What do H fans think of LV?

[nicole0612]

Hi,

As this is coming from a guy who likes both Hermès and Louis Vuitton (and quite a couple of other brands) please take this statement with a grain of salt.

I have quite a couple of accessories, ties, pocket squares and cufflinks from Hermès that I love, and I do frequently check the website and the boutique(s). Still, I have yet to come across a bag that I like, and that fits my needs and taste. I was an Louis Vuitton customer before I came to Hermès, I bought quite a couple of bags and accessories from them (LV) and recently sold all items I wouldn't use that much and even some I had never really used at all. I'm pretty sure some can relate to this, I call it the "finding phase". When you're new to this, you haven't found your "signature style" yet and almost everything excites you and you buy a lot on impulse, rather than because you really want/need it or have an immediate use for it.

I think through the way Hermès "operates", it slows you down. You get more time to think about your purchases because not everything is readily available everywhere. That's probably why I still got everything I ever purchased from Hermès (admitted, not counting one bow tie and shoes that didn't fit anymore, but that's a different story...) but have sold quite a bit of my Louis Vuitton stuff.

To me, Hermès to its full extent is more of a whole lifestyle closely linked to enjoying the "finer things" than just a single item, whereas Louis Vuitton is inseparable linked to stylish but rugged luggage and accessories that can take a beating. Of course thats just me.

I think both brands can easily appeal to the same customers, albeit for different reasons/uses/tasks.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Your response was a pleasure to read. I think you are quite right about Hermes being a "lifestyle" brand, especially with their home and decor offerings as well as clothes, jewelry and bags. It is interesting how Hermes and LV both began as companies making products for a specific use. LV has maintained their original brand function more or less, but while Hermes still makes some functional equestrian products, few of us use them for that purpose.

 

[Pickle123]

I am! I've worn it almost every day since I got it over a month ago, which NEVER happens with me! I know there's no such thing as a perfect bag, but this one may come close. It's the perfect size for most days, and a very sturdy, durable little bag. I love the outside pocket and the cross-body strap. Looks-wise, it can go everywhere I go, from hockey games to running errands to dinners out. I did get mad when I got caught in the rain with it (the bag was fine, but it wasn't an experience I'm eager to repeat) so today, I bought a Totally PM in Damier Ebene. I realized the only bad-weather bags I have are Longchamp, so decided to get something a little more high-end. That should do it for a while! I'm sure I'll go back to my H bags eventually, but this little Speedy just works so well! I knew I would like it but wasn't prepared for just how much I LOVE it!

So happy to hear you made the right choice. I have surprised myself by carrying my DE Sac Plat more than any other bag recently. I also needed a small, lightweight, no fuss bag for errands and outings with my granddaughters so I bought a Pouchette NM and DE adjustable strap to use as a cross body 2 weeks ago and WOW do I LOVE this little thing. Congrats on your Totally, great choice for "no worry" weather.

 

[frenziedhandbag]

I know there's no such thing as a perfect bag, but this one may come close.Looks-wise, it can go everywhere I go... I knew I would like it but wasn't prepared for just how much I LOVE it!

I'm so glad to read you are loving it and that it works for you. You probably find it hard to believe but I am smiling as I read your post. Nothing beats buying a bag that works for you.

 

[Pickle123]

Hi,

As this is coming from a guy who likes both Hermès and Louis Vuitton (and quite a couple of other brands) please take this statement with a grain of salt.

I have quite a couple of accessories, ties, pocket squares and cufflinks from Hermès that I love, and I do frequently check the website and the boutique(s). Still, I have yet to come across a bag that I like, and that fits my needs and taste. I was an Louis Vuitton customer before I came to Hermès, I bought quite a couple of bags and accessories from them (LV) and recently sold all items I wouldn't use that much and even some I had never really used at all. I'm pretty sure some can relate to this, I call it the "finding phase". When you're new to this, you haven't found your "signature style" yet and almost everything excites you and you buy a lot on impulse, rather than because you really want/need it or have an immediate use for it.

