This has been a fascinating discussion. As someone who has looong experience with H (30+ years), I've seen their expansion and move to new markets and new demographics. How truly amazing that the Kardashians rather than Catherine Deneuve and Grace Kelly are now the brand ambassadors, and that a good number of the SAs at FSH don't speak much French! I get it and applaud H efforts to maintain a viable luxury business. Unfortunately, personally speaking, I feel left behind. But when a door closes a window opens, and I've moved on. The quality and service at the other heritage houses remind me of how H was 15 years ago. I have many fond memories of shopping at FSH (my home store), but no longer purchase H handbags.
My opinion of Hermes is changing...
- Thread starter bostonbirkin
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I think it's clear you were just using them as an example of more entry priced items or items with a clear H. Clics were never my first choice but I'm starting to really want one. I bought silk then leather first so the brand worked on me backwards!
After seeing @papertiger's post of the horse's browbands, I kinda get the new kelly handles now. They're still not for me, but I do like the idea that H is thinking out of the box regarding some of the classics. What I would go for, is a kelly or birkin that has a pop color on the interior different than the exterior and a bit of that pop color under the handle as well. I think they did this once and they are called "candy' bags? I would be all over that!! Do that again!! Especially if it was neutral on the outside and a pop color on the inside and under the handle. That would be fantastic!! I would also like to see more hardware combos as well. I think guilloche is cool, brushed gold, brushed phw, darkened hardware, all that stuff. On a kelly or birkin, a little goes a long way. And as Pocketbook pup says, I would love to see some more bag designs in the $5-$6k range. It seems they really haven't stumbled on too many "hits" recently with new bag designs so working a bit harder on those would be welcome in my opinion as well.
As for the straps, yes, I do agree it seems like H is jumping on the bandwagon and what some of us (I think) are just a little disappointed about is that they are the followers instead of the leaders in this instance. Fendi made such a splash with the straps and anything that looks remotely similar to the Fendi ones are going to be perceived as "Copycat". But I will say...that I would actually love a leather strap for my Evelynes that's not as colorful as the Fendi ones. A nice subdued one in an easy-to-use moderate width in two tones I could use crossbody would actually be very useful to me if they end up matching my Evelynes. I know I would use my Evelynes more if I had a different strap because the wide canvas ones just don't really do it for me. So I will need to see them before I say I'm not getting one. If they are done in an elegant original way, I could be coaxed to open my wallet!! And funny enough....I have exactly the opposite problem of IF. The thin kelly strap is perfect for my slanted shoulders because the thinner straps seem to mould to my shoulder better and stay on vs. the thick straps. In fact, I have found that only the thin Kelly straps stay on my shoulder which is why I have several kellys. I have never found any other shoulder bag that stays on my shoulder. Not even the strap on my gucci bamboo top handle, it's just a bit too wide for me. So I guess it just goes to show, we all need different things.
And after thinking about it awhile, although I'm a bit disappointed Hermes is playing catch up with the straps, I will say that Hermes has been the leader with lots of different items so one instance of playing catch up is not too egregious in my book. Just off the top of my head, I can recall seeing a few bags that look "birkinesque", kelly-esque, and a few other styles that Hermes created. Also, I think that Fendi and LV played follow the leader with twillies. I started to see those pop up quite a bit recently and felt like Hermes really was the first brand with the twilly. And I've seen Ferragamo and some other brands carry leather bracelets that look very much like the ones Hermes makes. So as a Hermes brand loyalists, I think we are used to the creative originality Hermes usually displays and some of us are just a little disappointed they didn't do that with bag straps.
As for the straps, yes, I do agree it seems like H is jumping on the bandwagon and what some of us (I think) are just a little disappointed about is that they are the followers instead of the leaders in this instance. Fendi made such a splash with the straps and anything that looks remotely similar to the Fendi ones are going to be perceived as "Copycat". But I will say...that I would actually love a leather strap for my Evelynes that's not as colorful as the Fendi ones. A nice subdued one in an easy-to-use moderate width in two tones I could use crossbody would actually be very useful to me if they end up matching my Evelynes. I know I would use my Evelynes more if I had a different strap because the wide canvas ones just don't really do it for me. So I will need to see them before I say I'm not getting one. If they are done in an elegant original way, I could be coaxed to open my wallet!! And funny enough....I have exactly the opposite problem of IF. The thin kelly strap is perfect for my slanted shoulders because the thinner straps seem to mould to my shoulder better and stay on vs. the thick straps. In fact, I have found that only the thin Kelly straps stay on my shoulder which is why I have several kellys. I have never found any other shoulder bag that stays on my shoulder. Not even the strap on my gucci bamboo top handle, it's just a bit too wide for me. So I guess it just goes to show, we all need different things.
