Hermès is a brand with many incredible creations that reflect its equestrian heritage and its dedication to craftsmanship, but there is no better example of it than the Hermès Evelyne bag, an accessory meant for horses’ grooming tools that was transformed into a fashionable and luxurious handbag.
The innovation and style of the Evelyne bag makes it a fantastic acquisition, for a more accessible price than many other exclusive Hermès bags. So dive deep into the world of the Evelyne handbag and discover why this accessory is a must have in your collection.
- What is an Evelyne bag?
- History of the Evelyne bag
- How is an Evelyne bag made?
- Hermès Evelyne bag sizes
- How to know if an Evelyne bag is real?
- How to store an Evelyne bag?
- Hermès Evelyne bag price
- Can I buy an Evelyne bag at the store?
- Is the Evelyne bag an investment?
- How to buy an Evelyne bag?
What is an Evelyne bag?
An Evelyne bag is an exclusive accessory created by the French brand Hermès. It is a messenger type bag with a shoulder strap that showcases an “H” design created by punctured holes on the leather, representing the brand’s name. The Evelyne has a supple structure and can be used crossbody or hanging from the shoulder.
Introduced in 1978, this bag was meant to store horses’ grooming tools, but as the time went by and its popularity rose, the brand decided to transform it into a fashionable women’s bag that is now one of the most used in social media, amongst celebrities and socialites.
History of the Evelyne bag
The introduction of the Evelyne bag dates back to 1978, when the director of the Hermès riding department, Evelyne Bertrand, decided to design a comfortable and useful bag to store horses’ grooming tools. The holes punctured on the bag’s surface were meant to aid the ventilation of the brushes and other tools, avoiding mold growth and humidity. The “H” punctured side was also meant to be worn facing inward towards the body, as it was not a decoration but merely a functionality feature.
As years went by, the Evelyne bag was used for its intended purpose, but then in the early 2000’s something changed. The French brand saw potential in the bag, as many clients purchased it and used it as a fashionable handbag, so the brand decided to move it to the women’s leather accessories category, offering it as a stylish bag.
The Evelyne handbag fame rose quickly, often seen accompanying celebrities and socialites. Also with the social media era, the Evelyne became a popular choice for fashion influencers, stating a new trend and showing off this simple yet luxurious product.
Nowadays, thanks to the great influence of the Evelyne bag throughout social media, it has become a very coveted accessory, reaching a high place amongst its sibling bags: the Birkin, the Kelly and the Constance.
How is an Evelyne bag made?
The manufacture of the Evelyne bag is a very meticulous process, involving high-quality materials and skilled artisans that train at least 6 years to be able to master all the leatherwork techniques and the famous Hermès hand-stitching method.
The creation of these luxury handbags is carefully made by just one artisan, which means that each artist dedicates to only one handbag at a time, allowing an individual approach and a more detailed craftsmanship. This is a norm in all Hermès products, especially the exclusive bags, since they need to be truly flawless, and this can be attained by an individual manufacturer.
Everything starts by picking the right piece of skin for the Evelyne, this bag is commonly made of calfskin, specifically Clemence, Epsom and Maurice leathers. The Epsom skin is typically more structured, whilst the Clemence and Maurice skins are more supple and soft, perfect for the Evelyne bag. The artisans pick a continuous piece of skin and mark the imperfections to remove them, until they reach a truly perfect piece.
Once they find the right piece of skin, the craftsmen hand cut the patterns for the Evelyne bag, and then take them to the dyeing process. A very precise step in which they pour the beautiful Hermès colors into the skins, helping them get the right hue. However, each type of skin gets a different color adhesion depending on the material and tone, so the same color can look different on various types of leather.
With the beautiful dyed patterns, the artisans get to work using the legendary Hermès’ hand-stitching method, which involves two long needles that intertwine creating sturdy and resistant linen seams. They stitch the bag by pressing the leather pieces with a special press tailored to each artisans’ height, so they can be comfortable during the process. When the seams are done, the artisans hammer them in place and they add a final layer of beeswax to make them water resistant and to keep them flawless for longer.
Once the Evelyne bag is perfectly cut, dyed and stitched, the craftsmen add some important details, such as the hardware, that even if it is scarce in this bag, it is still an important feature. All Hermès hardware is made of brass and plated in precious metals, such as gold, palladium or permabrass. With the plated hardware ready, the artisans open small holes on the leather and push the metal parts through it using a small hammer. The rings and buckles of the Evelyne bag strap are also made of the same material and carefully introduced in the right places.
