Can someone explain the Birkin/Kelly obsession to me?

[QuelleFromage]

Hmmm. Well, if you've never even walked into an Hermès store or touched a bag, isn't it a little hard to judge? If Hermès isn't for you that's totally fine. I mean - if you don't like the Birkin or Kelly designs then you don't need to ask anyone else why they find them beautiful.
Personally, 1) I think the quality is better than LV or Chanel, both of which I've owned plenty of in the past and all of which I've let go except one piece 2) The bags hold their value pretty well (not an investment, though) 3) they're not trendy - the Kelly has been around more than 70 years 4) the people in the stores are way, way nicer - especially compared to Chanel.

 

[Phiona88]

If you're talking strictly talking about the Kelly and Birkin, I think age plays a factor too. If you're still relatively young (i.e. younger than 30 y.o) I can see why or B or K may not appeal to you - they can seem too mature or ladylike. I personally did not like either bag until I was in my early thirties when I gradually began dressing more sophisticated and elegant.

As many other members have also mentioned, the quality of Hermes is like none other. These bags are made to last. I have a Kelly that was passed from my mother to me which is 20 years old that is still in amazing condition. Unfortunately, Chanels do not look good after a couple of years, and their resale value is pretty terrible.

 

[babygenius]

I was the same. I buy a lot of other brands in the past and actually never saw the appeal in Hermes and thought that it's crazy I'd spend more than 7k for a bag.
I think I prob just really hit that age of just want to have a simpler life. I'm cleaning out my closet for all the unused and rarely used trendy bags in the past and focus on a couple of timeless pieces from Hermes. To me now, having one best quality and understated bag is better than having 5 other designer bags.
But everyone has different style and taste, so there's just no right or wrong here.

 

[Gabs007]

Hmmm. Well, if you've never even walked into an Hermès store or touched a bag, isn't it a little hard to judge? If Hermès isn't for you that's totally fine. I mean - if you don't like the Birkin or Kelly designs then you don't need to ask anyone else why they find them beautiful.
Personally, 1) I think the quality is better than LV or Chanel, both of which I've owned plenty of in the past and all of which I've let go except one piece 2) The bags hold their value pretty well (not an investment, though) 3) they're not trendy - the Kelly has been around more than 70 years 4) the people in the stores are way, way nicer - especially compared to Chanel.

I think a lot of people are a bit worried because the staff usually lets you browse and never tries the hard sale, like you get in a lot of boutiques, I heard people complain that the Hermes staff is too aloof and arrogant, quite the opposite, they hang back and if you want their help or ask to see a particular item, they are there.

 

[Hermes Nuttynut]

To me it is as simple as some people love chocolate ice cream and others don’t. We are all different and we all like, covet, want different things ...

You read my mind.

 

[ladysarah]

I own luxury bags but I've never been interested in the Birkin/Kelly or pretty much anything Hermes. A brand's look needs to match your style and that just isn't Hermes for me. I have a friend who has been trying to get her hand on a Birkin/Kelly for a while now and has probably spent about $15K+ at Hermes over the past year in the hopes that she gets one. That alone has turned me off from Hermes as a brand. Seems like a toxic relationship with a guy you like who just won't commit LOL My friend tells me that one day I will understand and will want a Birkin/Kelly as well. I own Chanel and that is THRILLING for me haha can someone explain to me what the big deal with Birkin/Kelly is? *not trying to offend anybody's love for Hermes

I don't think anyone can rationalise this, either you love it or you don't. like any obsession really it has no reasonable explanation. some like the quality, others like the design or the history, and others still may love the perceived status. its not a rational thing...

 

[Cool Gal]

I am someone who prefer quality over quantity, and I like the smell of H leather when you bought new from the boutique
Also with this Pandemic, I like the store which is based on appointment only, so our dear SA can focus on what we need or want for the whole one hour, sometimes one hour is not enough, it's too fast! H has a lot of beautiful items to look at, such as jewelry & tablewares, not only handbags.

