The Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance Your Spring Wardrobe Needs

The Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance Your Spring Wardrobe Needs

From vibrant hues to fun designs and cult classics, here are the Hermès handbags topping the list this season
From vibrant hues to fun designs and cult classics, here are the Hermès handbags topping the list this season

With the arrival of spring, the blooming of flowers, and the fresh dew on grass bidding farewell to winter comes the mandatory wardrobe refresh. Whether it is having bright colours to complement your outfit and bring joy to the mood, or a statement handbag that is sure to pop in any crowd, these are the Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags to discover this season offered in the online auction Handbags & Accessories (1 – 13 April) as part of Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Sales.

Hermès Micro Constance 5P Bubblegum

There are a myriad reasons why this Hermès Micro Constance is a must-have for your wardrobe this spring. Since 2018, the mini bag trend has steadily gained traction and popularity. Hermès are among the design houses leading the way turning their cult classics into miniatures. The Micro Constance is one such gem. The present lot sports 5P Bubblegum Pink, which ranks among the brand’s most revered colours. Don’t let the exterior fool you, these adorable minis look and feel equally elegant and often have a more accommodating interior than one might think looking at its size. The Micro Constance contains a single interior compartment, and comes with an adjustable strap allowing you to wear it across the body or over the shoulder. 


Hermès Mini Kelly Lime

Another small but mighty handbag is the Hermès Mini Kelly, appreciated by collectors for its simplicity and elegance in design. First introduced in 1957, the Kelly Mini has seen several exciting renditions since it first hit the streets. This earliest known design had a mid-length shoulder strap, while the iconic round top-handle, affectionately dubbed “a bracelet handle” came on the market in 1980. The Mini Kelly 20 in Retourne construction was introduced a decade later. Seven years after the discontinuation of the Kelly Mini, Hermès would reintroduce it with a fresh design, the Hermès Mini Kelly II 20, giving a modern interpretation of a timeless style, which proved instantly popular with both experienced and young collectors. Launched in 2020, the present lot comes in a zesty Lime shade, bringing the ultimate splash of bright colour to accessorise for spring.


Hermès Kelly Doll Magnolia

Spring is also about bringing fun to the wardrobe and there’s no better way to achieve this than with the whimsical Hermès Kelly Doll. Designed by Jean-Louis Dumas and first released in 2000, the Kelly Doll – with its moveable little hands and cute expression – has found loyal followers all around the world. Also called Quelle Idole, (translated ‘What An Icon’), the Kelly Doll was introduced in eight different colours in its first run. Discontinued in 2005, demand quickly escalated. Since then, the Kelly Doll was reintroduced in extremely limited quantities, typically to mark the openings of new boutiques around the world. Fast forward to the present, anytime a Kelly Doll is relaunched with a fresh twist, they are snatched up very quickly. In a popping shade of Magnolia and Biscuit, the present lot is a limited edition find not to be missed.

 

Hermès Kelly en Desordre Etoupe

While every wardrobe should have its dose of bright hues to welcome the joy of springtime, the importance of classic neutrals simply cannot be overlooked. Among the highly sought-after Hermès greys, Etoupe – a shade that deftly straddles brown and grey – simply dominates. Since its introduction nearly 20 years ago, Etoupe has become part of the permanent collection of Hermès colours. A new edition to the Kelly family, the Kelly en Desordre on offer is the newest limited edition from the House’s Fall/Winter 22 Collection. Featuring asymmetrical double-sided compartments, it retains the iconic Sellier structure of a Kelly, while adding an edgy, deconstructed twist.

Hermès Faubourg Birkin 20 White

A bag perfect for a brunch, coffee date, or really just any occasion, the “Faubourg Sous la Neige Birkin” speaks modern and fun. Introduced in 2021, the design captures the architectural essence of the historic Hermès flagship boutique in Paris. Crafted in five different leathers – Matte Alligator, Chèvre, Sombrero, Swift and Togo, the Birkin Faubourg is a true prowess of technique that is both a symbol of savoir fair and tradition. The bright Orange H colour represented by the awning and the small shopping bag replacing the usual clochette reinforces its character, while the small size and its Sellier construction adds to its particularity, making it a “jewel” bag, chic and charming, but also original and offbeat.


Hermès Birkin 25 Alligator Vert D’Eau

When it comes to exotic leathers, for which Hermès is revered, there’s really no going past a Hermès Birkin in Alligator. Among the echelons of Birkins, those made from exotic materials are seen as more unique and exclusive. Of the various types, such as lizard, crocodile, and ostrich, alligator skins are among the top ranked, fetching some of the highest price points. For the discerning collector, alligator skins differ from crocodile in that the plates are non-uniform and larger, poreless, and softer to the touch. The present lot brings all the elements desirable about choosing a Hermès (or two!) to take you through spring: a Birkin in a size 25, which is perfect for the everyday, in beautiful alligator skin, and in a soft shade of green that is simply timeless and elegant.

Special thank you to Blanc de Chine for the generous support for our themed photoshoot. All photo credits (excluding Hermès Faubourg Birkin 20 White): Egill Bjarki.

Handbags & Fashion Hong Kong Spring Auctions 50 Years New in Asia

About the Author

More from Sotheby's

Stay informed with Sotheby’s top stories, videos, events & news.

Receive the best from Sotheby’s delivered to your inbox.

By subscribing you are agreeing to Sotheby’s Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Sotheby’s emails at any time by clicking the “Manage your Subscriptions” link in any of your emails.

arrow Created with Sketch. Back To Top