Always at the top of the charts for luxury handbags, Hermès doesn’t just rely on the allure of the Birkin and Kelly.
In this article, we explore (or revisit) the Roulis. Although a relatively recent addition from the House of Hermès, it is quickly climbing the ranks in popularity. This sudden surge involves both long-time loyalists and newcomers to the brand.
The 101 on the Hermès Roulis
A blend of retro charm and futuristic design, the Roulis bag stands out with its elegant lines and minimalist silhouette. Its practicality shines through, adapting effortlessly to every movement, making it the perfect companion for any journey.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Roulis a must-have for any Hermès aficionado.
Image courtesy: Hermès
What you can expect in this Roulis guide:
I. History
II. Key Features
III. Material & Colors
IV. Sizes
V. Prices
VI. Caring for the Roulis
VII. Roulis Slim Wallet
History
This square-shaped beauty made its debut in the Hermès Spring/Summer 2011 collection. At first glance, the Roulis resembles the Constance, the third member of the iconic Hermès handbag trinity. Like its well-known cousin, the Roulis can be worn both crossbody and on the shoulder. True to Hermès’ signature style, the Roulis showcases the perfect combination of fine craftsmanship and a minimalistic design aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on functionality.
Image courtesy: @luxe.musings
In December 2020, Hermès introduced the Roulis in a new avatar—the Roulis Eperon d’or. Featuring a striking screen print on its sturdy body, this version of the bag quickly became a statement piece, embraced by Hermès’ dedicated fans worldwide. Its popularity has steadily increased since then. As lockdowns and restrictions ease, the Hermès Roulis is seen on the arms of more and more handbag enthusiasts, especially in Asia.
Key Features
Embodying Hermès’ renowned design philosophy, the Roulis seamlessly blends utility with comfort, much like its iconic “cousin,” the Constance. Its understated sophistication appeals to loyal Hermès enthusiasts who value both finesse and subtle elegance.
The Roulis’ square shape is a timeless classic, ensuring its status as an evergreen design. The front flap enhances both style and functionality, while the carefully crafted stitching highlights Hermès’ exceptional attention to detail.
Featuring a fully adjustable all-leather strap, the Roulis offers versatility for both crossbody and shoulder wear. This thoughtful design ensures maximum comfort and adaptability for various carrying styles.
Image courtesy: @vivid
However, it’s the hardware that truly gives the Roulis its distinctive appearance. The bag features a sleek chain buckle resembling an extended ‘H’. Designed by Robert Dumas in 1938 and inspired by maritime chains, this iconic buckle is a hallmark of Hermès craftsmanship and is prominently featured across many of the brand’s cherished products, from belts to bracelets.
Image courtesy: @eggcanvas
The Roulis features a spacious and well-organized interior divided into three distinct sections. The central section is the slimmest and includes a zipper, ideal for securely storing valuables such as credit cards and cash. Additionally, the bag is equipped with both interior and exterior back pockets for added convenience and organization.
Image courtesy: Hermès
Image courtesy: Hermès
Material & Colors
Hermès consistently delivers the highest quality materials, and the Roulis is no exception. It is available in a variety of luxurious leathers, including Clemence, Evercolor, Sombrero, Natural, and Veau. For a touch of exclusivity, you might even come across a Roulis crafted from exotic alligator leather.
The Roulis also features permabrass-plated hardware, available in both gold and silver finishes, chosen to perfectly complement the bag’s color.
The Roulis is available in a range of neutral and classic Hermès colors such as Noir, Gold, and Étoupe. Additionally, it occasionally appears in exotic leathers and seasonal hues, adding a unique twist to its timeless appeal.
Hermès also releases limited edition versions of the Roulis from time to time. For instance, the Roulis Eperon d’Or, designed by Henri d’Origny and introduced in 2020, featured striking screen prints in various colors, including a dark beige with a blue and white design and a red with a maroon and blue pattern.
Sizes
The Roulis comes in two distinct sizes – both equally elegant and stylish.
The Roulis 23, the larger option, serves as a versatile all-day bag, offering ample space for everything you need throughout the day. In contrast, the Roulis 18, also known as the Roulis Mini, is a more compact choice, perfect for those on the move. Despite its smaller size, it comfortably holds all your essentials. Both sizes are designed to be reminiscent of the Constance in terms of dimensions and capacity.
Read also: 8 Reasons We Adore the Hermès Constance
| Roulis | Dimensions (L X H X W inches) |
| Mini Roulis | 7 x 5.9 x 2.3 |
| Roulis 23 | 9 x 8.2 x 2.9 |
Image courtesy: Hermès
Prices
While the Roulis is priced below Hermès’ iconic HGBs — such as the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance — it is by no means inexpensive. It is significantly more costly than the Evelyne and cannot be considered an entry-level Hermès bag. Nevertheless, its exceptional design, style, and growing popularity justify the investment. Additionally, while the Roulis is still relatively exclusive, it is more accessible than the Birkin or Kelly.
| Roulis | Leather | Price (USD) |
| Mini Roulis | Evercolor | $8,450 |
| Swift | $8,500 | |
| Evergrain | $8,700 | |
| Roulis 23 | Evercolor | To Be Confirmed |
| Swift | To Be Confirmed | |
| Sable Veau Butler | To Be Confirmed |
Image courtesy: @dreamingoth
Caring for the Roulis
To keep your Roulis in pristine condition, consider using a tailored handbag liner like the Lotus Insert — your bag’s new best friend!
Read also: The Hermès Constance’s Ultimate Companion
Handcrafted in Italy from Ultrasuede® with meticulous attention to detail, this liner blends luxurious materials with eco-friendly practices. Although originally designed to protect the Hermès Constance, the compact size 18 insert also fits perfectly in the Mini Roulis, while the size 24 is ideal for the Roulis 23. Not only will the Lotus Insert help your Roulis maintain its structured silhouette, but it will also protect your bag’s delicate interior.
Give your Hermès Roulis the care it deserves, and discover the Lotus Insert.
The Hermès Roulis Slim Wallet: A Chic Twist on Classic Elegance
While not a bag per se, the Hermès Roulis Slim Wallet offers a refreshing alternative with its distinctive design in a sleek, compact form. Measuring 5 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches, this SLG (small leather good) channels the signature style of its larger counterparts, but in a more compact version.
Available primarily in Evercolor calfskin and Mysore goatskin, as well as luxurious exotics, the Roulis Slim Wallet comes in a range of stunning shades. It features either Palladium or Permabrass-plated hardware. The wallet boasts a removable change purse with a zip closure, two credit card slots, and — perhaps the most fun touch — a belt strap.
While it serves its primary role as a wallet, the belt strap transforms the Roulis Slim Wallet into a playful, mini belt bag. Attach it to a plain Hermès belt or one from another brand for an effortless, chic accessory. Although it may not hold much, it certainly makes a stylish statement.
Image courtesy: @worldofcasaharris
For those looking to experiment further, the wallet can also be reimagined with a touch of DIY flair. Some fashion enthusiasts add a strap or even a chain, secured under the flap, to convert it into a mini crossbody or shoulder bag. This approach allows for a customizable style that offers both practicality and a distinctive look.
It’s no surprise that the Roulis is rising in popularity. With waitlists for the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance possibly steering buyers toward this gem, the Roulis stands out with its effortlessly chic design and unmistakable Hermès branding. It’s a stylish contender that exudes timeless elegance.
Whether it will ultimately prove to be a lasting classic or a temporary trend remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on the Roulis? Do you see it as a chic alternative to the logo-heavy Constance, or does it offer something uniquely different? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Updated: August 29th, 2024
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