I see Kellys a lot. But without twillys. I feel like wrapping handles in twillys is an American thing. We prefer bags plain, which is classier to me.
Most popular Hermès bag for Parisian women?
- Thread starter Deneuveness
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I feel exactly the same way and I'm Canadian
. I just don't get it at all
. If someone wants to protect their handles wear gloves the way Grace Kelly did. That's classy.
Whenever we visit Paris I see a lot of Kelly's and Constance, and some bigger Birkins. But they all have a very similar vibe to me, muted, understated, sometimes slouchy, 70s. No adornments. Box leather, dark reds, neutrals. Could have been passed down type of look. Chic! 
Unless it's vintage Hermès or Chanel, it seems Parisians are generally disinterested in designer handbags...Whenever we visit Paris I see a lot of Kelly's and Constance, and some bigger Birkins. But they all have a very similar vibe to me, muted, understated, sometimes slouchy, 70s. No adornments. Box leather, dark reds, neutrals. Could have been passed down type of look. Chic!
I personally love wearing my bolide 31s in Paris and a few there, but thinking about it, I don't see them that often. While I have crossed paths with women carrying a same Kelly as me, I have never had this happen when I wore a Bolide. The last Bolide I saw was maybe a month ago, and it was a camel ostrich. I see many more Victorias than Bolides. Then again, I rarely leave the Left Bank so there could be more Bolide wearers on the Right Bank much like Birkins. Where Bolides are much more common is Japan in my experience.
I would say it depends. Zadig bags are quite common in certain parts of Paris for all ages. Lancel bags, too, are often carried. I also find Parisians to be much more perceptive of Hermes bags. For example, recently I went to a pharmacy in the 7eme, and the pharmacist complimented my 2010 Chaine d'Ancre bag, telling me it was her first time ever seeing one in person. I was so surprised anyone was able to identify it. Despite the obvious Chaine d'Ancre shoulder strap, on multiple occasions I have had SAs in the US question whether Hermes had produced such a bag. I personally think there is a wider appreciation for designer handbags that is not limited to those worn by influencers and in advertisements.
Would you say Bolide 31 is more popular than the smaller sizes (25/27, mini, etc.) in Paris and Japan?
In the 6th arr I see a lot of Bolide 35 and Victoria bags.
I'm a bit obsessed with the battered "so what?" vibe of a Parisian's Hermes. They appreciate it for what it is - a bag. I once saw a scruffy looking Birkin next to a chic older-looking woman sat by the window of Cipriani London. It was on the floor (gasp!). Not propped up on a chair, or a bag stool like some fancy restaurants have, or hanging off a bag clip... and that really stood out to me. I've heard from Parisian friends that they find is amusing when people (i.e. non-French!) fuss over their bags and not allow it to just "live" alongside them!
Most French women I know are buying a bag to use with pleasure for the long-term. These women aren’t buying to use and then sell for the next bag etc. None of them are looking for the latest and greatest color either. It’s a long term purchase to be used and enjoyed.
I’m also a bit obsessed with the battered bag vibe. I have a Victoria that I carry around under my arm (not using handles) and it is my “scruffy“ bag that I love. I walked into an American H boutique with this bag one day… the staff loved it.
Amen to this attitude!
This is me all the way. I like my bags to look well loved and worn not pristine just out of the store! I'm also in Europe and I think that the general attitude here is more similar to how French women dress and use their bags rather the the US/Asian way. I hate Twillys and bag charms and I have never seen anyone wearing them on their bags in my neck of the woods.
This seems like a thread where I can say this without getting attacked......I hate twillies on handles. Nothing wrong with a used looking handle on a used looking bag. That said, a Hermes bag has become more like a piece of jewelry to some rather than a classy well made bag to be used for years and enjoyed as it ages. I am old and beat up myself. No fillers or Botox for this 77 year old.
Interesting. I am American and although I do not own any Hermes (although I have an extensive handbag collection) I do not care for twillies or bag charms. A beautiful bag can stand on its own.