My opinion of Hermes is changing...

[Moirai]

I mentioned Reed Krakoff because he is now the creative director of Tiffany, theoretically charged with reviving the brand in the luxury category. My comment was that i found that unlikely as he's best known for his work at Coach, which was not the same challenge.

Good luck to Tiffany. Krakoff has degraded Coach brand under his directorship IMO. Vevers has done a much better job in reviving Coach which is a delight to see since I grew up with Coach.

 

[Keren16]

Whew! Relief! Every time I see that bag, THAT is what I think!

I honestly do not look seriously at many of the bags, as I simply cannot wear a crossbody bag, and I find most shoulder bags to be uncomfortable.

I wonder, though - if H did another B or K variation, what would the reaction be? Do we really want them to innovate, or stick with familiar shapes and themes? I personally love those B/K/C designs and they are so popular for a reason....I don't know if I'd ever own Constance, but the C wallet? [emoji177][emoji177][emoji177] I could see owning multiples, because it's a bit of a twist on a familiar classic, yet designed so well and still super-functional. It looks GOOOOOD. Love the Kelly Wallet too - it's gotta have function AND design - a bit of zing to make the heart sing. [emoji1360]

Would you consider the Herbag a variation of the Kelly?

I feel the same as you about the C& K wallets. As much as I admire the Constance Bag , I do not feel comfortable wearing it at this time (never say never[emoji4])!

 

[Notorious Pink]

I mentioned Reed Krakoff because he is now the creative director of Tiffany, theoretically charged with reviving the brand in the luxury category. My comment was that i found that unlikely as he's best known for his work at Coach, which was not the same challenge.

Ah, QF - I knew I saw the name somewhere. This is not to disparage (or buttress) his business skills, but every time I see one of "his" bags I can see exactly where his design, ahem, 'inspiration' came from. He is certainly getting the Tiffany name back out there, with what I'm certain was very high-paid placement at the Academy Awards and, of course, Lady Gaga. Definitely going for the younger crowd.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Would you consider the Herbag a variation of the Kelly?

I feel the same as you about the C& K wallets. As much as I admire the Constance Bag , I do not feel comfortable wearing it at this time (never say never[emoji4])!

For me, the hardware/closure has a great deal to do with the design. Maybe the shapes are similar, but personally I don't see the Herbag as a Kelly variation - related, maybe, but not a play on the Kelly like the Pochette, Cut, Danse, Wallet, etc.

 

[Graw]

Hermes like several other high end designer brands, are trying to captivate a new younger customer with a price point that
has appeal without intimidation.
As long as the quality is not dramatically changing there will be plenty to buy from H.
East coast/west coast, Europe & other countries will always have the conspicuous spender be it a millennial or a long standing
client.
Even Chanel has price points that are more attractive especially in the jewelry area to get the younger customers interested
in the brand.

I agree. A few years ago there was a trend of mini luxury bags to garner new customers (and the children of current customers) at a lower price point.

 

[Keren16]

For me, the hardware/closure has a great deal to do with the design. Maybe the shapes are similar, but personally I don't see the Herbag as a Kelly variation - related, maybe, but not a play on the Kelly like the Pochette, Cut, Danse, Wallet, etc.

That makes sense. I understand your examples as a better variation of the Kelly!

 

[Keren16]

Hermes like several other high end designer brands, are trying to captivate a new younger customer with a price point that
has appeal without intimidation.
As long as the quality is not dramatically changing there will be plenty to buy from H.
East coast/west coast, Europe & other countries will always have the conspicuous spender be it a millennial or a long standing
client.
Even Chanel has price points that are more attractive especially in the jewelry area to get the younger customers interested
in the brand.

Hermes has slg's (e.g. Calvi, Bastia) that have been around for a while and reasonable in price. It is an introduction to the line for any age without intimidation.
I understand the effort to attract a younger audience. It is important to adjust to changing times & tastes. Also to keep things fresh. Not stuck in time.
I also think there are those that feel boredom with their current designers and want either some excitement within the brand or try a new one. There is a balance of keeping to the line's aesthetic & moving forward fashionably

 

[papertiger]

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!

