What’s your unpopular Hermes opinion?

[fashion16]

I feel like a lot of the dislike for twillies on handles would be curbed if bag owners made more judicious color choices.

Say more…

More judicious choices in the twilly selection, more judicious choices in the bags (I have seen some hard to style colors get twillies in the hopes that the various colors in the silk will allow the bag to be worn with more of the wardrobe) or judicious in terms of people picking a light color, then being fearful of staining…creating a perception that twillies are a necessity regardless of whether they are liked?

 

[cravin]

Agree. To me Hermes is all about elegance... the Kelly doll while cute is not that elegant for a lady. I heard that it fits much less than a MKII.

I was at the store we frequent a few months ago and a lady was carrying a Kelly doll bag and then a $10 canvas bag to hold her actual stuff. To each their own, but I just thought it was silly. (Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of of the bag either)

 

[sibsib]

Say more…

More judicious choices in the twilly selection, more judicious choices in the bags (I have seen some hard to style colors get twillies in the hopes that the various colors in the silk will allow the bag to be worn with more of the wardrobe) or judicious in terms of people picking a light color, then being fearful of staining…creating a perception that twillies are a necessity regardless of whether they are liked?

More judicious choices in color matching twillies and bags, I suppose. I completely understand and support coordinating a bag to better suit an outfit through the addition of a twilly— these bags are pricy and often beloved, so maximizing use is a natural desire.

However, some colors clash and just don’t look good together— not every twilly will look good with every bag color, regardless of what other outfit components we’re trying to harmonize the bag with. If you buy a bag in a color that’s difficult to coordinate with your wardrobe, slapping on a twilly that does go well with your OOTD may not be enough. If you’re going to want a lot of wear out of your bag, best to get a neutral. Would I have loved a rose Sakura bag? Sure, I love pink. However, I would struggle to easily wear a pink bag, given the pieces I have and the color combinations I like.

But then again, I’m very picky about how colors work together. Some people are more eclectic or more willing to experiment! This is, of course, personal opinion.

 

[gogingercat]

I was at the store we frequent a few months ago and a lady was carrying a Kelly doll bag and then a $10 canvas bag to hold her actual stuff. To each their own, but I just thought it was silly. (Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of of the bag either)

UO: Well if the bag doesn't fit everything you have on you at a given time, I think it's rather prudent to carry a canvas bag for overflow. There are no rules that say you only need to carry one bag only 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

[sibsib]

My wardrobe is very neutral...I generally wear black, navy, white and cream...so I love a pop of color. I love all my bright H silks and have a turquoise B that I carry often and a bambou bag is on my wishlist. I hold the opposite, and undoubtedly unpopular, opinion that etain and etoupe are terribly boring...not dissimilar to wearing khakis every day. Also don't understand the appeal of gold. To each their own however.

I think it makes a lot of sense that you wouldn’t like neutral bags if your clothing is mostly neutral. That could look quite one-note. I have a lot of bright colors and jewel tones in my wardrobe, so a neutral bag color makes more sense for me to own— less of a clashing risk. I think that the difficulty of getting exactly what you want at Hermès does lead to some people making unwise color choices for their wardrobes, because they can only buy from the boutique what the boutique is willing to sell them. If that’s bright green, then it’s bright green.

 

[spoliedbrat]

I’m not sure if the Birkin 25 (non exotic) will truly hold its appeal going forward. We‘re in Vegas & just last night alone my daughters and I saw/counted 20!!! That was just at Wynn throughout the day. I know this is Vegas but.. whoah that’s a ton. They were everywhere.

 

[cravin]

UO: Well if the bag doesn't fit everything you have on you at a given time, I think it's rather prudent to carry a canvas bag for overflow. There are no rules that say you only need to carry one bag only 🤷🏻‍♀️

Like I said in my post, to each their own. -> I <- happen to think it’s silly to carry a bag as an American Dream Doll accessory. If you want to wear a bag because you think it’s cute, knock yourself out. I just think that H makes so many different bags in so many different sizes, that there is likely a bag in your closet (assuming that if you own a Kelly Doll bag that you own other H bags) that will fit your carrying needs for that occasion. I am not judging the lady and her canvas bag. She loves her bags and that’s great. I just personally think it’s silly.

 

[sibsib]

Like I said in my post, to each their own. -> I <- happen to think it’s silly to carry a bag as an American Dream Doll accessory. If you want to wear a bag because you think it’s cute, knock yourself out. I just think that H makes so many different bags in so many different sizes, that there is likely a bag in your closet (assuming that if you own a Kelly Doll bag that you own other H bags) that will fit your carrying needs for that occasion. I am not judging the lady and her canvas bag. She loves her bags and that’s great. I just personally think it’s silly.

I agree. This is why I chose an In-The-Loop in 23, and am not rushing back to Hermès for another bag anytime soon. I have enough cute but inconvenient bags from other brands and wanted an easy bucket, and now I have a bag for each use case. My bag wardrobe is complete.

However, fashion can be a silly hobby. Is carrying a small bag and a tote (which I think is fine, and a very urban and modern choice) really any sillier than carrying a small bag and keeping bigger items in one’s car within reach, or having one’s partner carry the umbrella/water bottle/purchases of the day? Not trying to sway your very valid opinion, of course, I just like to discuss and offer different viewpoints.