 

[lvstratus]

For me it is pretty straight forward: craftsmanship, craftsmanship, craftsmanship

 

[TC1]

I own luxury bags but I've never been interested in the Birkin/Kelly or pretty much anything Hermes. A brand's look needs to match your style and that just isn't Hermes for me. I have a friend who has been trying to get her hand on a Birkin/Kelly for a while now and has probably spent about $15K+ at Hermes over the past year in the hopes that she gets one. That alone has turned me off from Hermes as a brand. Seems like a toxic relationship with a guy you like who just won't commit LOL My friend tells me that one day I will understand and will want a Birkin/Kelly as well. I own Chanel and that is THRILLING for me haha can someone explain to me what the big deal with Birkin/Kelly is? *not trying to offend anybody's love for Hermes

I would just note that your friends relationship with her boutique and her trying to obtain a Birkin/Kelly is hardly the same as anyone else's. If you find it toxic, that's up to you..a lot of us didn't go that route to obtain our dream bags/accessories.
To me, a Birkin and a Kelly are a totally different vibe..so to each their own.
In short, we can't explain it. If you love it, you love it. Simple. For me at least *shrug*

 

[Brittanity]

I think it is fair to say that most people who play the 'H game' as you are describing, (hoping for an offer from their Hermes SA after establishing a long standing relationship rather than go straight to the second hand market), have a love/hate relationship with Hermes. The make and handiwork of the bags is undisputable, but also the investment value talking real $$$ terms is much smarter. As one's style evolves, you can let go of bags you no longer reach for and turn a pretty dime on it while you research and go for the next one. The entire community and culture around the Birkin/Kelly world gives a level of exclusivity honestly one notch above just because of this seemingly crazy game that they dictate. For example, here's a lookbook collection that only approximates what colours that will become available each year and you basically trade your way to get as close to your dream colour/hardware/leather combo. Honestly not unlike how obessed I was with trading pokemon cards as a kid.

Edited

 

[RT1]

Hmmm. Well, if you've never even walked into an Hermès store or touched a bag, isn't it a little hard to judge? If Hermès isn't for you that's totally fine. I mean - if you don't like the Birkin or Kelly designs then you don't need to ask anyone else why they find them beautiful.
Personally, 1) I think the quality is better than LV or Chanel, both of which I've owned plenty of in the past and all of which I've let go except one piece 2) The bags hold their value pretty well (not an investment, though) 3) they're not trendy - the Kelly has been around more than 70 years 4) the people in the stores are way, way nicer - especially compared to Chanel.

Yes, try walking into a Chanel Boutique with jeans and a Tee and see how much attention the SA's pay to you.
I've had the same experience at NM....they won't even bother to help you.
To "judge a book by it's cover" really doesn't apply.
I could afford to spend the $$$ with Chanel, but their "snooty" attitudes simply do not cut it with me.

 

[ce_1992]

Hmmm. Well, if you've never even walked into an Hermès store or touched a bag, isn't it a little hard to judge? If Hermès isn't for you that's totally fine. I mean - if you don't like the Birkin or Kelly designs then you don't need to ask anyone else why they find them beautiful.
Personally, 1) I think the quality is better than LV or Chanel, both of which I've owned plenty of in the past and all of which I've let go except one piece 2) The bags hold their value pretty well (not an investment, though) 3) they're not trendy - the Kelly has been around more than 70 years 4) the people in the stores are way, way nicer - especially compared to Chanel.

Yes, try walking into a Chanel Boutique with jeans and a Tee and see how much attention the SA's pay to you.
I've had the same experience at NM....they won't even bother to help you.
To "judge a book by it's cover" really doesn't apply.
I could afford to spend the $$$ with Chanel, but their "snooty" attitudes simply do not cut it with me.

I’m genuinely shocked to hear this. I had a very lovely experience with a Chanel SA a couple of weeks ago. She was super helpful and responsive via text when I reached out to her the next day. I wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a jersey blazer to my appointment. Her attentiveness and kindness makes me want to buy more Chanel even though I initially just wanted one bag!

On the other side of things, my H SA has been honestly miserable to work with since my first appointment and I don’t get it since I thought we got along well and I spent almost $7k, so I’d hate to think that was a “waste of time”. Doesn’t reply to my emails, and I gave up after two attempts. Im debating if I should ask for a different SA at the same store (was assigned due to Covid) or just try a different H boutique. I definitely was more dressed up for this appointment wearing a silk blouse and linen pants.

SA and in store can absolutely affect your perception of a brand though. I’ve wanted a B since I was 17, and thankfully the bad experience didn’t deter that dream. However it makes me not want to bother with the H boutiques at all moving forward and just go the reseller route.

and to OP, I’ve always been a bag lover, and personally the B to me is the ultimate sign that I’ve “made it”. Like how people want Rolexes and Corvettes. I don’t come from a rich family and I don’t have a wealthy SO (I am actually the breadwinner), so being able to drop $14k on a bag for myself is something I want to do as a symbol of being a successful, independent woman.

