Style Forum member's H experience...
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Thank you. You made some excellent points about the "luxury" business, and the sad part is that the prices are going up while the quality is going down, down, down with most of the lines/houses.
I have ALWAYS hated the snob factor whether it's the customer or the SA. Two of the longest-term SAs at my local store were horrid to me, and I then avoided the store entirely. Years later I called to get a horn scarf ring, ran into someone quite lovely, and those same SAs saw me spend a ton of money. I had quite a lot of Pretty Woman moments after that (Julia Roberts in the movie proving to the snotty SA that she lost a lot in commissions).
My own experience at Madison Avenue was very pleasant, in both the scarf department (Klaus) and in small leather goods. It sounds to me like a miscommunication problem, which could happen anywhere.
Same here. With Madison, I had only done phone orders (because they were special items available only to that particular shop.) I was always fortunate enough to reach Klaus to process my order. When I was last in NY, I went to the famed MotherShip and sought out Klaus and introduced myself. Now, I'm sure he had not a clue who I was, but a gentleman, "of course, I remember your, Mrs. BBL, it is always a pleasure."
It is just as easy to take a few minutes to say something nice to somebody who has been kind to you just by doing their job, when you have the opportunity, than not taking the time to do so.
this was funny on SF, and it's funny here too....
and a late p.s.:
Welcome, men from SF!
I was lmao when I first wandered over to SF to see the other side of the story. Too funny! I think I need to sign up....
There are those of us who purchase goods without regard to showing they have arrived. I own a kelly because its a practical handbag with the shoulder strap, I like the design and literally there was no other bag out that I was remotely moved to spend any amount of money on. Frankly, I wish there was something cheaper than Hermes I liked. I would not spend $8K+ hard earned dollars to impress others or showcase alleged status, because I havent "arrived" yet. The thought that the kelly, birkin or any other designer good is purchased to merely showboat for others is a generalization.
Hi all,
I finally got around to looking up the prices for the H Birkin and Kelly and I must admit to be somewhat surprised at the cost.
I'm not here to criticise anyone here for purchasing one, but I have to say I am confident that you could probably have any "no brand" handmade, bespoke bag for the price of one of these lower band Kelly's/Birkin's.
To disregard the fact that it is H, begs the question, "why buy it from H?"
To compare the comment above against the thought processes of some of the people on Style Forum; You can spent a good $8000 on a top end Kiton suit and you would get an excellent product. However, it would largely be Ready to Wear and not really made to your exact requirements.
However, most at SF would preach that buying true bespoke would get you something that fitted you properly and EXACTLY what you wanted (possibly with plenty of change to spare).
I agree that the clothing bag comparision doesn't exactly fit. But I would argue that for most people there MUST be something attached to buying a particular H bag than having something made to one's own specification from a small artisan maker.
I would spectulate that this "something" is probably status (although, this may not be the case for you).
Just my thoughts.
Clint
*******f, you bring up some good points. I personally buy Hermes because I like their designs and craftsmanship, whether it be scarves, bags, slg's or jewelry. Since I'm not wealthy, and I work hard for my money, I justify the price because I can turn around and sell the item when I get tired of it, or my tastes change, for not much less (if at all, depending on wear) than I originally paid. You can't say that about many brands or bespoke items. If I never tire of it, Hermes will expertly repair and refurbish most items at a reasonable cost. even though they wear like iron and rarely need attention (even the scarves). I also like to tell myself that I am a bit of a patron, since I want to support their business and artisan production models.
I like the Birkin, but it was a long time and several other H bags later before I could convince myself to buy one ... not because of the cost or difficulty obtaining one (they're always available where I live), but precisely because other people attach a status symbol label to it, which I'm not about at all. That, and the fact that every celebrity in this city carries one, and I don't want to be lumped in with them either (unless, of course, it means getting a good table in a popular restaurant). I'm still careful about where and around whom I carry my Birkin, because of all the judgment that people can have. So, no, not everyone buys H to show they've "arrived." For many of us, that is the downside of our love of Hermes, but we bravely carry on with our affair, nonetheless.
I hope mafoofan gets his wallet. I have to say buying an H wallet was the only time I hesitated over something because of the cost. It was ridiculously expensive, but it is also ridiculously beautiful and functional (and still shows no sign of wear after two years of daily use). It's the perfect wallet, and it brings me immense joy every single time I pull it out of my bag to pay for something. I've learned not to argue with perfection.
I like the Birkin, but it was a long time and several other H bags later before I could convince myself to buy one ... not because of the cost or difficulty obtaining one (they're always available where I live), but precisely because other people attach a status symbol label to it, which I'm not about at all. That, and the fact that every celebrity in this city carries one, and I don't want to be lumped in with them either (unless, of course, it means getting a good table in a popular restaurant). I'm still careful about where and around whom I carry my Birkin, because of all the judgment that people can have. So, no, not everyone buys H to show they've "arrived." For many of us, that is the downside of our love of Hermes, but we bravely carry on with our affair, nonetheless.
I hope mafoofan gets his wallet. I have to say buying an H wallet was the only time I hesitated over something because of the cost. It was ridiculously expensive, but it is also ridiculously beautiful and functional (and still shows no sign of wear after two years of daily use). It's the perfect wallet, and it brings me immense joy every single time I pull it out of my bag to pay for something. I've learned not to argue with perfection.
Thank you for your observations, I completely understand the rational of resale value and I appreciate that the second hand market must be vibrant for this type of bag.
I know that there will be (many) people who love the stuff that brands such as H produce. I wouldn't be truthful if I were to say that I don't have "favourite" brands for my clothing and footwear.
