Hypothetical question

merika · Nov 6th, 2006, 09:17 AM

The Hermes Birkin is a status symbol. I'd like to ask you ladies a hypothetical question.. I don't know whether this has been asked before, but I'd love to know what you think.

IF the Birkin cost, say $300-$800, and was available for purchase at any high end deparment store with no wait list or no exclusivity...how many of you would buy it because it suited your personal taste, and for that factor only?

amamxr · Nov 6th, 2006, 09:27 AM

Great question...

chloehandbags · Nov 6th, 2006, 09:54 AM

I agree, great question.

I'm not the right person to ask, though, as I don't really see the appeal of the design; expensive and exclusive, or not.

MissThing · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medhavini

The Hermes Birkin is a status symbol. I'd like to ask you ladies a hypothetical question.. I don't know whether this has been asked before, but I'd love to know what you think.

IF the Birkin cost, say $300-$800, and was available for purchase at any high end deparment store with no wait list or no exclusivity...how many of you would buy it because it suited your personal taste, and for that factor only?

I'm not a huge fan of the Birkin (but if you bouight me one, I wouldn't turn it down!) but I love the Kelly bag. the only thing stopping me from buying one sooner rather than later is the price.

So, if the price was lowered to the low thousands say $2,000-$3000, I'd get one a lot sooner!

If it cost hundreds, not only would you take away the exclusivity, you wouldn't be able to cover the cost of the craftmanship etc.

seahorseinstripes · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:31 AM

hmmm... aside from the prices, i never interested in having one. because it just doesn't suit my personality.

Rose · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:47 AM

A Hermes bag is a work of art created by master craftsmen/craftswomen. This is why these bags are relatively expensive. A mass produced bag would not have the same qualities as the bags that are produced by Hermes. The leathers, colors, stitching etc are the essence of these bags and I enjoy the quality of my bags as well as the knowledge of the expert workmanship that went into the creation of each bag.

shanam · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:53 AM

basebased totally on the style of the bag, i feel it is a very ladylike bag and does not lend itself for really casual clothing. it would never work with summer type clothes. it's also not the most comfortable bag to use since if you don't hold the handle in your hands, it has to be in the crook of your arm which would get heavy and tiring for me.

merika · Nov 6th, 2006, 10:56 AM

To add to my original post: I am not asking about the craftsmanship. I'm being honest (at least about myself). What would be the first thing that made you notice a bag?

For me, it would be "I think that bag is beautiful! I'd love to have it!". I don't think anyone ever purchases anything just because of good craftsmanship alone. I wouldn't buy a bag because I thought "That bag is very well made"

notblushing · Nov 6th, 2006, 11:00 AM

No. In that price range there are SOOOO many things I'd rather have. I find the the Birkins and Kellys boxy and boring. I really wouldn't bite at any price.
As far as paying five figures for a handbag, to each her own; but it's not affordable for most and IMO that is a big part of it's appeal (which is, after all, the gist of your query... I agree). I'd rather remodel my kitchen.

D & G rockstar · Nov 6th, 2006, 11:02 AM

I would buy a bag definitely and only because I like it AND it can work w/ my style...

So if a Hermes bag went w/ my style, i'd definitely get it. Fortunately for my wallet, it does not!!!

boxermom · Nov 6th, 2006, 11:06 AM

IMO, some people are attracted to items that are expensive and hard to obtain, so it might not be as appealing if they were available and at a much lower cost. Most Hermes fans prob. really do love the leather and craftsmanship. I'm not a real fan, but I appreciate the timeless style they have.

