Select the appropriate one, take proper care of it, and it will remain a principal staple in your wardrobe for the rest of your life.
It could be an item that you pass down to future generations or even sell for a profit. Having said that, if you're considering treating yourself to a pre-loved designer bag, it's definitely worth thinking about investing in a timeless classic. You’ll get far more use and pleasure from it rather than a transient statement piece which will ultimately end up at the back of your wardrobe because it is no longer considered a la mode.
Hermès and its ladies – both distinctive in their own right
The Hermès brand includes two collections that share a similar degree of prominence in terms of reputation, appeal, and style. These are the Birkin and the Kelly. Both bags have their own distinct classic design elements and finishes, and they are equally attractive in terms of the materials used. These fabulous luxury bags originally caught the public's attention because of the famous women they were named after, but they were not intended as a fashion statement as such. Jane Birkin was already a French style icon, renowned for her effortless beauty and adorable doe eyes, while Grace Kelly exuded Hollywood elegance and flawless style. Both women were instantly recognisable and known for their bold style statements.
Appreciation of perfection and class
So are these high-end designer handbags mere fashion accessories, or are they in fact something else? Well, unquestionably, luxury Hermès handbags have established themselves as a sought-after presence on catwalks and red carpets all over the world. They have also won a particular place in the hearts of fashion aficionados and celebrities alike. However, these upscale designer handbags are more than just stylish decorations—they're statements of elegance and sophistication. There can surely be few luxuries greater than owning a Hermès bag, especially one with the rare horseshoe stamp indicating a special order, custom-made in the season's most exclusive new hues. Colour can also be important: pinks and blues fetch the highest prices at auction, particularly in smaller pieces like the Kelly Pochette or the Kelly 25, where shades like 'Rose Lipstick', 'Rose Azalee', and 'Rose Sakura' are known to be especially attractive to buyers. The same goes for the Birkin – you can expect to pay a premium for any blue Birkin bag, but especially those in 'Bleu Marine' or 'Bleu Saphir'.
The Kelly and Birkin Bags: a look back at their history
Hermès has achieved a prominent position in the luxury industry due to its rich history, innate talent for design, and exceptional craftsmanship. From its origins as a saddle and harness store in the Grands Boulevards neighbourhood of Paris, where Thierry Hermès excelled in producing exquisitely crafted saddles, bridles, and harnesses for horses, Hermès has become a billion-dollar business. Particular highlights along the way have included the Sac a Dépeche handbag, also known as the Kelly bag, launched in the 1930s, and the first Birkin which was introduced in the 1960s.
The unique qualities of Hermès bags
According to authoritative voices like Vogue magazine, it is impossible to overstate the significance and impact of Hermès bags on the history of luxury fashion. Kylie Jenner is known for frequently sharing video tours of her impressive collection of Hermès bags, while Victoria Beckham is rumoured to own more than 100 Birkin bags. Hermès memorable designs, especially the Kelly and Birkin styles, have become potent contemporary symbols of exclusivity and luxury.
Both can serve as perfect examples of a heritage piece, combining sentimental value with actual financial value. People appreciate a Hermès bag not just for its own inherent worth but because they also remember the striking women and the stories surrounding these favourite classic luxury bags. And if you are fortunate enough to acquire a pre-loved Hermès, you will also be the guardian of countless stories from the past – you, along with your special bag, are simply creating the next chapter.
