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Hermés Bags: Everything You Need to Know

Discover the fascinating history of Hermés bags and why they are so highly prized in the world of fashion. Learn about the iconic Kelly and Birkin bags, the roots of the brand and how to purchase an authentic product from Buyma.

Whether you’re going to the store, to work, or out for a night on the town, you likely are carrying some sort of handbag. Handbags have been a status symbol for as far back as we can remember, showcasing our sense of style and purpose in plain sight for everyone to see. Owning a name brand bag gives many people a sense of pride, and given how much they cost, it’s easy to understand. Hermés is an understated, gorgeous accessory to add to any outfit, but do you know why?

History of the Hermés Brand

The Hermés brand has a rich and fascinating history, with the origin going back to the early 1800s, where the Hermés family had a business crafting award-winning leather harnesses and bridles in Paris. When the patriarch passed away, his son, Charles-Emile Hermés, moved to a new location at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – the location the brand still owns and operates in 2023. With the involvement of his sons, Charles-Emile created their first bag so riders could carry their saddles with them when they were not on their horse. 

When Charles-Emile retired, his sons renamed the business to Hermés Freres (or Hermés Brothers), adding in the use of zippers, becoming the first manufacturer in France to use one after seeing themes used on a Ford cloth rooftop in America. In fact, zippers became known as the “Hermés fastener.” Harnesses became less necessary over time, and one of the sons made a smaller version of the saddle-carrying bag for his wife. This resulted in Hermés opening stores in the United States, along with more in France, as they began to add to their bag line.

Eventually, they added a silk scarf (which you may remember Jackie Kennedy wearing), silk ties, jewelry, perfume and more. In the early 1950s, they started using the iconic orange boxes and the carriage logo you still see today. Over the years, they continued to expand, becoming one of the most well-known fashion companies in the world, selling their scarves, bags and accessories to celebrities and fashion icons worldwide. With exquisite craftsmanship and flawless designs, an Hermés bag is a luxury item worth coveting.

The Hermés Kelly bag became a massive hit after being seen in a photograph with princess Grace Kelly, launching them into notoriety at a new level, but Hermés Birkin bags are still the most coveted bags in the entire Hermés line. This bag is named after “It Girl” and starlet, Jane Birkin, who inspired then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas to create a bag with more functionality. Dumas was led to create the Birkin in four different sizes, and this bag with its timeless design and versatility, is still sought after.

It’s said that the Hermés stores are each allowed to only buy so many of these Birkin bags yearly, and what kind they receive will be a surprise. This keeps the customer excitedly waiting to see what arrives, and if the one you’ve got your eye on isn’t available, you remain dedicated to finding it. And yes, you can walk into one of their retail locations and buy a bag straight off the shelves. However,  resale stores such as Buyma make this a little easier.

Types of Hermés Bags

The Kelly bag, originally named the Sac-a-Depeches, was used by Grace Kelly to hide her pregnancy. She held it in so many photos that Hermés ended up changing the name to the Kelly bag, which is not only shorter but is much easier for consumers to say. It comes in two different styles, each slightly different in the stitching and the edges, as well as rigidity and softness. (If you’re looking for a softer leather, look at the Kelly Retourne!) The Kelly not only has the fun story behind its name, but it is a sophisticated bag that will never go out of style.

And we can’t write about these gorgeous fashion staples for high-end closets without a nod to the Hermés Evelyne bag. It’s a new iteration of an equestrian-style bag, a bag that carries the early H logo created out of punched holes, originally intended to help dry grooming equipment. The minimalist look of this bag means its versatility is compounded as it comes in various colors while retaining its sleek look.

Other top selling Hermés bags come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. If you prefer to carry your purse over your shoulder, as opposed to a clutch or handbag, there are many choices. One excellent choice is the Hermes Constance bag, which utilizes an iconic H clasp and a strap that can be shortened or lengthened depending on your comfort level, size and how low you need your purse to hang.

Hermés may have long ago left the harness and bridle business, but their roots run deep, resulting in a few bags that are reminiscent of their early days. Bucket bags, totes, and equestrian-themed bags bring elegance while providing you adequate storage that suits your fashionable outfits and protects your belongings with unique fasteners.