 

[ladyofluxuryy]

I’m genuinely shocked to hear this. I had a very lovely experience with a Chanel SA a couple of weeks ago. She was super helpful and responsive via text when I reached out to her the next day. I wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a jersey blazer to my appointment. Her attentiveness and kindness makes me want to buy more Chanel even though I initially just wanted one bag!

On the other side of things, my H SA has been honestly miserable to work with since my first appointment and I don’t get it since I thought we got along well and I spent almost $7k, so I’d hate to think that was a “waste of time”. Doesn’t reply to my emails, and I gave up after two attempts. Im debating if I should ask for a different SA at the same store (was assigned due to Covid) or just try a different H boutique. I definitely was more dressed up for this appointment wearing a silk blouse and linen pants.

SA and in store can absolutely affect your perception of a brand though. I’ve wanted a B since I was 17, and thankfully the bad experience didn’t deter that dream. However it makes me not want to bother with the H boutiques at all moving forward and just go the reseller route.

and to OP, I’ve always been a bag lover, and personally the B to me is the ultimate sign that I’ve “made it”. Like how people want Rolexes and Corvettes. I don’t come from a rich family and I don’t have a wealthy SO (I am actually the breadwinner), so being able to drop $14k on a bag for myself is something I want to do as a symbol of being a successful, independent woman.

Yess!! I am sure that you will get your beautiful Birkin and celebrate your wonderful success! I love this. I think it is store by store basis, if you feel that your SA is not being responsive I would suggest asking for another SA or possibly another store. I am not quite sure if you are located in an area where you have multiple stores but this may be the best option. I, on a whim, visited another H store in my state and had a subpar experience (to put it nicely), it made me appreciate my original store as all of the staff are extremely kind, welcoming, and family like. Sometimes, like in any business, the work culture just is not right. So maybe another SA or another store will hopefully help!

 

[momoc]

I completely agree with everyone on the quality and craftsmanship & the fact that they can last a lifetime (even lifetimes) and also that in the end it’s still just personal taste and style preference. There is absolutely nothing wrong with finding something not to your taste, even if it’s popular with everyone else.

But in terms of the general “craze”, I think it’s dishonest to not recognize that these bags are wealth and status symbols even if one doesn’t personally care about all that. The difficultly of acquiring one is part of their appeal & helps drive up the satisfaction of finally owning one. They have values that stem from not just their intrinsic construction and design but how they are perceived and viewed, partially driven by marketing tactics. The same thing of course applies to really all luxury brands.

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I own luxury bags but I've never been interested in the Birkin/Kelly or pretty much anything Hermes. A brand's look needs to match your style and that just isn't Hermes for me. I have a friend who has been trying to get her hand on a Birkin/Kelly for a while now and has probably spent about $15K+ at Hermes over the past year in the hopes that she gets one. That alone has turned me off from Hermes as a brand. Seems like a toxic relationship with a guy you like who just won't commit LOL My friend tells me that one day I will understand and will want a Birkin/Kelly as well. I own Chanel and that is THRILLING for me haha can someone explain to me what the big deal with Birkin/Kelly is? *not trying to offend anybody's love for Hermes

I have always loved Hermes bags because of the leather, the brand heritage, the design of the iconic bags (not too fussy, just timeless style that will work with any look) and of course the craftsmanship.
I've never been attracted to Chanel or LV bags, I feel they just look 'wrong' on me-like I brought them for the logo-and believe me, I've tried lots of them on!
When I could 1st afford designer bags I started with Marc Jacobs Main-line (the blake, the Stam, the Sophia) then moved onto Celine (I still own the Celine Classic Box,Trim,Trottuer,and Cabas) Then Loewe (I own 2 Amazonia (Junya Collab and JW anderson ones) nappa Aire and a Flamenco
I brought a Bottega but sold it-like Chanel it just didn't feel 'right' on me.(Like I brought it for the name not the style-it didn't suit me)
This year I started to buy Hermes bags and I think aside from the odd Loewe I dont want to buy any other brand.
I think it depends on your aesthetic, I love bags that have a minimal design because it works with the designer brands I gravitate towards (Japanese and Belgian mainly some french)
Hermes may just feel for you the way Chanel feels for me...I like it on others but not on me.