And after thinking about it awhile, although I'm a bit disappointed Hermes is playing catch up with the straps, I will say that Hermes has been the leader with lots of different items so one instance of playing catch up is not too egregious in my book. Just off the top of my head, I can recall seeing a few bags that look "birkinesque", kelly-esque, and a few other styles that Hermes created. Also, I think that Fendi and LV played follow the leader with twillies. I started to see those pop up quite a bit recently and felt like Hermes really was the first brand with the twilly. And I've seen Ferragamo and some other brands carry leather bracelets that look very much like the ones Hermes makes. So as a Hermes brand loyalists, I think we are used to the creative originality Hermes usually displays and some of us are just a little disappointed they didn't do that with bag straps.
Last edited:
I guess I'm an oddball, because I love the middle range bags, lol! Love the K and B, but I just don't carry them that often. I find the bolide and plume are much better everyday bags for me- less conspicuous, easier to get in and out of. I would venture to guess that most bolide/ plume fans love these designs- we don't see it as settling for something less than a birkin or kelly. I'm glad they are priced less, but their appeal isn't about a cost savings relative to a birkin or kelly.
And while this is probably gravitating into a different topic, the increased marketing and exposure of H and other brands is also creating an issue of safety. I know two people who have been robbed at gunpoint for their brand-obvious handbags/ jewelry in the past few months. In one of the cases, the robber identified her Cartier love bracelet and threatened to cut off her arm to get it! Fortunately, he settled for her bag and rings and she wasn't hurt. The police said thieves are looking for expensive bags and designer jewelry to sell to overseas crime syndicates. The robber didn't even notice her earrings, which were worth more than the bracelet. Sometimes there is a liability in carrying or wearing easily identifiable luxury items. Yet another downside to increased exposure.
Thank you for sharing this. Very frightening and I hope your friend has recovered from this incident (as best as one can). I'll definitely be more careful about where I take my H bags and fine jewelry. [emoji30]
I'm sort of confused by the premise of this conversation that Hermes has any financial worries. Yes, they don't do well with watches, but virtually all their other categories do well. I think leather goods has double digit growth every year. Hermes historically has been the highest performing luxury brand during econimic downturns, because a large percentage of their client base is not that affected by economic swings.
In my opinion, Hermes could greatly increase profits simply by making their products more available to already loyal clients. I have purchased multiple Birkins, a Steve, a Lindy, a Herbag...the list goes on! Not to mention countless small leather goods, scarves, and home goods. Yet, I still struggle to get anything I request. I didn't buy a bag last year because not a single one on my wish list was made available to me. I would have gladly purchased multiple bags if I could have. I still bought numerous small items.
I feel that chasing trends would be a big mistake. Too many brands are trying to appeal to the same client base instead of staying loyal to their long term customers. Givenchy was the 'it' brand, and now no one wants it. Now it's Gucci! Which has completely abandoned the customer base that Tom Ford grew for them in the affluent business consumer space. As soon as their wild designs aren't en vogue they will crash quickly. Obviously Hermes CEO Alex Dumas understands this because there is a quote from him where he basically says if society ladies in Paris were to stop carrying the bag the brand would lose its value and people would eventually stop aspiring to own it. Sorry, I searched for the quote and can't find it right now.
In my opinion, Hermes could greatly increase profits simply by making their products more available to already loyal clients. I have purchased multiple Birkins, a Steve, a Lindy, a Herbag...the list goes on! Not to mention countless small leather goods, scarves, and home goods. Yet, I still struggle to get anything I request. I didn't buy a bag last year because not a single one on my wish list was made available to me. I would have gladly purchased multiple bags if I could have. I still bought numerous small items.
I feel that chasing trends would be a big mistake. Too many brands are trying to appeal to the same client base instead of staying loyal to their long term customers. Givenchy was the 'it' brand, and now no one wants it. Now it's Gucci! Which has completely abandoned the customer base that Tom Ford grew for them in the affluent business consumer space. As soon as their wild designs aren't en vogue they will crash quickly. Obviously Hermes CEO Alex Dumas understands this because there is a quote from him where he basically says if society ladies in Paris were to stop carrying the bag the brand would lose its value and people would eventually stop aspiring to own it. Sorry, I searched for the quote and can't find it right now.
Thank you. She is still spooked. The robber followed her home from the grocery, pulled in the driveway right behind her and put a gun to her head before she knew what was happening. This was in the middle of the day. The police said that drugstores/ grocery stores are a favorite spot for the robbers looking for bags/ jewelry because women are usually alone and busy picking up items so they don't notice someone watching them. They also said that a person should never pull in the driveway if a car is behind them, and don't get out of the car until you look around.