While the Hermés brand was based on leather products, some bags are also available in canvas. Basically, there’s an Hermés bag available for every lifestyle and need, including a backpack, something you wouldn’t equate with Hermés but somehow works perfectly.

How to Authenticate a Hermés bag

So how do you tell if a Hermés bag is the real thing? Just like most fashion houses, Hermés products often have whimsy or take inspiration from random things seen during travels or day-to-day events. Gold hardware is a signature element on many Hermés bags, unique metalwork you won’t find on any other bag. The tone-on-tone hand-stitching is also flawless and the lining in every bag is premium leather. These specific little additions to an Hermés bag help define authenticity, making it easier to determine if the bag you are purchasing is a true Hermés, or a knockoff. With these bags being so in demand, there will always be someone trying to sell a fake bag and people who don’t know what they’re buying is not legitimate.

A real Hermés bag will have the full logo imprinted on the inside of the bag. It should read “Hermés Paris Made in France,” in a clear, embossed fashion using a method called heat stamping. A lot of fakes will use a less work-intensive approach to adhere to the logo.

The stitching should not only be visually even, but you should not be able to feel any raised edges or ridges. Each stitch should feel the same. Fake bags will usually not stand up when placed on a flat surface; they will typically fold in on themselves, or the handles will be uneven. (Keep in mind that any bag, authentic or fake, could be stored improperly, resulting in bends or folds. However, these should not impact an authentic Hermés bag enough to not stand up.)

Authentic bags will only utilize real metal hardware and they will not tarnish. Real metal will be heavier than cheap replacements.

When you purchase from the Buyma website, you can finalize your transaction knowing your product is an authentic Hermés. We only allow new items to be resold, and we do the work to verify that the bag is real. With the help of a third-party authentication service, we also require sellers to provide us the original receipt, authenticity tag or guarantee card. We also routinely and consistently monitor seller interactions to ensure there are no questionable actions or breach of policies. Since the inception of Buyma in 2005, there have been no counterfeits.

To take it one step further, we will provide a full refund if the product is found to not meet our standards, and customers and/or sellers who breach our policies will be permanently banned from our website.

 In short, if someone offers you a deal on a “real” Hermés bag but the price seems too low to believe, it probably is not an authentic bag. If you’re concerned, you can take it to a Hermés store to have it authenticated.

Taking Care of Your Hermés Bag?

Having a Hermés bag doesn’t just mean you’ve got a gorgeous purse, but it indicates a sense of timeless style and discernment. Hermés bags can be quite expensive, seen as an investment due to the quality of the bag. Even if you purchase one resale, unused, it can still set you back. It will, with proper care, last a lifetime and remain a strong, envied addition to your bag collection.

To take care of your investment, you will want to spend the necessary time to keep your bag clean. A real Hermés bag is made of such high-quality leather that it should not scratch, but keeping the exterior and interior of your bag clean is still the best way to ensure you don’t see damage. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt or dust from your Hermés bag. Do not use harsh chemicals or anything abrasive, and remember that moisture can damage leather, so try to keep it safe in inclement weather or high humidity. Indoors or out, remove it from direct sunlight.

Quality leather does need to be consistently conditioned; if possible, purchase a leather conditioner directly from a Hermés store. If you are not close to one, you may be able to order it online. If you should see any damage to your bag, such as loose stitching, broken closures, or stains, seek help from an appropriate retailer.

Shop Hermés with Buyma

Buyma’s selection of Hermés bags is extensive, including the coveted Birkin and Kelly bags. Each listing includes multiple photos of the bag’s interior as well as the exterior, displaying the stitching, hardware, lining, straps, and all components. Sellers are rated, and estimated shipping time is listed, though it can be dependent upon the location of the customer. You simply place your order, and the personal shopper buys the item to ship it directly to you. There are no used items, so you trust that whatever you buy, it will be brand new and without any wear or tear.

Whatever Hermés bag you’ve got your eye on, do your research before purchasing to be sure the size (detailed in each listing) and colors meet your requirements. Every bag is beautiful, but we want everyone to be entirely satisfied with their new investment. Your Hermés bag is meant to be a lifetime item you proudly display, and Buyma will help you find what you’re looking for.

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