Learn More About Our Favorite Rare and Collectible Hermès Constance 18
Discover your next Hermès Constance 18, Bid or Buy Now.
Brief History of the Hermès Constance 18
The Hermès Constance was first introduced in 1959. It was named after the daughter of the Hermès bag designer Catherine Chaillet. The Hermès Constance 18 was the original size of the bag when it was first introduced. The popularity of the Hermès Constance bag is attributed to the former First Lady and style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy who was seen frequently carrying the Hermès Cosntance. Kennedy was drawn to the bag due to its leather shoulder strap, allowing it to be hands-free. The Hermès Constance quickly became a staple handbag among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities who admired Kennedy's style.
The Hermès Constance is a part of the Holy Trinity of Hermès bags, alongside the Birkin and Hermès Kelly. The Hermès Constance may get less attention but it remains timeless and versatile. A single artisan handcrafts each Hermès Constance. The process takes approximately 14 to 18 hours per bag, a testament to Hermès's quality and attention to detail.
Hermès Constance 18: Most Popular Size
The Hermès Constance 18 is the ultimate classic within the Constance collection and by far the most popular with collectors. The Hermès Constance 18 is also called the Hermès Mini Constance since it is the smallest standard size available from Hermès. The boutique price for a leather Constance 18 is $8,750 for Epsom and $10,000 for Chevre. Prices for a pristine leather Constance at Sotheby's is around $15,000 to $17,000 depending on the color. while the Chevre leather is around $15,000. The premium to retail is less for the Hermès Constance 18 due to lower demand for this style. Limited edition Constance 18 can sell for higher premium relative to the original boutique price.
The other standard sizes for the Constance are 24 and the elongated Hermès Constance Elan. The Hermès Constance 23 and 29 were discontinued by Hermès but Sotheby's often has them available. The Micro Constance 14 is the smallest size but few are available from the boutique or the secondary market.
Rare and Collectible Hermès Constance 18
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of the Hermès Constance 18, the following rare and collectible Hermès bags should be on your radar. Our favorite rare and collectible Hermès Constance 18 are limited edition styles, exotic materials in neutral colors and the most desirable pastel colors. Pale pink shades are among the most popular Hermès pastels including Rose Sakura, 5P Bubblegum, Mauve Sylvvester and Pale Mauve. The newest Hermès pink, Rose Darling is likely to join this list of most sought after color. Pastel green favorites include Vert Fizz and Vert Criquet. The following Hermès Constance 18 are either first to market for Sotheby's, rare in the market or limited edition styles. While some of these specific may be Hermès Constance bags may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Constance bags that are rare and collectible. We chose these Hermès Constance bags since they are prior record breakers, first to market and limited edition styles. If you are looking to add rare and collectible Hermès Constance bags to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Hermès Constance 18: Limited Edition Cloute Studded
Hermès rarely embellishes its bags so the Limited Edition Hermès Constance 18 III Sac Miroir Clouté is rare and very collectible. This Limited Editon Hermès Constance 18 is in black box leather with silver studs and palladium hardware. This Hermès bag is very rocker chic and will pair perfectly with chunky heels and a fitted leather jacket for fall. Wear now to embrace bold 80s fashion references that were popular on the runways this fall and wear later since the Hermès Constance 18 will remain a timeless style for years to come.
Hermès Constance 18: Gris Neve Matte Alligator
Alligator or Crocodile Hermès bags occupy the top of all Hermès bags, only VVIP Hermès clients are allowed to special order a crocodile or alligator bag. The Gris Neve Matte Hermès Constance 18 is rare and collectible for several reasons. First the matte finish is more desirable since it shows less scratching and water marks, additionally the subtle finish is increasingly more desirable than shiny. Hermès collectors are also drawn to its subtle pale neutral grays and whites. These sophisticated colors like Gris Neve are the perfect fall companion to darker neutrals and won't compete with patterns. Your Hermès bag collection needs a few exotic bags and we love the Hermès Constance 18 in Matte Alligator Gris Neve for its versatility and sophistication.
Hermès Constance 18: Shiny Lizard Ardoise
Shiny Lizard is another favorite with collectors since this exotic skin is among the rarest. While Hermès porosus crocodile bags retail for the highest price of all exotic skins, Lizard bags are by far the rarest. Many Hermès stores may go a year or more without ever receiving a lizard bag from Paris. While Ombre Lizard often takes the spotlight when it comes to collecting Hermès lizard bags, we love the silver/gray tone of the Ardoise Lizard since it is a great neutral that will pair with fall's most popular colors, including burgundy and gray that was all over the runway this season. This is the first time Sotheby's has offered this special Hermès Constance 18 at auction and it unclear when or if we will have another on offer.
Hermès Constance 18: Limited Edition Metallic Dore
Our final rare and collectible Hermès Constance 18 is a limited edition Chevre Metallic Dore bag. Dore is a new metallic gold released from Hermès for fall winter 2024. Metallic Hermès bags have been highly collectible since first being introduced in 2004. Metallic leather Birkin and Kelly bags from 2004 to 2005 often sell for over $100,000. If you love the metallic leather finish from Hermès, a Constance 18 is less expensive alternative for the flashy finish. Bold gold jewelry was a big trend this fall, so a gold bag is a natural must have accessory this season.
Buying and Selling Hermès Constance 18 at Sotheby's
Sotheby's can assist with buying or selling your next Hermès Constance 18. Sotheby's handbag auctions feature rare and collectible Hermès Constance 18. We also have a carefully curated selection of Hermès Constance 18 in pristine and excellent condition, available for immediate shipping. Expect to find the most popular Hermès Constance 18 in leather and exotic materials, new colors with 2024 date stamps, classic neutrals in all sizes and rare limited edition bags. We accept Hermès Constance 18 bags for consignment at auction and marketplace. Prices for pristine Hermès Constance 18 starts at about $15,000 for leather and $20,000 for exotic.
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