The first thing I notice in a bag is the style--if I can see myself using it. Then the material. If I like the leather or whatever, I examine more closely. On my budget, I can't justify spending that much, but even if it was less, there are other bags I like more.

djgirl1976 · Nov 6th, 2006, 11:06 AM

I think the Birkin is a cute bag. I have decided, though, the longer I am here and drool over the Kellys here, that they are more suited to me. I look at it as a very "professional" looking bag. The structure reminds me of a briefcase, and that is what I am liking on the Kelly that I think suits me better than a Birkin. To answer the question, were it more affordable, yes, I would buy one(Birkin), but in a more casual(or "fun") color and would carry it with more casual clothes, when traveling, etc, since it has a lot of space to it. That is a great question, medhavini.

amamxr · Nov 6th, 2006, 11:19 AM

To me, I find the bag very intriguing and unique. I also agree that its not the type of bag that goes with everything as it has more of a structured formal look. Would I purchase one if I had the money? yes..... Why? because I can...Would it be for the craftsmanship? Yes.. it is a fine work of art..
Would it be for the status.... Hell Yah!!! but I am also the type of person that would give it away to a single mom struggling to raise her babies or a homeless family too..

Rose · Nov 6th, 2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medhavini

To add to my original post: I am not asking about the craftsmanship. I'm being honest (at least about myself). What would be the first thing that made you notice a bag?

For me, it would be "I think that bag is beautiful! I'd love to have it!". I don't think anyone ever purchases anything just because of good craftsmanship alone. I wouldn't buy a bag because I thought "That bag is very well made"

You're right, craftsmanship is not the only thing that is important for me in a bag, but it is justification to pay the price associated with a bag I have always wanted to have. The first thing that made me notice the Hermes Kelly (not that this was the original question) was Grace Kelly . I guess the princess in me always wanted one after I saw how stunning she looked with it.

maryg1 · Nov 6th, 2006, 02:02 PM

The Birkin is a bag I definitely adore and yes, I would buy it if it costed 500 € (with great effort anyway, because I've never spent that figure for a bag). I would buy it in orange or gold colour, not black. But I do like the design, and IMO it can be great with a pair of jeans too. I don't know if it's heavy, if it's roomy or anything else because I've never seen a real one in all my life, but that's one of my dream bags.

Nov 6th, 2006, 09:17 AM	#1
merika Just me Location: In front of a computer	Hypothetical question The Hermes Birkin is a status symbol. I'd like to ask you ladies a hypothetical question.. I don't know whether this has been asked before, but I'd love to know what you think. IF the Birkin cost, say $300-$800, and was available for purchase at any high end deparment store with no wait list or no exclusivity...how many of you would buy it because it suited your personal taste, and for that factor only?

Nov 6th, 2006, 09:27 AM	#2
amamxr Member Location: Green Gables	Re: Hypothetical question Great question... __________________

Nov 6th, 2006, 09:54 AM	#3
chloehandbags Sofa King Sherlock Location: Hertfordshire, UK.	Re: Hypothetical question I agree, great question. I'm not the right person to ask, though, as I don't really see the appeal of the design; expensive and exclusive, or not. __________________ Still missing Phoebe... 'My boss, Ralph Toledano [president of Chloé], always says to me that people come to buy at Chloé for what it is, so it does not make sense to order a Chinese and get delivered an Indian!' - Phoebe Philo, May 2005.

Nov 6th, 2006, 10:31 AM	#5
seahorseinstripes bag greed bug Location: summer land	Re: Hypothetical question hmmm... aside from the prices, i never interested in having one. because it just doesn't suit my personality. __________________ WISH LIST Louis Vuitton Brown Watercolor Speedy 35 . Hermès Kelly DREAMING OF YSL Muse Two Croc . YSL Muse Croc . Chanel Biarritz Croc http://bagcraze.blogspot.com/ http://charcoalholic.blogspot.com/

Nov 6th, 2006, 10:47 AM	#6
Rose Pay it Forward Location: USA	Re: Hypothetical question A Hermes bag is a work of art created by master craftsmen/craftswomen. This is why these bags are relatively expensive. A mass produced bag would not have the same qualities as the bags that are produced by Hermes. The leathers, colors, stitching etc are the essence of these bags and I enjoy the quality of my bags as well as the knowledge of the expert workmanship that went into the creation of each bag. Last edited by Rose; Nov 6th, 2006 at 10:52 AM.

