How did you first hear about Hermes?

[sihetho]

I think I saw a Birkin in a magazine, maybe 25-30 years ago. Walked into Hermes, and got a Kelly on my first visit. Had an amazing 20 year run, with every whim and fancy fulfilled! SAs were so experienced, and made every visit into a lovely memory. They made you feel like they were as pleased to sell you the bag, as you were to acquire it. Now it’s the Hunger Games. Makes me sad, this is not what luxury is about, this is not what Hermes was about. I actually can‘t disagree with the SA who told me recently “just because you‘re a long-time loyal customer doesn’t mean you can continue to get every bag you want”…of course it was said a with a little more subtlety. There are a lot more customers now, and everyone should have a shot. I agree with a more ********ic attitude. But to show such disdain and indifference to customers that were loyal for 25 years…wow. I’ve never ”flipped” a bag. I still own that first Kelly. But I see my acquaintances that are mostly re-selling their bags are the ones who have access. I feel I should get offered 1-2 bags a year. But for the last 4-5 years, zip, zilch, nada. A few times I gently complained and I was “encouraged“ to come in and buy other stuff. I‘m at a stage that I don’t need any more jewelry, furniture, china etc etc. Oh, well! Adieu, Hermes! We’ll always have Paris

I agree with you 100% it is NOT what luxury retail should be about . This is not a good way to do business,the silly quotas and wish-list,influencers,resellers etc...
Not so many years ago ,you were able to go in and order what you wanted .It could have been a couple of years waiting for your bag to arrive but it was OK as you knew that it was made for you and it was special (no jumping through hoops,appeasing SA with buying stuff that you don't need...etc!) . I don't play this game either!

 

[880]

When we all talk about our first interaction with Hermes, we often focus on the SA. I don’t blame them for the prespend or the artificial scarcity of bags. It’s simply corporate policy that values its shareholders more than its clients.

 

[Cavalier Girl]

My introduction to Hermes was through my aunt over 50 years ago. She loaned me her Kelly for a job interview at a brokerage house. I didn't get the job, but fell in love with Hermes. Bought my own Kelly when I was in my mid thirties... had 3 to choose from that were on the shelves. I don't buy nearly as much as I used to, and have been through more SAs than I can count. Still love a good many of the products, but my needs are few. Am fortunate to still have a good relationship with my home store who are responsive to my wants and whims.

 

[lala_retro]

My mother has always had mild interest in Hermes scarves, so growing up I always thought of it as the brand that specializes in silk scarves (wasn't interested in luxury goods at all during my early years), didn't know about the Birkin or even that Hermes made bags at all. My interest in the brand was actually piqued by that POF Hermes made me cry video. It was so confusing to me the things she was talking about with the shopping process (setting up profile, prespend, etc.) and the way she was so upset about not getting a bag that I started seriously researching the brand just to see what was so special...and now I'm hooked.

 

[annaria]

My mom had a few bags and a few scarves but I really got interested when I saw the Kelly Cut in a vogue. Still have yet to get one.

 

[Vintage Leather]

My grandmother was an Hermes customer in the 50s and 60s, and her bags seemed to be the symbol of this magical, exotic world of luxury where workmanship and materials were respected.

I remember an article in US Vogue about investment dressing. This was the mid 90s, and it showcased the three items that you should buy in your 20s and carry or wear until your 60s. The three items the editors selected were a red croc Kelly, a Chanel suit and a cashmere coat. My imagination was caught by the images - the 20 year old model in skinny jeans, white scoop neck blouse, motorcycle jacket, sky high stilettos and a red Kelly, the 40 year old model in a white linen sheath with a white-red-navy Chanel tweed jacket, red pumps and the same red Kelly. And the 60 year old model in black trousers, an oversized cashmere sweater, a bright red belt and ballet flats - and that same Kelly. It was magic!

For my high school graduation, my best friend and I went to France, Switzerland and Italy. I bought my first Hermes scarf in Paris - Les Perroquets. Still have it, still wear it. That trip was a weird but magical mix of Hermes and jazz, food poisoning and art, getting lost and spending a little too much.

 

[caruava]

Over 20 years ago when I saw the birkin in a feature in the lifestyle section of the newspaper. Was intrigued since.

 

[knickknackchaddywack]

Funnily enough, it was my love for the Celine Classic bag in box leather that drew me to Hermes. I think I then saw the Constance in my fervor, then through the Constance, stumbled upon the Kelly, also in box leather. Which was certainly my first H love. 10 years of pining before adding it to my collection makes it seem so much sweeter - especially after how my eyes popped out of their sockets when I first realized its price!

Thanks for the thread! Certainly made me nostalgic and gave me a good dose of gratitude!

 

[papertiger]

Funnily enough, it was my love for the Celine Classic bag in box leather that drew me to Hermes. I think I then saw the Constance in my fervor, then through the Constance, stumbled upon the Kelly, also in box leather. Which was certainly my first H love. 10 years of pining before adding it to my collection makes it seem so much sweeter - especially after how my eyes popped out of their sockets when I first realized its price!

Thanks for the thread! Certainly made me nostalgic and gave me a good dose of gratitude!

My grandmother was an Hermes customer in the 50s and 60s, and her bags seemed to be the symbol of this magical, exotic world of luxury where workmanship and materials were respected.

