Style

The Hermes Constance Bag

Today I’m reviewing a new addition to my closet – the Hermes Constance bag.

The Constance is a bag that I have been looking to add to my closet for the longest time. For more than three years I’ve been looking for the perfect one – there have been a few candidates, but nothing that I loved enough to take home. I was super picky with the requirements – I knew I wanted Epsom, because otherwise I would get tons of scratches all over due to the clasp, I knew I wanted black, so that I wouldn’t worry about it rubbing on dark jeans, and I knew I wanted the 24 size, so it could fit more. Actually originally I wanted the Elan size, until a friend kindly modeled it for me and then I realized it would be too long.

Then, Hermes started coming out with rose gold hardware on the Constance so I knew I wanted that as well. This was a combination that I might have a passing chance at, if I placed an order long in advance and begged extra hard, at my “local” store, but as my local store is actually overseas and I’m basically chained to my home until elementary school, I knew it would be an impossible mission. Until I mentioned, in passing, my long unrequited Constance dreams to a dear and wonderful friend. This friend, who wished to remain anonymous, I can only describe as someone who would be listed on Hermes customer profiles as “valued client” whereas I remain somewhere around or below “peon”. And somehow, she made magic happen.

Yes my perfect Constance bag – black Epsom, 24cm size, rose gold hardware. Yay!!

Epsom is kind of a controversial leather in Hermes world (is that a ridiculous sentence? Probably). Some don’t like it because it feels a little “plasticky”, artificial. But a great thing about it is that it withstands scratches more easily than smooth leathers. The clasp on the Constance is such that I knew I would end up scratching the bag everywhere with my keys, fingernails, etc – and I wanted it to be a grab and go and throw bag, one which I wouldn’t have to baby. This is my first Epsom bag and I’m happy to have gone with the leather.

As you can see above, the interior has two compartments (double gusset) which gives you more space to store your goodies, but also means the bag is a little bulky.

And finally, a few shots of the bag on, so you can see how it hangs on my frame in various formats. Just for reference, I’m 5’1. Please note that these photos are purely for others who are considering the bag and how it might hang on them – I didn’t even attempt to pretend that I was going out in some glamorous outfit for these. I’m wearing a variation of what I wear each day, a loose shift with Birkenstock slides. Yeah!

First, we have the most traditional way to carry the bag – double strapped, by the shoulder.

Next, single long strap. I kind of think I’m a tad too short to pull this off but I would do it in heels.

And finally, crossbody. I think the strap is a wee bit too short to do crossbody for long periods, but it’s definitely doable, and a nice option to be able to have when out running around. I included the photo of the bag in my front just so you could see how it looks – I think I would rarely wear it like that, I much prefer it towards the back like in the last photo.

Thank you for reading along, and I’d love to hear from any fellow Constance lovers!

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41 Comments

  • Reply
    sydnee
    October 9, 2017 at 10:28 am

    What a gorgeous bag, and what a wonderful friend! I’m a big fan of the Constance as well, just so hard to find.

    Design by Sydnee | A Lifestyle Blog

  • Reply
    Christine
    October 9, 2017 at 10:33 am

    I love the bag in all of the shots. It looks perfect for you! I think epsom was a very wise choice. Scratches would bother me, as well. It was nice of your friend to source the Constance for you.

  • Reply
    Amy C
    October 9, 2017 at 10:49 am

    I’m not a big fan of H bags (which is good for the bank account!) but I really like this one. Congratulations! And smart choice with the leather. 🙂

  • Reply
    Mai
    October 9, 2017 at 11:02 am

    OMG I am obsessed with the Constance bag, it is my #1 bag dream. I LOVE what you got, So amazing!!!! It is literally to die for. Luck lucky you, I am super excited for you! It really looks perfect, I hope you use it tons!

