My opinion of Hermes is changing...

[papertiger]

I have yet to become an Hermes client and I have been considering the GP 36 leather in black or indigo. I am basically a totes person. So seeing your friend refer to the bag as an elb to me was a little off putting - no offense. My preference would be to just get a birkin but of course we all know that you can't just do that and have to become a client first! At this moment the GP speaks to me as a bag that would work in my life and I have also been eyeing some of H's fine jewelry and house wares and a few equestrian items - like halters, boots, etc.

The GP which is seriously just a grab and go bag, I get so many compliments without anyone knowing what it is or where I bought it, to me that speaks volumes. Please don't be put off by silly talk, many Birkin owners own and carry GPs too, it's an older design than the introduction of the Birkin (1980s) and is a simple, elegant shopper or work tote.

The GPs, along with the Evelynes, are only entry-level in terms of Hermés because they are in the lower price-points of Hs all-leather bags. I agree with papertiger's explanation, but I hear the term still being used and I don't think it's outdated, because the concept is still in use across luxury brands, whether or not for subsidization but definitely to bring new customers in.

I understand what you're saying but the term had/has a definite meaning in terms of marketing theory. The beginning of this talk was of a 'entry level bag' (elb) by a man (possibly not an H customer) and of course I don't mean to disparage anything anyone else has to say about anything. I admit I teach this stuff professionally so maybe I'm getting stuck on the theory v common usage and if am I apologise.

The actual subsidy of the high value goods is part of that particular theory to which the term belongs to and hence forms the lowest strata of the so called 'luxury pyramid' with the necessary highest mark-up and greatest turnover. 'Entry level' implies a more inferior product by its very mark-up and price point. H pride themselves on delivering good value at every price point and do not consider themselves a luxury brand because a) of this type of luxury brand marketing model (including entry level goods) and b) because their products are made for everyday use.

If a company like H wish to dissociate themselves so clearly from the pyramid model (including terms associated with it) then the terms are redundant. IMO people have over-extended meaning to the point where people are now talk about 'entry level' or 'starter' Kellys or Birkins (meaning the ltd eds, SOs and exotics are the accepted new standard). I realise words find new meaning in their evolving common usage but I do find it a back-handed compliment and patronising when people use these general terms with specificity.

 

[papertiger]

I wear my Plume a lot for many reasons.
First because I like looking at it. There is something calming to me about the bag. No social pressure. It is understated so no looks or comments. I think it is almost boring to some people
It is is easy to find things & can be worn several ways. I have a 28 & the straps fit over my shoulder if I want to wear it that way.
It is versatile. I wear my Plume casually & to dinner at nice restaurants also
And safe. Many people are only aware of bags that get a lot of social attention. To them, I'm sure they have no idea what a Plume is

ITA with everything you say, I absolutely love the Plume too. The 32 is my preferred size but I still take it everywhere.

The Plume and and the Bolide just make me

 

[Keren16]

ITA with everything you say, I absolutely love the Plume too. The 32 is my preferred size but I still take it everywhere.

The Plume and and the Bolide just make me

I want to add I admire the construction of the bag both inside & out. It's amazing [emoji173]️
I wear the 28 because it suits my body frame

 

[pinklining]

The GP which is seriously just a grab and go bag, I get so many compliments without anyone knowing what it is or where I bought it, to me that speaks volumes. Please don't be put off by silly talk, many Birkin owners own and carry GPs too, it's an older design than the introduction of the Birkin (1980s) and is a simple, elegant shopper or work tote.

Yup, Different bag, different occasions. The garden party is also a great tote when you don't want to be seen touting a birkin I like how understated they are. I just wish they have feets at the bottom >.<

 

[QuelleFromage]

The GP which is seriously just a grab and go bag, I get so many compliments without anyone knowing what it is or where I bought it, to me that speaks volumes. Please don't be put off by silly talk, many Birkin owners own and carry GPs too, it's an older design than the introduction of the Birkin (1980s) and is a simple, elegant shopper or work tote.

I totally agree, love my GPs. It is such a nice shape of bag, it looks very chic and is very practical. Please don't anyone be put off .....buy the bags you love whether they are $5 thrift store finds $350 vintages or diamond-encrusted Himalayan Bs, one is not "better" than the other

 

[chicinthecity777]

H pride themselves on delivering good value at every price point and do not consider themselves a luxury brand because a) of this type of luxury brand marketing model (including entry level goods) and b) because their products are made for everyday use.

This! Hermes don't pride themselves to be a "luxury house". They are an artisan and a lifestyle house. They thrive to be the best at everything they make, be it a small/inexpensive item or a big ticket item made from the most exotic materials or jewels.

 

[Notorious Pink]

The GP which is seriously just a grab and go bag, I get so many compliments without anyone knowing what it is or where I bought it, to me that speaks volumes. Please don't be put off by silly talk, many Birkin owners own and carry GPs too, it's an older design than the introduction of the Birkin (1980s) and is a simple, elegant shopper or work tote.



I understand what you're saying but the term had/has a definite meaning in terms of marketing theory. The beginning of this talk was of a 'entry level bag' (elb) by a man (possibly not an H customer) and of course I don't mean to disparage anything anyone else has to say about anything. I admit I teach this stuff professionally so maybe I'm getting stuck on the theory v common usage and if am I apologise.