I think through the way Hermès "operates", it slows you down. You get more time to think about your purchases because not everything is readily available everywhere. That's probably why I still got everything I ever purchased from Hermès (admitted, not counting one bow tie and shoes that didn't fit anymore, but that's a different story...) but have sold quite a bit of my Louis Vuitton stuff.

To me, Hermès to its full extent is more of a whole lifestyle closely linked to enjoying the "finer things" than just a single item, whereas Louis Vuitton is inseparable linked to stylish but rugged luggage and accessories that can take a beating. Of course thats just me.

I think both brands can easily appeal to the same customers, albeit for different reasons/uses/tasks.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Oliver, a pleasure as always to read your thought provoking posts. Very well said. And ladies of this thread, if you've not been following the LV men's club you've been missing out on Oliver's gorgeous items. This man has definitely found his style and it's impeccable.

 

[the_black_tie_diyer]

Well said!

Thank you very much!

Your response was a pleasure to read. I think you are quite right about Hermes being a "lifestyle" brand, especially with their home and decor offerings as well as clothes, jewelry and bags. It is interesting how Hermes and LV both began as companies making products for a specific use. LV has maintained their original brand function more or less, but while Hermes still makes some functional equestrian products, few of us use them for that purpose.

Thank you very much! I completely agree, I wouldn't dare to guess how many people, lets say out of 100 randomly asked in one of the metropolises of our world, would say "Equestrian products" when asked about Hermès core competency/heritage. But I also think they make/sell far more of those products as one might assume at first. I had the pleasure of attending their "Festival des Métiers" (Festival of trades) and among all of the the trades they were exhibiting was also a female saddler, working on a saddle.

Here are some pictures:

Oliver, a pleasure as always to read your thought provoking posts. Very well said. And ladies of this thread, if you've not been following the LV men's club you've been missing out on Oliver's gorgeous items. This man has definitely found his style and it's impeccable.

Um, I'm a little at a loss for words here, thank you so much for that wonderful compliment! *blush*

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[catsinthebag]

So happy to hear you made the right choice. I have surprised myself by carrying my DE Sac Plat more than any other bag recently. I also needed a small, lightweight, no fuss bag for errands and outings with my granddaughters so I bought a Pouchette NM and DE adjustable strap to use as a cross body 2 weeks ago and WOW do I LOVE this little thing. Congrats on your Totally, great choice for "no worry" weather.

It seems a lot of people are doing the pouchette with strap trick lately, glad it works for you! As much as I love my H bags, I'm feeling like a lot of LV bags are just easier to use.

 

[catsinthebag]

I'm so glad to read you are loving it and that it works for you. You probably find it hard to believe but I am smiling as I read your post. Nothing beats buying a bag that works for you.

Thanks, I'm smiling too! And I know what you mean -- I always love reading when someone finds a bag that they love and that works for them. It's a nice change from all the quality questions and "now I have this, on to the next thing" posts.

 

[frenziedhandbag]

I always love reading when someone finds a bag that they love and that works for them.

Exactly. There are rare cases though where a bag works for almost everyone and yet it doesn't work when one finally gets round to it. I did my research, tried on it multiple times and eventually purchased a BV pillow bag. Sadly, I just couldn't get it to work. I got the LV Twinset instead and it turned out to be perfect, I almost can't change out of it as it was just so easy to use.

 

[monasoupe]

Thanks for all of the contributions to this thread - so insightful.
I am in the market for a new bag and feeling sad that nothing at H is fitting the bill for me (medium cross body, lightweight, polished but relaxed). I keep circling around to LV bags for their durability and ease (I am a mom of a preschooler). I love the look of the mono, but not sure if I can pull it off without feeling too conspicuous - I also feel like I'm wearing luggage whenever I try it on. This thread has given me some great food for thought - thanks!

 

[pinkiestarlet]

Till this day I still use my monogram Speedy 30 that's about 14-15 years old. Besides the fact that it's a gift from my mum when I was in high school, I love it cos it's timeless in my opinion and it's such a fuss free bag! I don't have to worry about it being ruined in the rain or if my nephew drops ice cream on it [emoji12]

I do also like to accessorise it with charms and twillies. Here's the latest "rotation" lol.