The marvelous Evelyne shoulder strap is made of cotton canvas of the same color as the rest of the bag, and it also features small pieces of leather that are of the same type and color as the material that composes the Evelyne, ensuring continuity and a flawless finish.
Finally, the Evelyne bag can’t be finished without its magnificent punctured “H” logo. The artisans work carefully to make the signature markings consisting of 63 holes perfectly measured. When the amazing Evelyne is completely done, the Hermès’ quality control team inspects the bag to make sure it is flawless, and only then the artisans mark it with the right heat-stamps, printings and metal engravings to identify it as an authentic Hermès creation.
Hermès Evelyne bag sizes
The Hermès Evelyne messenger bag can adjust to anyone, offering different sizes to make it comfortable and tailored to every woman’s needs. The Evelyne comes in four sizes, each of them represented by French initials: TPM (Très Petit Modèle) with a 16 cm width, PM (Petit Modèle) with a 29 cm width, GM (Grand Modèle) with a 33 cm width and TGM (Très Grand Modèle) with a 40 cm width.
The Hermès Evelyne PM bag is the most used size, which with its 29 cm offers a big enough space to store your belongings and be comfortable, it is also not too big, and can be carried easily on a daily basis. The TGM is relatively rare and not easy to find, this spacious version can be used for traveling or for heavy carrying. On the other hand, the smallest Evelyne size, the TPM is an adorable choice for short outings or to carry only your essentials, this bag became increasingly popular on social media.
Aside from the Hermès Evelyne bag sizes, this accessory has also experience some changes since its introduction in 1978, until today there have been four iterations of this piece:
- The original 1978 version had an internal pocket and didn’t have one in the exterior. The bag had a non-adjustable strap.
- In 2000’s, the second variation of the Evelyne removed the internal pocket and placed it on the exterior. The bag’s shoulder strap remained non-adjustable.
- The third Evelyne version introduced an adjustable shoulder strap, while keeping the external pocket.
- Finally, in 2016 the brand introduced a new version made of Hunter leather, which is a more sturdy leather choice, and the traditional “H” perforated logo changed from an oval shape to a diamond shape.
How to tell if an Evelyne bag is real?
In a market plagued with millions of fake luxury products, authenticity is a crucial point to know for sure that you have a bag that will retain its value over time. When buying an Evelyne bag from a source different from the Hermès official store, it is imperative that you check the following details, so you make sure that your Evelyne is a secure investment.
Materials and craftsmanship
When examining the authenticity of an Evelyne bag, it is important to check the overall construction of the bag, as it has a very specific structure that must be flawless. The “H” punctured logo is also a key element, make sure to count the 63 holes: 40 for the rounded shape, 9 for each “H” arm, and 5 in the middle of the “H”.
Aside from its structure, the Evelyne bag should be made of high-quality calfskin, with a smooth grainy texture and a supple appearance. The inside of the bag should be lined in soft suede of the same color as the rest of the bag. The strap should be made of cotton canvas, and the hardware throughout the Evelyne should be shiny, without any dents or peelings. It should also be noted that the hardware must be of the same plating throughout the whole bag, if there is a mixture of gold and palladium, it is a counterfeit.
Date stamp
Throughout all Hermès exclusive bags, there is a distinctive feature that should be present to consider it an authentic creation, it is the date stamp or blind stamp, a marking that indicates the year of production of the bag, as well as the code for the workshop in which the bag was made.
The date stamp is located inside at the upper left corner of the Evelyne, it should be easily readable and be perfectly heat-stamped on the leather. This code is unique to every handbag and it can also be seen on the official invoice handed with the purchase at the store, which guarantees that the bag is authentic.
Explore a guide to date stamps and learn more of their meaning.
There is another important marking when checking the genuineness of an Evelyne bag, it is the printing that can be seen under the closing strap, precisely on the side where the punctured “H” logo can be seen. This printing reads: “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” and it should be symmetrical, easily legible and consistent. The print should also be of the same color as the hardware present in the bag, indicating that it is genuine. If the printing is of a different color, it is most likely a fake bag.
