Hermes Constance Bag 18 Gris Perle Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Design:Constance BagConstance Collection
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 18 cm (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5884989773
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Miami, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Verso Mushroom / Biscuit Bag Gold Hardware EvercolorBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes 1923 Bolide Mini Verso bag featured in Mushroom and Biscuit. Beautiful in size and detail! Mushroom exterior with a Biscuit int...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Constance 18 Desert Lizard Bag Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Constance 18 bag featured limited edition Desert Lizard. Exquisite markings with fresh Palladium hardware. HERMES PARIS MADE IN FRANCE is stamped on front under flap. Comes with Hermes sleeper and signature box. NEW or NEVER WORN. The Hermes Constance bag price maintains its value as its among one of the most desired and difficult Hermes bags...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Kelly 32 Himalaya Crocodile Palladium Hardware Limited Edition RareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 32 bag featured in coveted Limited Edition Himalaya crocodile. This Hermes Kelly 32 bag is amongst most rare in the Himalayan bags produced by Hermes. Fresh with palladium hardware. Comes with Hermes signature box, raincoat, shoulder strap, sleepers, lock, keys and clochette. Very Like New. The Hermes Himalayan crocodile...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Constance 18 Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware and MirrorBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes 18 Constance bag featured in Black Matte Alligator. Removeable mirror with alligator tab. Rich with Gold hardware. The ef...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Henry Beguelin Bag Washed Leather Tassels Hobo Style nwtBy Henry BeguelinLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Henry Beguelin washed leather with detail front, center and the lower sides. Top zipper closure has bone top stitch detail. Braided leather handle. 2 detachabl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Hobo Bags
- Hermes Mini Bolide 1923 Matte Alligator Vert Comics Bag Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Mini Bolide 1923 featured in striking Vert Comics matte Alligator. Charming 'baby' Bolide is a fabulous day to evening treasure. Fresh and crisp with Pal...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Gray Distressed Large ToteBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAThis grey Chanel bag is from the years 2006 to 2008. The tote bag has super soft shoulder chains, the drop length is 11.5 inch. The original booklet and a...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel LIKE NEW White Caviar Leather Quilted Classic Double Flap Jumbo BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel White Caviar Leather Quilted Classic Double Flap Jumbo Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2021 Color: White Hardware: Pale goldtone Materials: Caviar Leather Lining: Whi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Valentino Roman Stud Collection LavenderBy Valentino, Pierpaolo PiccioliLocated in West Hollywood, CAValentino Roman Stud Collection in lavender lambskin leather. Diamond-quilted shoulder bag with tonal studs and a versatile top handle and cross b...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Grey Leather Thalia Box Shoulder BagBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Rome, RomeSalvatore Ferragamo grey leather 'Thalia' shoulder bag. It features flap magnetic closure with big Gancini detail on the front, gold metal details and chain shoulder strap. 1 side fl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Gucci Beige Canvas and Brown Leather Shoulder Bag HoboBy GucciLocated in Rome, RomeBeautiful Gucci shoulder bag in beige canvas with brown genuine leather shoulder strap and trim. Upper zipper closure. Brown monogram lining. 1 side zip pocket inside. 'Gucci - Made ...Category
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
- Chanel Grey Quilted Caviar Suede Jumbo Classic Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireChanel Grey Quilted Caviar Suede Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag Product Type- Crossbody, Shoulder Serial Number- 17****** Age- Circ...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.