Nov 6th, 2006, 10:53 AM	#7
shanam Member Location: Connecticut	Re: Hypothetical question basebased totally on the style of the bag, i feel it is a very ladylike bag and does not lend itself for really casual clothing. it would never work with summer type clothes. it's also not the most comfortable bag to use since if you don't hold the handle in your hands, it has to be in the crook of your arm which would get heavy and tiring for me.

Nov 6th, 2006, 10:56 AM	#8
merika Just me Location: In front of a computer	Re: Hypothetical question To add to my original post: I am not asking about the craftsmanship. I'm being honest (at least about myself). What would be the first thing that made you notice a bag? For me, it would be "I think that bag is beautiful! I'd love to have it!". I don't think anyone ever purchases anything just because of good craftsmanship alone. I wouldn't buy a bag because I thought "That bag is very well made"

Nov 6th, 2006, 11:00 AM	#9
notblushing Member	Re: Hypothetical question No. In that price range there are SOOOO many things I'd rather have. I find the the Birkins and Kellys boxy and boring. I really wouldn't bite at any price. As far as paying five figures for a handbag, to each her own; but it's not affordable for most and IMO that is a big part of it's appeal (which is, after all, the gist of your query... I agree). I'd rather remodel my kitchen. __________________ A bag always fits. Last edited by notblushing; Nov 6th, 2006 at 11:01 AM. Reason: wrong words chosen

Nov 6th, 2006, 11:02 AM	#10
D & G rockstar I'm a BAL-ler now Location: NYC	Re: Hypothetical question I would buy a bag definitely and only because I like it AND it can work w/ my style... So if a Hermes bag went w/ my style, i'd definitely get it. Fortunately for my wallet, it does not!!!

Nov 6th, 2006, 11:06 AM	#11
boxermom Member Location: North Carolina	Re: Hypothetical question IMO, some people are attracted to items that are expensive and hard to obtain, so it might not be as appealing if they were available and at a much lower cost. Most Hermes fans prob. really do love the leather and craftsmanship. I'm not a real fan, but I appreciate the timeless style they have. The first thing I notice in a bag is the style--if I can see myself using it. Then the material. If I like the leather or whatever, I examine more closely. On my budget, I can't justify spending that much, but even if it was less, there are other bags I like more.

Nov 6th, 2006, 11:06 AM	#12
djgirl1976 handbag addict Location: Ohio	Re: Hypothetical question I think the Birkin is a cute bag. I have decided, though, the longer I am here and drool over the Kellys here, that they are more suited to me. I look at it as a very "professional" looking bag. The structure reminds me of a briefcase, and that is what I am liking on the Kelly that I think suits me better than a Birkin. To answer the question, were it more affordable, yes, I would buy one(Birkin), but in a more casual(or "fun") color and would carry it with more casual clothes, when traveling, etc, since it has a lot of space to it. That is a great question, medhavini. __________________ Sometimes shopping requires ninja skills.

Nov 6th, 2006, 11:19 AM	#13
amamxr Member Location: Green Gables	Re: Hypothetical question To me, I find the bag very intriguing and unique. I also agree that its not the type of bag that goes with everything as it has more of a structured formal look. Would I purchase one if I had the money? yes..... Why? because I can...Would it be for the craftsmanship? Yes.. it is a fine work of art.. Would it be for the status.... Hell Yah!!! but I am also the type of person that would give it away to a single mom struggling to raise her babies or a homeless family too.. __________________ Last edited by amamxr; Nov 6th, 2006 at 11:24 AM.

Nov 6th, 2006, 02:02 PM	#15
maryg1 pursenal shopper Location: Italy	Re: Hypothetical question The Birkin is a bag I definitely adore and yes, I would buy it if it costed 500 € (with great effort anyway, because I've never spent that figure for a bag). I would buy it in orange or gold colour, not black. But I do like the design, and IMO it can be great with a pair of jeans too. I don't know if it's heavy, if it's roomy or anything else because I've never seen a real one in all my life, but that's one of my dream bags.