The Hermès Constance Elan: A Reintroduction of Timeless Elegance

In Hermès’ most recent Fashion Week presentation in Paris, show-goers were treated to a glimpse of designs slated for future seasons. Among the surprises was the reintroduction of the Constance Elan — a bag that has fascinated collectors for over a decade. The Constance, a classic Hermès style with more than half a century of history, has inspired countless variations. Yet the Elan stands apart for its distinctive proportions and rare production history.

Design & Dimensions

The Constance Elan played with the proportions of the classic Constance. Stretched to a width of 25 cm and reduced to a height of 13 cm, it offered a sleeker, elongated profile. Its strap was the longest of any Constance, designed for effortless crossbody use — though it could also be doubled for a shoulder carry. This versatility made the Elan one of the most wearable Hermès bags of its era.

Production History

First launched in 2010, the Constance Elan was produced in an impressive range of materials including Epsom, Swift, Box, Doblis suede, Silk, Lizard, Crocodile, and Alligator — though never Ostrich. Its discontinuation in 2017 coincided with Hermès shifting focus to Constance 18s and 24s, many of which began appearing in Ostrich. Collectors now speculate whether a future Elan might finally debut in this elusive leather.

Market Performance & Auction Records

At auction, leather Constance Elans have remained relatively stable, averaging between $7,500 and $13,000 over the past eight years. Notable sales include a Blue Paon Epsom example at Heritage in 2011, which achieved $32,500, and an Argile Swift with enamel hardware in 2013 at $20,000. The lowest hammer result was $4,850 at Christie’s in 2019 for a Flamingo Epsom example. With store-fresh Constances now trading above $15,000 on the secondary market, leather Elans are poised for appreciation.

Exotic Elans — crafted from shiny or matte crocodile and alligator — command significantly higher values. In 2022, Christie’s sold a Himalaya Constance Elan with Palladium hardware, a custom order from 2020, for nearly $113,000 — setting the record for the style. Prior to that, Heritage held the record with a shiny Black Crocodile example at $52,500 in 2014. While prices for exotic Elans have shown volatility, they remain some of the most collectible Hermès handbags.

Lizard Elans are even rarer, with just four examples ever appearing at auction. Two Black with Gold hardware crossed the block for ~$25,000, while a legendary 5P Pink example achieved $45,000 in 2017 — making it the fourth-highest price ever paid for an Elan.

The Future of the Constance Elan

The reintroduction of the Constance Elan at Paris Fashion Week signals Hermès’ recognition of its enduring charm. Early photos suggest the upcoming version may be slightly shorter than the original, hinting at a design evolution while staying true to its roots. For collectors, this revival represents both opportunity and challenge: as supply re-enters the market, demand will almost certainly surge.

Collector’s Insight

For Hermès enthusiasts, the Constance Elan embodies the maison’s unique ability to balance heritage with innovation. It bridges the gap between understated elegance and collectible rarity. Whether in leather, exotic, or lizard, each Elan carries with it the legacy of Hermès craftsmanship and the excitement of market unpredictability. For seasoned collectors, it is a must-have cornerstone; for newcomers, a compelling entry point into the world of Hermès handbag collecting.