ODE to Box Calf

[dcbfh123]

I don't have an hermes box bag to share (someday, I'd love to add a BBK to my collection...) but wanted to ask if there was something specific about how Hermes does box calf that makes it age so beautifully with that nice patina? I'm stunned at how amazing these bags look despite being decades old!

I have a few box calf bags from Dior and Bottega that I'm hoping will age the same way if I take care of them, but maybe the H box calf is different?

 

[periogirl28]

I think it’s just a characteristic of Hermes Box leather. That is why it is so beloved by fans and iconic of the brand. I cannot comment on the leathers used by the two other brands as I do not own bags in their version of Box. I wonder if those would also patina.

 

[momoc]

Adding some box SLGs to my collection... I will never not love the beautiful box shine!

 

[QuelleFromage]

I don't have an hermes box bag to share (someday, I'd love to add a BBK to my collection...) but wanted to ask if there was something specific about how Hermes does box calf that makes it age so beautifully with that nice patina? I'm stunned at how amazing these bags look despite being decades old!

I have a few box calf bags from Dior and Bottega that I'm hoping will age the same way if I take care of them, but maybe the H box calf is different?

Well, it's all the Joseph Box and family process on the leather - H does not own this ...that said, I haven't seen decades old Box bags from other brands anywhere. I have a Box calf Kelly from 1952 that is in great shape. Maybe if I were more familiar with vintage brands I could find an equivalent, but a bag lasting almost 70 years is pretty special!

 

[pinkorchid20]

So some might have seen my post of being offered a Box Birkin 30 last week which I was shown briefly and given few days to think about. I decided to get it but restrictions tightened where I am located, so I wasn’t allowed to enter the store and only collect the bag yesterday. I acknowledge this was my mistake but given I was told the bag was received the day it was shown to me (and to me only, but it wasn’t sealed), I did not expect any issues. When I unwrapped it after coming home I nearly fainted. Now, I am a picky perfectionist and thought hard about posting here, given there may be some backlash and argumentation. I have been satisfied with Hermès quality with some minor exceptions. However, I would appreciate thoughts on the following pictures. I have not captured all of them but the surface shows several scratches and dents throughout which I could still live with. The wavy bottom and 2 “holes“ are what concerns me most. I did not notice any marks when I took a quick look last week so I wondered if it had been shown to someone else. My SA claims all of this is completely normal and that the bag had been kept in storage for me. I, however, digress from that opinion. I was offered a Box Kelly end of last year which had no issues whatsoever. Would you be bothered by this given you‘d have paid full retail price for a brand new bag? Appreciate any opinions.

 

[chicinthecity777]

So some might have seen my post of being offered a Box Birkin 30 last week which I was shown briefly and given few days to think about. I decided to get it but restrictions tightened where I am located, so I wasn’t allowed to enter the store and only collect the bag yesterday. I acknowledge this was my mistake but given I was told the bag was received the day it was shown to me (and to me only, but it wasn’t sealed), I did not expect any issues. When I unwrapped it after coming home I nearly fainted. Now, I am a picky perfectionist and thought hard about posting here, given there may be some backlash and argumentation. I have been satisfied with Hermès quality with some minor exceptions. However, I would appreciate thoughts on the following pictures. I have not captured all of them but the surface shows several scratches and dents throughout which I could still live with. The wavy bottom and 2 “holes“ are what concerns me most. I did not notice any marks when I took a quick look last week so I wondered if it had been shown to someone else. My SA claims all of this is completely normal and that the bag had been kept in storage for me. I, however, digress from that opinion. I was offered a Box Kelly end of last year which had no issues whatsoever. Would you be bothered by this given you‘d have paid full retail price for a brand new bag? Appreciate any opinions.

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If you are a picky perfectionist then i don't think box leather is for you. the flaws in your photos are not acceptable to me and i would return it if i were you. Box leather will scratch easily but it should be done via use, not out of the box. Hope you find a resolution to this. Good luck!