  • Reply
    Umbreen
    October 9, 2017 at 11:52 am

    Omg! I love it! I agree with your choice and I want one too! Can you help me get one too! I am finally ready to make the plunge! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    October 9, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    I love your love love your Constance in black Epsom with the rose gold hardware. Can I have one too? Maybe your VIP Hermes friend could help us all out? I have a Constance too (in Orange Epsom) and while I get why people may not like Epsom I find it works very well with the Constance as it is a structured bag.

  • Reply
    Hui
    October 9, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    It’s a gorgeous bag (like pretty mich everything from Hermès btw) !
    Is it heavy?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Not really! And much easier to carry as its on the shoulder.

  • Reply
    Diane
    October 9, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    It looks lovely Kat!!! Hope you enjoy it and get great use out of it!!!!

  • Reply
    ahhhsoneo
    October 9, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    absolutely stunning bag! This and the Medor are my dream Hermes bags. Your friend sounds like a fairy god mother! lucky. the crossbody with the bag upfront looks a bit uncomfortable, so much better around the back, but that would have me worried about pickpocketters (sp). so. very. envious!
    http://ahhhsoneo.com

  • Reply
    Michelle
    October 9, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    Congrats! What a sweet friend! I have been looking for a Constance as well but in C18. I don’t have specific specs but two friends offered their RA C18 in Swift which I turned down because I am afraid to handle Swift! Would love to hear how you like your C24 as you wear it more.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 10, 2017 at 12:42 am

      Swift is beautiful tactile leather. Why I need gods name were you afraid to handle it?

      • Reply
        Katherine
        October 13, 2017 at 9:17 am

        I love Swift too, its absolutely luscious, but I have seen it become dented/bent more easily with the structured style of the Constance. I think its all in the individual’s preference of how they like their bags.

        I would love a Swift Kelly or Birkin one day!

  • Reply
    ABG
    October 10, 2017 at 7:46 am

    Congratulations, what a beautiful bag. I had never considered a Constance, but on you it looks chic, fresh and modern. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Epsom, never a leather I have any thought either.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Thanks ABG! My first Epsom and I think its great on the Constance.

  • Reply
    Shannyn
    October 10, 2017 at 11:59 am

    Gorgeous! It looks perfect on you!

  • Reply
    Mai
    October 10, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I’m so jealous!!! I passed on a Gris mouette one and have been kicking myself ever since. Constance are so hard to come by in our local store. Black with rose gold would be close to impossible here. Sigh.

  • Reply
    Chloe
    October 10, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Constance looks lovely on you! And I think the strap length works for your height.

    Maybe you can do a comparative review of the Roulis and the Constance since you have both? I’m actually debating whether to get a Roulis or a Constance but there’s limited information online comparing both styles. So I think that would be a great blog post 🙂

    • Reply
      NVIE
      October 13, 2017 at 1:32 am

      Yes, I remember Kat and her Roulis. Kindly share a comparison post.

      • Reply
        Katherine
        October 13, 2017 at 7:17 am

        Hi ladies, sorry to say that the Roulis is gone… It was a great bag but ultimately I have been winnowing down my collection as best I can. I still recommend it!

    • Reply
      Sonita
      October 14, 2017 at 10:48 am

      Hi Chloe, I have both the Roulis (23-cm, one in Clemence, one in Sombrero leather) and Constance (24-cm, in Epsom). Believe it or not, I think the Clemence Roulis fit more stuff (maybe due to the “flexible” nature of the leather) and it has outside pocket. I usually put in make-up items , 2 smart phones and a few credit cards. I think it really depends on what you’re looking for. The Roulis is a bit more “casual”, while the Constance is more “formal.” I also have a few vintage Constance 23 cm in croc skins and 1 Elan, they look very nice but don’t fit that much stuff and I usually can only put in a few makeup items, maybe 1 smartphone and credit cards.

      • Reply
        Katherine
        October 14, 2017 at 3:02 pm

        Thank you Sonita!! Your collection is TDF!

