There are a lot of threads on this subject. Here is one ... started in 2007 and still going:
http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes/anyone-notice-a-change-in-quality-123009.html
My opinion of Hermes is changing...
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There are a lot of threads on this subject. Here is one ... started in 2007 and still going:
http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes/anyone-notice-a-change-in-quality-123009.html
Have read this thread with great interest.
I can't comment much on the modern bags-- my "youngest" is my chevre Kelly from 2006, which is still beautiful, and exactingly crafted. All the other bags are older-- 1969-1998. I've never been a Birkin person, and I'm extremely particular about colors and leathers, so it's always made more sense for me to buy vintage or pre-loved bags: they're less expensive and I can patiently wait until I get exactly the combination I want. But I will say I've read the threads about the skunk bags with great disappointment both as to the drop in quality they signify and the shameful way in which some of our members here were treated with regard to this problem.
As for the silks and cashmeres, I notice a substantial difference between the hardiness of my recently-purchased cashmeres and mousselines and the older ones in my drawer. And the difference between the first couple of editions of 140cm silks and the ones currently available is night and day IMO.
The 90cm twills do not seem to me to have changed in quality, though there are slight differences in drape and other characteristics among the scarves in my collection, which spans the 1950s to the present. But the classic twills, thankfully, never seem to let me down when a new season's offerings are unfurled atop the glass counter.
My experiences with SAs around the world have been a mixed bag. I have found some amazing SAs I can rely on in multiple countries, and I feel very lucky for that. But I most certainly have experienced that chilling reception that many of us know: you walk into H and get The Glare, as though you've just strolled naked into a formal members' club. This sort of attitude has nothing to do with luxury; courtesy is, to me, a necessity rather than a luxury, and a luxury brand should be able to afford to dole out a double dose of courtesy. Look at how we all treat each other here-- this must be the most civilized corner of the internet. Hermes should exemplify that all the more so when dealing with us without the behavioral blank check of internet anonymity.
I can't comment much on the modern bags-- my "youngest" is my chevre Kelly from 2006, which is still beautiful, and exactingly crafted. All the other bags are older-- 1969-1998. I've never been a Birkin person, and I'm extremely particular about colors and leathers, so it's always made more sense for me to buy vintage or pre-loved bags: they're less expensive and I can patiently wait until I get exactly the combination I want. But I will say I've read the threads about the skunk bags with great disappointment both as to the drop in quality they signify and the shameful way in which some of our members here were treated with regard to this problem.
As for the silks and cashmeres, I notice a substantial difference between the hardiness of my recently-purchased cashmeres and mousselines and the older ones in my drawer. And the difference between the first couple of editions of 140cm silks and the ones currently available is night and day IMO.
The 90cm twills do not seem to me to have changed in quality, though there are slight differences in drape and other characteristics among the scarves in my collection, which spans the 1950s to the present. But the classic twills, thankfully, never seem to let me down when a new season's offerings are unfurled atop the glass counter.
My experiences with SAs around the world have been a mixed bag. I have found some amazing SAs I can rely on in multiple countries, and I feel very lucky for that. But I most certainly have experienced that chilling reception that many of us know: you walk into H and get The Glare, as though you've just strolled naked into a formal members' club. This sort of attitude has nothing to do with luxury; courtesy is, to me, a necessity rather than a luxury, and a luxury brand should be able to afford to dole out a double dose of courtesy. Look at how we all treat each other here-- this must be the most civilized corner of the internet. Hermes should exemplify that all the more so when dealing with us without the behavioral blank check of internet anonymity.
Just a gentle reminder again...
the thread is asking if your opinions of Hermes have changed; can we please focus on that?
Thanks!
Oops, sorry, Mistikat! I was writing that rather meandering account focused on changes in the brand's product rather than changes in my opinions at the very moment you must have been writing a reminder to focus on the latter.
Very funny!!!
But it's the arrogance, snob-like and snooty attitudes that turn me off...not from the brand but this thread sometimes (back to Chanel & LV I go I guess). Live and let live. I don't care who buys Hermes...I love it for my own personal reasons.
I understand how you feel, and felt the same way when I joined this subforum. 2007, and Mary J Blige was the target..oh, the heated arguments, with many of the same comments being made today, almost word for word
On the other hand, it's understandable that people don't like being mentioned in the same sentence (and usually said in a derogatory way) as a questionable celebrity simply because they carry the exact same bag. I imagine that some of the stronger opinions stated here stem from personal experience. But like you said, we all have to decide for ourselves whether we do or do not carry a certain bag or brand, and hopefully it's not simply because a celebrity is wearing it.
