My opinion of Hermes is changing...

[papertiger]

Where does this assumption come from that everyone that goes to H wants for a B or K?

I'd also like to understand people's term 'mid-range' bags in connection with non-B and K bags: $9400 (Kelly mini) $8700 (Plume 32) or $8100 (Bolide 31) $9400 (Birkin 25) $10,400 (Constance 24)? *

Anyone can buy Bs and Ks pre-loved now, the resale market is awash with them.

Judging from some members actual collections, some own a whole range of bags to use for different purposes along with enamels and watches, twillys and scarves in all formats. It seems people who can afford whatever they like, like a whole lot of things.

If we go back a few years on tPF hardly anyone was looking at Kellys or Constances. Go back 30-ish years and the Birkin was new variation of the HAC named after a celebrity.

*figures from Hermes Handbag Prices no Chat 3 March '17

 

[EmileH]

Where does this assumption come from that everyone that goes to H wants for a B or K?

I also like to understand people's term 'mid-range' bags in connection with non-B and K bags: $9400 (Kelly mini) $8700 (Plume 32) or $8100 (Bolide 31) $9400 (Birkin 25) $10,400 (Constance 24)? *

Anyone can buy Bs and Ks pre-loved now, the resale market is awash with them.

Judging from some members actual collections, some own a whole range of bags to use for different purposes along with enamels and watches, twillys and scarves in all formats. It seems people who can afford whatever they like, like a whole lot of things.

If we go back a few years on tPF hardly anyone was looking at Kellys or Constances. Go back 30-ish years and the Birkin was new variation of the HAC named after a celebrity.

*figures from Hermes Handbag Prices no Chat 3 March '17

I don't think anyone made that assumption. And my original definition (purely my own thinking) of mid range bags that were lacking was in the $4000-5000 range, higher than an Evelyn or picotin and lower than a birkin or Kelly. There really isn't much to choose from in that range. No one is judging what anyone wants to buy. I am merely stating for my purposes I would like to see more interesting bags in the $4000 - 5000 range and some shoulder bags would be nice.

I will add purely from my perspective that I love the Kelly. It has withstood the test of time, and to me personally it is a perfect bag in terms of function and aesthetics. Personal preference. I don't care what is popular or high status. So if a bag approaches the $7000-8000 I would prefer to just wait a bit and get a Kelly.

 

[papertiger]

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.

ITA. We must have been writing the same time. I find it hilarious people think I spent nearly $9K on a bag when I'd really rather a different one.

You raise a good point. There are many who would carry under the radar bags on an everyday basis including those who shy away from too much hardware.

Very, very sorry for your friend, that must have been absolutely traumatic.

 

[chicinthecity777]

I think two slightly different issues are a bit mixed here.
IMO, I have no problem with H offering lower price "entry-level" items, such as costume jewellery, scarves, twillys, agenda covers etc. I said in another thread already, they have been offering those items for a very very long time. 1st silk scarf was issued in 1940s.
What I do have a problem with is H chasing a trend (or fad depending on how you look at it) blindly. I have no problem with H offering detachable straps, mind you at $1000+ a pop for a embellished version, they are certainly not "entry-level" bag straps! But do it with H originality! I have no problem H offering shoes either, but I don't want to see a Gucci look-a-like from them!
To summarise, price is not of my concern here at all! But I want to see H do products with pride and thoughts and resulting in creations that can stand the test of time with originality.

 

[EmileH]

I think two slightly different issues are a bit mixed here.
IMO, I have no problem with H offering lower price "entry-level" items, such as costume jewellery, scarves, twillys, agenda covers etc. I said in another thread already, they have been offering those items for a very very long time. 1st silk scarf was issued in 1940s.
What I do have a problem with is H chasing a trend (or fad depending on how you look at it) blindly. I have no problem with H offering detachable straps, mind you at $1700 a pop, they are certainly not "entry-level" bag straps! But do it with H originality! I have no problem H offering shoes either, but I don't want to see a Gucci look-a-like from them!
To summarise, price is not of my concern here at all! But I want to see H do products with pride and thoughts and resulting in creations that can stand the test of time with originality.

Well said.

 

[EmileH]

Can we simply agree to disagree? Express our own preferences and style without judgement? I suppose not in today's world. I would put forward the assumptions that:

1. Everyone who wants a Birkin or Kelly doesn't want it simply because it's a status symbol or because it's popular.
2. Everyone who wants a plume or bolide doesn't want it just because they can't afford a birkin or Kelly.
3. Neither group is intellectually superior to the other. Indeed the groups overlap quite a bit.
4. We would all like a variety of bags from which to choose.
5. We have to acknowledge that Birkins and Kellys (and Constances) are the most popular bags that Hermes sells.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Just a minor point here. A number of the items mentioned through this thread are not new or copies....they have been selling charms of one variety or another for many many years....longer than I've been a customer (1998).

Same with the very small bags, someday I would love to find a vintage black Kelly (20? I think?) with the removable handle. [emoji177][emoji177][emoji177] I also remember those doll-sized Ks and Bs that wouldn't even fit a wallet maybe 10 years ago? My six year saga getting a 25B started well before the current trend, and even then I had seen many of their mini versions - Kelly Danse, Kelly Elan, Kelly Longue seemed more popular years ago.

