What’s your unpopular Hermes opinion?

[GabrielleS]

Not remotely off topic Unpopular Opinion:

I don't care how beautifully hand crafted Hermès is, it's become overexposed and boring. If I see one more carefully arranged, twilly wrapped array of candy colored mini Kellys ( accompanied of course by a perfectly manicured hand, Lamborghini steering wheel, and Cartier Clou/ Love bracelets, I will SCREAM, (and then I will YAWN.)

Thanks to social media, and endless aspirational overkill, Hermès has lost all semblance of true luxury and exclusivity. In my mind, the brand is very close to becoming the equivalent of high priced

I do not want people staring at or asking me about my handbags. I do not want people to know how much my purse costs or to determine how much money I have by looking my handbag.

That is not luxury.

This to me is it. No matter how objectively beautiful I find some of the bags, both the bags and the resale prices are overexposed to the point many people who aren’t even into fashion or handbags recognize and think the purchaser paid resale value. It’s not only that the bags are known, it’s that the pre spend and resale prices are also very overexposed. I think Town and Country got the pre spend numbers wrong but it says a lot when they publish an article like this:

How to Really Score a Birkin Bag

Is there a secret to getting the most coveted bag in the world? Some call it #birkinbait. Maybe it’s a myth, but a whisper network swears there’s a method to the madness.

www.townandcountrymag.com

Even though I shouldn’t care, I do and it gets in the way of enjoying the bags and wearing them as much as I would like. Even my staple “under the radar” bags purchased years ago are more recognizable and sometimes result in comments.

I am guilty of it too though I would NEVER comment. I spot H bags from a mile away. I saw a beautiful woman at the intersection who was well put together and understated carrying a clearly well loved birkin 35 in gold. Her outfit was simple, color coordinated and not obviously designer, her hair and make up were minimal and no flashy or obvious jewellery.

The bag was the first thing my eye went too. Whereas before I would have seen it as part of an overall look, I couldn’t help but think to myself is this the first thing people notice when they see me?

Hermes isn’t the only brand that in my view become overly recognizable and over exposed. In some ways some of the classics (H, VCA, some Cartier etc) have become trendy. Trends come and go and that component of their buyers will move on at some point. Some already are as the Row Margaux seems poised to become the next it tote.

I realize people recognize and price bags from other brands also. I think the difference with H and some of the others is that these are supposed to classic pieces to be worn for decades and I usually wear bags on repeat. I bought many of my H bags with that in mind. However, I feel uncomfortable wearing some of them as much as I should and that, in my unpopular opinion, is the antithesis of buying a classic, forever bag.

As long as I store them correctly, the trend should pass and I can wear them and be old fashioned/classic in the future. I do wish I had put more of an emphasis on heritage leather though. I worry about how the leather on some of my bags will age.

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

People aren't even loyal to jobs (and often spouses) anymore. Why on earth should anyone have to subjugate themselves to a company and a salesperson to buy a handbag? Why do we then have to spend hours artfully posing them and putting them on display for social media consumption? Anyone who was a customer the old days simply cannot play this sick game. I am sad for Hermés younger generation of customers. They really have no choice. And because of the prevalence of superfakes, newer collectors can't even reliably buy on the pre-owned market anymore.

All of this drama and the obsession with K & B bags will eventually subside. The truly savvy will shy away from the (now very LOUD) brand. Then what, Hermès?

I’ve already started to move away.

whenever I carry a H bag the attention is ridiculous. Questioning where I purchased from to moronic comments on how rich I must be! It’s a sad sad day when I don’t use Hermes at work because I’ve had ludicrous comments such as “ohhhh your product is too expensive but now we know why as you are spending in Hermes!”

I digress, I’ve moved away just because I want to purchase other brands such as Miu Miu, Loewe, Celine and back to Gucci clothing. Bags I’m loving the simplicity of Loewe or Bottega.

