Style Forum member's H experience...

[miyake0214]

Hi Clint,

Perhaps you are as bewildered as I am. But to put it bluntly, (the mods can delete it if they find it inappropriate), after dumping my relationship with other high-end brands, nothing compares to my Hermes ongoing affair. It is titillating and orgasmic.

Here is wishing you the same pleasure Hermes has been giving me.

 

[Clintonf]

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.

Thanks for your Cander. I feel that I must make this clear, it's not about right or wrong, it just about people talking (writing) truthfully.

I didn't actually raise the subject of prestige (or status), I simply found it difficult to believe that everyone purchased these types of bags for the same reasons (this is not to say that I am right).

Personally, I would struggle to pay $1000's on anything. However, putting the item in the class of "Art", gives a different meaning to me.

Purple you say, that's a cool colour.

I've had a look at the some of the forums (mainly the what are you wearing forum) and I must admit, I wouldn't be able to recognise a Birkin from a Kelly from a teapot.

I've also noticed that some members use "slang" or codes to describe the bags. I'm a little clueless about what they mean. But I'll keep looking.

Lastly, has anyone every written anything about the "Anotomy" or a Birkin or Kelly. I had a look on Wikipedia (please forgive me) and they were pretty generic, in part, because the customer can customise the bags with nearly anything.

I'm not an expert in clothing or footwear, but I can say that there is a hierarchy in shoe leathers and which companies have first pick (for the best quality leathers). Would people here know whether the leather for the Birkin or Kelly or for that matter any H product comes from? Are they exclusive to H? Any link to this would be of great interest to me.

Thanks

Clint

 

[Clintonf]

Hi Clint,

Perhaps you are as bewildered as I am. But to put it bluntly, (the mods can delete it if they find it inappropriate), after dumping my relationship with other high-end brands, nothing compares to my Hermes ongoing affair. It is titillating and orgasmic.

Here is wishing you the same pleasure Hermes has been giving me.

Now that is a response more along my street. I can read between the lines and say that it's just the way certain brands make you feel. I can feel that.

I'm a bit of a "brand whore" (I hope that this word is appropriate here). Not for designer brands, but for various makers. Some fit better than others, but my curiousity makes me want to try them all.

This makes absolutely no sense, as I work in IT and most IT people are not at all bothered about suits and sportscoats (In fact, I'm the source of many jokes).

Thank you everyone who contributed (and the members who suggested that I post another thread). It's been a very enlightening read.

Clint

 

[restricter]

If you visit the reference section of the Hermes forum, you'll get a fantastic education in the types of leathers used to make Hermes bags. And of course, you'll discover there are bags besides the Kelly and Birkin. As with any leather goods company, there are certain permanent colors - black, brown, tan, white and then there are the seasonal colors that enjoy limited runs.

Hardware pretty much remains standard; gold, palladium, ruthenium and brushed metal.

As for the most expensive, it might be a matter of size as well as leather. I think the 50cm Birkin could be the most expensive one before you start playing around with exotic leathers.

The reference threads really are a terrific source of information. Happy Hermes hunting.

 

[Clintonf]

If you visit the reference section of the Hermes forum, you'll get a fantastic education in the types of leathers used to make Hermes bags. And of course, you'll discover there are bags besides the Kelly and Birkin. As with any leather goods company, there are certain permanent colors - black, brown, tan, white and then there are the seasonal colors that enjoy limited runs.

Hardware pretty much remains standard; gold, palladium, ruthenium and brushed metal.

As for the most expensive, it might be a matter of size as well as leather. I think the 50cm Birkin could be the most expensive one before you start playing around with exotic leathers.

The reference threads really are a terrific source of information. Happy Hermes hunting.

Thank you kindly. I shall have a look around.

Goodnight all

Clint

 

[Bartolomeu]

Can't all of these same points be made about the choice to wear a Rolex, or Patek, wristwatch?

Rolex in particular has been the subject of such discussions for a long time. "Opponents" of the brand cite the factors of "overpriced" and "less accurate than a Timex quartz." Those who enjoy owning and wearing a Rolex cite the history of the brand, the fact that it is still independent, and the fact that one can always sell a Rolex for close to, if not more than, one paid.

