Hardware reference thread

[littlerock]

Ok peeps,

After seeing some lingering confusion about the "old hardware", "new hardware" (aka signature hardware) and the latest to debut "mixed hardware", I decided that it could be helpful to have a new thread with detailed pictures explain what is what. Now that we have three official types of hardware this could be very helpful to newbies as they start out in RM.

Of course all you RM veterans already know this so you all can sit back and enjoy the pics anyway

I will be copying this thread in the reference liabrary but I also thought this could be beneficial out in the main forum for a bit since there is more traffic here. I will also be closing this thread while it is under construction so please bear with me.

[littlerock]

First up is OLD HARDWARE-

This is the first hardware that RM used on her bags. It is known for it's Bohemian chicness. It consists of Dogleash (aka lobster claw) clasps and has an edgy yet softer look to it. Most of the ring attachments and studs are rounded which, I think, gives it the softer appearance (compared to the square/ hard edged look of the newer harwdare). Tassels played a big role in this bohemian look as well. This was the era of the long tassel which doesn't exist right now.
So here goes..

Picture of Morning After style bag with OLD HARWDARE:
(Glazed Espresso MAM)


Picture of Nikki style bag with OLD HARDWARE:
(Wine Nikki)


Close up picture of studs on an OLD HARDWARE bag:
(Wine Nikki)


Close up picture of rings on an OLD HARWDARE bag:
(Dark Grey MAM w/ silver HW)


Close up picture of feet on an OLD HARDWARE bag:
(Royal Blue Mini Nikki)


** Notice how everything is sort of rounded? Also, all hardware is unbranded. Plain studs/ no logos on anything.. etc.

[littlerock]

Next up is what we call NEW HARDWARE
(or often refered to as SIGNATURE Hardware)

This hardware was released at the begining of 2008 and was quite different than the hardware before it. This harwdare is a bit more sleek, sharp and let's not forget blingy! This hardware has a whole new clasp than the one before it which is stamped with RM's swirly initial logo. The hardware attachment pieces are now mostly squared and have harder lines. Along with a new clasp the Morning After bags now have chunky zipper pulls (rather then tassels). The color is light gold but a few colors came w/ silver!
Here goes:

Picture of Morning After style bag with NEW/ SIG HARWDARE:
(Deep Red MAM)


Picture of Nikki style bag with NEW/ SIG HARDWARE:
(Navy Luxe Nikki)


Close up picture of studs on a NEW HARDWARE bag:
(Hazelnut MAM)


Close up picture of rings (squared) on a NEW HARWDARE bag:
(Hazelnut MAM)


Close up picture of NEW/ SIG HARDWARE feet:
(Fawn Devote)

[littlerock]

Finally we have the MIXED HARDWARE-

This latest hardware to be released is a hybrid of both the "old" AND "new" hardware style hence the nick name "mixed" harwdare. Here is a short breakdown of why the harwdare is called mixed and which features are from which past hardware style:

Features from the OLD hardware: Dogleash Clasp, Tassels, rounded studs & feet
Features from the NEW hardware: Shiny harwdare, Zipper pulls, stamped hardware

So basically RM took the best features from each season and mixed them together to create the new "Mixed" harwdare look. I think this was in part to try and please everyone's wants. A lot of people loved the New harwdare while a whole bunch of girls were dying for the old harwdare to come back.
So here goes:

Picture of Morning After style bag with MIXED HARWDARE (side view):
(Nautical Blue MAM- pic borrowed from musten)


Picture of Morning After style bag with MIXED HARWDARE (front view):
(Nautical Blue MAM)


Picture of Nikki style bag with MIXED HARDWARE:
(Wine Nikki - soon to be released)


Close up picture of studs on a MIXED HARDWARE bag:
(wINE nIKKI)


Close up picture of rings (Triangle) on a MIXED HARWDARE bag:
(Wine Nikki)

** I believe there are Square pieces as well**

Close up picture of feet on a MIXED HARDWARE bag:
(Wine Nikki)


** ALSO NOTE: The feet on a MIXED hardware bag can also look like the ROUNDED studs just like the Royal nikki in post #2. I have pictures at home of the round studded feet on my Nautical Blue Nikki that I will add to this.

Close up picture of updated nameplate on a MIXED HARDWARE bag:

[Desi]

Here are comparison pics of the insides hardware (nameplate/zipper) changes over the seasons... as you can tell i love the insides of the new bags with leather trims and colorful zipper tracks more! Quality is much more FAB

Comparison pics: these are all newer bags:

Pool Nikki Spring 09


Grape Nikki Spring 09



Black Nikki Spring 09



Almond Nikki SPring 09



Lapis MAB Spring 09



Deep Red Mini nikki Fall 08- finally has a zipper track- no leather trim:



Older Zippers: Royal MAC Fall SS 08



Charcoal MAM from 06 or 07?

[Desi]

Peacock MT