 

[Love Of My Life]

Not remotely off topic Unpopular Opinion:

I don't care how beautifully hand crafted Hermès is, it's become overexposed and boring. If I see one more carefully arranged, twilly wrapped array of candy colored mini Kellys ( accompanied of course by a perfectly manicured hand, Lamborghini steering wheel, and Cartier Clou/ Love bracelets, I will SCREAM, (and then I will YAWN.)

Thanks to social media, and endless aspirational overkill, Hermès has lost all semblance of true luxury and exclusivity. In my mind, the brand is very close to becoming the equivalent of high priced LV.

Whether the quality is there or not, all top luxury bag makers are now chasing H prices-hence the ridiculous increases at LV and Chanel. Hermès must then ridiculously raise THEIR prices to stay ahead of the game.

Peter Nitz (and perhaps Duret) may be the light at the end of the tunnel.

I do not want people staring at or asking me about my handbags. I do not want people to know how much my purse costs or to determine how much money I have by looking my handbag.

That is not luxury.

Would also add to your list Lili Storella for a bespoke handbag. A pleasure working with this gal
& the quality, luxury & distinctiveness of her bags are awesome
Unfortunately, many are caught up in the world of Hermes for different reasons than what appeals to many of us
& for those who don't want to be stared at with a recognizable bag, many will go to any & all lengths to
do so.
People will make their own observations & comments in spite of that not pleasing us. We have all been
looked at with our bags even while shopping at Hermes
The meaning of luxury has changed & will continue to change as many of these design houses are
now chasing that newer client that has been caught up in that image of whatever she thinks luxury &
money represent & certainly the influencers & social media don't help. The obsessive compulsive
behavior only adds to the equation of how to get a QB or a bag
Hermes likely will continue on this path of controlling inventory but for sure can see that
the secondary market has become inundated with Hermes bags, special color combos, etc.. it is what it is
& for the discerning client, they will know what to do & when to do it. JMO

 

[mesvalises]

A reminder that this thread is devoted to Hermes only. If posts venture off to other brands they may be better served in the general handbags forum

Ahhh, the esteemed PaperTiger. I remember you from way back! Hermès only it shall be.

 

[mesvalises]

I’ve already started to move away.

whenever I carry a H bag the attention is ridiculous. Questioning where I purchased from to moronic comments on how rich I must be! It’s a sad sad day when I don’t use Hermes at work because I’ve had ludicrous comments such as “ohhhh your product is too expensive but now we know why as you are spending in Hermes!”

I digress, I’ve moved away just because I want to purchase other brands such as Miu Miu, Loewe, Celine and back to Gucci clothing. Bags I’m loving the simplicity of Loewe or Bottega.

Absolutely. I never carry it just walking around alone in the street-only when I am going directly from my car into a building, or when I am with my husband.

 

[kerebear]

I think it looks quite sloppy when the Kelly retourne is worn open, especially in the larger sizes. It ruins an otherwise chic outfit since the bag is already so slouchy. It also isn’t safe to have your bag gaping open walking down the street or in busy areas.

 

[hermesandchanel]

I think it looks quite sloppy when the Kelly retourne is worn open, especially in the larger sizes. It ruins an otherwise chic outfit since the bag is already so slouchy. It also isn’t safe to have your bag gaping open walking down the street or in busy areas.

Ah this is a pet peeve of mine!

I not sure I understand why it’s ever worn open …whats the logic behind it? Certainly not aesthetically pleasing nor functional. Even if people don’t want to close up the sangles completely you can easily close the clasp.

Keeping it open is like keeping a Chanel top handle bag open. Never seen one open? …..exactly.

 

[mariatd]

Ah this is a pet peeve of mine!

I not sure I understand why it’s ever worn open …whats the logic behind it? Certainly not aesthetically pleasing nor functional. Even if people don’t want to close up the sangles completely you can easily close the clasp.

Keeping it open is like keeping a Chanel top handle bag open. Never seen one open? …..exactly.

Ah! I know the answer to this one!

It's left open when it is too full to close. You see, I use my bags for everyday life and sometimes I might stop at a store while out and about and pick up a bottle of wine which won't allow the bag to close properly. I know, gasp, my bags get to live their lives as proper bags as they were intented to....

