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
 
It's very typical of me, I never do things as planned [emoji23][emoji23] When I sat down and played with the colors, figured etoupe in chèvre is quite dull and my SA strongly advised against choosing , probably coz I was using my etoupe b today as well. I end up choosing blue paon as main color (somehow as planned) and went with raisin as second color. Had to choose a stitching which suits both color so I chose blue atoll which still shows on blue paon but not too much contrast as would hurt the eyes. I also ordered a shorter strap as I find the straps on my other Kelly's a little too long fir my liking. I hope it turns out fine [emoji15][emoji15]
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Ohhhh that sounds amazing actually... BA stitching on BP will be amazing dear!!! I'm v happy u stuck with chevre option as this leather is absolutely the best!!! You did K28 sellier??? what hw???
 
It's very typical of me, I never do things as planned [emoji23][emoji23] When I sat down and played with the colors, figured etoupe in chèvre is quite dull and my SA strongly advised against choosing , probably coz I was using my etoupe b today as well. I end up choosing blue paon as main color (somehow as planned) and went with raisin as second color. Had to choose a stitching which suits both color so I chose blue atoll which still shows on blue paon but not too much contrast as would hurt the eyes. I also ordered a shorter strap as I find the straps on my other Kelly's a little too long fir my liking. I hope it turns out fine [emoji15][emoji15]
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I love etoupe color overall but I agree somehow on chevre the color becomes dull/darker. I don't know how to describe it. I prefer etoupe in Togo or epsom.

I can't wait to see how yours turn out to be! Have not heard from anyone choosing this combo as of yet. Will be so so fun. May I as if it is a K25 or 28 and retourne or sellier?
 
Hi,ladies,I did a SO two weeks ago,after that i was try to find a photo which can show me a little bit idea about the colour combination i choose ,i ordered a kelly sellier in size 28,cherve leather with BGHW,noir with tomate red colour!when i saw this picture i was a little bit shock because it's too red to me,how you guys think?
I have the same opinion as nadineluv has mentioned. But do not worry or jump to conclusion yet until it arrives. You will never know until you see the actual bag when it comes. You may actually fall head over feet when you see it so just stay with your first instinct.
 
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Ohhhh that sounds amazing actually... BA stitching on BP will be amazing dear!!! I'm v happy u stuck with chevre option as this leather is absolutely the best!!! You did K28 sellier??? what hw???

I did k25 sellier as I always wanted one but hate epsom leather. [emoji13][emoji13] brushed gold hardware as it's only available through SO [emoji51][emoji51]
 
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I love etoupe color overall but I agree somehow on chevre the color becomes dull/darker. I don't know how to describe it. I prefer etoupe in Togo or epsom.

I can't wait to see how yours turn out to be! Have not heard from anyone choosing this combo as of yet. Will be so so fun. May I as if it is a K25 or 28 and retourne or sellier?

It's k25 sellier. I never thought my one and only SO would be this color way but since I have my heart set on chèvre and the choice is so limited, I sorta try to be creative. I knew all the way I wanted blue paon or something green so I just had to pick a secondary color to go with it. Can't wait [emoji51][emoji51][emoji13][emoji13]
 
Hi,ladies,I did a SO two weeks ago,after that i was try to find a photo which can show me a little bit idea about the colour combination i choose ,i ordered a kelly sellier in size 28,cherve leather with BGHW,noir with tomate red colour!when i saw this picture i was a little bit shock because it's too red to me,how you guys think?
We did the same color SO. As first I was going to do by SO noir and BH but I changed my mind and did B25 noir with Rouge tomate piping, stiching, and lining. Can't wait to see how ours SO will turn out.
 
Here to share with u guys my new acquisition from my home store, I had several SO ordered but still no where to be seen, so my SA felt kinda bad and whip out this beauty to end my graving for the moment~~ can't say no to this baby! K28 trench/Bleu paon Epsom sellier with Permabrass HW~ love it and it's my first K28! (But i'm still waiting for the one I ordered though~~~)
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Can check out my outta control thread for bigger pics~ :smile:

Gorgeous bag!!! Congrats!!!
 
I ordered mine last night and was told at least 12 months. SA mentioned those ordered last year has not arrived yet. Slightly off topic but I was requested to place a deposit which is more than 50% of current price. She mentioned it's because I must take it since it's my color combo .. but it's not what I read here. She mentioned it's a rule for Hong Kong and Macau. Anyone has similar experience? Honestly I was slightly caught off guard as paying around USD7000 in advance without knowing arrival date is not so cool....