Style Forum member's H experience...

[mafoofan]

Okay, anybody who knows anything about Hermes (I know the boys on the other side don't like it when I say "H", they think it's something cultish) knows that an SA would just be confused by asking for pebbled calfskin anything. I also promised not to post anymore on this thread. If Mr. Foo knew the slightest bit about Hermes, he would know that Hermes has tons of leathers, some embossed, some grained, some smoothed, but pebbled? What is that? Would it be clemence or togo? Or epsom? How would the poor SA know, she did not know how to react. Mr. Foo probably did not no anything about what he wanted or he would have asked for the proper name of the leather and the name of the wallet. Perhaps he just wanted to join the Hermes club by purchasing something inexpensive from Hermes just so he could show if off.
Just a thought.

Okay, first of all, I guarantee you I have no desire to "join the Hermes club," by way of an inexpensive purchase or otherwise.

Second, don't be ridiculous. "Pebble-grain" is a standard term to describe leather with a grain that's . . . pebbled. Different makers and brands might have different names for the leather they offer, but that doesn't change the fact that some of those leathers will be pebble-grained and others won't. It really shouldn't be up to the consumer to memorize all the different proprietary names of things. If I ask for "red" leather, a sales associate should not look at me in total befuddlement because I didn't say "Rouge". If there are multiple red leathers, she should discuss them with me. If you walk into John Lobb and ask for a black double-monk, they won't brush you out the door because you didn't name the specific models that are black with two straps. Incidentally, the SA at Hermes knew exactly what I meant by pebble-grain and used the term herself--it was one of the few points that didn't add confusion to the conversation.

I understand that knowing model names and proprietary terms specific to a brand can help you communicate better when making a purchase, but it shouldn't be required, particularly when one is flexible. The whole point is that I didn't want an exact Pantone-coded color--I asked for any and all greens that were dark. That's pretty damned broad.

Anyway, I just received an e-mail from the SA and it looks like I am on the cusp of gaining entry to the highly exclusive 'H' club you speak of. Will there be any sacrificing of goats or other small animals at the subterranean induction ceremony in Paris?

 

[bigbris1]

Foo, there's a reason I only have like a dozen posts on here in 5 years. Glance down at your wedding ring for a sec, and it will become clear.

 

[Balto Bag Lady]

I think this is Dana Thomas's fault. From her book:

"But generally, if you want to buy an Hermès bag, you.."

She gave the impression that anyone can waltz in there and order with their own specification.

Thanks to Amazon.com for the screenshot.

Oh, Allan, we're not going back that hack, are we?
(Sorry I broke my promise not to post on this thread again.)

 

[tldh]

This thread is one of the most entertaining ever. I’ve gone from chuckling, to rolling my eyes, to furrowing my non-Botoxed brow, back to laughing again. Kudos to the tPF-ers staking out the higher ground in order to keep this discussion from taking itself much too seriously.

I’ll try not to be offended by the insinuation that women purchasing Hermès goods must be doing it with some man’s money. Certainly in North America and many parts of Europe, that is far from the case.

IcarusDppelgngr, you said in post # that “aspiring professional women” want to buy Hermès to “be like celebrities and wives of wealthy men.“ (Wait—does this mean that there are no professional women, only those aspiring to be?) Dude: Not even close. Possibly we’re dealing with different cultural assumptions here, but I don’t know a single accomplished professional woman who considers celebrities and trophy wives to be role models for fashion, or anything else, for that matter.

Many of your 8-point statements in post #57 clearly indicate that you are equally uninformed on the subject of the Hermès company, its policies, employees, and products. Trust a MAN to barge into a conversation and proceed to lecture mode without bothering to listen (and learn) first.

Beyond that, ID and mafoofan, it’s both condescending and insulting to believe that women buy certain purses out of social pressure or because some celebrity carries one. That would be like my saying that clearly the only reason men want a Panerai or Patek Philippe is because George Clooney wears one. Actually I believe Clooney wears an Omega, but you take my point.

