Hermes Handbags

The economy may be hurting world wide, but those that love Hermes are still buying. In fact, Hermes has resorted to breeding its own crocodiles on farms in Australia to meet the demand for its exotic bags. It is reported that Hermes makes around 3,000 crocodile bags every year and demand continues to grow while the crocodiles are not readily available to fill orders. It can take three to four crocodiles to make one Hermes bag, so the move to use their own farms makes sense.

While other brands are hurting, Hermes continues to churn sales increases. Along with their own crocodile farms in Australia, Hermes is also hiring an additional 50-100 leather workers to join the staff of 2,000 in Paris. What does this mean for us? An easier change to purchase a Hermes crocodile bag, if we have the funds to do so.

[Story via Reuters]

Read article below...

I can’t decide if this news is counter-intuitive or not, but Forbes is reporting that Hermes will post an increase in sales during the first quarter of 2009, a time when many retailers and brands were feeling a big-time sales crunch. Why is that?

Well, the sales increase isn’t worldwide. Sales fell modestly in Europe and experienced a double-digit decline in luxury-goods-obsessed Japan, but the brand saw increases large enough in non-Japanese Asia to more than make up for decreases elsewhere. The increases were seen mostly in South Korea and China, which many industry watchers regard as somewhat of a Last Frontier of luxury retail.

So what does this tell us? First of all, we should all remember that signs of strength in the global economy probably mean good things for those of us in America. Our economy is incredibly interconnected with those of other nations, particularly China, and we can’t start to make a significant recovery without signs that are trading partners are also ready to move forward economically. Sales increases of luxury goods mean that consumers in other countries feel confident in the direction in which the economy is headed, and maybe a little bit of that consumer confidence will rub off on other markets. Lastly, it’s a good reminder to all businesses that there are still markets out there that are spending money. Finding them may be a challenge, but it can and will be done. So congratulations, Hermes, on a game well played.

Article via Forbes.com

There has been an interesting discussion taking part on Purse Forum on a news clip. ABC popped into Hermes on Madison Avenue in NYC and spoke with the Hermes-god-placed-on-Earth himself, Claude Gandrille. I was shocked to see Claude on ABC speaking about Hermes, as the brand is so secretive and keeps mum about their happenings. Furthermore Claude is rather quiet himself, typically found diligently working in his back right corner of the shop. But they got an interview with Claude. Somehow a slew of video cameras came into Hermes as well, when a simple movement of your camera phone on any other day will send the security upon you in less than 10 seconds. Read our full review...

In a very pointed reminder that, yes, there are still people out there with plenty of cash to spend on handbags, luxury giant Hermes has decided to open a temporary outpost on Easthampton to cater to the elite that can still afford the kind of house that gives them the ability to use “summer” as a verb.

Well, if this CraigsList ad for temporary sales associates is to be believed, anyway. Women’s Wear Daily seems to confirm it, although I’m cheap and don’t have a subscription, so I can’t see the entire article.

What does this tell us? Well, it tells us that the Hamptons are still a little annoying, in a Real Housewives of New York, fabulously awful way. It also tells us that there’s hope for our economy yet - keep spending, obscenely rich people! And keep going on vacation! Hermes wants to give you a way to do both, simultaneously, and if that isn’t the American way, then I don’t know what is.

We have a treat for your eyes! Hermes has become ubiquitous with the ultimate designer handbags. The luxury associated with Hermes is known worldwide, continues throughout the years and seasons, and transcends across generations. My collection of Hermes bags is small, but includes all Holy Grail bags for me; a Blue Jean Birkin, a Kelly Wallet in Orange Alligator, and my stunning white Kelly Longue. Next on my wishlist from the brand is a travel size bag. Something big, something to take for weekend trips, something reminiscent of what the brand is known for but offering a new shape to my collection. Top of my list is the Haut A Courroies, better known to the masses as the HAC. And the ultimate HAC from Hermes would be the crocodile HAC that was at Christie’s. Read full article...

      

Honestly, I am nothing but grateful that paparazzi do not follow me around and photograph me. Because I guarantee you that I look nothing like Victoria Beckham arriving at any airport, ever. I won’t lie, my attempt to travel in style across the ocean usually involves stretched-out-size-too-big-jeans, a nice sweater, and sneakers. And even if Victoria Beckham changes while on board into something more comfy, I still feel badly for her.

Here Victoria Beckham was spotted arriving in London at Heathrow airport over the weekend sporting her beautiful Hermes Tricolor Kelly. Victoria Beckham is a huge fan of the Hermes Kelly style, as we have seen her carrying many of the versions, including: Hermes Kelly Longue, Hermes Kelly Pochette, Hermes Kelly Lizard Pochette, Black Kelly, and a white Hermes Kelly with orange piping. And while many are not huge fans of VB, I really love her coat with this tricolor Kelly and her Louboutins.

Images via Splash

Hermes lovers rejoice. Jean Paul Gaultier is back in action and rocks your cravings for new orange boxes. The theme? We travel far into the Wild West and meet the new cowgirl chic. Tiedye croc, lots of suede fringe, cowboy boots, total americana style. Nothing outrageous or impractical, all is still very wearable, though none of the low-profile elegance one expects from Hermes. Very gorgeous, perfectly constructed, very desirable and sophisticated.

While fashion week aimed its focus on ready-to-wear fashion, the Hermes bags and accessories were not neglected by any means. The Hermes Shoulder Kelly finally makes its debut in joint lizard skin (a new technique for this year), new Ombre Lizard accessories in form of a smaller, 23 centimeter size Medor clutch (available in Box and exotics) and new, matching gladiator heels. Read the full article...

If its title did not leave you in sheer awe and exhilaration, these images will. Meet the 35 centimeter Hermes Birkin in Matte Poro Crocodile in Blue Brighton with Diamond-encrusted Hard Ware.

Lucky Lady Vernilover recently picked up this seriously stunning piece on a recent trip, and I could not resist to share it with our PB readers. I am not sure about the price, but my guess would be in the ballpark around $160,000. Available through select Hermes boutiques around the world.

As many struggle in this economy, the French fashion house Hermes flourishes. The company turned in a 24% gain in U.S. sales for the first half of the fiscal year. While other luxury companies are struggling, the exclusive Hermes continues to churn out sales. Now, I must admit, my luscious Hermes Kelly Long Wallet in alligator goes to show that we, the people, are still shopping and buying ridiculously expensive bags from the luxury house. There are plenty of Crocodile Birkins, Kellys, scarves, and chinaware being bought along with all other exclusive Hermes goods to keep the brand bringing in a profit. Also, the price hikes are not hurting. Read the full article...

It does not happen all that often that my own passions directly collide with my fiancee’s and I have the opportunity to tell you all about it in excitement. You must know that I have been hooked on biking - both mountain and road - for as long as I can remember. The love for cycling must have started when I was 4 and my mom first took off my training wheels and I crashed (head first) into a deep ditch. Read the full article...