Hermes Special Order Bags

Since this thread is now huge and the internal links to frequently asked questions no longer work, here is a brief FAQ for newcomers to the Hermes Special Order process.

What are the current choices for "a la carte" Special Order bags?
Current color charts Page 1420 Post 21,296 February 7, 2024
Most Recently Known Selection Definitions (bag types, sizes, combos) Sept 4, 2021
Thread Choices for stitching.
Lucky Symbols for stamping.


What is an Hermes Special Order?
Each year Hermes gives select clients the opportunity to customize a classic bag in a made-to-order a la carte process. This thread is only for bag A La Carte orders (please use the separate threads for watch SOs and shoe SOs). "A la carte", "SO" (special order), and "HSS" (horse shoe stamp) are used interchangeably on this forum.

When is the Special Order season?
Currently, there is one SO season each calendar year, opening around the beginning of February and closing when slots run out or the end of December, whichever occurs first. New SO menus are typically leaked in February and remain constant until the following calendar year. Individual stores have complete discretion on when, within this window, they offer SO appointments to their clients.

Which specs can I customize?
Hermes defines which specs can be customized and these specs can change each SO season. Generally these specs include: leather type, leather color, and hardware color. At your SO appointment, your SA will present you will the limited menu of choices including bag types and sizes (Birkin 25, Kelly 28, etc), pre-set combination designs (line, verso, multico, etc), leather choices, leather colors, hardwares, and a map for which options can be selected for which bag type and size. Not all leathers and hardwares are allowed for all bag types and sizes.

Can I make physical changes to a bag definition during SO?
Sometimes clients would like to change a physical aspect of a bag, like increase the handle drop or add a pocket or a strap. Unfortunately, Hermes does not allow any type of alteration to the bag definition during SO. For extensive changes like these, a client would need to pursue a “Horizon order” which can be read about here.

How long will my SO take?
There is no way to predict how long a SO will take from placing the order to receipt of the finished product. Although Hermes has recently put forward efforts to fulfill a la carte orders within a year, it isn’t uncommon for bags to arrive in just a few months or also much longer than the year estimate.

Can my SA give me status my existing SO?
Unfortunately, the info that can be seen by SAs at the local store is very limited. They can generally see if the order is still outstanding (ie hasn’t been cancelled) but do not get status updates beyond that. Some stores will update clients when they get notice that a bag has been shipped from Paris but other stores wait until the bag is physically in store before alerting the client.

Do I need to place a deposit for SO?
In most regions of the world, a deposit is not required for SOs. However, some Asian and Middle Eastern locations do seem to request at least a partial deposit. Deposits may also be required in other regions if the SO selections are very personalized (ie if you have your personal initials hot stamped onto the bag) such that selling the bag to a different client, if the original client declines the bag, would be difficult.

Do I receive confirmation of my SO after placing my order?
In most regions of the world, the client gives their specifications to their SA and that is the last they hear about it until the bag arrives. Paris stores seem to be an exception to this and send the client a confirmation email within a few weeks of placing the order.

Is there a premium for a SO bag?
No, there is no premium price for SO bags. Their price is the same as any other standard stock bag of the same specifications at the time of delivery.

Is my SO a quota bag?
SO bags are generally counted toward a client’s two-bags-per-year limit at the time that the bag is received and paid for. If a client has already maxed out their quota bag allocation for the year, some stores will allow an exception to purchase your SO as a third bag for the year while other stores will require the customer to wait until a new calendar year before receiving the bag. These policies are subject to be changed per store at their convenience so it is always wise to check with your specific SA.

Where can I get ideas for my SO bag?
This thread shows unique combination bags and this thread shows contrasting stitching bags. Please consider posting your bag there once it arrives!

Where can I see historical SO menus?
2023 on post 19,874 page 1325 Feb 3, 2023
2022 on post 17,729 page 1182 Sept 13, 2021
2021 on post 15,439 page 1030 Aug 16, 2020
2020 on post 13,222 page 882 Aug 8, 2019
2019 on post 10,472 page 699 Sept 10, 2018
2018 on post 7,687 page 513 Sept 15, 2017
2017 on post 4,749 page 317 Sept 26, 2016
 
I won't post pictures of the bag or any of my SOs in this particular forum, but I will PM them to you. The bag is in Paris being monogrammed (they forgot!) so I'll take pictures as soon as I get it back - supposedly next week.

Some of the Togo sellers you will see from the past are sellier mou, which is intended to slouch. My bag is reinforced like all classic selliers (the Mou lacks this second layer) so it's quite structured, but it is softer than other options. Congratulations on your SO!

Thank you! I can't wait to see yours :heart:
 
Well you definitely need to quiz the SM then!!!!
Yes, 5P is bubblegum pink. It was available a year or so ago in chevre too.....
we need more pics in the light babe!!!! We want to solve this mystery of an amazing SO!!!!!!!!!!!! You really got lucky with the longer strap too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately the SM left! We have a new one for about a year now. So this SO must be at least from 2 yrs ago. Here's more outside pics. It's so hard to capture the colors and doesn't help that it's been raining here since yesterday.

IMG_1492471202.457925.jpg

IMG_1492471212.996505.jpg

IMG_1492471222.291192.jpg
 
Unfortunately the SM left! We have a new one for about a year now. So this SO must be at least from 2 yrs ago. Here's more outside pics. It's so hard to capture the colors and doesn't help that it's been raining here since yesterday.

View attachment 3670604

View attachment 3670605

View attachment 3670606

Hmm. I agree with bois de rose for the pink but I'm unsure about that orange.... [emoji848]. On my iPhone it's reading like a pinky orange. Could it be rose Jaipur?

Either way, congrats on this beauty!!! It's amazing and so cool it has the longer strap also!! [emoji7]
 
  • Like
Reactions: calflu
Hmm. I agree with bois de rose for the pink but I'm unsure about that orange.... [emoji848]. On my iPhone it's reading like a pinky orange. Could it be rose Jaipur?

Either way, congrats on this beauty!!! It's amazing and so cool it has the longer strap also!! [emoji7]
Yea, I really think BdR and Orange Poppy....
It's super stunning!!! I never would have ordered it but I sure would've taken her home with me too =)
Congrats again P! xoxoxoxoxoo
 
  • Like
Reactions: QuelleFromage
OMG really :nuts:?? Thats just icing on the cake! Looking forward to see you with her!:flowers:
Hoping the rains will stop here so I can enjoy her! Thank you!! :heart:

Hmm. I agree with bois de rose for the pink but I'm unsure about that orange.... [emoji848]. On my iPhone it's reading like a pinky orange. Could it be rose Jaipur?

Either way, congrats on this beauty!!! It's amazing and so cool it has the longer strap also!! [emoji7]

Thank you for helping me figure out the color!!

I can't really tell the color but I want to say again this is such a gorgeous bag to own.

Thanks hun! It's a nice surprise, perfect time for spring/summer :smile:

Yea, I really think BdR and Orange Poppy....
It's super stunning!!! I never would have ordered it but I sure would've taken her home with me too =)
Congrats again P! xoxoxoxoxoo
You and me both! I wouldn't have ordered this combo too! Thank you for helping me figure out the colors!!! :heart:

gorgeous!! congrats!!

Thank you :smile:

Truly stunning SO! You hit the jackpot!
Thank you so much!!