Is BV the Gateway Drug to Hermes?

[beth001]

Just wondering... now that I've all but tossed my LV's and MJ's aside in favor of my BV (Crimson Veneta, to be exact) I find myself drifting over to read the tpf Hermes threads. Is BV the gateway to Hermes? How many of you have moved up the ladder to ultra-expensive H bags? The prices truly frighten me, but I admit it, I'm dreaming about an Evelyne, which is way less than a Birkin or a Kelly. I don't even LIKE Birkins or Kellys. Are you ever satisfied? Every bag I purchase I think, "THIS is the one. THIS is the LAST one." But it never is. I'm not this way about shoes or clothes or anything else. Just handbags.

[Ranag]

For me it was just the opposite. Hermes was the gateway to Bottega. Bottega's quality and craftsmanship are superb. The bonus with Bottega is not having to deal with the horrible attitudes of the people who work at Hermes.

[jburgh]

Yes - I have said this many times, lol. BV IS the gateway drug to Hermes. Beware.....

Seriously, the two brands have some commonalities, simple elegant lines, excellent workmanship, and top of the line materials. Many people go back and forth between the two brands.

I have a couple of Hermes bags and love them as much as my BVs. I am really hooked on BV intrecciato, as well as the pebbly leather pattern of Togo.

Do you have orange fever?

methinks beth001 has a touch of orange fever...

[kroquet]

I am at the top of my line with Bottega. I really have no desire for the Hermes bags. I do, however, love the scarves.

I was thinking of an Evelyne, but after reading some posts, decided against one. I guess that I just love the BV leather and styles.


Another plus is the way I am treated in the boutiques. I feel like a VIP and don't think that would happen in Hermes. I have a great SA at BV and she is always honest with me and doesn't steer me wrong.

[Juda]

It might be but it can also be a replacement to H.
I am personally not interested in the games played to buy a Birkin and this affected my perception of Hermes as a brand
I believe BV exotics are in the same level of H exotics, with the added advantage of different BV designs every year.

[Ranag]

^^^^^
I agree, Juda. I own exotics from both brands, and the Bottega's are just exquisite.

[ssc0619]

I always say I'd never spend that kind of money on H bag. But I never thought I'd consdier a cabat either!

beth--where have you been? We missed you!

[jackietong]

beth: I feel you!!! I'm lurking over the orange side more than ever!

uh oh...red flag for me here, or should I say DH, beware...I honestly have been spending more time here and the hermes forum lately...I don't own many bags, like I said, just a couple of really good bags, imo. i.e. longchamp, suhali,mahina for lv, my beloved bbags, flaps from chanel (not really a big fan, although I've used my marine fonce jumbo like crazy this past weeks even in the rain)...and now BV. I am now drawn to Hermes more than ever, I'm not the crazy bag fanatic well most of the time I'm not, but I've seriously changed and now think many times over before I purchase, specially if its a big purchase per say. I just think that because Hermes and BV does have simplicity and elegance and common that's why most go back and forth with this 2... Other brands tend to look very trendy and thus veer away from the classic look that I guess we all love about this two very luxurious brands...hmmm...I think I'm catching the H fever too

Originally Posted by jburgh

Yes - I have said this many times, lol. BV IS the gateway drug to Hermes. Beware..... Seriously, the two brands have some commonalities, simple elegant lines, excellent workmanship, and top of the line materials. Many people go back and forth between the two brands. I have a couple of Hermes bags and love them as much as my BVs. I am really hooked on BV intrecciato, as well as the pebbly leather pattern of Togo. Do you have orange fever? methinks beth001 has a touch of orange fever...

[LulaMaeBarnes]

I think for me it goes hand in hand. I wouldn't be willing to wait for five years to own a Hermes but I would seriously consider getting one on ebay. I have 3 BV now and always looking for my next one it seems.

[annelovepuggy]

I have to admit YES to this one. I'm not sure how it really got started, but definitely this BV forum got me interested [again] in H scarves !!! Next is H horn necklaces; l use and love them more than the scarves [I'm more of a large shawl person than a scarf gal]. H picotin is a workhorse for me, and the lindy is really chic and unique. Love birkin, but I think a little beatup birkin or kelly is more of my style. I'm looking into So Kelly. I like its casualty and much under the radar.

I still love BV; no other brand can beat BV classic and timeless knot clutch and cabat. They are on my wish list. Actually I purchased the purple satin knot clutch for my coming high school re-union . I'm totally allured by BV's unique weaving techniques and styles .

[doloresmia]

beth - welcome back! you have been missed.

i had the same experience as you. loved bv, then began lurking on the H side and well, IMO BV and H can co-exist happily in any collection.

[Juda]

Originally Posted by beth001

Are you ever satisfied? Every bag I purchase I think, "THIS is the one. THIS is the LAST one." But it never is. I'm not this way about shoes or clothes or anything else. Just handbags.

Satisfied and truly believe "THIS is the one. THIS is the LAST one" for three or four days.
This is called handbag addiction

[LLANeedle]

beth001 personally, I prefer BV over Hermes but I do like their scarves and shawls.

[gga]

Hi Beth, I answered your Evelyne question on the authenticate thread.

I've had nothing but stellar service and experience at Hermes. I'm bag heavy with the brand at the moment, for sure. I did not like the kelly or the birkin for a very long time. Love them both now, but find the birkin difficult to carry. I adore the kelly, though.

As much as I love my H bags, I was getting a little tired of everything looking the same. I'm so thrilled to find that I love the BV craftsmanship and aesthetic. I'm totally over the moon about my maxi Veneta, and I'm eyeing that black bag shaped like a cushion that has leather sequins sewn all over it. soooo coveting that one.

I guess any over-the-top luxury leather brand can be a gateway for the others. Hermes won't disappoint you after your love for BV, and BV certainly doesn't disappoint me after carrying Hermes.

I'm with doloresmia. They can all live happily together in my closet!

ETA: For shawls, Hermes was the gateway for Loro Piana for me. Now THERE'S a place that can do some serious damage to a girl's scarf/shawl budget.

Also, the waiting time for Hermes is largely mythical IMO, lulamaebarnes. I'm not a deep-pocket customer, I've not bought a ton, and I get offered almost anything I want. I've never "played games" with my store in my life.

[annie9999]

i went to the orange side for a while but then came back to bv.
do love h gm shawls and stoles. but too much drama with h. too much mystique.

love the casual, under the radar, high quality look of bv. just works for me- i feel good wearing bv without feeling showy.