The Hermès Bag That Took 50 Years to Make a Comeback

Hermès dusts off its 1970 classic Fonsbelle Bag and suddenly it’s out the archives, reinvigorated with a chain. Designed by Henri d’Origny and named after his family’s castle, the Fonsbelle has spent the past 50 years tucked away in archives and private collections. Until Spring–Summer 2024, when Hermès revisited the design, creating the Fonsbelle Chaine.

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

The original Fonsbelle featured a leather shoulder strap with a drop of 8.7 inches, and measured approximately 9.5 x 6.7 x 2.4 inches. With its accordion-style construction and structured flap, the design exuded a quiet confidence — often likened to the Hermès Constance, yet without the overt declaration of the signature “H” buckle.

Fast forward to today, and the silhouette returns as the Fonsbelle Chaine. Crafted from heritage Box calfskin, the design retains its sleek, curved leather flap, finished with the signature equestrian-inspired buckle seen on the original. The clasp clicks satisfyingly into place, allowing for effortless opening and closing while maintaining the bag’s refined, structured appearance.

The proportions have been subtly refined to 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches, trimming the depth for a slimmer, closer-to-the-body profile. Inside, the layout is thoughtfully considered: a front slip pocket, a business card compartment, and even a discreet stainless steel mirror for on-the-go touch-ups — a functional detail also found in the Hermès Constance 1-24.

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

The real transformation, however, lies in the strap. Gone is the understated leather shoulder strap. In its place: a chunky, heavy-weight chain with oversize links echoing the buckle fastening. The chain attaches via two coordinating metal loops, reinforcing the equestrian hardware story. Designed to be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand, the Fonsbelle Chaine is not for those seeking a featherlight everyday bag, as the chain adds additional weight to the bag.

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

And then there’s the price. The Fonsbelle Chaine has been spotted in both Black and Raisin Box calfskin – retailing for €14,800 in Europe prior to January 2026’s price increase, and currently listed at CN¥185,000 on the Hermès China website. That figure places it higher than Birkin or Kelly in Togo leather — likely influenced by its Box calfskin construction and the hardware-heavy design.

Collector's Perspective: The Fonsbelle Chaine with @ariellamom

Beyond the history and craftsmanship behind a Hermès design, a collector’s personal experience can reveal what truly makes a bag special. For @ariellamom, the Fonsbelle Chaine’s combination of heritage details and rock-and-roll attitude is exactly what makes this reissue stand out.

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

“Similar in size to the Constance 24, the Fonsbelle Chaine reissue is a masterpiece. The chain gives chic rock-and-roll vibes, while the Box leather and quality of the construction are sublime.

While you cannot wear it crossbody like the Constance, it sits so beautifully on the shoulder. I also love to hand carry it — the chain feels so great.

The edges of this 2024 reissue have been rounded unlike the Constance, and it’s truly an IYKYK bag. When I first saw it in PurseBop’s Spring–Summer 2024 Re-See coverage, I fell in love with this version.”

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

Image courtesy @ariella_mom

The original Fonsbelle is super low-key and was very popular back in the day. I never thought of owning the reissue because I did not care for the gold hardware. But when I spotted this one with palladium hardware on display, I knew I had to make her mine. No regrets!

A word of caution — between the Box leather and the chain, there are ample opportunities for scratching. This is not an everyday bag. It’s more of an occasional piece for when you want that rock-and-roll vibe.”