(As a more conciliatory aside, ID, I have to hand it to you for the photo of the stunning AL&S movement. One of their Lange 1 models is my grail watch. Fine watches and Hermès bags are not all that different in part of their fundamental appeal –craftsmanship.)

Okay, rant over. Now I’d better get back to my very different, and more consuming, biological calling. Whatever that is.

 

[gw205]

...some embossed, some grained, some smoothed, but pebbled? What is that? ...or he would have asked for the proper name of the leather and the name of the wallet.

scotch- or pebble grain is the correct name for the leather he was looking for. it's embossed boxcalf. nvm

perhaps, there is a different name in the Hermès terminology. iirc, he did a research, so he should have known both things you pointed out. but he is the foo and there's a reason behind. in my humble opinion, not a very good one...

 

[allanrvj]

Oh, Allan, we're not going back that hack, are we?
(Sorry I broke my promise not to post on this thread again.)

you're thinking about a different author.

 

[jennifleur]

tldh, your post was right on point. Thank you!

Foo, I'm glad you're getting your wallet. I'm sure you'll love it and it'll last you many many years. :0)

 

[mafoofan]

Beyond that, ID and mafoofan, it’s both condescending and insulting to believe that women buy certain purses out of social pressure or because some celebrity carries one. That would be like my saying that clearly the only reason men want a Panerai or Patek Philippe is because George Clooney wears one. Actually I believe Clooney wears an Omega, but you take my point.

No, I don't take your point. I never said the only reason why women purchase certain purses is due to social pressure. I said women, like men, are prone to certain tendencies that marketers and retailers take advantage of. Many women make purchase decisions with a distinctly envisioned social context in mind (mind you, that's not quite the same as "social pressure"). Men do as well, but to a much lesser extent. They are more susceptible in other ways. Just watch some TV commercials or read ads in magazines; there is clearly a different prevailing approach to each gender. If you find that condescending and insulting, find comfort in the fact that we all have equal grounds to feel the same.

But I don't feel insulted by the insinuation that men buy certain watches because of social pressure. It is obviously true! Watches are widely viewed as status symbols. Moreover, being a watch geek myself, I am all too aware that most men buying nice watches have no idea what they are buying. They'll buy that $30,000 Patek because it's a Patek, not because they appreciate any of its intrinsic horological value. I'm pretty sure a similar assessment can be made of those who buy things from Hermes. As is proven by the discourse here, the 'H' carries social value all on its own, and it's all many truly care about.

The point you are missing is that none of this diminishes the excellence of a Hermes purse or a Patek watch. It just means people appreciate them for different reasons, and the prices they command often reflect something other than their more intrinsic material qualities.

 

[allanrvj]

^^ But sir, I don't think I will be able to take you seriously because you wanted a "breast wallet".

:lolots: :lolots:

Breast pocket wallet, perhaps?

 

[Balto Bag Lady]

scotch- or pebble grain is the correct name for the leather he was looking for. it's embossed boxcalf. nvm

perhaps, there is a different name in the Hermès terminology. iirc, he did a research, so he should have known both things you pointed out. but he is the foo and there's a reason behind. in my humble opinion, not a very good one...

Of course I know what scotch grain is. I wore scotch grain loafers before your parents were born. What I was saying is, perhaps "the foo" in all of his foof will receive the breast wallet of his dreams. Don't worry for Mr. Foo, for he shall have his perfect wallet. I hope he is able to show us on the PF when he gets it. We love reveals here, guys.
Oh, and look what I just found, a helpful little website:
http://www.stockick.com/news/Hermes-bag-literacy-information

 

[WingNut]

This thread is one of the most entertaining ever. I’ve gone from chuckling, to rolling my eyes, to furrowing my non-Botoxed brow, back to laughing again. Kudos to the tPF-ers staking out the higher ground in order to keep this discussion from taking itself much too seriously.

I’ll try not to be offended by the insinuation that women purchasing Hermès goods must be doing it with some man’s money. Certainly in North America and many parts of Europe, that is far from the case.