My pet peeve is carrying a bag as an accessory instead of as a bag. I don't understand mini bags at all, especially micro bags. In fact, they shouldn't be called bags at all.

 

[MonsoonBirkin]

Not remotely off topic Unpopular Opinion:

I don't care how beautifully hand crafted Hermès is, it's become overexposed and boring. If I see one more carefully arranged, twilly wrapped array of candy colored mini Kellys ( accompanied of course by a perfectly manicured hand, Lamborghini steering wheel, and Cartier Clou/ Love bracelets, I will SCREAM, (and then I will YAWN.)

I call this the Stepford uniform.

On the point of Hermes leathers, I read here AGES ago that togo leather with veining is inferior leather compared to it without. Yet everyone wanted veining because "it added character to the bag," and the company was all too happy to continue purveying such leather. Anyone know if this is true? Oh, to stay on topic: I prefer no veins in my bag. Most people seem to prefer otherwise.

 

[acrowcounted]

I call this the Stepford uniform.

On the point of Hermes leathers, I read here AGES ago that togo leather with veining is inferior leather compared to it without. Yet everyone wanted veining because "it added character to the bag," and the company was all too happy to continue purveying such leather. Anyone know if this is true? Oh, to stay on topic: I prefer no veins in my bag. Most people seem to prefer otherwise.

Its not true and I think the overwhelming preference is for no veining.

 

[SDC2003]

My latest unpopular opinion is I’m tired of Hermes. You can probably lump in generally how I’m feeling about luxury brands. Everything on social media is on repeat. Same bags, same questions about Sa’s and shopping, same everything. Here’s another gog kelly, another faubourg, another Avalon, another pair of orans. I get for new people it’s all exciting but just wait a few minutes after you wake up and reflect on your experience. Everything really was just meh. Yes you got the bag but at what price? Did you really “win?” The only winners in the game of Hermes is Hermes.

 

[hermesandchanel]

Ah! I know the answer to this one!

It's left open when it is too full to close. You see, I use my bags for everyday life and sometimes I might stop at a store while out and about and pick up a bottle of wine which won't allow the bag to close properly. I know, gasp, my bags get to live their lives as proper bags as they were intented to....

My pet peeve is carrying a bag as an accessory instead of as a bag. I don't understand mini bags at all, especially micro bags. In fact, they shouldn't be called bags at all.

LOL ok I absolutely support open Kellys for wine

 

[880]

Unpopular opinion. A bag simply finishes one’s ensemble. It is secondary to the RTW, whether Hermes or not.

Agree with @SDC2003, even though I wear a lot of Hermes bags. When I travel, I tend to carry a stuffed, collapsible Loewe mini puzzle. On this last trip, I almost felt more chic without a BKC. Think of the money I could have saved by not buying Hermes bags lol. Okay, perhaps better not to think of that lol

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

My latest unpopular opinion is the way the popular press vastly inflate the prices of Hermes bags (mainly b&K because readers are only interested in the main bags sported by celebrities)In order to create a 'story'
Heres a link to an article that came out today:

£39.50 M&S bag looks similar to a Birkin Kelly – but over £43,000 cheaper

Get the Birkin look for less!

metro.co.uk

for those who cant be bothered to click the headline states that a 'Birkin Kelly' sells for £43.251 pre-owned!!
I was also FUMING that the idiot journalist kept refering to the Kelly as a 'BIRKIN KELLY'.
Articles like this in a free UK newspaper make me feel really wary about using my recognisable Hermes bags as I feel like a walking target for theft or unwanted attention from stangers "Oh look she's wearing one of those bags that cost over £40.000 second hand!"
Ugh Its so nauseating.
Instead of a bag charm (which I dont like anyway..) I think I'm going to make a label that I'll hang from my bag stating "THIS BAG DID NOT COST ANYWHERE NEAR 40k"
ok rant over.

 

[addiCCted]

everyone who wanted a birkin with straps should get the Margaux. Precisely why they didn’t make it with straps. Looks hideous.