At some point such discussions of luxury goods cannot be rationalized. Some "get" a particular brand, and some don't. That said, I suspect that one would be hardpressed to find many Rolex owners who honestly believe that they are wearing the brand purely because it's a "high quality" watch; there is image wrapped up in the choice. I have to believe the same of the H customers here. Not that there's anything wrong with it . . .

 

[doloresmia]

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.

*******f - i love that you here struggling to figure out why any of woman would buy an expensive handbag. it says very nice things about how your mind works... some might wonder the same thing about a man who spends $25K on a wristwatch, $100K on a car or a collection of saxophones. does that help? there are plenty of alternatives that work just as well and for much less.... but the heart loves what it loves....

whoops bartolomeu beat me to the punch.

of course there is something to the status of being able to indulge in something so outrageous, there is something to the quality and artistry - all of those things are the brand. there is also the association with people of grace and originality - princess grace, jane birkin and so forth. for me silkstahr put it best.

 

[anin8888]

I applaud you for coming here on a "purse forum" and asking questions about purses.
First, let me say that the reason any of us buy a garment or article to wear is so that it makes us feel good. We all want to look decent, no? We all want to wear things that fit right. Who'd want to wear something that is ill-fitting? I take most of my off-the-rack, ready-to-wear clothes to the tailor to have re-hemmed, tucked here or there. It's only human nature.
I can only speak for myself here...that if I wanted something that screams status, I'd be rolling in a Rolls-Royce or a Range Rover. I'd live in a different neighborhood. Send my kids to a more "prestigious" school.
I'm not discrediting you about the Hermes being status bags. They have been since the '60s.
It's just that in my town, the culture is different. A status bag would be a blinged-out Louis Vuitton or something easily recognizable. It wouldn't be status if noone knows what it is. I'm sure they see my bag as something rather boxy.
Some may buy them bc they are status bags and others just for the love, craftsmanship and beauty of the brand. If I had Mr. Foo's experience with Hermes I doubt I'd buy anymore Hermes products. Quite the opposite is my experience. My first Hermes item was a birkin bought 3 yrs ago. My SA was wonderful, still is to this day.
I haven't had consistent impeccable service with any other brands.
Same thing can be argued about perfume and restaurants.
"Do you like it bc of the status or the way it smells?"
"Do you eat here bc of status or you like the food?"

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

 

[Clintonf]

*******f - i love that you here struggling to figure out why any of woman would buy an expensive handbag. it says very nice things about how your mind works... some might wonder the same thing about a man who spends $25K on a wristwatch, $100K on a car or a collection of saxophones. does that help? there are plenty of alternatives that work just as well and for much less.... but the heart loves what it loves....

whoops bartolomeu beat me to the punch.

of course there is something to the status of being able to indulge in something so outrageous, there is something to the quality and artistry - all of those things are the brand. for me silkstahr put it best.

Thanks for you comments,

I don't think that I'm struggling with the concept of high value purchases, after all it's all relative. To most of my friends, spending $500 on a pair of shoes makes me certifiable, let alone what I could spend.

It's more surprise, I honestly, didn't expect them to cost that much.

My mind works in strange ways, but I'm just trying to learn, not judge. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I remember spending around $550 on a Christian Dior rucsac for my then girlfriend. That was well over 15 years ago. That was a vast sum for me on a bag. So, to imagine paying 15 times that is difficult.

My questions/suggestions were based purely on the utility of a bag and not necessarily the "love" and joy that gained from ownership of the bags. I responded to a comment about the reasons for purchasing bags of this sort and I found it difficult to believe that no-one purchased the bag for the love (maybe status), not necessarily it's construction and materials.

I cannot be spending £1000's on clothes per year for no other reason that I want to see what they're like and criticise anyone for why they purchase these type of bags.

It's not about whether one is male or female, but whether there is some "status" involved in owning an item such as this from brands such as H.

If it was solely about materials (hardware??) and construction, then I'm pretty sure there are skilled artisans that would make a bag with a similar construction.

If I had enough money, I would be driving an Aston Martin. Yet there are "better" cars out there and certainly more expensive cars. However, I like the look of the car and what the brand represents to me. I cannot and will not justify beyond these simple and basic reasons. Although, I could try....

So, without wishing to go around in circles, there must be something *else" about H items that makes it special.