This is so frightening and thank you for explaining the details of how it happened. I can totally see this happening to me especially if I am preoccupied or lost in thought thinking about something. I'll definitely be more aware of my surroundings especially as I near my house while driving.
Thank you for sharing this story, and for the advice you gave. I am so sorry that this happened to your friend
Thank you for sharing this story, and for the advice you gave. I am so sorry that this happened to your friend
Thank you. I didn't want to veer off topic, but the crime risk of high profile items is somewhat in line with the topic of increased exposure of Hermes.
The Hermes PTB are under pressure to increase revenue for the company/ heirs.
The biggest fear is that the Birkin rage will flop.
Currently, there is an exploration of watch products, i.e the Apple.
Madison and the Men's store will be closed and I don't know where the relocation will be. Hermes will only have boutiques in buildings they own.
That is all for now.
The biggest fear is that the Birkin rage will flop.
Currently, there is an exploration of watch products, i.e the Apple.
Madison and the Men's store will be closed and I don't know where the relocation will be. Hermes will only have boutiques in buildings they own.
That is all for now.
Oh gosh, thank god nothing happened to her. I once had my bag slashed when I was still carrying it and all the items inside stolen. Luckily for me I was not physically threatened or harmed as I only realised my bag had a huge hole after I left the mall, but I was still in shock after thus I can only imagine how spooked she must be.
I'm one of the Bolide and Plume lovers too, I like to go under the radar and be able to use a bag without being judged for it, especially in the office. But with that being said, I still adore Kelly just not the Birkin (looks nice on others but just not for me) and I hope to get the right one by my birthday this year.
Anyway back to topic. I have to say I'm one of the girls (and boys) that first got into H by buying the H Clic Clac. In fact, I still remember vividly pestering my mum to buy one for me when she visited the FSH store and I promised her that it will be my birthday/Christmas/whatever-major-event present all rolled into one [emoji39] I remember being so happy when I opened the small orange box, no less happier when I bought my first H bag (Berline for the record). That was like almost 10 years ago but the memory still brings smiles to me. Subsequently, I slowly venture into homeware, scarves, small leather goods and eventually bags! I'm sure this is the tried and tested way to start H lovers young and to cultivate the interest in them, to "teach" them to appreciate the fine and luxurious details that comes in all (IMO) H products.
As for the Fendi Strap You and Gucci Princetown lookalikes, to be fair loafers/slippers/mules/whatever-they-are-called have been around for ages regardless of the brand and H did allow clients to order canvas/leather straps before, just that they were more stringent (correct me if I'm wrong please), thus to say that H is now jumping on a bandwagon and trying to keep up with a trend, I feel that's being too harsh to them. Moreover, the Oz looks so much more timeless than Princetown (seriously fur? In your shoes? I just can't, sorry!) that I believe even after the trend dies down, people will still wear them. As for the straps, we still don't have much information on that so I will reserve my judgement. Besides, to sustain a business you always have to bring in new blood. Yes, no doubt old customers are also vital, however with no new leads, your business is doom to fail. From a marketing POV, if straps are what consumers what, then of course they should sell them. No doubt their timing is a tad too slow lol, but we know H products take such a long time to make, maybe they were coming up with a perfect prototype before announcing? I don't know. Anyway, my point is I doubt H is following a trend. I see it as them capturing the market share that should have rightfully be theirs to begin with.
Anyway the above are just my 5 cents worth [emoji851] and no offence to Princetown (with fur) lovers, I just have an OCD issue with dust and germs and the thought of stepping on them is cringeworthy.
So sorry this happened to your friend.
It's great that you enjoy the plume and bolide. I like the bolide myself but cannot bring myself to pay full price when I see them on the resale market for so little. The aesthetic of the plume and Victoria just don't appeal to me personally. Not that they aren't nice bags. They are. They just don't sing to me. Just as I'm sure the Kelly or Birkin don't sing to others. So I would like more options in that mid price range. The cherche midi is one that does appeal to me in terms of aesthetics although it's small size somewhat limits it's functionality. I won't consider the Constance because I don't like the H. Again, just personal preference. There's nothing wrong with it. I'd like to see more genuine innovation and creativity so we have more options.
I'm sorry but those slide slippers are direct knockoffs of the Gucci slippers. I don't begrudge them making money as mrs Owen says but let's call a spade a spade. It does ever slightly diminish the brand in my eyes.
Yup, i agree. My first H during my teenage years was a hermes fourre tote and then i got a Clic Clac too - I usually avoid logos but i just love the H open/close mechanism in a clic clac. The price is accessible too.
Now, i'm happily buying H bags, homeware, jewelry, scarfs & ready to wear. I've always admire Hermes things when i was younger but i wasn't earning that kind of money yet.