Hermès isn’t just a luxury brand — it’s a universe. A world built on craftsmanship, scarcity, and a quiet prestige no other fashion house has replicated. While many labels release dozens of new silhouettes each season, Hermès maintains a carefully curated collection of handbags, each backed by history, artisanship, and an unmistakable design philosophy.
For anyone starting their Hermès journey — or building upon an existing collection — understanding the differences between each model is essential. Below is the most comprehensive guide available, covering every major Hermès bag from icons like the Birkin to lesser-known unicorns collectors obsess over.
Hermès Icons: The “Holy Trinity”
1. The Birkin
The Birkin remains one of the most recognised handbags in the world. Designed in 1984 after a chance encounter between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight, the bag was created to be both functional and elegant. It is known for its double rolled handles, flap closure, metal feet, and spacious interior. Available in countless sizes (from 15 to 50) and leathers, the Birkin symbolizes wealth, access, and taste.
Collectors chase special-order Birkins (called HSS), exotics, and limited editions like the Faubourg, Shadow Birkin, or Ghillies.
2. The Kelly
Named after Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, who famously used the bag to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi, the Kelly is the epitome of refined elegance. Structured and ladylike, it features a single top handle, a trapezoid silhouette, and a secure turn-lock closure. Kelly bags come in two styles: Sellier (sharper edges, more structured) and Retourne (softer, inverted seams).
The Kelly also spans sizes from mini to 50 and includes variations such as the Kelly Lakis, Kelly Depeches, and Kelly Picnic.
3. The Constance
Launched in 1969, the Constance is instantly recognisable for its bold “H” buckle. Designed by Catherine Chaillet on the day she gave birth to her daughter Constance, the bag is a favorite among collectors who love structured, minimalist elegance. With its adjustable strap, the Constance can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder. Variants like the Constance Elan and Constance Cartable offer additional styling options.
Kelly Family: Every Variation and Spin-Off
Kelly Pochette
Often mistaken for a clutch, the Kelly Pochette is actually a mini top-handle bag, originally meant as an evening variation of the Kelly. It’s highly collectible due to limited production and has become a favorite among auction buyers.
Kelly Cut
A sleek, elongated evening clutch inspired by the Kelly silhouette but without the top handle. It’s slim, elegant, and one of the hardest clutches to obtain.
Kelly Danse
Originally designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, the Kelly Danse is a multi-way bag that can be worn six different ways — as a belt bag, clutch, backpack, shoulder bag, or crossbody. It was discontinued and later revived due to overwhelming demand.
Kelly To Go
A wallet-on-chain version of the Kelly, featuring the house’s iconic turn-lock.
Kelly Wallet / Kelly Long Wallet
A classic Hermès SLG shaped like the Kelly flap with a turn-lock. Used both as a wallet and a clutch by many.
Kelly Ado
The backpack version of the Kelly. Rare, playful, and extremely valuable on the resale market due to its limited production.
Kelly Lakis
A sporty Kelly with pockets and zippers — one of the few Hermès bags with external pockets.
Kelly Depeches
A masculine briefcase in the Kelly silhouette, used often as a business or laptop bag.
Birkin Family: Special Editions and Variants
HAC Birkin (Haut à Courroies)
The ancestor to the Birkin, the HAC features a taller, more vertical profile and longer handles. Favoured historically for carrying riding gear, today it is popular among collectors seeking unique proportions.
Shadow Birkin
Designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, the “Shadow” has the hardware embossed rather than attached — a trompe-l’œil masterpiece.
Birkin Ghillies
Inspired by Scottish brogue detailing, the Ghillies Birkin features perforated leather trims and a sporty, heritage feel.
Birkin Faubourg
One of the rarest Birkin editions, designed to resemble Hermès’ flagship building on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. These bags regularly fetch six-figure prices at auction.
Cargo Birkin
A utilitarian twist on the Birkin featuring canvas construction and multiple external pockets.