Turnlocks or Hs on everything from gloves to shoes is something I always recall seeing. As for the slides, they existed well before Gucci, Converse has been making them for years - if it wasn't for TPF I wouldn't even know about the Gucci version - my point being that they have been expanding their shoe range and doing their versions of classic/new classic styles, including high tops and skate shoes, so I see the H version more like that, it's a style that has entered our repertoire.

PaperTiger I'm a bit confused - on your list of 'non-B or K' bags you listed a K and a B? I don't know if theres a gap in the midrange, so much - it's really that they aren't pushing the bags in that price range, there are leather goods to be had there - the Kelly variations (KP is about $5400?), the smaller Bolides, the Halzan, Convoyeur, Plume, Victoria - they are just a bit more under the radar.

I had to laugh when someone mentioned Reed Krakoff. Anyone ever see his bags? I don't think he's ever had an innovative thought when it comes to leather design, IMO.

Anyway, just my two cents. Loving this conversation but I recall some feeling that H was getting too pedestrian when they premiered the Twillies and stopped making the original Clic-Clacs!

 

[chicinthecity777]

Turnlocks or Hs on everything from gloves to shoes is something I always recall seeing. As for the slides, they existed well before Gucci, Converse has been making them for years - if it wasn't for TPF I wouldn't even know about the Gucci version - my point being that they have been expanding their shoe range and doing their versions of classic/new classic styles, including high tops and skate shoes, so I see the H version more like that, it's a style that has entered our repertoire.

Ah, I think the H slipper I saw looked way too much like Gucci's Princetown slipper though. Actually my SA said specifically "they are like the Gucci Princetown"...

 

[EmileH]

Ah, I think the H slipper I saw looked way too much like Gucci's Princetown slipper though. Actually my SA said specifically "they were like the Gucci Princetown"...

So did mine. I sort of groaned. He wasn't happy.

How about the little leather cage bags that hold the silk pouches? My store bought them heavily and was very proud of them. I think they were in the $5000 range. In my mind they are a novelty item and I don't spend $5000 on a novelty.

It's true that there are a few choices in that mid range. It's just that none of them appeal to me. Now bring back the trim and I'll be all over it.

 

[chicinthecity777]

So did mine. I sort of groaned. He wasn't happy.

How about the little leather cage bags that hold the silk pouches? My store bought them heavily and was very proud of them. I think they were in the $5000 range. In my mind they are a novelty item and I don't spend $5000 on a novelty.

It's true that there are a few choices in that mid range. It's just that none of them appeal to me. Now bring back the trim and I'll be all over it.

The bold part is funny because when my SA said what she said, both of us rolled our eyes...

 

[Notorious Pink]

I guess I am out of the style loop then! Many of their sneakers remind me of Converse, and having two DSs, that's what I buy plenty of.

PBP I don't spend that much on novelty, either! It's a cool bag, but not reasonable at $5k. I can't figure out why they rested the Trim, although that wasn't exactly a unique style vis-a-vis Gucci (but which came first?). I don't love too many of those either except the small bags. But I have always loved the small bags, can't wait for the trend to end so they can all be mine again!

 

[Keren16]

So did mine. I sort of groaned. He wasn't happy.

How about the little leather cage bags that hold the silk pouches? My store bought them heavily and was very proud of them. I think they were in the $5000 range. In my mind they are a novelty item and I don't spend $5000 on a novelty.

It's true that there are a few choices in that mid range. It's just that none of them appeal to me. Now bring back the trim and I'll be all over it.

Gucci had a bag that resembled the Trim . I do not know which came first.
I have an old pair of Chanel slides as well as Blahnik.
Fashion reinvents itself & we choose according to the style we like. Each fashion house has their own individuality

 

[Keren16]

I guess I am out of the style loop then! Many of their sneakers remind me of Converse, and having two DSs, that's what I buy plenty of.

PBP I don't spend that much on novelty, either! It's a cool bag, but not reasonable at $5k. I can't figure out why they rested the Trim, although that wasn't exactly a unique style vis-a-vis Gucci (but which came first?). I don't love too many of those either except the small bags. But I have always loved the small bags, can't wait for the trend to end so they can all be mine again!

I have several mini bags & hardly wear them (except for my WOC).
It's not an anti/small bag statement from me. It just does not fit my lifestyle.
The important thing to remember is wear what feels good at the time to you

 

[EmileH]

Gucci had a bag that resembled the Trim . I do not know which came first.
I have an old pair of Chanel slides as well as Blahnik.
Fashion reinvents itself & we choose according to the style we like. Each fashion house has their own individuality

Except you can't claim individuality when you tell your customers "ours are just like the Gucci slides." [emoji849]

 

[EmileH]

I guess I am out of the style loop then! Many of their sneakers remind me of Converse, and having two DSs, that's what I buy plenty of.

PBP I don't spend that much on novelty, either! It's a cool bag, but not reasonable at $5k. I can't figure out why they rested the Trim, although that wasn't exactly a unique style vis-a-vis Gucci (but which came first?). I don't love too many of those either except the small bags. But I have always loved the small bags, can't wait for the trend to end so they can all be mine again!

BBC I am thrilled with the small bag trend. It leaves the big bags available for me. [emoji2]

I don't know which came first the Gucci Jackie or the Trim. Interesting question. I don't now if the Trim was an original idea but it's an example of a bag that i would be happy to buy.

What do people think of the hardware on the new bags- verrou?