 

[pinkorchid20]

If you are a picky perfectionist then i don't think box leather is for you. the flaws in your photos are not acceptable to me and i would return it if i were you. Box leather will scratch easily but it should be done via use, not out of the box. Hope you find a resolution to this. Good luck!

I own a couple of Box bags and am absolutely fine with the scratches but agree with your sentiment! Thank you very much for confirming, I was starting to question my sanity.

 

[lulilu]

I own a couple of Box bags and am absolutely fine with the scratches but agree with your sentiment! Thank you very much for confirming, I was starting to question my sanity.

I'd be very unhappy with that bag. Good luck. I can't believe it passed inspection.

 

[pinkorchid20]

I'd be very unhappy with that bag. Good luck. I can't believe it passed inspection.

I can’t believe they are arguing this is normal. Thanks for your input, this is much appreciated given your expertise and experience with Hermès.

 

[Skej]

So some might have seen my post of being offered a Box Birkin 30 last week which I was shown briefly and given few days to think about. I decided to get it but restrictions tightened where I am located, so I wasn’t allowed to enter the store and only collect the bag yesterday. I acknowledge this was my mistake but given I was told the bag was received the day it was shown to me (and to me only, but it wasn’t sealed), I did not expect any issues. When I unwrapped it after coming home I nearly fainted. Now, I am a picky perfectionist and thought hard about posting here, given there may be some backlash and argumentation. I have been satisfied with Hermès quality with some minor exceptions. However, I would appreciate thoughts on the following pictures. I have not captured all of them but the surface shows several scratches and dents throughout which I could still live with. The wavy bottom and 2 “holes“ are what concerns me most. I did not notice any marks when I took a quick look last week so I wondered if it had been shown to someone else. My SA claims all of this is completely normal and that the bag had been kept in storage for me. I, however, digress from that opinion. I was offered a Box Kelly end of last year which had no issues whatsoever. Would you be bothered by this given you‘d have paid full retail price for a brand new bag? Appreciate any opinions.

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While Box inevitably develops a patina over time I do not find this normal. I have bought a few pieces in Box and other smooth leathers from the store but have never come across something like this. Are you able to return it for a refund or a store credit?

 

[periogirl28]

I bought both my BB bags brand new, BBK was clingfilmed and opened in front of me, just shipped in. BBB was opened and checked by my SA before she called me to visit the store. I would be just as upset and mortified if I was presented with this. I am so sorry they are saying it is normal, brand new at retail.

 

[jen943]

This is so disappointing! I don't find the marks on this brand new box Birkin acceptable.

 

[pinkorchid20]

While Box inevitably develops a patina over time I do not find this normal. I have bought a few pieces in Box and other smooth leathers from the store but have never come across something like this. Are you able to return it for a refund or a store credit?

Store credit only, although I would argue this is not a regular exchange/return but a faulty item which would, in theory, be a reason for a refund where I reside.

 

[pinkorchid20]

This is so disappointing! I don't find the marks on this brand new box Birkin acceptable.

I was told the holes would be part of the veins in box leather and the marks just residue from the layer of wax on top of the leather. Well, I might not be trained on leather types and their characteristics (well, I used to be years ago when selling leather goods to fund my studies) but I know (box) leather well enough to understand this to be a desperate and sad attempt to discourage me.

 

[pinkorchid20]

I bought both my BB bags brand new, BBK was clingfilmed and opened in front of me, just shipped in. BBB was opened and checked by my SA before she called me to visit the store. I would be just as upset and mortified if I was presented with this. I am so sorry they are saying it is normal, brand new at retail.

I am just off the phone with them - the local Spa also confirmed that the pictures didn’t show anything abnormal. I have scheduled an appointment with my SA and the Spa artisan to take a look in person together. After reading the comments here (for which I am absolutely grateful), I am at least convinced that it’s not just my subjective impression based on high expectations. Thank you for your confirmation!