PHOTO COURTESY OF HERMÈS
When one thinks of Hermès, icons like the Birkin and Kelly, or even the relaxed Herbag and Picotin Lock come to mind. The Constance is another collector favourite, but few know its discreet counterpart. Meet the Roulis, a boxy flap bag that has quietly built a devoted following since its debut.
Balancing everyday practicality with the maison’s signature craftsmanship, it’s the insider’s Hermès for those who prefer understatement over fame. For those unfamiliar with the Roulis, here are 10 things to know about this under-the-radar silhouette.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HERMÈS
01 - For starters, its nautical-inspired clasp is an elongated take on the Chaîne d’Ancre motif, which Robert Dumas conceived in 1938. The detail draws from anchor chains on ships, creating a hardware look that predates the east-west trend. Before anyone else did it, Hermès perfected it right here.
02 - Unlike the Constance with its prominent ‘H’ buckle, the Roulis keeps things refined. Its understated clasp appeals to discerning collectors who prefer quiet luxury over loud branding. This essentially reserves recognition for only those in the know.
03 - While introduced in Hermès’ spring-summer 2011 collection, the style remains a contemporary classic at the French fashion house. Its fresh, clean aesthetic blends retro lines with modern practicality, finding relevance over a decade on.
04 - There are two main sizes, starting with the compact Roulis Mini which measures just 18 cm wide. As for its more capacious sibling, the Roulis 23 is pretty much self-explanatory. This range offers flexibility, from a small evening bag perfect for essentials to a practical all-day shoulder bag.
05 - There’s also the Roulis Slim Wallet, measuring just 12.7 cm wide and 10.7 cm high. While officially an SLG, this clever hybrid doubles as a mini belt bag. This is thanks to a built-in loop on the back, a small but smart twist that lets you wear it around the hip or waist.
06 - The Roulis features a thoughtfully designed interior with gusseted compartments that score extra points. Great for keeping a clear separation of essentials, it also offers a practical advantage over many single-compartment bags.
07 - The adjustable all-leather shoulder strap also features a unique toggle system. This lets you wear the bag crossbody or loop it twice to form a short shoulder sling. This versatility is key for hands-free movement while offering different ways of wearing and styling.
08 - The Roulis is available in a variety of leathers from Epsom to Swift, as well as exotics. However, it truly shines in the ever-popular Evercolor calfskin. The slightly grained finish is especially fetching in hues such as Bleu Royal, Lime and Rose Texas.
09 - Aside from classic leathers, rare variations even mix Ombre Lizard with Matte Alligator for an exotic edge. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most coveted iterations today.
10 - Prices start from SGD4550 for the Roulis Slim Wallet, then climb higher for the full-size bags. Loved for its boxy structure and subtle branding, the Roulis proves that in the Hermès universe, true luxury doesn’t shout.
