Bag insert damage to Hermes Evelyne TGM?

[cluelessboyfriend]

I passed by a reputable secondhand store known for stocking a lot of Hermes in my area, and I saw a black Evelyne clemence leather TGM in very slightly used condition that I was considering as a (male) bag for in-between a normal cross body messenger bag and a large tote. However, I saw that it was on a display shelf standing up, and it was being held up by a bag insert. The insert looked like the Lckaey Felt Organiser currently sold on Amazon.

The height of the insert, however, was much shorter than the height of the huge TGM. The insert ended about an inch above the "H" perforations. The way the bag was stored caused a visible fold.

When I asked to see the bag and try it on, I removed the insert and showed the sales associate that there was in fact a visible fold. It stayed quite visible even when the bag was empty and I was holding it up by the strap or I was wearing the bag with the "H" perforations facing out (the fold was less visible on the other side due to the external pocket). I also showed the sales associate that the fold is even more visible from the inside, on the unfinished lining. I did not think the fold would disappear if the bag is worn normally and the leather presses against one's torso.

Nothing was pressing on the bag, it just appears to have been stored by the owner (and then the store) for a long time in the way I describe such that the top of the bag was folding against the top of the insert, and the leather is soft enough for the fold to appear. The Amazon listing shows the insert is designed to fit in PM bags, and is not custom made for TGM.

Is the issue I describe a problem, and was I right to avoid buying such a bag with a visible fold? Or would this have readily gone away?

Does anyone use a bag insert specifically in a TGM bag, or would this in fact damage the bag? I'm assuming you cannot have an insert custom made for a TGM that is as tall as the bag itself because then the TGM would not fold against your torso and would be harder to wear.

 

[skybluesky]

I find that most bags in Clemence leather do loose their shape and take on a slouch. I don't like to use bag inserts in bags since I do find that it causes lines/dents in bags (even when they're not clemence leather). Some people love bag inserts. Everyone has different wants and needs.

I have a TPM (the very small model) and the bottom of the bag does lose its structure over time. It's leather. It's soft. It's well loved.

I don't think that line would disappear. Pre-loved things usually have character from their previous lives. I would recommend just buying it new.

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

thanks but asking specifically regarding the TGM, as this issue would not arise with the PM

 

[skybluesky]

thanks but asking specifically regarding the TGM, as this issue would not arise with the PM

To clarify, I was pointing out that if the TPM loses structural integrity, then it's more likely to happen to the TGM.

 

[880]

Is the issue I describe a problem, and was I right to avoid buying such a bag with a visible fold? Or would this have readily gone away?

If it bothers you, then of course you should not buy it. However, imo (and I’ve owned TPM, PM, GM Evelyn’s in pebbled slouchy leather, and a TGM picotin that is huge. . .the weight of the leather itself causes the fold and the slouch. I would not call this a defect, and I think an insert would provide more structure, not less. I mention the TGM picotin, not bc it’s similar in style to the TGM evelyne, but bc both are slouchy bags. They are also both unlined, so without structured sides. It might be possible to minimize slouch by storing carefully, but it’s actually the nature of the bag in clemence leather. My DH also has a sellier GM evelyne in rigid hunter leather without slouch; it’s an entirely different thing.

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

No, I don't think you're understanding and there is no issue with clemence leather itself.

Here, the damage was specifically caused by use of an insert that was too short, such that the top of the TGM folded and pressed against the top of the insert and it's big enough that this was enough weight to cause a fold. This would never have arisen in normal use unless something heavy pressed on an Evelyne.

Not sure why you are now criticizing that the Evelyne is not for me etc. as I am asking about a very unusual context.

 

[papertiger]

I use a zipped (Loewe) pouch inside a Clemence PM. I've been using it everyday for approx 5 years. The pouch is domed so there are no folds. Clemence is very forgiving, so I'd expect any 'folds' to eventually relax and disappear with the weight of the carrying over time.

 

[WhiteBus]

No, I don't think you're understanding and there is no issue with clemence leather itself.

Here, the damage was specifically caused by use of an insert that was too short, such that the top of the TGM folded and pressed against the top of the insert and it's big enough that this was enough weight to cause a fold. This would never have arisen in normal use unless something heavy pressed on an Evelyne.

Not sure why you are now criticizing that the Evelyne is not for me etc. as I am asking about a very unusual context.

the fault was not with the insert
it was the owner that chose to fold the leather
if you fold any leather, the fibres will compress on oneside, stretch on the other and it will deform
in some cases this will be more obvious than others

all that an insert might do is make folding more difficult

p.s. if you use any accessory designed for a different size to that with which it is being used, you should expect there to be consequences

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

all that an insert might do is make folding more difficult

I don't understand, in this case the only thing the bag could fold against was the stiff insert. How is what you're describing possible?

 

[livethelake]

I understand what you are saying. You can minimize the crease by storing the evelyne with a bag pillow or similar extended to the top of the bag. As others have mentioned, clemence leather is soft and the insert held part of the bag stiff and above the insert had no structure. That most likely caused the indentation.

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

Yes thanks! I didn't purchase this because I really wasn't sure, but I don't think the insert (meant for a smaller bag) was a good idea to begin with.

Would just storing the bag by letting it lie flat and using it normally to let the leather flex work too?

 

[livethelake]

Yes thanks! I didn't purchase this because I really wasn't sure, but I don't think the insert (meant for a smaller bag) was a good idea to begin with.

Would just storing the bag by letting it lie flat and using it normally to let the leather flex work too?

It might soften a bit but in my experience, the leather needs something firm to mold to. Stuffing the bag with a bag pillow, bubble wrap or even a towel would be a much better approach.

 

[Veritybelle]

Yes thanks! I didn't purchase this because I really wasn't sure, but I don't think the insert (meant for a smaller bag) was a good idea to begin with.

Would just storing the bag by letting it lie flat and using it normally to let the leather flex work too?

I think I understand what you are describing and I would have passed on this one too. You should have no trouble finding another one in better condition with the specs you prefer.