Sorry to be confusing, it was just to show the comparison figures. I think we are agreeing. It just seemed the Plume and Bolide kept being included talk of mid-range pricing in this thread, I was trying to show there wasn't that much difference. To me the GP, Evie, perhaps Victoria could be classed as 'mid-range' but still it's a marketing term that hadn't been introduced back when these bags were designed, and each of these bags can be considered perfect for purpose. Can you imagine how much a Sac Mallette would be if still made today?

 

[QuelleFromage]

At the risk of stirring up enormous controversy, I have to say I will take the striped Kelly handles and accessory straps over the Kelly Golf any day

 

[MYH]

Sorry to be confusing, it was just to show the comparison figures. I think we are agreeing. It just seemed the Plume and Bolide kept being included talk of mid-range pricing in this thread, I was trying to show there wasn't that much difference. To me the GP, Evie, perhaps Victoria could be classed as 'mid-range' but still it's a marketing term that hadn't been introduced back when these bags were designed, and each of these bags can be considered perfect for purpose. Can you imagine how much a Sac Mallette would be if still made today?

I think I wasn't writing clearly enough. I certainly don't think of the bolide and plume as mid-range. Those bags are pricey little babies!! It is in the high range for me. So is the Jypsiere and toolbox. I would say that if the Jyp was more in the $4-$5 range price, I would have purchased one by now. And I've seen your beautiful collection of bamboo bags and love how you carry them.
I was thinking more the all leather garden partys (if this bag had metal feet I would own several), victoria, double sens in the mid range. I think the Berline too although that one may be pushing the higher range.

At the risk of stirring up enormous controversy, I have to say I will take the striped Kelly handles and accessory straps over the Kelly Golf any day

ITA with you on this one!!

 

[MYH]

Honestly? Reminds me of a bathroom stall.

Despite that, I like the bag. But it seems a few designs are variations on the Constance (*cough, cough* Roulis)

OMG - me too about the Verrou. I thought I was the only one. I do like the roulis but it's just a bit too boxy for me and is a shoulder carry bag. I don't do shoulder carry unless it also has a top handle.

 

[rainnebeauxday]

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.

Should the Evelyne be added to #5? I know that it is not one of the most "coveted" & hard to get H bags, but it is extremely popular. I see more of that style than any other while out and about.

I like this list ^ and agree with it. I must be one of the rare people who prefers the Bolide 31 to the Kelly 32 (& Kelly sellier was my dream bag for quite some time), the Bolide 31, however, is more flattering on me. Hopefully the B (30) will also compliment my shape and height... Can we also agree that Hermes offers the most varied styles, leathers and colors? I can't think of another high-end brand that offers so many choices.

 

[klynneann]

Should the Evelyne be added to #5? I know that it is not one of the most "coveted" & hard to get H bags, but it is extremely popular. I see more of that style than any other while out and about.

I like this list ^ and agree with it. I must be one of the rare people who prefers the Bolide 31 to the Kelly 32 (& Kelly sellier was my dream bag for quite some time), the Bolide 31, however, is more flattering on me. Hopefully the B (30) will also compliment my shape and height... Can we also agree that Hermes offers the most varied styles, leathers and colors? I can't think of another high-end brand that offers so many choices.

Seriously - their colors are incredible!!! Now that I've been spoiled with the H rainbow, it's hard to find other brands with good color bags out there (or maybe I should say as varied).

 

[EmileH]

Should the Evelyne be added to #5? I know that it is not one of the most "coveted" & hard to get H bags, but it is extremely popular. I see more of that style than any other while out and about.

I like this list ^ and agree with it. I must be one of the rare people who prefers the Bolide 31 to the Kelly 32 (& Kelly sellier was my dream bag for quite some time), the Bolide 31, however, is more flattering on me. Hopefully the B (30) will also compliment my shape and height... Can we also agree that Hermes offers the most varied styles, leathers and colors? I can't think of another high-end brand that offers so many choices.

Yes absolutely. I love that some people love the bolide and some prefer a Kelly. And some an Evelyn. And we do have a lot of choices. But I'm spoiled. I still want more nice shoulder bags. Pout.

 

[Keren16]

A friend & I discussed Hermes handbags. He described the Garden Party as an "elb" meaning entry level bag.
Anyone hear of that expression?