The actual subsidy of the high value goods is part of that particular theory to which the term belongs to and hence forms the lowest strata of the so called 'luxury pyramid' with the necessary highest mark-up and greatest turnover. 'Entry level' implies a more inferior product by its very mark-up and price point. H pride themselves on delivering good value at every price point and do not consider themselves a luxury brand because a) of this type of luxury brand marketing model (including entry level goods) and b) because their products are made for everyday use.

If a company like H wish to dissociate themselves so clearly from the pyramid model (including terms associated with it) then the terms are redundant. IMO people have over-extended meaning to the point where people are now talk about 'entry level' or 'starter' Kellys or Birkins (meaning the ltd eds, SOs and exotics are the accepted new standard). I realise words find new meaning in their evolving common usage but I do find it a back-handed compliment and patronising when people use these general terms with specificity.

PaperTiger, thank you for this discussion. I can understand that the term is being used two ways - marketing theory vs public use. And seriously I would love to take your class!!!!

But if H wanted to dissociate themselves from this kind of marketing, why would they be opening a place like the one planned for the meatpacking district?

I certainly don't want to be rude or patronizing. My first H bag which I started with was a Trim and for me it was kind of on entry-level thing - seeing how much I liked H leather, how it wore, how it was made....this was after buying only scarves for years - so the term doesn't bother me. GPs are wonderful , as are Bolides, Medors, Jiges, Plumes, Victorias...H wallets are divine. They are not pieces to move past 'on your way up' or anything like that! And I'm sure they do not subsidize the other pieces. But I'm just wondering because this new store has me trying to understand that purpose.

 

[westcoastgal]

PaperTiger, thank you for this discussion. I can understand that the term is being used two ways - marketing theory vs public use. And seriously I would love to take your class!!!!

But if H wanted to dissociate themselves from this kind of marketing, why would they be opening a place like the one planned for the meatpacking district?

I certainly don't want to be rude or patronizing. My first H bag which I started with was a Trim and for me it was kind of on entry-level thing - seeing how much I liked H leather, how it wore, how it was made....this was after buying only scarves for years - so the term doesn't bother me. GPs are wonderful , as are Bolides, Medors, Jiges, Plumes, Victorias...H wallets are divine. They are not pieces to move past 'on your way up' or anything like that! And I'm sure they do not subsidize the other pieces. But I'm just wondering because this new store has me trying to understand that purpose.

I think none of us assume that if one buys an entry level bag that's all we can afford or just where we have to start. To me it's just all personal preference, and what part of the design house we relate to. But if a company dubs certain bags or pieces entry level, and I relate to them, or only want them and don't want to "move on" to more expensive pieces, I hope they continue to produce variety at that level too, as well as at a more expensive level, and in the middle level. There needs to be consistent and good design, as well as extremely good materials.

I had several very poor customer service experiences with H in my early twenties, and the only thing that brought me back to the brand was their good design and quality. Nothing beats an Hermes silk scarf, and from that price point upwards there are many beautiful things!

 

[MYH]

Yup, Different bag, different occasions. The garden party is also a great tote when you don't want to be seen touting a birkin I like how understated they are. I just wish they have feets at the bottom >.<

Me too!! We need feet on the GP please?!?!

 

[Monceau]

I prefer the garden party as it is, sans feet
I've often wondered why the snap closure isnt leather covered, like the Evelyne.

 

[Monceau]

re: shoe collection- I think they are going overboard with the kelly turnlock motif
I love the turnlock on the jumping boots and even the neo boots, but I don't care for it on the loafers and sandals. It seems like a gratuitous grab. Also don't care for the Constance H on the loafers. They are going overboard on the ID branding. The turnlock/ Constance H are too weighty on a loafer or sandal.

 

[QuelleFromage]

I prefer the garden party as it is, sans feet
I've often wondered why the snap closure isnt leather covered, like the Evelyne.

Me too, perhaps because it's the only visible branding on the bag?

re: shoe collection- I think they are going overboard with the kelly turnlock motif
I love the turnlock on the jumping boots and even the neo boots, but I don't care for it on the loafers and sandals. It seems like a gratuitous grab. Also don't care for the Constance H on the loafers. They are going overboard on the ID branding. The turnlock/ Constance H are too weighty on a loafer or sandal.

ITA....I have to say that the Princetown-style loafers don't seem to me like anything but a trend chase. I'm not going for the "it's a classic shoe shape" thing. After the Princetowns exploded so many designers with popular loafers went backless, like Kirkwood with the backless Beya. I understand why H would think they had to have an H option, but wish they hadn't.

 

[califl]

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.

I also struggle with the thicker canvas Evelyn straps. If you have a complementing Kelly in the phw, why don't you start there and try the strap on your Evelyn? I regularly wear a kelly strap with my Evelyn. Much more comfortable!

 

[Julide]

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.

I think the bag that you would like is called the Kelly flash. They had neutral exterior with a coloured lining and under the handles. I believe they had coordinated stitching as well. I think a search on here would show you the colours they came in. I think one was blue Aztec and etoupe!

 

[kathydep]

After 18 months of non-stop H shopping with my SA, while travelling, online, during sales... I think I’m feeling a little bit of Hermes fatigue. This might sound hypoctritical as I am about to fetch a Kelly in 2 days, but looking at all I have that is Hermes, it is quite excessive and exhausting, even though I only bought stuff that I wanted. My collection, I can say, is well curated, but I have so many twillies, charms, shoes, and quite honestly, bags.

Am I the only weirdo feeling a bit fatigued about Hermes?