But are bags such as these bought entirely for their quality? You and other's suggest that not in every case. But I can imagine for someone to be "rocking" a $10k bag and for them to know other people know how expensive it is must give a thrill to at least a some.
I do understand that there are people (such as you, baggrl, et. al) who purchase the stuff because of what you know you'll get (very high quality merchandise). However, for pure utility and uniqueness, there must be other (cheaper) alternatives.
On a less serious notes, do people actually sell these very expensive bags once they have purchased them? I thought H would make every buyer sign some contract not to have the bag leave their sight at ANY point (as they now supply Birkin Bag shower caps)
until they "shuffled off this mortal coil".Back to serious, aren't you people afraid that someone will attempt to steal your bags. Usually, a man can walk around in a $10k suit and not have anyone really bat an eyelid (most wouldn't have a clue). However, with the publicity that these bags bring, you may have people recognise what you're "wearing".
I'm honestly curious. I have no dog in this fight (other than to learn something new).
Cheers
Clint
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Clint, where I live 99.9% of the people don't know or care what Hermes is at all. I carry my bags and not one person bat an eye at it. I'm not, obviously, carrying it for status. What do you think of it now?
I'm not afraid someone will attempt to steal my bag(s).
I'm not afraid someone will attempt to steal my bag(s).
ITA, most people here have no clue what Hermes is. They have no idea how expensive they are. But that's not why I buy them. If you hold an Hermes bag you can just feel the quality. To me it is a wearable piece of art - especially the scarves. I buy them because they make me smile. They last forever and just get better with age. I buy other brands as well...really I just buy what makes me happy and I don't care what anyone thinks.
Thanks for your prompt reply, as I mentioned in previous posts, I wouldn't dream of expressing my opinion as fact. I was simply curious. Whilst, my experience of brands and my own evolution cannot be used as a representative sample of everyone, I know that I used to wear Armani clothing, because;
a) I thought that they were good quality clothing;
b) I liked the thought of wearing Armani.
I would hardly admit to point b) to most of the people around me. I hardly worn stuff with branding on the outside of the garment (save polo, jeans and t-shirts). But I did like the fact that I worn Armani clothing. I felt "special". It didn't really have much to do with other people. I didn't feel better than my peers, just different.
Now the only Armani clothing I wear are undergarments. I now wear other clothes that I'm pretty sure 90% of the population would not have heard of.
My thoughts on branding is unlikely to change (which I've not really discussed here).
However, playing Devil's Advocate, whether people in your locale recognise the bag or not, doesn't mean that you may or may not have purchased the bag for status.
I don't know you, so this is not meant as an accusation, just a comment on the correlation between status and many people not recognising the bag.
I'm going to stop writing any more because I don't want to upset or insult anyone. My "purpose" here is to learn about things that I didn't know about.
Cheers
Clint
P.S. Does anyone know the most expensive "standard" bag that H actually makes (not the diamon encrusted ones)? Thanks
ITA, most people here have no clue what Hermes is. They have no idea how expensive they are. But that's not why I buy them. If you hold an Hermes bag you can just feel the quality. To me it is a wearable piece of art - especially the scarves. I buy them because they make me smile. They last forever and just get better with age. I buy other brands as well...really I just buy what makes me happy and I don't care what anyone thinks.
To me, if this is what the H bags owners are truly saying here, then there is nothing more to add. If someone feels this strongly about what they have purchased then, whether I or anyone else agrees, it makes absolute sense to continue purchasing, regardless of cost.
After all, aren't we put on this Earth to be happy?
I appreciate this answer and can identify with it completely.
Bravo.
Clint
Clint, if you take the time to visit any of the brand sub forums on tPF and ask these same questions, I think the answers will be pretty similar. People carry LV because of the timeless designs, the quality, the resale value and yes, because the brand sells us the image that their bags are timeless, quality products with a proud brand history. Same for Gucci and even relative newcomers like Prada.
Quite frankly, I was unaware that it was even possible to order a bespoke handbag. It isn't something you read much about in the pages of Vogue or the style section of the New York Times. Advertising plays a key part in brand choices, whether it's a purse, shoes or clothing.
Brand placement in movies,TV, the Internet and even pop music have raised the awareness of brand image to a higher level than ever before.
15 years ago, when I got my graduate degree, I had no idea what Hermes was. It simply wasn't part of my culture. Fast forward to now and ask a kid in grad school what a Hermes bag is and more than likely, they will know it's expensive. They might not be able to identify a photo of a Birkin but they know the word.
Chalk it up to the information age.
I sense you're looking for someone to say the obvious, so I'll do it. I got my first Birkin this year and yes, it told me that I arrived. There was no way that I could afford this bag at any other time in my career. I could now. That's what it symbolizes to me. It's the payoff for the blood, sweat, tears and student debt. And it's purple.
Quite frankly, I was unaware that it was even possible to order a bespoke handbag. It isn't something you read much about in the pages of Vogue or the style section of the New York Times. Advertising plays a key part in brand choices, whether it's a purse, shoes or clothing.
Brand placement in movies,TV, the Internet and even pop music have raised the awareness of brand image to a higher level than ever before.
15 years ago, when I got my graduate degree, I had no idea what Hermes was. It simply wasn't part of my culture. Fast forward to now and ask a kid in grad school what a Hermes bag is and more than likely, they will know it's expensive. They might not be able to identify a photo of a Birkin but they know the word.
Chalk it up to the information age.
I sense you're looking for someone to say the obvious, so I'll do it. I got my first Birkin this year and yes, it told me that I arrived. There was no way that I could afford this bag at any other time in my career. I could now. That's what it symbolizes to me. It's the payoff for the blood, sweat, tears and student debt. And it's purple.