photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen
The beloved Evelyne bag is arguably one of the most popular non-quota bags that Hermès offers. It is timeless, functional, sporty, has a minimalist silhouette that is lightweight and designed to sit flat against the body as it effortlessly moves with you.
Hermès said it best, “if you chase the past, it comes back galloping.” Nowhere is this more evident than with the Evelyne bag since it was specifically designed for equestrians. Originally intended for drying grooming accessories, the H-shaped 63 perforations on one side is in the shape a hoof print. Although traditionally worn next to the body, many Hermès lovers tend to wear their Evelyne with the H displayed in full view.
Image courtesy: @consciencecoupable
All Hermès handbags have gained tremendous popularity over the past decade. However, the Evelyne bag has amassed an almost cult-like following. There are waiting lists seemingly miles long, taking up to a year or more to arrive.
Much like a Birkin or Kelly, after purchasing your first Evelyne, the quest begins for another. This does not seem to be as true with other non-quota bags such as the popular Picotin, Lindy, 24/24, Geta, or Garden Party. So, what makes this crossbody, single unlined pouch, minimalist bag so desirable?
Is it the vast array of neutral and seasonal colors, the supple Clemence leather, the crossbody strap, or the understated design? Let’s take a deep dive into this popular but understated Hermès non-quota bag.
photo courtesy @pursefans
Fashion Meets Function
The Evelyne bag was created in 1978 by Evelyne Bertrand, the head of the riding department at Hermès. She intended the perforated “H” side to be worn next to the body and the side with the tab closure to be facing outward. In the early 2000’s the bag was officially placed in the leather goods department for bag lovers to enjoy and collect.
The unlined, single pouch saddlebag design, often worn crossbody, allows the bag to move effortlessly with the body. The Evelyne has become a Hermès bag collectors’ favorite due to its versatility, understated style, wide array of colors, and low price point. Many enjoy wearing their Evelyne bag with the perforated H exposed. For the more “quiet luxury” type, wearing the more understated side forward is also a good option.
photo courtesy @sonnetsofsilk
The overall shape and design of the Evelyne bag has not changed since its inception. Usually paired with the originally designed wooly canvas matching shoulder strap that can be worn crossbody, there are multi-colored straps that pair well with certain colors. The simplistic design of the bag with two gold or palladium tabs to attach the strap also allows for alternative leather and colorful straps to be attached to the bag for more versatility.
photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen
Although usually seen in soft and supple Clemence leather, the Evelyne bag is sometimes offered in a felt material in the bi-color Gris Moyen and Havane. Recently, we have seen a new leather shoulder strap addition to the bag in a two tone gold and black design which is quite interesting.
Overall, the bag has only had minor changes focusing mostly on new seasonal colors. Many Hermès lovers enjoy collecting multiple neutral and bright colors to complement their outfits.
photo courtesy @hermes and
@hermes_bonbon
Evelyne 16 Amazone in color Gris Moyen/Havane in Felt/Swift
All The Details
There are 4 sizes of the Evelyne bag. The most popular size is the mini Evelyne TPM referred to as the Evelyne 16 Amazone bag. Also very popular is the medium Evelyne PM 29 cm bag. There are two larger sizes that are rarely seen. The Evelyne GM 33 cm bag, and the Evelyn TGM 40 cm bag.
Since its release in 1978, there have been 3 generations of the Evelyne: the Evelyne I, Evelyne II, Evelyne III and the addition of the Evelyne Sellier. The Evelyne III is the current version in production.
The original Evelyne I, in size 29 and 33, did not have an external pocket or adjustabe strap. The Evelyne II then introduced an external pocket except on the TPM or smallest size. The current version, the Evelyne III, sports both an external pocket and an adjustable canvas strap on sizes 29 and 33 only. The mini Evelyne does not have an external pocket or an adjustable strap.
Hermès released the Evelyne Sellier in the Fall of 2016. The changes represent an elegance that maintains its timeless style. Overall, the Sellier is sleeker and stiffer, as expected for a Sellier style, and made of Hunter leather. Instead of the perforated H in the shape of a hoof print, the Sellier has an embossed, diamond-shaped H logo (see below). The closing tab of the Sellier is also slightly different, with a sleek closing tab. There is no external pocket on the Sellier but it has an adjustable matching canvas strap. This version comes in size 29cm and 33cm.
