Learning Hermes Bag Names – Couture USA

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose” quoted by William Shakespeare, meaning a name is a just a name. However, names can have different meanings and hold a type of power. Some of the most infamous luxury goods have memorable names that fashionistas around the world recognize. When it comes to Hermes, you will find bags named after celebrities and equestrian tools alike. In this blog we are going to delve into some of the most popular Hermes bag names and where they came from.

Birkin

One of the most famous names of luxury handbags, the Birkin bag is one of the most coveted purses in all of existence. Popular since the late 1980’s, this A-lister approved bag was named after the “it-girl” and actress Jane Birkin after she told the CEO of Hermes that they needed to create a more functional bag. The limited availability of this memorable purse makes it a big investment in the luxury world and comes in four sizes.

Kelly

Originally named a Sac-a-Depeches, the Kelly dates back to 1892 when its design was inspired by bags that can hold a saddle. The Kelly received its current name from the late Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, when she would use the bag to hide her pregnancy from the public. Known to be the older sister to the Birkin, this bag comes in two styles, the Sellier and Retourne, and four sizes. 

Constance

Designed in 1967 by designer Catherine Chaillet, the Constance was created as a little go-to bag for everyday use and named after her daughter.  A french word meaning ‘constancy,’ the style of this bag is the pure definition of Hermes’ continuing legacy. Featuring the infamous ‘H” clasp and rectangular shape, this bag comes in four different sizes for options. Coincidentally enough, the Constance was known to be one of Jackie Kennedy’s go-to purses. 

Picotin

Derived from a French word, Picotin is actually the measure of feed given to a horse, typically the bag that we see horses wear on their nose when they eat. The equestrian style bag was inspired by these bags, giving it a large interior for all of the necessities and belt and lock closure for that extra touch of Hermes. 

Evelyne

Another equestrian inspired piece, the Evelyne was designed after the bags meant to carry horse grooming equipment. The perforated H is designed as a way to allow equipment like brushes to dry and originally was meant to be worn facing the body, but now as a luxury bag, the fashionistas wear the H outward. This bag comes in four generations and four sizes. 

Read more about Hermes’ logo and other designers in our blog: The Artistry Behind the Logos. 

Jypsiere

Created for the 2008 collections by Jean-Paul Gaultier, the Jypsiere looks like a streamline mix of a Birkin and Kelly into a messenger bag. The messenger bag style emulates a hunting bag mixed with the style of the most popular Hermes bag. This bag comes in four sizes.

Herbag

Otherwise known as the little sister to the Kelly, the Herbag looks very much like its counterpart in which the difference lies in the materials used. While Kellys typically are made of leather, the Herbag is typically made of canvas and a leather piece that can be switched out between bags for a mix and match style. Discontinued in the mid-2000s, the Herbag was re-introduced in 2009 as the Herbag Zip and comes in a total of five sizes. 

Other Hermes bags to look out for:

• Bolide

• Colorado

• Egee

• Garden Party 

• Good News

• Jige

• Lindy

• Medor

• So Kelly

• Vespa

• Victoria

• And more…

Need help choosing a bag for your collection? We curated our top 15 Bags your Collection Craves just for you!