      • Reply
        Chloe
        October 14, 2017 at 6:45 pm

        Thank you, Sonita!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    October 10, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Your friend is so sweet and amazing to help you get your constance (faster)! I would love to get one (in my dreams haha), but since I’m not even a “peon” with Hermes lol, I’ll have to stick to other brands. Congrats to you on your beautiful bag!

  • Reply
    K
    October 10, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    OMG… congrats big time!! It is so true that Epsom is the best choice on Constance. I turned down a C18 black with phw like 2 mths ago at ‘our’ local store bc its in Evercalf and already seeing visible thumb nail marks on top of the claps. =( so so happy to see one but also so so sad in the same time that I had to turn down the offer.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Completely understand…I’ve turned down a Constance for the very same reason. The grooves were quite deep!

  • Reply
    L
    October 11, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Rose gold? swoon……its a beauty!

  • Reply
    Nina
    October 11, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Hi Kat,
    Do you still have your Roulis? I’ve always been more drawn to that bag since I am not a big fan of big “H” logos. I was wondering if you could do a comparison between the Constance and Roulis?

  • Reply
    Vivian
    October 11, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Gosh, this is such a beauty and with ROSE GOLD hardware!!! I can only dream of seeing one in real!

  • Reply
    christinebrightside
    October 12, 2017 at 8:21 am

    WOOOOW! Congrats to this new addition to the family. It makes me really want a Constance now, too … the rose gold hardware is beautiful… I’d want the same size, Epsom in blue agate with rose gold HW…. what a pity the strap is a little too short to wear it cross-body “comfortably”. I have a really long upper body and know it would literally sit under my boobs 😀

    • Reply
      periogirl28
      October 15, 2017 at 9:15 am

      I do not know if your store will allow this but you can request for the strap to be lengthened in Paris. I know some taller owners have had this done.

  • Reply
    Emily
    October 13, 2017 at 10:34 am

    Many Congrats! I too scored my first Constance this year – Bleu Indigo in Swift with GHW. Hubby was so lucky to get it at the Heathrow Airport and with tax free, exchange rate – it was like 30% off. Still love my Birkins and Kellys a little more, but I do have an appreciation for the Constance. 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 14, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      C via airport is my DREAM – a dream bag at a dream price. Congratulations!!!

      • Reply
        Anonymous
        October 16, 2017 at 9:26 pm

        Thanks! Totally! 🙂

  • Reply
    Sonita
    October 14, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Kat, congrats, beautiful Constance! I too love the Constance (mostly for dinner outings), esp. the 24-cm. For the longest time, I was waiting for it in my local store, but it never came. My SA suggested that I placed an SO for it, so I did. Black epsom outside, rose jaipur inside, brushed gold HW (but then they told me they couldn’t do brushed HW on the Constance, so I got regular gold HW). Then voila, it came within 6 months and I love it and have been using it a lot! I also have some vintage croc Constance in 23 cms and the Elan, but since they don’t come with the double gussets, the new 24-cm is more “useful.” My SA said the Cartable (29-cm) will fit even more, but I haven’t seen it in real life.

  • Reply
    periogirl28
    October 15, 2017 at 9:13 am

    My dear I am so late to this party, congrats, so happy for you. Your friend is an absolute gem also. I have always loved the Constance, although the H is huge, the clasp is ingenuous and secure. The double and single strap options are great too. I love your combination, I have Cs in various leathers and I don’t think Epsom is really necessary to avoid scratches, my Swift and Box ones are fine. Enjoy your bag in the best of health!

  • Reply
    S in HK
    October 16, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Congratulations! This combo is so lovely. Lately I’ve been craving one, so I’m glad to see your review. What do you fit inside it?

  • Reply
    Candice
    November 4, 2017 at 6:19 am

    Congratulations Kat on your constance. It really is beautiful and a classic. Would love to add it in my collection. Thanks for sharing. Hope you could do a what fits the constance.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 4, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Kat that is my dream bag. It looks fabulous on you.

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