Privé Porter Guide To: The Hermès Bag Timeline: From 1892 to 2025

Privé Porter Guide To: The Hermès Bag Timeline: From 1892 to 2025

Hermès isn’t just a luxury brand—it’s a legacy. For over 130 years, the house has been setting the standard for handbags that define both style and status. From the oversized travel bag that started it all to today’s highly coveted mini formats, Hermès continues to reinvent icons while keeping its heritage intact.

At Privé Porter, we trace this evolution every day as we source the rarest Hermès Birkins, Kellys, and limited editions for our clients. Here’s a chronological look at the most important moments in the Hermès handbag story.

1892: The Birth of the Haut à Courroies (HAC)Herm�s 50cm HAC Black Togo Leather Palladium Hardware

The very first Hermès bag, designed to carry saddles and riding gear. Its tall, structured format remains a collector’s favorite today, especially in 40cm and 50cm travel sizes. The HAC is still produced, but far rarer than the Birkin or Kelly.

1930s: The Sac à Dépêches → The Kelly

Originally designed in the 1930s, this structured top-handle bag gained worldwide fame in 1956 when Grace Kelly used hers to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi. Renamed the Kelly, it remains one of Hermès’s two most iconic designs. Still produced in Sellier and Retourne constructions, now available in sizes from 15cm Mini Kelly to 40cm.

1969: The ConstanceHerm�s 24cm Constance Nata Epsom Leather Gold Hardware

Sleek, modern, and finished with the bold “H” clasp, the Constance became an instant symbol of chic Parisian style. Jackie Kennedy famously carried it, cementing its status. Still in production, the Constance is available in Mini, 18cm, 24cm, and even 25cm formats.

1984: The Birkin

Herm�s 25cm Birkin Fauve Barenia Pebbled Leather Gold HardwareLegend has it Jane Birkin met Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight, sparking the creation of the Birkin. Designed for function and elegance, it quickly became the ultimate status symbol. Still produced in sizes from 20cm mini to 40cm (and larger travel versions).

1997: Kelly Pochette

Unveiled as a clutch-style evening option, the Kelly Pochette is the perfect “table bag” — discreet yet instantly recognizable. Still produced today in limited quantities.

2000s: Kelly Danse & Mini Lindy

  • Kelly Danse (1999): Designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, a versatile Kelly that can be worn as a shoulder bag, belt bag, or crossbody. Discontinued, then revived in 2019.

  • Mini Lindy (2007): A smaller, playful version of the Lindy, perfectly suited to crossbody wear. Still produced and increasingly popular.Herm�s 20cm Lindy Mini Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware

2009: So Black Collection

Under Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermès introduced the So Black Birkin and Kelly, with black PVD hardware. Produced for one season only, now discontinued and highly coveted.

2010s: Mini Revolution

  • Mini Kelly II (2016): The relaunch of the Mini Kelly with a more structured Sellier silhouette. It quickly became the hottest Hermès size, often commanding double or triple retail on resale. Still produced and one of Privé Porter’s top requests.

  • Birkin 20 Faubourg (2019): A collector’s grail, designed as a miniature “house” paying homage to the Hermès flagship in Paris. Produced in Day, Night, Midnight, and Snow editions—already discontinued.

2020s: Innovation Meets Heritage

Hermès continues to reinterpret its icons for modern collectors:

  • Birkin Cargo (2020): A utilitarian take with canvas and pockets.

  • Birkin Rock & HAC Rock (2021): Edgy reinterpretations with studs and relaxed styling.

  • Kelly Perspective Cavalière (2022): A runway piece reimagining the Kelly.

  • Mini Kelly Metallics (2023): Doré and Argenté, the gold and silver minis that became instant collector sensations.

2025: The Era of the Mini

Today, the Mini Kelly II and Birkin 20 represent the height of desirability. Smaller sizes reflect modern lifestyle trends and collector preferences, and Privé Porter is seeing unprecedented demand for these pieces. The mini era is here to stay.

Why This Timeline Matters for Collectors

Understanding the Hermès handbag timeline isn’t just about history—it’s about knowing what’s in production, what’s discontinued, and what’s trending. At Privé Porter, we specialize in bridging that knowledge gap, helping our clients secure both current releases and rare discontinued treasures.

Whether you dream of a historic HAC, a Kelly Danse revival, or the latest Mini Kelly, Privé Porter is your trusted source for Hermès through every era.

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