@ruchimohangaur
Olympic gold arrived early for me. While all eyes turn to Paris this coming week for the 2024 opening ceremony and international competition, my perfect ten already appeared in New York City. Without tumbling on a mat, edging out a runner, or shooting a hoop, I feel as though I may have won the greatest handbag medal…
First, let me take you back to June 6, 2024, for an event of another sort entirely. For the first time, Hermès mounted a women’s fashion show in New York City, to introduce the second chapter of its 2024 Fall/Winter collection at Pier 36 in Brooklyn. In March 2024, I attended the main show in Paris, an unparalleled experience I documented here. Now, Hermès had more to display, taking New York by storm.
Read also: More Hermès Bags and RTW Coming for Fall-Winter 2024
This show did not disappoint. Pier 36 was transformed into a show-stopping, or stop-lighting, performance of fashion and fun. Celebrity (and handbag) sightings and gorgeous new designs were followed by a party time for attendees – dancing, drinks, and dining.
The following day, I had an appointment with my Hermes sales associate which is always a treat. This time she beckoned me with special and newly available RTW pieces.
My bag of the day was my Craie Bolide with wheels. It was visiting its home at Madison.
Still vibing from the prior night’s events, the Madison store was brimming with excitement. Models strutted in the latest ready-to-wear designs, some of which we had seen the prior night; clients dressed to the nines sporting beautiful special edition bags scurried through an array of new collections. It was exhilarating. We strolled the third floor together, perusing the latest arrivals, but as expected, my sales associate had a selection already curated for me to try and see. We’ve worked together for many years now so she has a strong sense of my style preferences.
While I explored the store offerings, my SA excused herself to take care of something, advising she would return shortly. I was truly submerged in it all. I think at this point I was drowning in all of the beautiful gold metallic sandals that were on display, including the exotic alligator Chypres.
I don’t know how long she was gone, but when she returned, we quickly made our way to a fitting room on the 2nd floor, where there was a carefully curated selection of my favorite items – Hermès leather outerwear. Leather coats in different lengths, different shades, and different styles. This was going to spell trouble for my bank account lol. And so the process began… until my heart skipped a beat. My sales associate draped the most luxurious long black trench coat over my shoulders and it was game over. Through the years, I have curated a variety of leather jackets, but the one item missing was… a full-length leather trench. This one was mine.
While I was laser-focused on the jackets, my partner in crime that day – who we all lovingly call BopTalk – had her eyes on something else in the fitting room: an orange box in a size not indicative of shoes or RTW. I was unaware of this mysterious box at the time.
After I made my selections (which included the one budget buster, OMG), my SA, now grinning as she clutched the surprise orange box to her chest, directed “Let’s go to the 4th floor.” For anyone familiar with the Hermès Madison boutique, the fourth floor is the equivalent of “Hermès Heaven” for bag aficionados, with drool-worth displays and elegantly appointed private rooms.
We followed her up two flights of stairs while my heart pounded. BopTalk gave me a knowing smile. Without a spoken word between us, our eyes held a full conversation about what was about to happen. We passed the case with the special Constance pieces where I spotted my Himalayan Constance 1-24. A rare sighting as so few were ever produced. Above it was another stunner, the Gold Doré C18. I clearly had no idea this walk was a foreshadowing of what was to come.
The Madison store case on the 4th floor on June 7th, 2024.
Mr. PurseBop examines the freshly presented Himalayan Constance 1-24 in February 2023 in the same private room on the fourth floor at Madison. Read: Reveal: Meet My Hermès Himalayan Holy Grail Treasure
Once in the private room, my SA set the orange box on a table and wasted no time in lifting the lid. She began to move back the layers of pristine tissue to reveal what the dust bag suggested would be a Constance 18. The bag was so heavily concealed by the wrap around felt that I could only detect the strap. It took my breath away… the Gold Metallic Doré.
This was my first time seeing this color in person and it was even more beautiful than imagined. To be clear, Gold Metallic Doré bears no relation to Hermès classic Gold. Rather, Gold Metallic Doré is a true metallic in a wonderful soft gentle shade, almost a cross between champagne and bronze. It’s the kind of neutral shade that attracts attention with a whisper and could complete and enhance virtually any ensemble. This release is produced in a chèvre named Chamkilight… a shinier version of the original chèvre that we are accustomed to. In the last year or two we are seeing many more smaller sized bags being produced in Chamkila chèvre. My Rose Pop Mini Kelly 20 is also in the same leather.
