alligator skin top flap and alligator skin handles, while the white colorway is the inverse. This ultra-rare Faubourg Birkin’s grey alligator skin makes up the body of the bag, and the top flap and handles are white leather. This tiny collector’s item is the perfect bag for those passionate about the French Maison.
Mini Kelly: A Classic Bag for a Contemporary Audience
The Hermès Kelly is the bag most deeply embedded in the Maison’s DNA. The Kelly’s origins can be traced back to 1852 with the release of the Haut à Courroies (HAC), the first bag produced by Hermès. The HAC was reinterpreted into the Sac à Dépêches in the 1930s and later earned the name “the Kelly” when the Princess of Monaco took a liking to the elegant leather accessory. The Hermès Mini Kelly is the classic handbag shrunk down to 20 cm. This smaller handbag is available in the Sellier style and includes an optional shoulder strap. The Mini Kelly is offered in many classic leather options including Epsom, Box, and Chevre to be paired with gold-plated or palladium-plated hardware. The Mini Kelly has been found on the arms of many a fashion icon and is sure to remain a timeless accessory.
Mini Lindy: A Tiny Bag Designed to Dance
The Hermès Lindy was named after the Lindy Hop, a famous American dance from the 1920s. As the Lindy’s origins suggest, this bag is meant to move with the wearer be it out dancing or rushing to the office. The perpendicular handles are uniquely positioned to allow the Hermès bag to sit naturally on the wearer. This handle placement also creates a droop in the center of the bag, adding to the handbag’s casual feel. The Lindy’s flap is secured by a clou de selle touret lock closure, typically found in gold-plated or palladium-plated hardware. The Lindy’s folded, relaxed style is complemented in its mini size. The Mini Lindy is perfect for those whose jam-packed life requires a bag that can fit in.
Mini Constance: A Simple Yet Luxurious Design
The Constance is a versatile bag worn comfortably over the shoulder and secured with the simple and functional “H” clasp. The bag’s designer, Catherine Chaillet, was pregnant whilst designing the bag, eventually naming it after her daughter, Constance. Chaillet’s design includes a strap that can be adjusted to make the bag hang long or short. The Mini Constance measures 18 cm and provides buyers with the option of a single or double interior compartment. Jackie Kennedy’s go-to, this youthful yet sophisticated Hermès bag can be worn casually during the day or boldly for an evening out. The Constance comes in a variety of leathers and hardwares, such as Evercolor, Epsom, or Barenia leather and gold-plated or palladium-plated hardware. The Mini Constance is a wonderful option for those seeking a bag with tasteful sophistication.
Mini Evelyne: An Equestrian Essential Turned Luxury Bag
Like many other Hermès handbags, the Evelyn is inspired by the Maison's equestrian roots. The bag has perforations that form a “H” on one side, which hints at the bag’s original function: to transport horse grooming equipment. These perforations allow air to circulate the bag, drying wet combs, brushes, and picks. The ventilated side of the Evelyne was meant to be worn against the equestrian’s body; however, now that the bag is considered a luxury good, the perforations are worn facing outwards. The Mini Evelyne or the Evelyne TPM is a tiny crossbody at 16 cm in length. The sporty style of this miniature Hermès bag makes it a convenient and chic travel accessory.
Mini Bolide 1923: An Accessory For The Fearless Adventurer
The Hermès Bolide’s sleek design was inspired by the daring lifestyles of top drivers and world travelers. The handbag’s trapezoidal shape fits easily into the trunk of a sports car, making the Bolide ideal for luxury travel. Initially dubbed le sac pour l’auto, the Bolide’s design meets at the intersection of timeless beauty and functionality. The removable shoulder strap and rounded shape emphasize the Hermès bag’s practicality, while the streamlined silhouette is a graceful touch to the otherwise sporty design. The Bolide’s mini size was introduced in 2018 and is available in a variety of leather options including Evercolor, Chevre, and Epsom with gold-plated or palladium-plated hardware. Measuring 19 cm, this tiny Hermès handbag makes an excellent companion on any escapade.
Mini Plume: A Playful, Timeless Twist
One of the first Hermès handbags to be created in soft, unlined leather, the Hermès Plume is a sophisticated, playful piece. The Plume’s rectangular form was based on archival luggage designs and was first released as a travel bag. This Hermès bag features top handles and a zippered closure, making it a highly functional accessory. In its mini 21 cm size, the Plume is the perfect everyday bag. This handbag’s simple, classic style is so timeless you will never tire of carrying it to lunches with friends or outings with that special someone. Leather options include Epsom, Swift, and Chevre calfskin while palladium-plated hardware is most common.
