while it's not my favorite, I have gotten a few pieces of epsom and it is incredibly hardy
my preference is for a heavier leather, but epsom works great if you're looking for something lightweight
What’s your unpopular Hermes opinion?
- Thread starter wowzers1941
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my preference is for a heavier leather, but epsom works great if you're looking for something lightweight
UO: I love the brand… TOO much. I am somethimes afraid to look like a billboard if I would let myself go… and my house a showroom…
You would be in good company: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/you-know-youre-addicted-to-hermes-when.30239/page-196
As one who'd turned my nose up at Epsom, I'm here to say that I've changed my opinion.
But first, let me explain . . . I wonder if Hermes has made some changes over the years in how they "produce" this embossed leather. My poor opinion of Epsom had been based upon these observations: the corners lost the embossed pattern and became smooth; the leather felt stiff, like it was leather coated in plastic over cardboard; and I saw items that looked like the Epsom leather had literally peeled.
I recentlyI purchased an Hermes Noir Epsom Constance 18 PH and am amazed at how user friendly (and utterly chic) this bag is. Getting in and out of this bag, with that big H that needs to be pulled up to open it, does absolutely nothing to damage the leather below the H. If this bag were box calf or swift, for example, I think it would be difficult to keep from scratching and damaging the leather below the H. The Epsom strap is supple enough that it glides easily from cross body, to shoulder bag to clutch with the strap completely tucked inside. And yes, it's lightweight and holds its shape. Oh, and I don't have to protect it with my life against a few raindrops. I like it so much that I'm on the lookout for another 18 in Gris Misty PH.
I'm officially ready to eat some crow!
But first, let me explain . . . I wonder if Hermes has made some changes over the years in how they "produce" this embossed leather. My poor opinion of Epsom had been based upon these observations: the corners lost the embossed pattern and became smooth; the leather felt stiff, like it was leather coated in plastic over cardboard; and I saw items that looked like the Epsom leather had literally peeled.
I recentlyI purchased an Hermes Noir Epsom Constance 18 PH and am amazed at how user friendly (and utterly chic) this bag is. Getting in and out of this bag, with that big H that needs to be pulled up to open it, does absolutely nothing to damage the leather below the H. If this bag were box calf or swift, for example, I think it would be difficult to keep from scratching and damaging the leather below the H. The Epsom strap is supple enough that it glides easily from cross body, to shoulder bag to clutch with the strap completely tucked inside. And yes, it's lightweight and holds its shape. Oh, and I don't have to protect it with my life against a few raindrops. I like it so much that I'm on the lookout for another 18 in Gris Misty PH.
I'm officially ready to eat some crow!
Save some crow for me, but not for so long it goes rancid. I turned up (and basically still do) my nose at Epsom (because it reminded me of Vache Ligee which once scratched was done for) but "accepted" a DC Elan in Epsom last year and I....
Love it! It's been SO easy to toss & go on trips and I don't have to worry about it. Still don't love how it looks but it might be growing on me.
Agree with @WingNut and @MillStream re epsom
And, I’m not really a fan of my one vache liegee b30 (Epsom is nothing like it IMO
And, I’m not really a fan of my one vache liegee b30 (Epsom is nothing like it IMO
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I love epsom!! I love how it looks and feels. I also love any leathers with consistency. Some of the H leathers feel nice, but my unpopular opinion is that I hate veining. It looks like there are scratches and or water running down the leather. IMO veining does not add character, it looks defective and imperfect. 🤷🏼♀️
I can't help but jump in with my opinion which I'm surprised to learn may be unpopular: I love Togo! I love the veining (sorry @CParis815 ) which, to me, makes it look like it actually came from an animal rather than Epsom (or similar leathers from other designers) which appears plasticky. I love the slouch that slowly develops with Togo; no stiff Epsom for me! And, finally, I find my Togo bags (four) to be remarkably hardy...they often venture out into the rain with me and need only a quick wipe to return to their lovely slouchiness and I've tripped and fallen with by B25 underneath me and there is nary a scratch.
I adore the veining in Togo as well. I like Togo for some things but not really thrilled with it in a larger B (35), nor how it wears. I find Chèvre and the beautiful spine to be much more appealing (so maybe loving the spine which gives some people the ick is an UO....)
There’s a leather for everyone! For me the hand of the leather is very important and the stiffness in my one Epsom bag doesn’t bring me joy. But that just means more Epsom available for everyone else 🤓
I think my SA would prefer if I liked Epsom because then she wouldn’t have to work as hard to get me bags in specific leathers 😆.
I think my SA would prefer if I liked Epsom because then she wouldn’t have to work as hard to get me bags in specific leathers 😆.
I used to hate the spine and veining on bags until I learned that is real primo grade stuff. Epsom and caviar are what I call luxury ground beef. Highly processed but highly practical in many different use cases. Sometimes I want a steak bone and all and sometimes i want a burger. Time and place for everything
Sticking my head above the parapet for Epsom and worse (old) Blue Jean - I guess I have managed the double distinction of hated leather and hated color in my one Epsom bag -> Kelly 28 circa 2001 -> I think she looks pretty alright for an old lady. I found a short Blue Jean canvas strap from Ann’s FF years ago which made her more casual wear.
Attachments
And quite possibly the worst distinction - the failed Epsom otherwise known as VGL …. Birkin 30 circa 2000 -
(PS I feel the need to explain that my bag pics all look the same because I took them for our last major house move)
(PS I feel the need to explain that my bag pics all look the same because I took them for our last major house move)
Fun analogy, now I’m getting hungry 😄 I love veining on my B in Togo! Gives it a unique texture I haven’t seen in my other bags, plus it’s very nice to the touch
+ 1
Epsom definitely looks very chic on a Birkin, but I could never imagine owning a Birkin in anything other than Togo leather. Luckily, that’s how it worked out for me.
On the other hand, even though I don’t own one yet, I can’t think of a Kelly in any style other than Sellier. Box leather is too delicate for me, croc is too much of a dream, so the one that seems to suit my lifestyle best would be Epsom. Hopefully soon! Lol.
Btw, my opinion is the same for the Constance as well—Epsom makes it easier to use.