Everyday Hermès Bags: Modern, Functional & Under-the-radar
Evelyne
Named after Evelyne Bertrand, the head of the Hermès equestrian department at the time, the Evelyne was originally designed as a stable bag. Its signature perforated “H” logo was meant to face the wearer, not outward — a detail collectors love. Comfortable, crossbody, and relatively accessible, it remains a fan favourite.
Picotin
A soft, bucket-style bag inspired by horse-feed buckets. Its simplicity and relaxed shape make it a quiet-luxury staple. The Picotin Lock versions include a leather strap and signature Hermès padlock.
Garden Party
A canvas-and-leather tote designed for everyday use. Known for durability and understated luxury, it’s one of Hermès’ most practical designs.
Lindy
Introduced in 2007, the Lindy features dual handles and a supple structure that flops inward slightly, creating its signature soft shape. The Lindy 26 and Mini Lindy have become sought-after everyday choices.
Bolide
Created in 1923, the Bolide was one of the first bags in history to use a zipper — a revolutionary move at the time. It’s oval-shaped, structured, and timeless. The Bolide Relax offers a softer, more casual alternative.
Jypsière
Designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, this bag is the messenger version of the Kelly — practical, crossbody, and subtly equestrian in design.
Halzan
A convertible Hermès bag that can be worn four ways (top handle, clutch, shoulder, or crossbody). Its soft structure and multipurpose design make it popular among minimalists.
Herbag / Herbag Zip
Often called the “Kelly’s casual little sister,” the Herbag features interchangeable canvas bodies and a leather top flap. It’s one of the more accessible Hermès bags.
Geta
A modern Hermès creation featuring a wide strap, structured body, and elongated “H” clasp inspired by Japanese geta sandals.
Roulis
A clean, rectangular bag with a refined metal “Chaîne d’Ancre” clasp. Quiet luxury at its finest.
Trim
A hobo-style Hermès classic, originally released in the 1950s and revived several times. Loved for its effortless drape.
Aline
A simple, lightweight, crossbody cloth bag historically used by riders. Casual, youthful, and collectible.
Mini & Evening Hermès Bags
Mini Kelly II
One of the most coveted Hermès bags in the world. The Mini Kelly is notoriously difficult to get in-store and commands up to triple its retail price on the secondary market.
Constance Mini
A compact version of the Constance with the signature H clasp. Perfect for evening or travel.
Jige Clutch
A classic rectangular clutch with a signature “H” strap closure. Elegant and often gifted.
Verrou
A rare bag with a unique sliding lock inspired by industrial bolt mechanics.
Mosaique
Defined by its mosaic-inspired clasp, this bag blends artistry with subtle modernism.
Kelly Longue / Kelly Elan
Elongated evening Kelly designs worn under the arm.
Rare, Limited & Collector Hermès Models
Roulis Mini Edge
A sleeker version of the Roulis.
Cinemascope
Named for its curved flap resembling vintage film reels.
Passe-Guide
A vintage collector’s bag featuring metal accents.
Drag Bag
A structured top-handle design, often vintage and highly collectible.
Sac Mallette
A boxy trunk-style bag beloved by connoisseurs.
Valparaiso
A soft, casual Hermès tote that’s become a cult favourite in the vintage market.
How To Choose The Right Hermès Bag
Choosing your first — or next — Hermès bag depends on lifestyle, personal style, and collecting goals.
- If you want classic investment value → Birkin, Kelly, Constance
- If you want daily practicality → Lindy, Evelyne, Picotin, Garden Party
- If you want quiet luxury → Roulis, Geta, Bolide, Halzan
- If you want rare collector pieces → Faubourg Birkin, Kelly Danse, Shadow Birkin, Picnic Kelly
Scarcity, craftsmanship, leather choice, and colour all affect long-term value.
Final Thoughts
Hermès has mastered the rare art of consistency — honouring the past while evolving just enough to stay culturally relevant. Its bags aren’t just accessories; they’re heirlooms, investments, and works of design history.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first Picotin or hunting for a unicorn Kelly Danse, every Hermès bag carries the same timeless DNA: craftsmanship without compromise.
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