Everything that exists in my head about my Roulis
I have a bi-color Roulis from Hermes.
Stats:
Color: Gris Meyer/Plomb (darker)
Leather: Evercolor
Hardware: Permabrass
Size: Mini
This is the most underrated bag (may I say within Hermes?). It is my favorite bag to grab and go. The Chaîne d'Ancre link metal clasp is quintessentially Hermes but doesn’t scream. When I am out and about all day, this is the bag I will choose. Whenever I use it, I’m never worried about my (or the bag’s) safety.
Maybe we should keep it that way? But I love this bag so much so I had to dedicate this blog post about it.
What fits in my mini Roulis
Lipstick/Lipbalm
Keys
Airpods
Wallet
Toiletries - Lotion, mouth spray, eyedrops, etc.
Hermes Roulis
This bag debuted in 2011 and designed during Jean Paul Gaultier’s era. Offered in two sizes — the mini (18) or the 23. Similar to the Constance, it can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag because of its adjustable strap.
Most of the Roulis I’ve seen were Evercolor (or Evergrain, if black) with Permabrass hardware. As of time of purchase (July 2023), the prices are 18 Evercolor/Permabrass - $7,750 and 23 Evercolor/Permabrass - $8,550. From the helpful friends at Purseforum!
Vs. Constance
I consider these two bags to be very similar. They both have a mini size and a bigger size. They have similar shape and they are both able to be worn as either crossbody or as a shoulder bag.
The two things of the Roulis that won me over (vs the Constance) was the fact that the clasp / closure was actually more simple and the understated hardware.
Simplicity
With the clasp/closure just being a flap. It is very easy to get in and out of the bag. I know a few people who own the constance and I’ve tried the clasp and it’s a bit more of a lift to open and close the clasp. Another pro of the Roulis closure is that because it doesn’t need to be perfectly lined up to close, I can overstuff it if I really wanted to and the bag would still be able to handle it.
Understated Hardware
The Chaîne d'Ancre link metal clasp is less in your face than the Constance “H.” I don’t mind that many people don’t know about the bag. In our house/apartment, we try not to operate under the 捨不得 concept, which basically means “reluctance to part with” or it’s too precious to be used feeling. And the fact that not many people know about it makes it feel safer for me to use it more often. With this bag, I only need to worry about my own safety. I don’t have to worry about the bag’s safety on top of it.
How I got my Roulis
It was May 2023 and I sheepishly mentioned to my sales associate that I would love to see a Roulis. Emphasis on “see.” She asked when I would be back from my Asia trip and I told her mid July. During my Asia trip, I had forgotten about my ask to see this bag. Okay, maybe I hadn’t forgotten but I didn’t think much of it.
Mid-July rolls around and we are back at the store, looking for a bucket hat for Eric. I made him try on all of the bucket hats in both the guys and the girls section and none of them were working. She goes back to the stockroom to see if there’s one more style that would pique our interest and she comes out with the hat and a box.
I was very distracted by this box as she brought it out because there’s a little sticker on the side with a Roulis printed on it.
:o
Is this the time? Am I getting a bag? Of course it’s not a quota bag but I am still super excited because it is a bag that I’m interested in.
As we turned more of our attention towards this box, she unveils this gorgeous Roulis. I kid you not, I audibly gasped because it was so beautiful. In the Hermes lighting, maybe even all lighting. Both of the colors give a beautiful undertone of green. I think back on this combination and I don’t think there would’ve been any other color combination or color I would’ve wanted.
I was trying to not be dramatic but the store was very quiet and I felt all eyes on me. Eric said the couple behind us were pointing around as if to tell the guy to get the bag for her ;)
Remember I said “see” back in May? Well I had to ask her if this was for me. And idk I felt touched when she told me it was. Even as I’m recounting this, I remember the giddiness I felt and I have a huge grin on my face.
Wear & Tear
In the one+ year that I’ve owned this bag, it still looks gorgeous and smells delicious every time I open it up from the dust bag. There are a few minor scratches but nothing so obvious that I would need to send to the spa for. For instance, I have a minor chip on the hardware but unless you’re 5cm away from the bag, you can’t really see it.
The inside, however, is a different story. There are quite a few obvious scratches on the inside. For one, there is quite a big scratch on the inside flap. I think these scratches are mainly caused by my keys, which are quite sharp. I’m contemplating getting a key pouch that I’ll use whenever I’ll use this bag.
Closing thoughts
I don’t want my blog to be all about luxury items in the future but I do want to share my happy moments. Eric knows whenever I take out my Roulis because I sigh in happiness. I’m very grateful I have these things, these happy memories and great people around me.
TL;DR felt cute, might delete later