IcarusDppelgngr, you said in post # that “aspiring professional women” want to buy Hermès to “be like celebrities and wives of wealthy men.“ (Wait—does this mean that there are no professional women, only those aspiring to be?) Dude: Not even close. Possibly we’re dealing with different cultural assumptions here, but I don’t know a single accomplished professional woman who considers celebrities and trophy wives to be role models for fashion, or anything else, for that matter.

Many of your 8-point statements in post #57 clearly indicate that you are equally uninformed on the subject of the Hermès company, its policies, employees, and products. Trust a MAN to barge into a conversation and proceed to lecture mode without bothering to listen (and learn) first.

Beyond that, ID and mafoofan, it’s both condescending and insulting to believe that women buy certain purses out of social pressure or because some celebrity carries one. That would be like my saying that clearly the only reason men want a Panerai or Patek Philippe is because George Clooney wears one. Actually I believe Clooney wears an Omega, but you take my point.

(As a more conciliatory aside, ID, I have to hand it to you for the photo of the stunning AL&S movement. One of their Lange 1 models is my grail watch. Fine watches and Hermès bags are not all that different in part of their fundamental appeal –craftsmanship.)

Okay, rant over. Now I’d better get back to my very different, and more consuming, biological calling. Whatever that is.

tldh! I'm priding myself on holding my tongue until I read through this very entertaining thread. You've beaten me to the punchline, but I believe IcarusDppelgngr also forgot overhead in his pricing calculations, which I imagine would be quite high in this case. A nice margin on top of that could only be justified if the consumer were willing to pay it. And they aren't just willing to pay, they wait in line to do it! Very successful marketing on their part. Jeez, hearing me say it makes it seem absurd, but Hermes* is my other love after burning fossil fuels to feed my adrenaline needs.

I do think the SA that mafoofan dealt with was unprofessional. After the first paragraph of the dissertation I lost focus (it happens) and I think at that point I would have walked out and taken my business elsewhere. It doesn't matter who you are, her responses were unacceptable.

I do think the guys need to venture over here more often, provided they understand that any sexism or inflammatory comments will be met with accordingly . We like a diverse group of people and opinions, and a good shot of testosterone is always fun (in my world, anyway).

* to clarify I love Hermes because of the quality, durability, cost-per-wear, and the artistry behind the products. Seeing celebritantes carrying Birkins turns me off .

 

[mafoofan]

Breast pocket wallet, perhaps?

Eh, too cumbersome. I've always read, heard, and used "breast wallet".

 

[Balto Bag Lady]

you're thinking about a different author.

Nope, not him. I laughed my way through his book. I read Thomas' book with my mouth hanging open. I couldn't believe the non-cited quotes, the information that she couldn't qualify, and such. I think think some of what she said was true, but I don't trust authors who cannot divulge their sources.
Oh, and speaking of that book (and this has nothing to do with H or the topic at hand) I just bought a cashmere coat (Italian fabric,) Norwegian fox collar, and it was made in the Dominican Republic. That was in the book. The coat came into Nordstrom marked down and a very great price.

 

[gw205]

Of course I know what scotch grain is.

Don't worry for Mr. Foo, for he shall have his perfect wallet.http://www.stockick.com/news/Hermes-bag-literacy-information

wonderful, sorry for the communication knot.

...and no, i never worry for the foo. that's beyond my imagination.

 

[S'Mom]

Foo......the next time you go into an Hermes store, it might be a good idea to ask for a male SA. I say this with all due respect so don't fry me....I'm not sexist at all. Just practical. I know for myself, for instance, I'm always a little more comfy with a woman SA...we usually "get" our lingo, moods, etc.

For example, I think if I'd been your SA on that fateful day, I would have not known what a "breast wallet" was (although I'd have to assume it wouldn't go in your pants) while a man might have gotten it immediately. KWIM? Plus, he might have been able to show you some other luscious Hermes items that might have whetted your appetite......cuff links, braces, ties.....Hermes ties are quite reasonable and lovely and a man wearing braces is very sexy, IMO....

....not to get off the subject or anything.....