Some of the members (yourself included) have very eloquently alluded to some of these reasons.

Regards

Clint

 

[ms piggy]

...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.

I don't know about the rest but this is how I feel about my H bags and accessories. It makes me feel good, special. The fact that it is a "status" symbol makes me feel less inclined to use the Birkin these days. I would still acquire one in a combination (leather/colour/hardware) that makes my heart sing. It is how I feel about it. Not the rest of the world.

 

[Clintonf]

I applaud you for coming here on a "purse forum" and asking questions about purses.
First, let me say that the reason any of us buy a garment or article to wear is so that it makes us feel good. We all want to look decent, no? We all want to wear things that fit right. Who'd want to wear something that is ill-fitting? I take most of my off-the-rack, ready-to-wear clothes to the tailor to have re-hemmed, tucked here or there. It's only human nature.
I can only speak for myself here...that if I wanted something that screams status, I'd be rolling in a Rolls-Royce or a Range Rover. I'd live in a different neighborhood. Send my kids to a more "prestigious" school.
I'm not discrediting you about the Hermes being status bags. They have been since the '60s.
It's just that in my town, the culture is different. A status bag would be a blinged-out Louis Vuitton or something easily recognizable. It wouldn't be status if noone knows what it is. I'm sure they see my bag as something rather boxy.
Some may buy them bc they are status bags and others just for the love, craftsmanship and beauty of the brand. If I had Mr. Foo's experience with Hermes I doubt I'd buy anymore Hermes products. Quite the opposite is my experience. My first Hermes item was a birkin bought 3 yrs ago. My SA was wonderful, still is to this day.
I haven't had consistent impeccable service with any other brands.
Same thing can be argued about perfume and restaurants.
"Do you like it bc of the status or the way it smells?"
"Do you eat here bc of status or you like the food?"

You are absolutely correct in what you say. As I've mentioned, I would never presume to tell you your reasons for purchasing a H bag. I was mearly making an observation. I hope that I've provided a greater insight into my mindset in the post above.

I do applaud what you've written about the service, because I believe that it is all part of the experience.

However, I speculate that there are some who may feel that shoddy customer service is part of the "[FONT=&quot]mystique" of the brand. To me, that would suggest more of a status mindset than the yours.

Thanks for being so open to discussion.

Clint
[/FONT]

 

[ms piggy]

If I had enough money, I would be driving an Aston Martin. Yet there are "better" cars out there and certainly more expensive cars. However, I like the look of the car and what the brand represents to me. I cannot and will not justify beyond these simple and basic reasons. Although, I could try....

And this is the same analogy my DH (Dear Husband, who's also an Aston Martin fan) came to understand my love and appreciation/obsession about Hermes.

 

[Cranes Store]

Clint,

It's not really hard to understand if you really think about it. It doesn't matter what the object is that's being talked about. For instance I really got into fly fishing. One thing lead to another and I eventually got myself a very expensive custom made bamboo rod from a well known rod maker. To me it was the Holy Grail. It was a work of art, the best of the best in materials and craftsmanship. I certainly had bragging rights in the circle of those who knew rods and every time I went out with it it seemed my day was that much more pleasant. It also marked a specific point in my career and getting it was an act of sheer indulgence and a complete waste of several thousand dollars in the eyes of most people. I didn't care what people thought about it. All I cared about was the fact that I had it and I felt good about my decision.

Sound familiar Clint?

These are the typical reasons people give for buying their respective poison whatever it may be. Parts of the decision are rational, other parts are esoteric in nature or could be based on an emotional attraction or a feeling. Most of the time it's all of the above.

In the end it doesn't really matter to me what anyone buys. What matters is whether or not they are honest with themselves and others as to why they bought it.

 

[miyake0214]

However, I speculate that there are some who may feel that shoddy customer service is part of the "[FONT=&quot]mystique" of the brand. To me, that would suggest more of a status mindset than the yours.

Thanks for being so open to discussion.

Clint
[/FONT]

Veni Vidi Vici. It is the challenge of the conquest, expecially of Birkin and Kelly, which makes the acquisition sweeter and climactic. just a quick note.

 

[anin8888]

^Can that be used with the opposite sex? Hmmmm...I must make myself scarce, rare and agate stone polished to DH.