I have to add, H is still my number one [emoji173]️ but a girl can have many loves right [emoji6]

 

[fabuleux]

Hi,

As this is coming from a guy who likes both Hermès and Louis Vuitton (and quite a couple of other brands) please take this statement with a grain of salt.

I have quite a couple of accessories, ties, pocket squares and cufflinks from Hermès that I love, and I do frequently check the website and the boutique(s). Still, I have yet to come across a bag that I like, and that fits my needs and taste. I was an Louis Vuitton customer before I came to Hermès, I bought quite a couple of bags and accessories from them (LV) and recently sold all items I wouldn't use that much and even some I had never really used at all. I'm pretty sure some can relate to this, I call it the "finding phase". When you're new to this, you haven't found your "signature style" yet and almost everything excites you and you buy a lot on impulse, rather than because you really want/need it or have an immediate use for it.

I think through the way Hermès "operates", it slows you down. You get more time to think about your purchases because not everything is readily available everywhere. That's probably why I still got everything I ever purchased from Hermès (admitted, not counting one bow tie and shoes that didn't fit anymore, but that's a different story...) but have sold quite a bit of my Louis Vuitton stuff.

To me, Hermès to its full extent is more of a whole lifestyle closely linked to enjoying the "finer things" than just a single item, whereas Louis Vuitton is inseparable linked to stylish but rugged luggage and accessories that can take a beating. Of course thats just me.

I think both brands can easily appeal to the same customers, albeit for different reasons/uses/tasks.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Very interesting comment!

 

[duna]

I just won a few days ago an ebay auction for a total Vacchetta Petit Noé, in great condition and payed next to nothing! I have wanted one for the longest time, and since LV doesn't make it anymore, I have been stalking the secondary market for one. They don't turn up often and if they do they're in poor condition, so I'm super happy to have finally found one.

I have been thinking to myself recently that I'm falling a bit out of love with H....unfortunately my SM, whom I have know for over 20 years has retired, and things have drastically changed at my H store. They are much more strict with all the rules, like the 2 bags per year idiocy. If I want to spend thousands per year on H bags and have been a loyal customer for decades, being allowed to only buy 2 bags per year is just b***s**t !!!

So I'm starting to go back to other brands, like LV, which I had totally discarded for years. I have to say that I ONLY like the classic styles LV like Alma, Noé, Speedy ecc.....Also some of the limited editions like the Sofia Coppola or the soft Lockit. Sorry for the rant, but I'm pretty angry with my H store ATM!

 

[scndlslv]

Life is all about variety and options. How boring it would be to stick to one kind of anything. I'm currently in Paris and had a great time shopping at Hermes and LV.

 

[ouija board]

I just won a few days ago an ebay auction for a total Vacchetta Petit Noé, in great condition and payed next to nothing! I have wanted one for the longest time, and since LV doesn't make it anymore, I have been stalking the secondary market for one. They don't turn up often and if they do they're in poor condition, so I'm super happy to have finally found one.

I have been thinking to myself recently that I'm falling a bit out of love with H....unfortunately my SM, whom I have know for over 20 years has retired, and things have drastically changed at my H store. They are much more strict with all the rules, like the 2 bags per year idiocy. If I want to spend thousands per year on H bags and have been a loyal customer for decades, being allowed to only buy 2 bags per year is just b***s**t !!!

So I'm starting to go back to other brands, like LV, which I had totally discarded for years. I have to say that I ONLY like the classic styles LV like Alma, Noé, Speedy ecc.....Also some of the limited editions like the Sofia Coppola or the soft Lockit. Sorry for the rant, but I'm pretty angry with my H store ATM!

Duna, am I remembering correctly that you had another all Vachetta LV at one point? I'm remembering a photo from way back when I joined tpf, so my memory may be wrong. Congrats on your Petit Noe!

My long time SA is retiring as well, and she's told me that things are so different now, both with store policies and behavior of fellow coworkers (and not in a good way). I have a backup SA in another store, but I'm no longer trying to acquire Birkins or Kellys from the boutique so fortunately, I don't have to test any store policies.

 

[inverved]

Even though I bought a Birkin a few months ago and promised myself "no more bags", I find myself wanting the Alma BB in Black Epi.