Metal engraving
Hermès also marks its hardware to identify it as original. In the case of the Evelyne, even if there is not much hardware, a clear “Hermès” engraving can be seen on each metal clasp to attach the strap to the bag. The font should be consistent, clean and easy to read. Additionally, the “Hermès” word should have the French accent mark.
Packaging
When buying an Evelyne bag it is crucial that the packaging is complete and present in all cases, no matter if you bought it from a source different than the official store. The box and dust bag should be present, as it indicates that the bag is not stolen from someone’s collection or from a store.
The Evelyne should come with the classic Hermès orange box, perfectly tailored to the size of the bag, so it shouldn’t be too large nor too small. Also, the Evelyne should come inside a dust bag, a dense canvas bag that protects it from external factors. Make sure that it is beige and it features the Hermès’ logo with a double circle around it. The box’s lid should also feature a small Hermès logo. The Evelyne bag should also include a second dust bag, which is smaller and it is used to store the detachable shoulder strap.
In more recent creations, the Hermès box comes with an additional authentication system that allows you to flash a UV light at the box and see many small invisible ink Hermès’ logos. This feature is not present on vintage Evelyne bags.
Invoice
The invoice is definitely the greatest way to confirm the authenticity of an Evelyne bag, this is because it not only contains the information regarding skin, color and hardware combination, but it also features the unique date stamp code to that bag, verifying that it is an authentic piece.
On the other hand, for an extra confirmation it is advisable to check the original payment ticket from the store, this way the date, time and amount paid will match the one shown at the official invoice, confirming the authenticity of a previously inspected Evelyne bag.
To learn more about how a real Evelyne bag should look, consult its authenticity guide.
How to store an Evelyne bag?
Taking good care of your Evelyne bag is crucial to maintaining its pristine condition, this not only will serve as a way to enjoy a beautiful accessory, but will also help it retain its value in the luxury resale market if you’re planning to sell it in the future. For that it is necessary to follow these simple tips:
- Store your Evelyne bag inside its original dust bag and box, these elements can protect your handbag from any unwanted detrimental effects. On the other hand, you should put your boxed Evelyne in a ventilated area, with no direct sunlight, fluctuations of temperature or excess humidity. These conditions can damage the leather severely, causing mold growth, cracks and discoloration. While storing your Evelyne, make sure to fill it with acid-free tissues to keep its shape, and place it carefully inside the box and dust bag, avoiding any bending of its structure.
- While wearing your Evelyne bag be careful not to bump it against rough surfaces, as it can create ruptures, cracks and scratches on the skin, and it can also scratch the hardware. Avoid using your Evelyne on rainy days, as the humidity can damage the skin and tarnish the metals, you should also be careful with water spillages or any other liquid, such as sodas or coffees that may stain the skin. Avoid storing makeup, pens or any liquid inside your Evelyne, as it can stain the delicate suede interior.
- To keep your Evelyne bag in the best state possible, wipe it regularly with a dry lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt buildup, abstain from using harsh chemicals or leather conditioners, as they can damage the materials. However, if your bag has any persistent stains or any structural damage, take it to the official Hermès maintenance service to be repaired.
- Don’t leave your Evelyne unsupervised with kids or pets, so you can avoid any potential liquid spillages, scratches or damage to the materials of the bag.
Consult this extensive guide on how to take care of your Hermès handbags.
Hermès Evelyne bag price
Although the Evelyne bag is not the most exclusive Hermès handbag, it is still a very coveted and sought-after luxury product, commonly seen on the luxury resale market. It is well known that there are some Hermès bags that can’t be easily purchased directly from the stores, such as the Kelly, Birkin and Constance bags, and although the Evelyne used to be easily purchased, its popularity has made it an exclusive bag that is not easily accessible.
The Hermès Evelyne bag cost in retail is approximately $2,050 to $4,000. While in the second-hand luxury market, the Evelyne can reach values of up to $4,900 to $5,500. However, everything depends on some factors:
- Condition: A used Hermès Evelyne bag can retain its value or increase it based on the condition it presents, if it has been well taken care of, then it will be more expensive.
- Limited editions: A limited edition Evelyne bag can be more expensive than a regular or common Evelyne.
- Rare colors: Some Hermès Evelyne bag colors can be more desirable than others, these rare or very exotic hues tend to be more expensive.
- Size: The PM Evelyne size is very sought-after, as the small structure of the bag makes it more exclusive and desirable, this elevates its price in retail and in the second-hand luxury market.
