Which Hermès handbag was designed by Catherine Chaillet and introduced in 1959?

The Hermès Constance was designed by Catherine Chaillet and introduced in 1959.

Chaillet created the bag for Hermès while expecting her fifth child, and the first Constance was reportedly made for her daughter, who was also named Constance. Its compact shoulder-bag format and prominent front clasp became central features of the design.

The Constance is particularly associated with its large, symmetrical H-shaped clasp. That detail can cause confusion with other Hermès handbags, but the Constance is a shoulder bag with a long adjustable strap, unlike the top-handle Kelly and Birkin designs.

Jacqueline Kennedy helped raise the Constance’s public profile by wearing it, leading to the bag’s occasional nickname, “O Jackie.” That nickname refers to an influential wearer, not to the bag’s official Hermès name.