Hermes Handbags

A Decadent History

Frenchman Thierry Hermes began his namesake company in 1837 in Paris, France. He started making saddles, harnesses and other equestrian goods out of fine leather. The company has been run by family since its inception, which may explain the house's extreme dedication to quality and luxury.

At the turn of the century, the company realized that horses were on their way out and began creating luggage, trunks, and bags. Almost overnight, Hermes handbags were born.

Hermes Handbags: Iconic

To fashion insiders, Hermes Handbags are as recognizable as a Picasso painting is recognized by a lover of art. Some popular styles include the Birkin Bag, which was co-designed by actress Jane Birkin, and the Kelly Bag, which was named after actress Grace Kelly.

Today, many celebrities won’t leave home without their Hermes handbags. Young Hollywood fashionista Ashley Olsen is frequently photographed carrying her Birkin Bag, and Gwenyth Paltrow used hers as a diaper bag after the birth of her daughter Apple.

So Many Bags, So Little Time

Birkin and Kelly bags are known for their timeless and elegant design. What most people don’t realize is that these are actually two of the most complex handbags in the world. Not only are they created 100% by hand, but the combinations of size, material, and colors that they are available in is staggering.

Size

Hermes handbags are available in many sizes. For example, the Kelly Bag is available in five sizes ranging from 20cm to 35cm. You can get it in the “Rigide” version which has stitching on the outside, or “Souple” which has a softer feel, inside stitching, and a smaller price tag than the“Rigide.”

Material

In addition to size and style, you'll need to decide if your bag will be made out of smooth leather, goat leather, or an exotic leather such as lizard or crocodile. Within each of these categories there are many different leather choices, each with a different sheen or texture.

Color

As far as colors go, you have the entire spectrum of the rainbow to choose from. Hermes loves to give their clients choices, and at this company a simple “red” or “blue” will not do. If it's red you want, you have the choice of hues such as:

• Rouge Hermes
• Rouges Vif
• Vermillion
• Braise
• Brique

Each is red, but each has a completely different undertone.

Hardware

Hardware choices are also abundant for Hermes bags. For the Hermes Kelly Bag, 24-karat gold, silver palladium, ruthenium, or guilloche are the choices that you have for the metal that will adorn your bag.

Prices Fit For a Queen

Quality is not the only reason that Hermes Handbags appeals to the upper-crust of society. The high prices also make Hermes bags symbols of affluence. The prices of Hermes handbags are dictated by the combinations of colors, materials, and sizes so it is nearly impossible to say how much a certain bag will cost without knowing the exact specifications, but most bags cost several thousand dollars or more.

Recently, a white “Rigide” Kelly bag with palladium hardware and goat's leather was listed at $5,880.

Hermes also creates many styles of bags that come in canvas and fabric, and these are usually readily available at boutiques worldwide but still carry a price tag that is at least four figures.

If you are like Hermes fans Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth and want to pony up the dough, you will have to brave a multi-year waiting list to get your hand on one of these coveted bags.

How To Find Them

Hermes Handbags are only available in Hermes boutiques. If you happen to be in Paris, visit the Hermes boutique at 24 Rue Faubourg St.-Honoré -- which has served as the brand’s flagship since the beginning of the 20th century. If you are unable to obtain a bag from an Hermes boutique, a reputable vintage shop that specializes in designer goods may have a pre-owned style. Decades in Los Angeles sometimes has a selection of Hermes bags for sale.

You will come across many websites selling Hermes bags, but bear in mind that none of them are authorized by Hermes to sell the handbags new.

If you would like to have the status of having a Hermes bag but can't afford the high cost or amount of time it takes to get one, you can rent one from BagBorroworSteal.com.