So grab a glass of wine, tea, coffee or your beverage of choice—this may be a long post.
So my husband and I have been planning a very belated 25th anniversary trip to Europe (we are about to celebrate 29). But due to job changes and then Covid, our trip was postponed until now. My husband wanted to get me a Birkin (my first) while we were in Paris. He had read on the Amex platinum forums about concierges being able to get appointments for people. I told him I had read on here that with the new system in place that “making a phone call” from the concierge was a thing of the past.
In his conversations with the head concierge and general manager at our hotel, he was told that the concierge was part of some concierge society (not really sure what that meant) and could get us an appointment at FSH. The concierge emailed my husband back in July that we had an appointment at 11:30 on 9/13. I had my husband email the concierge back to check if it was an appointment for the leather department or just some random appointment. I explained to my husband that it had to be with the leather department or it would be worthless (probably). The concierge was furloughed as the hotel was closed for remodeling until 9/1 so we heard nothing back. Fast forward to now, while we’re in Europe.
As I was concerned about the appointment, both of us started registering through the online system starting the day before we arrived. 5 attempts for both of us and 5 denials for both.
My husband, at my request, emailed the concierge (who by this time we’ve now met in person) to ask about our appointment. Who should we ask for? Where should we go? We never heard back from him despite him answering another email my husband had sent. Needless to say, I was very skeptical of what was to come this morning.
While we were out for the evening last night, I went through the possible scenarios with my husband. If the appointment is really for the leather department, then this is how it should go. If it’s not, this should be plan B, plan C, etc.
So we got ready to leave this morning and went downstairs to get a cab (didn’t want to show up sweaty, etc from taking the metro there). We were greeted by the hotel general manager (who is wonderful, by the way. We had drinks with he and his wife our second night here) and the concierge. The concierge said he would accompany us to the store and wherever else we needed him. At this point I was starting to feel a little more optimistic. Until then I was seriously thinking it was just something he made up.
We arrived at the FSH store a few minutes before our appointment time. The concierge told someone who greeted us why we were there in French (so no, I didn’t understand a word, but heard our name). They then had us wait for a minute at a small table by one of the checkout desks (not far from where you walk in). After a moment or two we were greeted by a lovely young female. My husband had gone to the restroom so I started chatting with her. We talked about her recent return from vacation to Corsica and felt a good report being built. My husband returned and then the young woman introduced us to Valerie who would be our SA. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed as I hit it off with the first young woman. Valerie started pointing to the different parts of the boutique and asked where we’d like to go. My heart sank a bit because I thought she just thought we were there for general shopping and not for the leather department. My husband spoke up and in French told her I was looking for a bag. At that point she took us upstairs to a quiet area, which I hoped was a good sign. She asked me for my wishlist and after taking note of it all, she read it back to confirm. My first choice was a B30 in black with gold hardware. She said she would go check and be back.
Meanwhile, a woman across the room was being offered a dark blue birkin (didn’t hear the precise color) and then a black Constance mini. There was a couple sitting to our right who had been looking at watches (we were in the fine jewelry area).
After about 15 minutes Valarie came back with a large box and a small box (about the same as their shoe boxes). She said she thought I’d be happy and pulled out the most gorgeous B30 in black Togo leather with gold hardware!! It was love at first sight.
She then showed me what was in the other box. It was a new style that just launched (forgive me that I don’t remember the name. It started with an “A” I think). It was is etain and you can wear it folded over with a long crossbody strap or by the 2 small top handles. It was cute but I already own 2 more casual hermes bags so I politely declined.
I then asked to look at some scarves, rodeos and shoes. Valerie helped me in all areas, unlike normally where they hand you off from SA to SA in different departments. She was basically like my personal shopper. I ended up buying a rodeo and a scarf as well.
In a nutshell, I can’t be more grateful to our concierge and my husband for giving me what will be an experience I will never forget. It was beyond anything I could have hoped for.
I would encourage anyone to talk to their concierge ahead of time to see if they can do the same thing. Had it not been for him, I would be leaving Paris with amazing memories of an incredible trip with my adoring husband, but no birkin.
Thank you for letting me share my story.
