Hermès Constance 18 Doré Chèvre Chamkila Permabrass Hardware

Hermès Constance 18 Doré Chèvre Chamkila Permabrass Hardware

Constance 18 in Doré Chèvre Chamkila with Permabrass hardware. Doré is a metallic gold leather finish — a warm, reflective gold pigment applied to the surface of the skin. Chèvre Chamkila is a goatskin with a fine, tight grain and natural sheen. The grain structure holds metallic pigment with more dimension than smooth calfskins because the surface texture catches and refracts light at multiple angles rather than reflecting it uniformly. This gives the bag visual depth rather than a flat metallic coating effect.

Permabrass is a warm-toned plated hardware finish — deeper and more yellow-gold than Palladium, softer and less orange than standard Gold hardware. It was introduced around 2017 and appears intermittently in seasonal production rather than as a permanent hardware option. The tonal proximity between Doré leather and Permabrass metal creates a monochromatic gold effect where the hardware integrates into the bag's surface rather than contrasting against it.

Signature "H" clasp closure. Adjustable leather strap allows shoulder or crossbody wear. Interior divided into two compartments by a central wall, lined in Doré lambskin with one flat pocket.

Condition: 1 – Pristine
Stamp: K (2025)
Color: Doré (Metallic Gold)
Material: Chèvre Chamkila (exterior), Lambskin (interior)
Hardware: Permabrass
Dimensions: 18 × 15 × 5 cm | 7" W × 6" H × 2" D
Strap Drop: Adjustable, approximately 16"–21"

JaneFinds Collector's Insight:
The Constance was designed by Catherine Chaillet in 1959 and named after her daughter. The "H" clasp is functional — it operates as a push-lock mechanism, not decorative. The Constance 18 is the smallest standard size (Hermès also produces Constance Wallet To Go and Constance Slim at smaller dimensions, but these are wallet formats). Chèvre Chamkila replaced Chèvre Mysore in Hermès production and is now the primary goatskin used across structured bags. Metallic finishes on Chèvre are produced periodically rather than continuously — Doré has appeared across several seasons but is not a permanent color. Metallic leathers require more care than standard-dyed leathers: the metallic pigment layer sits on top of the skin and can transfer onto light-colored clothing with friction, and will show wear patterns where the surface contacts the body during crossbody wear.

JaneFinds Market Insight:
The Constance 18 is among the most allocation-restricted pieces in the Hermès leather goods range — boutique availability is comparable to Kelly and Birkin in terms of scarcity. Metallic colorways appear in small production runs and are not available on request or through special order. The Permabrass hardware option further narrows the production window, as it is offered seasonally rather than as a standard finish.

👜 JaneFinds Condition Guide