Hermes Handbags and Purses (Page 8)

The Hermes cadena elephant out with his friends to explore the world.

Spotted at Bal Harbour during lunch hour.

Looking through the pictures of an Hermes runway show can be almost anticlimactic – we know that Jean Paul Gaultier is going to do something brilliant and that Hermes only uses the absolute best in luxury materials and finishes. They’ve set such a high bar for themselves that even though the team behind the brand almost always turns out brilliant work, I find that the attitude tends to be, “Of course it’s good. It’s Hermes.” Their perfection can feel repetitive at times.

For Fall/Winter 2010, however, Hermes did something that had a few people wrinkling their noses. Instead of the traditionally luxurious inspirations that we’ve seen them use recently, Gauliter went for a collection based on The Avengers and Emma Peel and created a retro superhero fantasy covered in the finest black leather. I’m not one of those people that’s going to question them – I adored it, from beginning to end. It may have used more leather than some people would have preferred, but leather goods are their bread and butter – why not extend that to normal garments, as well?

As for the bags, you really can’t go wrong with an enormous black crocodile Birkin. Or black croc anything – it was abundant in this show. The tiny Kellys attached to umbrella handles were adorable and irreverent, so long as you only intend to use the umbrella as a walking stick. The regular-size studded Kellys felt a little like they were grabbing on to the tail end of a trend, but the studding was fine enough that the bags still looked fairly fresh and desirable.

The Hermes Kelly is an iconic bag, but with its structured shape and usual smaller sizes, it lends a very dressy vibe to your outfits. When Hermes sent out the Jypsiere for their Fall 2008 collection, everyone who had been wanting a more casual everyday Kelly were enthused. The Hermes Jypsiere reinterpreted the Hermes Kelly by changing it into a messenger bag that will sit at the hip. The slightly rounded bottom and adjustable shoulder strap reinvented the Kelly in a way most people did not expect.

Tommy Ton, from Jack & Jill blog, hit the streets around New York Fashion Week to photo journal what was happening outside of the tents. One of my favorite photos is the closeup shot of a woman carrying her black Crocodile Hermes Kelly Pochette. The closeup accessory photo exudes elegance. More photos from Tommy Ton hitting the streets of NYC at Style.com here.

When two masters of their domain come together to collaborate, no chin is safe from slobbering, wet drool. In this case, the German manufacturer Leica Camera AG and the Parisian high-fashion house Hermès joined forces to create a very special limited edition camera, namely the new Leica M7 Edition Hermès.

I know that this is the PurseBlog and I am going off on distant tangents here. But let me elaborate. I have three good reasons to share my new acquisition with our readers.

Firstly, I am an avid photographer. Not only do I occasionally contribute to the editorial with my Shutterbags bit, but I also enjoy photographing in my spare time.

Secondly, I am an avid Leica fan and collector. Their optics are outstanding, their rangefinder cameras are legendary and have worked their magic in skilled hands of masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Annie Leibowitz.

Thirdly, it’s Hermès! There is a good reason that the iconic fashion house’s enthusiastic crowd is one of the most active and devoted on TPF. Hermès’ leather working, craftsmanship and history are second to none.

If that does not convince you, I may just flat out say that I am bloody excited and just want to show off!

I know, I know. You’ve all spent the past few weeks waiting, patiently for the announcement of all announcements… the winner of that gorgeous Hermes Birkin from back in December. You might remember that we partnered with our friends at FabSugar and Portero Luxury to bring you the most amazing giveaway we’ve done thus far – the holy grail of handbags – the Hermes Birkin.