I remember an article in US Vogue about investment dressing. This was the mid 90s, and it showcased the three items that you should buy in your 20s and carry or wear until your 60s. The three items the editors selected were a red croc Kelly, a Chanel suit and a cashmere coat. My imagination was caught by the images - the 20 year old model in skinny jeans, white scoop neck blouse, motorcycle jacket, sky high stilettos and a red Kelly, the 40 year old model in a white linen sheath with a white-red-navy Chanel tweed jacket, red pumps and the same red Kelly. And the 60 year old model in black trousers, an oversized cashmere sweater, a bright red belt and ballet flats - and that same Kelly. It was magic!

For my high school graduation, my best friend and I went to France, Switzerland and Italy. I bought my first Hermes scarf in Paris - Les Perroquets. Still have it, still wear it. That trip was a weird but magical mix of Hermes and jazz, food poisoning and art, getting lost and spending a little too much.

You both make me think. The Constance was the only H bag my mother owned, she never really used it. Now, I'm wondering if it was a present from my grandmother, who had a few well chosen bags and scarves of her own. My mother liked her LV Noe, Chanel shoppers and Gucci hobos, much more casual. My mother was far more likely to shop in H for others, and that's what I inherited first: Hermes for gift-giving.

@knickknackchaddywack I can totally see how the Celine Box bag led you to H.

 

[Bereal]

Lovely thread! I remember watching a movie where the Blue Birkin was a centre piece.. can’t remember the name. I just dropped into the H store to get a shawl as I remember hearing about their quality. My third encounter was when I naively walked into the store and asked to see the bags. A very kind SA explained about a waitlist which obviously never existed She showed me a Bolide which I liked but thought was outrageously expensive. Then came the pandemic and the rest is history!

 

[880]

remember an article in US Vogue about investment dressing. This was the mid 90s, and it showcased the three items that you should buy in your 20s and carry or wear until your 60s. The three items the editors selected were a red croc Kelly, a Chanel suit and a cashmere coat. My imagination was caught by the images - the 20 year old model in skinny jeans, white scoop neck blouse, motorcycle jacket, sky high stilettos and a red Kelly, the 40 year old model in a white linen sheath with a white-red-navy Chanel tweed jacket, red pumps and the same red Kelly. And the 60 year old model in black trousers, an oversized cashmere sweater, a bright red belt and ballet flats - and that same Kelly. It was magic!

I recall, not the specific article, but seeing the diff aged models with h

My mother was far more likely to shop in H for others, and that's what I inherited first: Hermes for gift-giving.

My first exposure was my mom buying H ties as a special gift, and I followed First tie gift to then boyfriend, now DH, in 1986 or 88. He still has it. I’m wearing a balle de golf scarf

 

[vildachya]

It was in 1990, I had just returned to work after having a baby. I used to bring catalogues to work to look through with a co-worker in peace and quiet. The Hermes silk twill Brise de Charme was in the Neiman Marcus catalogue, and it was love at first sight! Bought it mail order, by phone, on a landline lol. It was a treat for myself, after returning to work.

 

[papertiger]

I recall, not the specific article, but seeing the diff aged models with h

My first exposure was my mom buying H ties as a special gift, and I followed First tie gift to then boyfriend, now DH, in 1986 or 88. He still has it. I’m wearing a balle de golf scarf
View attachment 5881251

Hermes moment

 

[xceleritas]

First became aware of H scarves in high school after reading about a character in a book purchasing it as a gift for his mother; this was around 2000, and I remember being a bit shocked about the $250 price tag (oh if I only knew).
I recall seeing a photo online in college (in the early days of Google) of Grace Kelly holding the bag to hide her pregnancy; I vividly recall my eyes were drawn to the style of handbag but didn't give more thought to it as I figured it must be something from the 50s and I wouldn't be able to find it anymore . Had no idea it was H.
(I ended up wearing Un Jardin sur le Nil for a couple years in college - fell in love with it after discovering it at a department store. Did not associate the brand with bags at all.)
Then finally in 2010 or so, after finishing grad school and so proud of my own first paycheck - I was looking for a bday gift for my mom and had narrowed it down to a long wallet from H and a few other brands. First time entering the boutique and it was clear that I was clueless, but the SA treated me in such a nice and respectful manner. (The store was also empty! Unheard of now.) Right as I was entering, there was some ruckus and shouting on the street and I became a bit flustered; I ABSOLUTELY remember the SA saying "welcome to the calm and sanctuary of Hermes" .
And the seed was sown.

 

[handbagparfait]

First became aware of H scarves in high school after reading about a character in a book purchasing it as a gift for his mother; this was around 2000, and I remember being a bit shocked about the $250 price tag (oh if I only knew).
I recall seeing a photo online in college (in the early days of Google) of Grace Kelly holding the bag to hide her pregnancy; I vividly recall my eyes were drawn to the style of handbag but didn't give more thought to it as I figured it must be something from the 50s and I wouldn't be able to find it anymore . Had no idea it was H.
(I ended up wearing Un Jardin sur le Nil for a couple years in college - fell in love with it after discovering it at a department store. Did not associate the brand with bags at all.)
Then finally in 2010 or so, after finishing grad school and so proud of my own first paycheck - I was looking for a bday gift for my mom and had narrowed it down to a long wallet from H and a few other brands. First time entering the boutique and it was clear that I was clueless, but the SA treated me in such a nice and respectful manner. (The store was also empty! Unheard of now.) Right as I was entering, there was some ruckus and shouting on the street and I became a bit flustered; I ABSOLUTELY remember the SA saying "welcome to the calm and sanctuary of Hermes" .
And the seed was sown.

Love your story!