Evelyne Sellier introduced in 2016
photo courtesy hermes.com
| Size | Dimensions (L x H x W cm) |
| Evelyne 16 (Mini/TPM) | 16 x 18 x 5 cm |
| Evelyne 29 (Medium/PM) | 29 x 30 x 8 cm |
| Evelyne 33 (Large/GM) | 33 x 31 x 8 cm |
| Evelyne 40 (Extra Large/TGM) | 40 x 44 x 10 cm |
photo courtesy @birkinontour
photo courtesy @missy_love_hermes
| Size | Price (USD) |
| Evelyne III 16 | $2,050 |
| Evelyne III 29 | $3,650 |
photo courtesy @stellaw2021
The Hermès mini Evelyne, also referred to as the Evelyne TPM or the Evelyne 16 Amazone bag, is arguably the most popular and desired size. Mini sized bags remain in demand and the mini Evelyne is no exception. It is überpopular, has a long waiting list, sells out quickly, and often sells for double its retail price on the resale market.
The mini or TPM Evelyne can easily fit your daily essentials such as a phone, lipstick, keys and cardholder. The PM or medium size, however, is double the width and much more capacious. Many consider it a great bag for the office and travel because it will fit your laptop and other essentials.
Although all sizes lack an internal pocket, there are many bag inserts to choose from that allow for multiple pockets and will protect the unlined interior.
photo courtesy @thisiseverythingilike
The Evelyne bag is most often crafted using the soft and supple Clemence leather. This leather is perfect because it effortlessly and seamlessly molds to your body. It also takes on color so well that every color looks amazing on an Evelyne bag. Although the Evelyne has been crafted in Epsom and Maurice leather, it is most commonly found in Clemence.
The Sellier version is produced in Hunter leather and we have seen a felt/swift combination as well as a canvas and swift two toned version (see below).
Any color combination is a winner in our opinion. Is there an Evelyne on your wishlist?
photo courtesy hermes.com
photo courtesy hermes.com
A New Kid on the Block
The Evelyne is getting an upgrade with the release of the Spring/Summer Bags of 2023. The detachable strap will be available in leather instead of canvas. The body of the bag is in what appears to be coated canvas. Stay tuned for details and pricing.
Image courtesy @janicekidd
Styling the Evelyne Bag
Styling an Evelyne is easy due to its chic simplicity and ease of use. The low price point, the multitude of colors and neutrals, and its clean utilitarian aesthetic lend itself to be the perfect partner in everyday life.
Once only found in the equestrian section of Hermès boutiques, the Evelyne gained popularity after the 2009 recession. Buyers were looking for more affordable and understated handbags to avoid looking over the top. The Evelyne was the perfect choice with its minimalist lines, and carefree chic design.
photo courtesy hermes.com
photo courtesy @birkinontour
photo courtesy @mywardrobediaries
photo courtesy @fau_mone
photo courtesy @rumba2000
One of the most versatile aspects of the Evelyne is that the shoulder strap is detachable. You can switch the strap for a new design to give your bag an entirely new look and feel. Some Evelynes come with a matching wooly canvas shoulder strap. Others come with a contrasting color strap, and some even come with a multi colored strap in a geometric design.
photo courtesy @fionatran1211
photo courtesy @grape_gravity
photo courtesy @iwantherbag
photo courtesy @myoshi_coco
photo courtesy of @sonnetsofsilk
Aside from using the detachable shoulder straps, many get creative and braid a twilly from end to end adding color and a design to their bag.
photo courtesy @theclassicist_
photo courtesy @hermes.we.love
photo courtesy @hermes.we.love
photo courtesy @eve_obsessed
Why Is The Evelyne So Popular?
Like all Hermès bags, the Evelyne can be challenging to obtain. There are long waiting lists for all colors. The mini TPM size often sells for double the original retail price on the resale market.
It is one of the best first bags to purchase at Hermès. It has the lowest price point of all bags. If you are just starting your exploration into the world of Hermès, it is not as large an investment as other bags. It is also easy to wear because it hugs your body, the logo can be concealed, and it retains its value extremely well.
How many Evelyne bags do you have in your collection? Share your favorite size and colors with us. Do you change the shoulder strap, or use a twilly to add color and versatility. We would love to know.
Love, PurseBop
xo
Updated: August 27th, 2023
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