Can I buy an Evelyne bag at the store?
As we mentioned before, there are certain exclusive Hermès handbags that tend to be more difficult to obtain by just walking in the official Hermès store and asking for them. Some bags, such as the Birkin, Kelly and Constance are so exclusive that Hermès creates a strategy to sell them. This strategy implies creating a very high demand while keeping an intentionally low supply, so not everyone has access to them at any time.
And whilst the Evelyne bag was not initially an exclusive Hermès bag, and everyone had the possibility to buy it, (even straight from the online Hermès store), with time, this bag has been promoted to an exclusive and highly sought-after creation, especially thanks to its fame on social media. All of this led the Evelyne to become a desired bag, and therefore, it started to become difficult buying one from the official store.
So the answer is yes, you can still buy the Evelyne bag at the Hermès store, but it will take some time for you to be chosen to buy it. Hermès system works by giving preference to the regular clients that spend money buying other minor items, at some point, these VIP clients are chosen to obtain any exclusive Hermès handbag.
So if you don’t regularly buy Hermès products from their store, you will have to put your name on their waiting list to be able to buy an Evelyne bag. However, you must take into consideration that the waiting time may reach 5+ years, and that when you finally get your hands on an Evelyne, it may not be of the same color, skin or hardware combination you wanted, as no client is able to choose, not even the VIP customers.
However, if you want to buy an authentic new Evelyne bag online and fast, we offer you our services as your reputable exclusive Hermès store online. Find out more about The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House.
Is the Evelyne bag an investment?
If you have already bought some of the other exclusive Hermès handbags, such as the Birkin, Kelly and Constance, and you’re wondering if the Evelyne is a good investment, we want to confirm to you that yes, the Evelyne is an investment.
But why to invest in an Evelyne bag? Well, first of all it proves to be a more accessible luxury accessory in contrast to other Hermès handbags, so you won’t have to spend too much money while buying it. On the other hand, the craftsmanship, the materials and the quality of the Evelyne are unparalleled, as everything produced by the Hermès brand, so you can enjoy it for many years and keep it pristine. Best of all, its style is timeless and easy to combine, so you can match it very well.
Although the Evelyne bag is not as expensive as other luxury handbags, it has been so popular that it has been able to retain its value tremendously well, and also increase it in some circumstances. So in the world of luxury, the Evelyne bag proves to be a magnificent investment, especially to those who don’t want to spend too much in their first investment, or those who are starting their path in luxury investing.
How to buy an Evelyne bag?
If you have tried to get an Evelyne bag from the official Hermès store and you’re tired of waiting for your turn, then we want to show you some other ways in which you can buy an Evelyne bag online. Pay attention and find out the advantages and disadvantages of these sites:
Online marketplaces
Nowadays online marketplaces are the most used way to buy exclusive luxury handbags that can’t be easily accessed in the stores. These platforms offer a way in which Evelyne bag owners or luxury resellers can publish their bags and sell them easily, but there are some disadvantages for buyers, as there is no way to prove that the products are truly authentic.
Some marketplaces offer authentication services, but as fake handbags have become very sophisticated, and they are difficult to tell apart from authentic ones, the certificates issued by some marketplaces may not be as reliable. On the other hand, the vast majority of bags sold at online marketplaces are pre-loved, which means they are used Evelyne bags that may display some sort of wear and tear. So if you’re looking for an authentic and brand new Evelyne bag, an online marketplace is not your best choice, but an ecommerce store that can provide you a brand new in box product.
The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House
If you’re looking for brand new and authentic Evelyne bags, then your best alternative is The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House, a trusted online store where you can find a great variety of your favorite exclusive Hermès bags in an easy and trustworthy way. Our team of shoppers attend the official Hermès stores to buy the products safely, providing authenticity documents with each of your purchases.
You can order your favorite bags if they are not available at our exclusive Hermès sale, so you can get exactly the bag you’re looking for, with little time to wait and from the comfort of your home.
Trust the luxury experts to get what you need and buy your Hermès Evelyne bag easily!
Definitely the original Evelyne bag shape, its history and the way it became a coveted luxury product makes it a worthwhile product, an authentic beauty that can turn into a potential profit for your future. Don’t miss out on the innovation and style that only an Evelyne bag can give you!
