Craving the timeless elegance of Hermès but not ready to splurge? Perhaps you’re not keen on embarking on that ‘journey’, or you simply don’t have the patience to stalk the Hermès website for an elusive handbag drop. Instead, check out the hot French brand Polène. Polène effortlessly combines classic design with an innovative approach, capturing the essence of Parisian chic – without breaking the bank.
Image courtesy: @ahsenfilm
Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polène has quickly gained acclaim for its unique blend of minimalism and creative expression. The French House is celebrated for creating leather goods that feature refined, timeless styles with a distinctively creative touch.
Known for its straightforward approach to luxury, Polène has become a favorite among fashion-forward individuals and influencers. From the Instagram-famous Numéro Neuf mini bag to the practical Cyme tote, Polène offers a vast range of accessories that cater to various styles and needs.
Read also: Bags Parisians Are Carrying This Spring
Image courtesy: @alvinamukhanova
For those drawn to the refined style of Hermès but not keen on the price tag, Polène offers stylish alternatives. Here are three must-have bags from Polène that echo the luxurious look of Hermès designs while keeping your budget intact, proving that high fashion can be accessible and affordable.
Nodde
The Nodde bag is a minimalistic masterpiece with a sculptural edge, offering a sophisticated design that rivals high-end luxury. Featuring a pair of intertwined leather modules highlighted by top stitching, the Nodde offers a satisfyingly symmetrical design.
Image courtesy: Polène
Polène’s Nodde echoes the Hermès Chaine d’Ancre bag from the Spring/Summer 2020 runway, offering a similarly chic, sculptural design. While the Chaine d’Ancre features open leatherwork and an interior cloth bag for practicality, the Nodde achieves a comparable look with Gold-tone leather and contrast stitching – at a fraction of the price.
Read also: The Handbags From Hermès Spring Summer 2020 That Excite Us
Chaine d’Ancre Bag. Image courtesy: Hermès
Polène Nodde. Image courtesy: Polène
Hermès Chaine d’Ancre Bag. Image courtesy: Vogue Runway
Polène Nodde
Constructed from smooth calf leather, the Nodde boasts a zip-top closure and measures 21 x 16.5 x 7 cm (8.2 x 6.4 x 2.7 inches). Designed for versatile wear, the Nodde can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder, thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap with a strap drop range from 30 to 62 cm (11 to 24.4 inches).
Image courtesy: @martahandrich
The Nodde bag is available in seven shades—Chalk, Taupe, Olive, Oat, Cognac, Smooth Ebony, and Black—and retails for €390 (£390/$540).
Numéro Dix
Part of Polène’s signature Numéro collection, the Numéro Dix has become a coveted classic. Its sleek, functional design nods to the equestrian world with subtle saddle form hints. The hobo-shaped design is not only on-trend but also timeless, with seam detailing that emphasizes its curves.
Read also: 6 of the Hottest Hobo Bags
Image courtesy: Polène
For those looking to achieve the Hermès aesthetic without breaking the bank, Polène’s Numéro Dix is a fantastic choice. With a silhouette that closely mirrors the equestrian-inspired crescent shape of the Hermès Arçon, the Numéro Dix offers a similarly chic, timeless look.
Read also: Hermès Arçon Bag: Elevating Everyday Luxury
Hermès Arçon. Image courtesy: @barbara_markert
Polène Numéro Dix. Image courtesy: Polène
Hermès Arçon.
Polène Numéro Dix. Image courtesy: Polène
Ergonomically designed to lay comfortably against the body, the Numéro Dix measures 24 x 20 x 7.5 cm (9.4 x 7.8 x 2.9 inches). It comes in various iterations, including classic smooth calfskin, textured calfskin, crocodile-embossed nubuck, and canvas.
Image courtesy: @justesoblinskaite
While Hermès’ Arçon, crafted in Togo and Swift leather, retails for €4,450 ($5,900), Polène’s Numéro Dix comes is available for just €420 (£420/$580) – approximately 9% of the cost of Hermès’ offering.
Choose from a range of shades including Taupe, Black, Camel, Chalk, Olive, Sandalwood, Midnight Blue, Green, and Cognac.
Image courtesy: @violettevdvondel
Yké
Basket bags are a quintessential summer staple, and Polène’s Yké offers a sophisticated take on this classic style. This elegant bag, which has also made a stylish appearance in the popular Netflix show Emily in Paris, brings a touch of chic to sunny outing.
Image courtesy: Polène
For those who appreciate high-end wicker offerings, the Ykés design resembles Hermès’ Sabot Osier Mini bag. Boasting an intricately woven wicker and leather construction, the Yké provides a similar aesthetic at a much more accessible cost.
Read also: Pick of the Picnics: Alternatives to the Hermès Picnic
Hermès Sabot Osier.
Polène Yké. Image courtesy: @gill.teatimeinparis
Hermès Sabot Osier.
Polène Yké. Image courtesy: @polene_paris
Perfect for picnics or beach outings, the Yké combines leather craftsmanship and basketry with its sculptural calfskin leather surrounding a hand-woven rattan basket form. Designed with a single top handle, the Yké can be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm.
Image courtesy: Polène
Measuring 14.5 cm in diameter (5.7 inches) and 37.5 cm in height (14.7 inches) including the handle, the Yké is compact and city-appropriate, featuring a leather flap closure.
Image courtesy: Polène
Polène offers elegant, functional, and innovative bag designs, at an affordable price point. Whether you’re aiming to achieve the Hermès look for less or simply add a touch of Parisian chic to your wardrobe, these three must-have Polène bags are sure to elevate your style.
Which of these Polène bags is your favorite? Do you love the Yké or the everyday wearability of the Numéro Dix and Nodde?
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One handbag at a time, Avec Anna.
Updated: August 29th, 2024
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