Almost a year to the day, since I placed my first Hermès wish, I found myself back in the Lille boutique where it all began. My summer travels had taken me from the Côte d’Azur to Lille, with a detour through Marseille, but I wasn’t expecting to add another Hermès piece to my collection — at least not until I set foot in that boutique.

During my Riviera travels, I focused shopping-wise on expanding my orange-boxed shoe collection, not bags. So, when the boutique in Cannes didn’t have the Helia 60 Sandal in Écorce suede goatskin – a color that would have complemented my Picotin perfectly – I was offered a clever solution. I could order through the French Hermès website for delivery to Lille. Armed with this information, I placed the order a week before my arrival date.

I continued my trip along the sparkling French Riviera, soaking up the last of the vitamin D, knowing soon I’d get a refreshing dose of vitamin C waiting for me in Lille. Upon arrival in the Northern city, however, exhaustion from my travels tempted me to delay my visit to the boutique. But with the Braderie de Lille — Europe’s largest flea market — on the horizon, I knew many stores would be closing for the festivities. So, I made my way there before it was too late.

Thankfully, the sandals were a perfect fit – and a great match for my Picotin. But the real surprise came as I was about to leave. My sales assistant from last year recognized me, and we chatted about my wish list and the ever-elusive Swift Kelly. When she asked if there was anything else I was interested in, I jokingly mentioned the Constance 18. Unsurprisingly, after a quick check, she returned with a no. However, things changed when I pivoted to a different style – the Arçon.

I first encountered this bag at the Hermès Spring/Summer 2024 Objects Presentation in Paris, which I attended with PurseBop to cover the new collection. Trying it on back then felt like love at first sight, but after its release, it quickly became another elusive find. Here in Lille, could this be my lucky day?

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Image courtesy: @barbara_markert

A few moments later, my sales associate disappeared into the back and returned with a large orange box, accompanied by an equally large smile. As she lifted the lid, there it was: the Arçon in Noir, accented with sleek Permabrass hardware. Trying it on transported me right back to that first encounter in Paris — this was it. It was an immediate yes.

This Arçon felt like a full-circle moment for me. In the same way that PurseBop memorialized her first attendance at a Hermès fashion show with the coveted new Mini Kelly Clouté, the Arçon was my memento. A symbol of my first trip to Paris Fashion Week.

Parisian Debut: The Arçon in Action

As I prepared for my next Paris Fashion Week trip, the Arçon was the natural handbag choice. With its chic design and practical features, I knew it would be the perfect accessory for navigating the city. And, as I planned, the Arçon debuted in Paris, quickly proving its worth in my wardrobe.

Not only did it work with every outfit, but it also allowed me to carry everything I would need while navigating the Hermès show and presentations. My iPad, notebook, and show notes fit comfortably inside. The zip pocket at the front became my go-to for storing essentials like my metro pass, passport, hotel room key, and phone. Stretching almost half the width of the bag, this pocket offered ample room for quick access to my most important items, ensuring I was always organized and ready for whatever the day had in store.

What truly sets the Arçon apart from the other bags in my collection is its effortless versatility. Whether I’m rushing through the streets of Paris, heading to lunch, or traveling, it strikes the perfect balance between style and functionality. Its curvaceous yet sleek silhouette molds to my body, making it surprisingly easy to carry while offering ample space. While my Picotin might be more of a Hermès statement, the Arçon feels like the quiet, luxurious workhorse I never knew I needed.

All About the Arçon

Now, let’s dive deeper into the Hermès Arçon. Launched as part of the Spring/Summer 2023 collection, the Arçon quickly emerged as a standout bag, ideal for everyday luxury. It was showcased again in the Spring/Summer 2024 runway, and most recently, during the Hermès Spring/Summer 2025 Objects Presentations in Paris, with a new size option — proving that the Arçon is here to stay.

Image courtesy: @flaviastuttgen

The Arçon boasts a contemporary twist on Hermès’ classic equestrian-inspired design, drawing inspiration from the days of Margiela’s tenure at Hermès, particularly his ‘Poches en liberté’ design and saddle flaps. Its curvaceous hobo-style silhouette offers a generous form, yet its sleek profile allows it to lay flat against the body.

Part I: Hermès Bags Beyond the Birkin and Kelly | hermes new bags 2024

Image courtesy: @darjabarannik

Offered in three sizes – the Petit Arçon, the standard Arçon, and the new Arçon Slim. The original size measures a roomy 35 x 28 x 5 cm (13.7 x 11 x 1.9 inches). Unlined and lightweight, it’s easy to style comfortably on the shoulder, thanks to its wide adjustable shoulder strap with Etriviere buckle detail, which ranges from 41 – 69 cm (16.1 – 27.1 inches). Due to the length of the strap, some may be able to wear it crossbody.

As for color options, the Hermès Arçon primarily comes in a neutral palette. The most common and sought-after shades include Gold, Étoupe, Origan, and Noir, each paired with Palladium, Gold, or Permabrass hardware. However, for this coming winter, Hermès has expanded the range to include the Arçon in the coveted Rouge Sellier shade, as well as Bleu Glacier. Additionally, the Arçon is also available in a combination of H Canvas and Swift – in either Écru, with Beige, and Gold, and Écru with Noir. With such a diverse selection, there’s no shortage of choices in the Arçon lineup.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Image courtesy: Hermès

It’s easy to see why the Arçon is becoming one of this year’s hottest Hermès bags. Whether you choose the original, the Petit, or the new Slim version, the Arçon offers a practical yet chic everyday bag, radiating serious IYKYK vibes.

Image courtesy: @darjabarannik

While I still have my heart set on a Kelly, the Arçon perfectly satisfies my desire for an everyday grab-and-go luxury bag. Each new addition to my collection, especially the unexpected ones, serves as a reminder that good things truly come in orange boxes.

What are your thoughts on the Hermès Arçon? Are you hoping to add one to your everyday handbag rotation?

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One handbag at a time, Avec Anna.