Despite Hermès’ vast array of colors and leathers, metallics are rare for the brand. Produced infrequently and in very limited quantities, accessing a metallic Hermès bag is rare, even in the secondary market where they trade at a high premium. The most well-known Hermès’ metallic collections occurred in 2004 to celebrate the 2004 Athens Olympics. At the time, Hermès introduced a limited number of Birkins, Kellys, and Constance crafted in medal-worthy shades of bronze, silver, and gold.
Perhaps then, it is no surprise that the next golden opportunity from Hermès arrives in time for this summer’s 2024 Olympics in Hermès’ hometown and country – Paris, France – exactly 100 years since the last Olympics occurred in Paris. While it certainly cannot rival the physical accomplishments of the athletes, for a bag collector, a Metallic Gold Doré bag is a prize of a different order.
I have long desired a metallic Hermès handbag, lusting after those on resale sites. To me, metallic shades are the perfect neutrals for any ensemble, dressy or casual. My bag collection, which as long-time readers know began with Chanel flaps in bold colors, always included metallics like gold, silver, and bronze. Those were my neutral shades. It is only recently that I ventured into what most consider neutrals like beige, camel, and gray, or should I say, Mushroom, Sable, and Gris Tourterelle.
Front to back: Gris Tourterelle in togo leather, Blanc in clemence leather and Nata in epsom leather.
When I first heard in 2023 that Hermès was bringing back a metallic leather (via a Mini Kelly no less), my radar went on high alert. And yes, that includes notifying my SA of the wish. Little did I know it would or could be granted. But I am so grateful and delighted.
Read also: Hermès Introduces Five New Bags for Spring/Summer 2023
@thebaghag
This Constance 18 features permabrass hardware, a perfect choice for the hue. It’s a toned-down golden shade, as if gold and palladium were combined. Given its use on my Constance 18 Doré, it appears permabrass is not limited to special order bags.
Back in the private room, immediately my mind raced, pulling pieces from my real and imaginary wardrobe that would make this Metallic Gold Doré Constance sing. Not that the bag needed anything to attract attention. But just imagine… those must-have Mary Janes, we’ve written about in a previous article, with a long or short, sweet floral dress, chic LBD, or skinny black pants, all topped with the new leather trench. Oh, it was all coming together in my mind so fast. Scenes of outfits, in familiar and exotic places… all with the soft gold Constance worn cross-body to maximize impact.
Read also: Mary Jane Mania: Spring’s Must-Have Luxury Shoe
I was surprised to learn there were actually two pairs of Mary Jane styled shoes coming in metallic Doré. One completely flat and one with a 50mm heel. I would need to receive both to decide of course :)
It also seemed logical that perhaps each had a different place in my wardrobe. The flats with short dresses, jeans – maybe even with bobby socks, and the other heeled version for more age appropriate looks.
Now I will say there was a parallel dilemma running through my mind. What would I do when that mini Kelly surfaced someday in the same shade? Hmm…
For a split second, I contemplated, but no, no — I would deal with that then. This beauty was coming home and would fit in beautifully with the few exceptional Constance bags I now own.
I carried the magnificent Constance home on the plane later that day and the noir Trench stayed behind for minute alterations. It was quite a day, another series of moments etched in my heart forever. Now that it is revealed, expect to see this bag in handbag rotation right away. Or at least by my side as I root for the US athletes from home.
Tonight, July 26th, as we celebrate the grand spectacle of the Olympic opening ceremonies, it only seems fitting that my new Hermès Constance will embark on her maiden voyage. But before this elegant piece takes center stage, I must share a new discovery that promises to protect her.
Introducing… The Lotus Insert.
The Lotus insert is a single-piece, double insert crafted exclusively for the Hermès Constance. Made from sustainable, non-bleed fabric, this insert is unlike any other on the market. When the innovative team behind the Lotus Insert approached me in December 2023 to test their unique prototype, I was intrigued and eagerly accepted the opportunity. Despite the abundance of bag inserts available in varying qualities and prices, none have been designed specifically for the Constance, until now.
Since then, I have been using the Lotus insert in my Ombrè lizard C18, and I am thoroughly impressed. I even leave it inside the bag when it’s not in use for storing purposes – and I am delighted to report there are no press marks. The insert provides protection for the divider and interior leather, shielding them from scratches, stains, and other potential damage. Remarkably lightweight, it doesn’t encroach on the bag’s capacity. In every respect, the Lotus insert is truly exceptional.
I invite you to discover the Lotus insert to protect your Hermès Constance bags too.
And now I’m headed to watch men’s gymnastics, how about you?
Thank you for reading along :)
Much love,
PurseBop xx
Updated: August 27th, 2024
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