Birkin and 6 other Hermes bags to own now

This is what happens when the iconic Birkin bag goes into a utilitarian mode. Taking inspiration from military fatigues, this canvas Birkin is adorned with five cargo pockets on the outside (adding more room to the already roomy bag) while the side of the bag features a removable holder for your paper cups. Which begs the question: Is it finally appropriate to take your Birkin camping?

This historical design – named after the 16th-century word for meteor – is a true OG of the maison. Originally created in 1923 as a portable travel bag that can be stowed in the boot of a car, it holds the honour as the first leather goods featuring a zippered compartment. Flash forward to 2020 and the Bolide gets a sunny treatment in the form of leather strips using a technique called pique-colle to evoke the rays of the sun at high noon.

This bohemian messenger bag debuted in 1958 at the cusp of the hippy movement and derived its name from swish or “anate” animation of the fringes. The silhouette is inspired by the shape of a horse trough and the horsebit snap hook clasp is a nod to its equestrian inspiration. This year’s update features a fun design with 44 hand-knotted fringes in a rainbow-effect. Leather aficionados will be glad to know that this piece uses the extra supple Swift calfskin which was introduced in 2005 to replace Gulliver calfskin which was discontinued in 1999. Known for its soft tactile finish, Swift calfskin also comes with a soft reflective sheen.

The Constance shoulder bag is a 53-year-old crowdpleaser for its structured design and iconic H-shape fastener. Even though the Long To Go is not quite a miniature/baby version of the classic Constance – it’s technically a sling wallet – it is a nifty variation (20.5cm x 13cm x 2cm) for those who prefer their day bags more petite and slim. It gets extra points for its versatility – you can carry it as a crossbody or remove the detachable strap and hold it as a pouch.

This Spring/Summer 2020 runway debut boasts an elongated silhouette which Hermes describes as a “small suitcase bag”. The design looks like a cross with a duffel, a shoe bag, and a doctor’s bag, and is a perfect casual chic option for a day bag with all the trappings of a Hermes design. Cue the H-embossed padlock fastening, the hanging key detail and the matte Evercolor leather. In terms of practicality, the roomy bag can be carried on the hand with its top handle or strapped across your body thanks to an adjustable strap.

This bum bag design is perhaps the trendiest and youthful style in the maison’s repertoire to date. The most distinguishing feature of this lemon-yellow design is the chaine d’ancre link emblem which has appeared in Hermes’ designs since 1938. The motif is subtly stitched on the front and back of the bum bag and padded for a plush appearance.

If wicker bags are your thing, then this is an abstract version of the trend. This hand-held piece is composed of individual leather links fashioned after the brand’s iconic anchor chain motif stitched together. Crafted from smooth water-resistant Barenia leather – first used by the maison for saddle-making – the bag is a perfect accessory for the beach. A silk pouch printed with a design by Italian-born designer, artist, illustrator and author Gianpaolo Pagni completes the piece.

This article was first published in Female.

Read Next

10 luxury bags you can buy without leaving your home

Fake or real? These 12 tips will help you spot the genuine designer handbags

8 practical mini bags you need to have, stat