As someone with a sweet tooth, I find that some handbags are like candy. Not nutritionally sound and hardly a good choice by any measure, but delicious enough to carry just because. I think bags are similar to jewelry in that way. Sometimes, one just wants to have it on, practical, logical, or not. Just for the fun of it. Life is so serious already.

Anyway, back on topic: twillies should come in more neutral color options or sober designs. I can appreciate the whimsy of a piece of silk covered in small rabbits, but there’s also room in my closet for a piece of silk that just accessorizes an outfit without that whimsy, as the former can look a bit silly when I’d rather be more serious. I’d rather purchase both from Hermès, but will of course purchase from another brand that has what I want.

 

[sibsib]

Unpopular opinion: enamel bracelets look childish, especially in bright colors. The exception is the mini clic chaîne d’ancre, and only in crème or marron glacé. Would not be caught dead with a clic or clic clac H. Would buy one in a bright color for a particularly studious 15-year-old as a treat for good work.

 

[textilegirl]

I’m not sure if the Birkin 25 (non exotic) will truly hold its appeal going forward. We‘re in Vegas & just last night alone my daughters and I saw/counted 20!!! That was just at Wynn throughout the day. I know this is Vegas but.. whoah that’s a ton. They were everywhere.

Nm.

 

[Paridae]

I overheard a conversation between SA and customer on how Hermes is so different and classy because of the lack of logos… “You wear a Hermes bag because people won’t know it’s designer”. She then proudly patted her Kelly.

Which leads to my opinion: It’s a Kelly. The whole bag is a logo. Own it and enjoy it

 

[Christofle]

I overheard a conversation between SA and customer on how Hermes is so different and classy because of the lack of logos… “You wear a Hermes bag because people won’t know it’s designer”. She then proudly patted her Kelly.

Which leads to my opinion: It’s a Kelly. The whole bag is a logo. Own it and enjoy it

All fun and games till people wear the bag unfastened with the logo flapping in the wind

 

[etoupebirkin]

At some point in time, Hermès’ opacity (continual untruths / leading buyers on) and brand experience causes you to abandon the brand. I am there. I recently was traveling in Beverly Hills and needed a small wallet. The choice was Goyard, Hermès, and LV. I walked into Goyard, chose a style, chose a color, paid and was out the door in 20 minutes. I rolled my eyes at the thought of walking into H and dealing with SA attitude and stock issues.

I have all the scarves, QBs, and H bags that I need. It used to be that Christine Lagarde was an unofficial face of the brand. Now, it’s the Kardashians. And if Kardashian style is your thing, great. But it’s not mine. Hermès has moved on from people like me. It’s only natural for me to move on too.

The workmanship has degraded over time. Hermès craftsperson’s have less than half the time to make the bags now, than they did prior to the 2010s. I have to think there have been shortcuts in materials quality too.

I now commission bespoke bags with Peter Nitz. I get the style, leather and size I want. The process is seamless. The workmanship puts Hermès’ to shame.

I do not regret my decision to part ways with Hermès. If I see something in the resale market that I like, then I’ll buy it. But I am done with the stores.

BTW, I got my first H scarf in 1978.

 

[Love Of My Life]

At some point in time, Hermès’ opacity (continual untruths / leading buyers on) and brand experience causes you to abandon the brand. I am there. I recently was traveling in Beverly Hills and needed a small wallet. The choice was Goyard, Hermès, and LV. I walked into Goyard, chose a style, chose a color, paid and was out the door in 20 minutes. I rolled my eyes at the thought of walking into H and dealing with SA attitude and stock issues.

I have all the scarves, QBs, and H bags that I need. It used to be that Christine Lagarde was an unofficial face of the brand. Now, it’s the Kardashians. And if Kardashian style is your thing, great. But it’s not mine. Hermès has moved on from people like me. It’s only natural for me to move on too.

The workmanship has degraded over time. Hermès craftsperson’s have less than half the time to make the bags now, than they did prior to the 2010s. I have to think there have been shortcuts in materials quality too.

I now commission bespoke bags with Peter Nitz. I get the style, leather and size I want. The process is seamless. The workmanship puts Hermès’ to shame.

I do not regret my decision to part ways with Hermès. If I see something in the resale market that I like, then I’ll buy it. But I am done with the stores.

BTW, I got my first H scarf in 1978.

Well said, & the word "Bespoke" is beginning to echo to many others who are sensing what your comments
are.

 

[mesvalises]

My unpopular Hermès opinion is that after decades of loving and collecting Hermès bags, I no longer feel comfortable carrying my Kelly or my Birkin. I agree that those styles are over exposed and just too high profile.

For me, celebrities, reality "stars", and YouTube flexers have diminished the allure of the brand in general. The whole quota bag system, multiple purchase requirements, and cultivating "relationships" with SAs is ludicrous. These days, I only carry H bags that don't attract attention like the Bolide, Massai, or Gao. I have also started buying Valextra, a low key (and reasonably priced) brand that years ago Stanley Marcus rated above Hermès in his book "Quest for the Best.