Hermès Constance 18 Gold Metallic Chevre Gold Hardware

Hermès first made metallic bags in the 1990s, largely for the Paris flagship's window displays under Leila Menchari, but those lambskin pieces proved too fragile for regular sale. In 2005 the house released a small collection of metallic chèvre bags in gold, silver and bronze, and this Constance 18 comes from that collection.

The finish is built up from several layers of metallic pigment on the goatskin, and it can wear with heavy use, so the surface is the first thing to read. Gold hardware on the H clasp keeps the whole bag in one warm register, and the adjustable strap allows shoulder or crossbody wear.

Collector's Insight:
The Constance is produced in significantly smaller quantities than the Birkin or Kelly, which makes it one of the more difficult Hermès bags to acquire at retail, and the 18 cm format is particularly scarce. A metallic example from the 2005 collection adds a finish the house has made only occasionally.

Resale Insight:
Demand for the Constance has come to rival the Birkin and Kelly, with the 18 and 24 in classic colors the most sought sizes. On a metallic example, buyers check the corners and flap edge for rubbing, where the finish wears first.