How does your alligator/croc Hermes age?

[summer_mango]

Hi all,

This forum has been always my best knowledge pool for my Hermes journey! So here I am for another question!
I am interested in getting a brand new A stamp (2016) shine alligator Kelly Pochette but I am slightly concerned with the aging issue. I dont own any exotic skin bags so I am not familiar with how it ages, given that the bag was made 3 years ago.

Can you please share your experience with Hermes alligator bags? Does it loose its sheen after few years or does the colour fade noticeably? Does it hold its shape well?

Thanks!

 

[papertiger]

Alli, like croc ages well if looked after well. I only have croc so can only speak from that experience but I'd be happy with H alligator (almost bought a Plume in 2014 - sorry that I didn't now)

You don't say whether it's shiny or matte, but shiny goes matte (but can be re-shined) and matte gets shinier (can't go back to matte)

Don't overstuff
Don't make too heavy
Handles often go first
No water - ever
Acids in the hands and fingers can also leave marks
Always clean and dry hands thoroughly


Since the KP isn't normally carried everyday, every day an exotic one should look good for a long time.

 

[Love Of My Life]

I have a Kelly from 1950 in Miel.. The patina it has developed for me is priceless.
I wear it & enjoy it, it does show very minimal corner wear & the handle has been replaced.
No hand cream is a must.
ENjoy your pochette

 

[3degree]

it wears well. my croc (niloticus)kelly cut from 2013 still looks very new. maybe use 3 times a year. echoing above, be careful with water, and hand lotion

 

[oohshinythings]

This!! --> "but shiny goes matte (but can be re-shined) and matte gets shinier"

Alli, like croc ages well if looked after well. I only have croc so can only speak from that experience but I'd be happy with H alligator (almost bought a Plume in 2014 - sorry that I didn't now)

You don't say whether it's shiny or matte, but shiny goes matte (but can be re-shined) and matte gets shinier (can't go back to matte)

Don't overstuff
Don't make too heavy
Handles often go first
No water - ever
Acids in the hands and fingers can also leave marks
Always clean and dry hands thoroughly


Since the KP isn't normally carried everyday, every day an exotic one should look good for a long time.

 

[MaryAndDogs]

Did you get it? Please post some pics.

In my opinion, croc is just about the best possible leather It is way lighter that Togo or Clemence. And all that detail...(I love it!) Just go for it!

However, alligator is much softer and pliable than porosus. My porosus handbags are simply a lot more sturdy and keep their shape way better than alligator. Alligator is basically a slouchy, soft bag. Very nice (and I love it!) but not at all the thing if you"re looking for a structured bag that"s gonna keeps its shape for a while.

 

[MaryAndDogs]

For your reference. Rather new black shiny croc and "old" blue croc (both porosus).

 

[Love Of My Life]

For your reference. Rather new black shiny croc and "old" blue croc (both porosus).

"D I V I N E "

 

[MaryAndDogs]

Alligator...Much softer though I absolutely adore the look.

 

[bonaqua1487]

I have a Kelly from 1950 in Miel.. The patina it has developed for me is priceless.
I wear it & enjoy it, it does show very minimal corner wear & the handle has been replaced.
No hand cream is a must.
ENjoy your pochette

I am trying to do research on Miel specifically and how it ages - would love to hear your thoughts on it over the years! Does it get darker/lighter? I see photos online and they quite range for the shiney miel and would be curious from some first hand experience

 

[Love Of My Life]

I am trying to do research on Miel specifically and how it ages - would love to hear your thoughts on it over the years! Does it get darker/lighter? I see photos online and they quite range for the shiney miel and would be curious from some first hand experience

My bag has not gotten lighter as a matter of fact the patina is quite wonderful. It's not darker
but just has that special patina that just gets better with time as most of H bags do especially in the
exotic skins maybe with the exception of ostrich as the handles do darken from just wear & tear, JMO

 

[kale.idoscope]

I am trying to do research on Miel specifically and how it ages - would love to hear your thoughts on it over the years! Does it get darker/lighter? I see photos online and they quite range for the shiney miel and would be curious from some first hand experience

I have a Plume from the 90s in Miel. It is new-ish to me, so I can't speak to how it has changed over the years, but am posting a picture (in natural light) in case it is helpful!

 

[bonaqua1487]

My bag has not gotten lighter as a matter of fact the patina is quite wonderful. It's not darker
but just has that special patina that just gets better with time as most of H bags do especially in the
exotic skins maybe with the exception of ostrich as the handles do darken from just wear & tear, JMO

This is soo glad to hear! I am tempted in so many ways but waiting for the stars to align (availability, gust to pull the trigger hehe, etc.)

 

[bonaqua1487]

I have a Plume from the 90s in Miel. It is new-ish to me, so I can't speak to how it has changed over the years, but am posting a picture (in natural light) in case it is helpful!View attachment 6091119

Stunning!! thank you for sharing. it is actually so hard to find live photos (esp not of brand brand new items that have not been touched and just re-sell). Your plume is GORGEOUS. I love miel because I feel I can use it forever in various life stages. The handles seem like perhaps a little darkened, but in such a natural way

 

[kale.idoscope]

I totally agree the that the handles look a little darker in that picture, but it might predominantly be the lighting. Posting another picture in natural lighting on an overcast day for reference! I'm not typically much of a "brown" person, but this is such a wonderful warm tone that it is really easy to style!

Stunning!! thank you for sharing. it is actually so hard to find live photos (esp not of brand brand new items that have not been touched and just re-sell). Your plume is GORGEOUS. I love miel because I feel I can use it forever in various life stages. The handles seem like perhaps a little darkened, but in such a natural way