Hermès is one of those brands that gets everything right. From the design of each piece to the way the brand markets new collections and models, Hermès has garnered the kind of reputation and status that is unmatched by its rivals.
Of course, this reputation and high-level status mean that the demand for Hermès bags is consistently high; something that becomes a sticking point for most buyers. The supply of new Hermès bags is simply not enough to match the demand – meaning only a small percentage of bag lovers will actually get their hands on each new release.
It’s only when you break down Hermès’ strategy and the way luxury brands uphold their reputation that you realise one thing: lack of supply and high demand is the whole point.
Hermès is renowned, and known across the world, as being a brand that’s loved by the rich and the famous. Owning an authentic Hermès bag is as much about the status that comes with ownership as it is about the underlying style that the owner enjoys when wearing their bag out and about.
There are several components that contribute towards the success and prestige of Hermès as a brand, namely the impeccable quality and craftsmanship behind each bag, and the subsequent limited supply. And truthfully, it’s only when you really understand the process that each bag undergoes in design and creation that you can recognise why supply is so limited.
‘Quality craftsmanship’ is one of those buzzwords that exists on the periphery of all luxury brands, used in marketing and in separating one brand from the next.
To Hermès, this quality craftsmanship can be seen in the production process of each and every individual bag.
Not only are different collections and models brought to life by top-level and prestigious designers, but the bags themselves are crafted by the best of the best. Techniques include hand stitching – with over 200 artisan crafters covering workstations throughout the Hermès production atelier with leather and thread.
Producers don’t simply waltz into the Hermès studio and start on authentic bags from day one. Rather, craftsmen and women take years to master the skills and techniques that give Hermès bags the solid reputation that they have today, with each bag taking between 15 and 24 hours of solid work for even the most highly trained of creators.
The Hermès atelier is where all the core bags are created – some more complex than others.
Those who are familiar with the array of Hermès bags will already know how important the material used is for the construction of each bag and the way it holds and retains its structure. Some bags are rigid and stand tall, while others are more relaxed in their silhouette. Stitching plays a major role in the presentation and finish of each bag – with every individual artisan producer checking their progress and the perfection of their bag by eye.
The stitching that Hermès swears by in the production of all its bags is called saddle stitch. It relates back to Hermès’ traditional harness-making technique and uses two needles with one stretch of thread. The single stretch of thread ensures there is no break in stitching, creating consistency around the entire silhouette and ensuring absolute perfection in the look and quality of the bag.
Where so many bags are made using automated processes, the fact that Hermès still produces its bags entirely by hand adds a special touch – elevating both the prestige and the value of each individual piece.
Suffice to say, the process of bringing each Hermès bag to life is a work of art. And with so many different collections and models to choose from, recognising the value and intricacy behind each individual Hermès bag is just the first step of your journey to Hermès ownership.
The top three Hermès bags are the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags – all with models that change in tone and detail according to the season and to what’s on trend that year. Some of the most popular bags that pop up time after time are the neutral and black bags, though we are seeing an increase in popularity in the more vibrant and unique models too.
The right Hermès bag for you should span your functional and practical needs, as well as your design preferences. These bags have all been crafted with practical benefits in mind, and while expensive and coveted, are also built to be used.
With this article paying such close attention to the design and intricacy of the Hermès production process, it’s important to recognise the hallmarks and signs of an authentic bag.
As the demand for Hermès bags rises, so too does the risk of counterfeit and fake products being brought to market. As such, when it comes to buying an Hermès bag, it’s crucial that you pay attention to authentication proof and the certificates that tell you the bag is real.
Often, the stitching on a counterfeit bag is one of the biggest giveaways, alongside the little details that are nothing short of perfect when assessing a genuine Hermès model.
To protect your purchase and ensure that you pick up an Hermès bag that has been created through hours of artisan and refined craftsmanship, check where you are buying your bag from and only trust the most reputable sellers. Heading to your local boutique is typically the best way to ensure a bag is genuine, and you can enjoy browsing a wide range of different bags that are available.
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