Back on topic...this pretty much sums up my feelings as well. I haven't had the "pleasure" of owning a skunk bag, so I can't say whether that would change my opinion of the brand, but the way in which my store would handle such an issue for me would be a strong influence on whether I change my desire to keep buying Hermes from THAT store.
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If you could please have a look at what I just posted?
That's not really what this thread is about, though members are of course welcome start a thread about a specific issue they are having with an item, if they would like opinions.
Thanks!
Oops, sorry I did not see your post mistikat!
OK back to topic...I just started collecting H since January this year, and I've already had 2 bags that have minor issues (GP with one corner scratched which I returned and Medor Clutch with unexplainable peeling of the protector (?), which they are thinking sending back to paris for inspection)..ok anyway, I still appreciate the history, culture and craftsmanship of H, but I don't think it is unreachable as I thought. I will continue to purchase the H items but with more rationality.
Papertiger - yes, it happened to me too. I would test yours. It's better to know if you need to address the issue rather than be in the dark.I didn't know you had a skunk bag too. I am really upset for everyone who has had one. Maybe I should leave my new one out in sunshine and see what happens?
Yes, I totally agree.
As far as Hermes and my opinion changing: Personally I am on the fence post, but am horrified at the treatment that some tpfers have experienced.
I have not purchased any leather products lately though. (luckily there are beautiful silk and cashmere items to keep me happy).
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My opinion of H changed a few years ago.
i used to be a regular. Love H for the craftsmanship.
Bought lots. Have a regular fav SA. Given SO. I had so much fun picking out colors and leather etc.
Then i had a difficult pregnancy. And a colicky baby. And a promotion. Between all i could not spend time at H the way i did before. Still i got a few push presents. And then deafening silence. I would walk in and no one says hi anymore. I never see the SM. i never got word if my SO was rejected or approved. Its just common courtesy. Just let me know that well H ran out of chevre is all. I can deal with it. It seems strange to walk into a store that once offered me an SO and to be ignored. I was told a long time ago that though i am no vip i was always appreciated for knowing my leather and history.
Ah well.
I am not holding my breath.
i buy elsewhere, mostly on my trips overseas.
And it was then that i discovered the joy of vintage and old H.
The final straw was when 4 SAs were fawning over a couple that was contemplating buying a watch. While i waited patiently for half an hour to 40mins. I walked out to answer an urgent phone call...by which time the SA came over to my husband and said they will attend to me shortly. I had to leave. The call was urgent. And i told the SA that one of them could have told me that 40 mins ago. I did not buy that cdc bracelet. It was not worth being ignored for that long. I found a croc cdc not long after that. Perhaps a much better buy.
I love the craftsmanship. That will never change. But i will mostly buy vintage. Some resellers know their H much better than SAs and have better CS.
i used to be a regular. Love H for the craftsmanship.
Bought lots. Have a regular fav SA. Given SO. I had so much fun picking out colors and leather etc.
Then i had a difficult pregnancy. And a colicky baby. And a promotion. Between all i could not spend time at H the way i did before. Still i got a few push presents. And then deafening silence. I would walk in and no one says hi anymore. I never see the SM. i never got word if my SO was rejected or approved. Its just common courtesy. Just let me know that well H ran out of chevre is all. I can deal with it. It seems strange to walk into a store that once offered me an SO and to be ignored. I was told a long time ago that though i am no vip i was always appreciated for knowing my leather and history.
Ah well.
I am not holding my breath.
i buy elsewhere, mostly on my trips overseas.
And it was then that i discovered the joy of vintage and old H.
The final straw was when 4 SAs were fawning over a couple that was contemplating buying a watch. While i waited patiently for half an hour to 40mins. I walked out to answer an urgent phone call...by which time the SA came over to my husband and said they will attend to me shortly. I had to leave. The call was urgent. And i told the SA that one of them could have told me that 40 mins ago. I did not buy that cdc bracelet. It was not worth being ignored for that long. I found a croc cdc not long after that. Perhaps a much better buy.
I love the craftsmanship. That will never change. But i will mostly buy vintage. Some resellers know their H much better than SAs and have better CS.
