I think a lot of the influencer bags are high quality dupes or at the very least, pre-owned. Very much like the highly filtered images of the influencers themselves, we are looking at a 2 dimensional image, not the actual bag. I also believe that many of these bags are heavily financed. To me, the idea of paying interest to a cc company for a handbag is both terrifying and ludicrous.This sentiment is perfectly understandable. I felt the same way about Burberry when they shifted to streetwear and a more youthful look (emblematic of their logo change, illustrated below). I remember thinking, "this ain't my brand anymore."
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But hey, this is nothing new. On that 4-hour podcast posted, it talked about the OG Hermes brothers parting ways because one wanted to stick with saddle-making and wasn't interested in the other brother's vision of adapting the product line to the automotive revolution. Even adding zippers was novel and transformative! Brands have to adapt or die.
You're in a great position to foster new and talented artisans who may eventually become the new Hermes when H itself is no longer considered cool. That day will certainly come, as it does for every brand. I like H, but as customers we should all remember that it wouldn't survive without us walking around as its billboard. Ask not what you can do for Hermes, but what Hermes can do for you.For me personally, I sew some of my own clothes and other times I go out on a limb and design outfits for which I get fabric and then I then get tailored. I'd say 70% of my wardrobe is custom, another 20% is from small businesses, and I greatly appreciate the ability of H bags/accessories elevating those outfits. I'm like a cook who buys fancy plates to give the impression that the food tastes better than it may actually be, haha.
Anyway, I give anyone who wants to support bespoke bag makers a big thumbs up--it's being a trend maker, and not a trend follower! Let me know if you find any good brands. People here seem to be talking about Peter Nitz and sure enough, his stuff looks gorgeous.
Yes, Nitz is the man.
There was a wonderful thread here a while back that I wish I'd screenshot. I must find it. There was a woman in Japan and a couple of others doing gorgeous work. What struck me were the skins they were using, e.g. Himalayan porosis looking an awful like H porosis, but for a far lower price.
Just for fun, I calculated what the cost would be today for the H peau d'elephant Kelly I bought in 1981. Bottom line: Hermès prices have astronomically outpaced inflation.
