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If not, could we interest you in the Boat-and-Tote’s stylish older cousin just in time for summer?
The name Hermès is synonymous with luxury and, generally, a rather cost-prohibitive version of it. Smaller accessories start in the multi-hundreds, while Kelly and Birkin styles can range from $10,000 to many, many times that. The brand and its most well-known handbag styles, in particular, famously retain value better than almost anything else on the resale market (there’s a reason they call these investment pieces). For those not content to ogle from afar, we’d like to highlight the label's canvas offering. Selecting this sturdy, classic fabrication dramatically slashes the price point (especially on the secondary market) without sacrificing style.
“Hermès has a long history of using canvas in its products,” says Kim Bickle, Fashionphile’s site merchandising manager. “Initially, canvas was utilized for travel goods and luggage due to its durability and lightweight nature. This practical use laid the groundwork for the integration of canvas into more everyday items.” At the most accessible level, there’s the Herline handbag, a canvas shopping tote with woven straps and trim and a single snap closure. The style has since been discontinued but is easily found on the resale market. These can retail from the low to high hundreds depending on condition and size.
Next up, you have the Garden Party bag, “which was introduced as a versatile, everyday bag that maintains Hermès' high standards of quality and style,” Bickle explains. “It is typically made from durable canvas or leather with leather trim, and it features a spacious interior suitable for various occasions, from daily errands to travel. The bag is characterized by its simple, clean lines and lack of overt branding, which appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury.”
One higher offering is the Herbag, first introduced in 1998. "It was designed as a more accessible and versatile alternative to some of the brand's more iconic leather bags, such as the Birkin and Kelly. One of the most innovative features of the Herbag is its interchangeable canvas body. You can switch out the bag's main body with different colors or designs, offering a customizable element. Over the years, the Herbag has seen various iterations, including different canvas patterns, colors, and seasonal prints. These variations have kept the Herbag relevant and desirable among fashion enthusiasts.”
“With these stylish canvas bags you get Hermès quality craftsmanship for a price not typical of the brand,” continues Bickle. “The price points make them an ideal entry-level bag if you want to get a feel for Hermès without breaking the bank. Canvas is a remarkably durable material and these styles come in a wide variety of colors. The blank canvas aesthetic means you can easily put your own spin on the tote by adding twillies or bag charms to the handles. With the Garden Party bag, you get the snap fasteners on the sides, which means the tote’s shape can easily be changed, allowing for extra space. As retail prices continue to rise, we’re definitely seeing a higher demand in the resale space where customers can really find some amazing deals. Also, in line with growing trends toward sustainability, the use of canvas aligns with a more environmentally conscious approach to fashion, which may also contribute to its ongoing appeal.”
There’s a canvas monogrammed elephant in the room: L.L.Bean’s Boat & Tote, an emblem of Yuppie practical yet classic style that has regained massive popularity in recent years. The Instagram account @ironicboatandtote has cataloged most absurd embroidery upon these mundane accessories, spiking a newfound interest in the staple style. Not to mention, they’re objectively practical. “Canvas style bags tend to trend more during Spring and Summer due to their lightweight, durable, and breathable nature, which suits the warmer weather and outdoor activities,” Bickle explains of their overlapping natures. There are similar styles from different brands also available on the primary market. Rue de Verneuil, a Parisian handbag and accessories line, offers an array of modern takes on the classics: shopping, sailor, and tote bags. They deal in linen, cotton, canvas, and other materials. American fashion and accessories brand Kule has created unique takes on the canvas carryall.
Hermès or not, these luxury alternatives are a great way to skirt obvious trends for something understated and perfect for the warmer months. “The casual and versatile aesthetic aligns well with seasonal fashion trends, while the practical designs cater to the increased need for spacious and easy-to-maintain accessories during these active months.”
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